Scientists Use Ancient Gene to Create Living Mouse

Researchers have reprogrammed mouse stem cells with a gene from choanoflagellates, revealing new insights into stem cell evolution.

The study challenges the belief that pluripotency genes evolved exclusively in animals, showing they existed in unicellular ancestors.
Choanoflagellates, the closest living relatives of animals, possess Sox and POU genes, which were used to induce pluripotency in mouse cells.
Reprogrammed stem cells were integrated into a developing mouse embryo, resulting in a chimeric mouse with traits from both the donor and lab-induced cells.
These findings suggest that key genes for stem cell formation predate multicellular organisms, offering a new perspective on the evolution of complex life.
The research has potential implications for regenerative medicine, potentially enhancing stem cell therapies and reprogramming techniques.