| abstract |
The present invention provides compositions and methods for inducing pluripotency in non-embryonic and / or somatic cells using exogenous Tβ4, exogenous Sox2, and exogenous Oct4. Induced pluripotent stem cells can be simian or murine. Exogenous Tβ4 can be phosphorylated. At least one of exogenous Tβ4, exogenous Sox2, and exogenous Oct4 may be bound to a cell membrane penetration fragment and / or a nuclear targeting moiety, enabling them to reach the nucleus. In addition, the induced pluripotent stem cell maintains its pluripotency over at least 100 passages. |