The Ink4/Arf tumour suppressor locus encodes the three potent tumour suppressors p16Ink4a, p15Ink4b and p19Arf. Here the locus is shown to be rate-limiting for reprogramming, and its transient inhibition significantly improves the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells. Furthermore, ageing is shown to upregulate the Ink4/Arf locus, with less efficient reprogramming seen in cells from old organisms.
- Han Li
- Manuel Collado
- Manuel Serrano