The Long Noncoding RNA Lncenc1 Maintains Naive States of Mouse ESCs by Promoting the Glycolysis Pathway

Highlights

• Lncenc1 is required for the self-renewal of naive mouse ESCs

• Lncenc1 controls the glycolysis pathway in naive mouse ESCs

• Lncenc1 activates the expression of glycolysis genes by recruiting HNRNPK and PTBP1

Summary

The naive embryonic stem cells (nESCs) display unique characteristics compared with the primed counterparts, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Here we investigate the functional roles of Lncenc1, a highly abundant long noncoding RNA in nESCs. Knockdown or knockout of Lncenc1 in mouse nESCs leads to a significantly decreased expression of core pluripotency genes and a significant reduction of colony formation capability. Furthermore, upon the depletion of Lncenc1, the expression of glycolysis-associated genes is significantly reduced, and the glycolytic activity is substantially impaired, as indicated by a more than 50% reduction in levels of glucose consumption, lactate production, and extracellular acidification rate. Mechanistically, Lncenc1 interacts with PTBP1 and HNRNPK, which regulate the transcription of glycolytic genes, thereby maintaining the self-renewal of nESCs. Our results demonstrate the functions of Lncenc1 in linking energy metabolism and naive state of ESCs, which may enhance our understanding of the molecular basis underlying naive pluripotency.