NKX3-1 is required for induced pluripotent stem cell reprogramming and can replace OCT4 in mouse and human iPSC induction

Using a heterokaryon system, Mai et al. demonstrate that NKX3-1 is downstream of IL-6–STAT3, regulates endogenous OCT4 expression during human iPSC reprogramming, and can also substitute for exogenous OCT4 in the reprogramming cocktail.