Vitamin B12 emerges as key player during cellular reprogramming

By analysing the effect of disrupting microbiota during in vivo reprogramming, Kovatcheva et al. demonstrated that vitamin B₁₂-dependent metabolism is a limiting factor for cellular reprogramming and plasticity, and propose its therapeutic supplementation for the improvement of tissue repair.

Cellular reprogramming is a process in which somatic cells can be dedifferentiated into an embryonic-like pluripotent state by the simultaneous forced expression of the transcription factors OCT4, SOX2, KLF4 and MYC (OSKM)¹. Importantly, cellular reprogramming has also been achieved in vivo by the induction of OSKM using inducible models^2,3. Moreover, sustained expression of OSKM eventually results in the emergence of cells expressing markers associated with pluripotency. Subsequently, these cells can ultimately give rise to teratomas in various organs^2,3. On the other hand, the short-term expression of OSKM, known as partial reprogramming, allows cellular rejuvenation without compromising cell identity.

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