Deciphering the roadmap of in vivo reprogramming toward pluripotency

Differentiated cells can be converted into pluripotent stem cells by expressing the transcription factors OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, and MYC (OSKM) in a process known as reprogramming. Here, using single-cell RNA sequencing of pancreas undergoing reprogramming, we identify markers along the trajectory from acinar cell identity to pluripotency. These markers allow direct in situ visualization of cells undergoing dedifferentiation and acquiring features of early and advanced intermediate reprogramming. We also find that a fraction of cells do not dedifferentiate upon OSKM expression and are characterized by stress markers of the REG3 and AP-1 families. Importantly, most markers of intermediate reprogramming in the pancreas are also observed in stomach, colon, and cultured fibroblasts expressing OSKM. Among them is LY6A, a protein characteristic of progenitor cells and generally upregulated during tissue repair. Our roadmap defines intermediate reprogramming states that could be functionally relevant for tissue regeneration and rejuvenation. [Display omitted] •scRNA-seq captures pancreatic acinar cells during the process of OSKM reprogramming•Non-reprogrammed fates co-exist with intermediate-reprogrammed states•Markers of intermediate reprogramming are shared across tissues and fibroblasts•Cells at intermediate states of reprogramming can be visualized within tissues In this work, Serrano and colleagues identify markers along the trajectory of OSKM reprogramming in the pancreas. Several tissues and cultured fibroblasts present the same markers, suggesting that reprogramming follows a common path in vivo and in vitro. These markers allow to visualize cells at different states of reprogramming within tissues.