We recently derived mouse expanded potential stem cells (EPSCs) from individual blastomeres by inhibiting the critical molecular pathways that predispose their differentiation 1. EPSCs had enriched molecular signatures of blastomeres and possessed the developmental potency for all embryonic and extraembryonic cell lineages. Here, we report the derivation of porcine EPSCs, which express key pluripotency genes, are genetically stable, permit genome editing, differentiate to derivatives of the three germ layers in chimeras, and produce primordial germ celllike cells in vitro. Under similar conditions, human ESCs and iPSCs can be converted, or somatic cells directly reprogrammed, to EPSCs that display the molecular and functional attributes reminiscent of porcine EPSCs. Significantly, trophoblast stem cell-like cells can be generated from both human and porcine EPSCs. Our pathwayinhibition paradigm thus opens a new avenue for generating mammalian pluripotent stem cells, and EPSCs present an unique cellular platform for translational research in biotechnology and regenerative medicine.
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