Telomerase reverse transcriptase has an extratelomeric function in somatic cell reprogramming

Abstract

Background: The contribution of TERT to cellular reprogramming is unclear. Results: KO of TERT reduces the reprogramming efficiency of somatic cells, and continuous growth induces chromosome abnormalities; enzymatically inactive TERT rescues the efficiency. Conclusion: TERT has a telomerase-independent role in somatic cell reprogramming. Significance: Understanding the cellular reprogramming process is crucial for the clinical applications of induced pluripotent stem cells. © 2014 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc. Published in the U.S.A.