Elastin-like Polypeptides for Generation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Chang hyun Lee¹, Harvinder S. Gill¹

¹ Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, USA

Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells have been generated from various somatic cells using different approaches; however, a major restriction of reprogramming methods is the use of potentially harmful genome-integrating DNAs. Here, without a viral vector, we generated iPS cells from fibroblasts using an elastin- like polypeptide (ELP)-based transfection method. Our findings support the possible use of ELPs for transfer of the reprogramming genes in to somatic cells for generation of iPS cells. Results of dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis demonstrated efficient complexation of ELPs with iPS genes. After transfection, the iPS cells showed ES cell-like characteristics, including expression of endogenous pluripotency genes, differentiation into three germ layer lineages, and formation of teratomas. Our results demonstrate that ELP-based gene delivery may provide a safe method for use in generation of virus-free and exogenous DNA-free iPS cells, which will be crucial for future applications in cell replacement therapy.

Keywords: IPS cells, Elastin like polypeptide,