Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are generated by reprogramming somatic cell types to an embryonic-like state. The most common method for reprogramming somatic cells involves the ectopic expression of transcription factors which regulate pluripotency via lentiviral gene transfer. The viPS™ Vector Kit contains lentiviral stocks encoding six transcription factors (Oct4 (Pou5f1), Nanog, Sox2, Lin28, Klf4, and c-Myc) to initiate reprogramming via ectopic expression and generate induced pluripotent stem cells.
Ectopic expression of these specific factors has previously been shown to create induced pluripotent stem cells, which resemble human embryonic stem cells. viPS™ lentiviral vectors express human Oct4, Nanog, Sox2, Lin28, Klf4 and c-Myc under control of the human elongation factor-1 alpha promoter (EF1α). Expression vectors to produce viral particles were generated by PCR amplifying each pluripotency factor open reading frame (ORF) followed by direct cloning downstream of the EF1α promoter.
Highlights of the viPS™ Vector Kit include
- Easy, ready-to-use lentiviral particles for transductions
- Self-inactivating virus provides unsurpassed safety
- Expression driven by a RNA Polymerase II EF1α promoter active in stem cells
- Ability to reprogram a variety of somatic cell types
- Standardized lentiviral stocks and appropriate controls offer complete confidence in reprogramming
- Virus lots tested for the ability to reprogram human lung fibroblasts
- Validated, easy to follow protocol to create your own induced pluripotent stem cells
- Extensive validation data demonstrate the similarity of our induced pluripotent stem cells to human embryonic stem cells including the ability to differentiate into all three germ layers
Technical details
The following are examples of the extensive validation carried out with these lentiviral vectors.
Supporting products
- Control vector: viPS™-EF1α-TurboGFP control lentivirus
- Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) cells: viPS™ Mouse Feeders
- Pre-validated to support human embryonic stem cell growth
Useful links
The viPS™ Vector Kit components are shipped as frozen viral particles containing at least 5x10^8 transducing units per ml in DMEM (Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium) with no serum or antibiotics. Virus is shipped on dry-ice and should be stored in a -80ºC freezer upon arrival. The virus will remain stable for at least one year without any appreciable loss of titer. The vials shipped in the kit have not been thawed, and therefore the indicated titers are accurate for the first thaw.
- Takahashi, K., et al., Induction of pluripotent stem cells from adult human fibroblasts by defined factors. Cell, 2007. 131(5): p. 861-72.
- Yu, J., et al., Induced pluripotent stem cell lines derived from human somatic cells. Science (New York, N.Y.), 2007. 318(5858): p. 1917-20.
This product is covered by the following limited use licenses:
Limited Use License - TurboGFP
Limited Use License - Lentiviral Technology
