Inhibition of DOT1L, the H3K79 histone methyltransferase, increases cell reprogramming and substituted for KLF4 and c-Myc, showing that chromatin-modifying enzymes act not only as facilitators but also as barriers to reprogramming. A study of the role of chromatin-modifying enzymes in the reprogramming of human fibroblasts to induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells suggests that such enzymes can act as facilitators — but also as barriers — to epigenetic remodelling. By knocking down 22 selected genes involved in DNA and histone methylation pathways, George Daley and colleagues identified both positive and negative regulators of iPS-cell generation. In particular, inhibition of DOT1L, the H3K79 histone methyltransferase, increased reprogramming and substituted for KLF4 and c-Myc, two of the factors needed in the reprogramming cocktail. The effect of DOT1L inhibition seems to be associated with increase in the reprogramming factors NANOG and LIN28. This work demonstrates that specific chromatin modifiers can be modulated to generate iPS cells more efficiently and with fewer exogenously introduced transcription factors. Generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by somatic cell reprogramming involves global epigenetic remodelling1. Whereas several proteins are known to regulate chromatin marks associated with the distinct epigenetic states of cells before and after reprogramming2,3, the role of specific chromatin-modifying enzymes in reprogramming remains to be determined. To address how chromatin-modifying proteins influence reprogramming, we used short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) to target genes in DNA and histone methylation pathways, and identified positive and negative modulators of iPSC generation. Whereas inhibition of the core components of the polycomb repressive complex 1 and 2, including the histone 3 lysine 27 methyltransferase EZH2, reduced reprogramming efficiency, suppression of SUV39H1, YY1 and DOT1L enhanced reprogramming. Specifically, inhibition of the H3K79 histone methyltransferase DOT1L by shRNA or a small molecule accelerated reprogramming, significantly increased the yield of iPSC colonies, and substituted for KLF4 and c-Myc (also known as MYC). Inhibition of DOT1L early in the reprogramming process is associated with a marked increase in two alternative factors, NANOG and LIN28, which play essential functional roles in the enhancement of reprogramming. Genome-wide analysis of H3K79me2 distribution revealed that fibroblast-specific genes associated with the epithelial to mesenchymal transition lose H3K79me2 in the initial phases of reprogramming. DOT1L inhibition facilitates the loss of this mark from genes that are fated to be repressed in the pluripotent state. These findings implicate specific chromatin-modifying enzymes as barriers to or facilitators of reprogramming, and demonstrate how modulation of chromatin-modifying enzymes can be exploited to more efficiently generate iPSCs with fewer exogenous transcription factors.

Mouse induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells have been shown to retain an epigenetic 'memory' of their cell type of origin. Kim et al. study this question in human cells and document both incomplete erasure of methylation and aberrant de novo methylation during reprogramming. We compared bona fide human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from umbilical cord blood (CB) cells and neonatal keratinocytes (K). As a consequence of both incomplete erasure of tissue-specific methylation and aberrant de novo methylation, CB-iPSCs and K-iPSCs were distinct in genome-wide DNA methylation profiles and differentiation potential. Extended passage of some iPSC clones in culture did not improve their epigenetic resemblance to embryonic stem cells, implying that some human iPSCs retain a residual 'epigenetic memory' of their tissue of origin.

SAM, Histones, and Stem Cells: Mouse embryonic stem cells require threonine for growth and express large amounts of the enzyme that catalyzes the first step in threonine metabolism. To find out what is so important about threonine in these cells, Shyh-Change et al. (p. 222 , published online 1 November; see the Perspective by Sassone-Corsi ) monitored changes in metabolism by mass spectrometry in induced pluripotent stem cells. Threonine was required to maintain cellular concentrations of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), a substrate used for protein methylation. Restriction of threonine inhibited methylation of histones, which is characteristic of chromatin in embryonic stem cells. Thus, altered metabolism of threonine and methionine in stem cells may be linked to epigenetic changes that influence genetic reprogramming and decisions of stem cells to proliferate or differentiate.

Major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II) molecules capture peptides within the endocytic pathway to generate T cell receptor (TCR) ligands. Immature dendritic cells (DCs) sequester intact antigens in lysosomes, processing and converting antigens into peptide–MHC II complexes upon induction of DC maturation. The complexes then accumulate in distinctive, nonlysosomal MHC II ⁺ vesicles that appear to migrate to the cell surface. Although the vesicles exclude soluble lysosomal contents and antigen-processing machinery, many contain MHC I and B7 costimulatory molecules. After arrival at the cell surface, the MHC and costimulatory molecules remain clustered. Thus, transport of peptide–MHC II complexes by DCs not only accomplishes transfer from late endocytic compartments to the plasma membrane, but does so in a manner that selectively concentrates TCR ligands and costimulatory molecules for T cell contact.

Abnormal regulation and expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been documented in various diseases including cancer. The miRNA let‐7 (MIRLET7) family controls developmental timing and differentiation. Let‐7 loss contributes to carcinogenesis via an increase in its target oncogenes and stemness factors. Let‐7 targets include genes regulating the cell cycle, cell signaling, and maintenance of differentiation. It is categorized as a tumor suppressor because it reduces cancer aggressiveness, chemoresistance, and radioresistance. However, in rare situations let‐7 acts as an oncogene, increasing cancer migration, invasion, chemoresistance, and expression of genes associated with progression and metastasis. Here, we review let‐7 function as tumor suppressor and oncogene, considering let‐7 as a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker, and a therapeutic target for cancer treatment. We explain the complex regulation and function of different let‐7 family members, pointing to abnormal processes involved in carcinogenesis. Let‐7 is a promising option to complement conventional cancer therapy, but requires a tumor specific delivery method to avoid toxicity. While let‐7 therapy is not yet established, we make the case that assessing its tumor presence is crucial when choosing therapy. Clinical data demonstrate that let‐7 can be used as a biomarker for rational precision medicine decisions, resulting in improved patient survival.