Transient Expression of WNT2 Promotes Somatic Cell Reprogramming by Inducing β-Catenin Nuclear Accumulation

Highlights

• Nuclear accumulation of β-catenin occurs in the early stage of MEF reprogramming

• Wnt2 expression is transiently increased during MEF reprogramming

• WNT2 promotes both the β-catenin nuclear accumulation and the reprogramming process

• Nuclear accumulation of β-catenin is important for MEF reprogramming

Summary

Treatment with several Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway regulators can change the cellular reprogramming efficiency; however, the dynamics and role of endogenous Wnt/β-catenin signaling in reprogramming remain largely unanswered. Here we identify the upregulation of WNT2 and subsequent β-catenin nuclear accumulation as key events in reprogramming. Transient nuclear accumulation of β-catenin occurs early in MEF reprogramming. Wnt2 is strongly expressed in the early stage of reprogramming. Wnt2 knockdown suppresses the nuclear accumulation of β-catenin and reduces the reprogramming efficiency. WNT2 overexpression promotes β-catenin nuclear accumulation and enhances the reprogramming efficiency. WNT2 contributes to the promotion of cell proliferation. Experiments with several drugs that control the Wnt pathway also indicate the importance of β-catenin nuclear accumulation in reprogramming. Our findings reveal the role of WNT2/β-catenin signaling in reprogramming.