Fig. 2

DHAA promotes reprogramming by providing Asc and DKG. A–B Reprogramming with 160 μM AscPNa, AscNa, Asc, DHAA, or DKG. The intracellular Asc concentration was measured in the 24 h after switching to fresh mES medium at the beginning of day 3 A. The accumulated intracellular Asc amounts were calculated B. C–D Reprogramming with DMSO, 160 μM DHAA, 20 μM AscNa, or 160 μM AscNa. The number of Oct4-GFP⁺ colonies C and total cell counts D were determined on Day 14. E–F Reprogramming with AscNa or DHAA. The medium was switched with that of the DMSO-treated group on hour 8 daily, dividing the treatment into two phases: 0–8 h and 8–24 h E. The number of Oct4-GFP⁺ colonies was determined on Day 14 F. All experiments were conducted at least five times (n ≥ 5). Statistical significance is indicated as follows: * P < 0.05, ** P < 0.01, and *** P < 0.001 compared to the control group or between indicated groups. Error bars represent standard deviation. Additional statistical information is provided in Additional file 4: Table S3. For related information, see also Additional file 1: Figure S2