cellular reprogramming

Pluripotent stem-cell lines can be obtained through the reprogramming of somatic cells from different tissues and species by ectopic expression of defined factors.

In theory, these cells - known as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) - are suitable for various purposes, including disease modelling, autologous cell therapy, drug or toxicity screening and basic research. Recent methodological improvements are increasing the ease and efficiency of reprogramming, and reducing the genomic modifications required to complete the process.

See also

 somatic cell nuclear transfer
 reprogramming in early embryos
 embryonic stem cells
 nuclear transfer stem cells (stem cells derived from nuclear transfer embryos)
  generation of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and/or potential for cell-based therapies
 epigenetics
 adult stem cells
 pluripotency

Journals

 Cellular Reprogramming (ISSN: 2152-4971 • Bimonthly • Online ISSN: 2152-4998), Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

References

 Methods for making induced pluripotent stem cells: reprogramming à la carte. González F, Boué S, Belmonte JC. Nat Rev Genet. 2011 Apr;12(4):231-42. PMID: 21339765

 Dedifferentiation, transdifferentiation and reprogramming: three routes to regeneration. Jopling C, Boue S, Izpisua Belmonte JC. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. 2011 Feb;12(2):79-89. PMID: 21252997

 Turning straw into gold: directing cell fate for regenerative medicine. Cohen DE, Melton D. Nat Rev Genet. 2011 Apr;12(4):243-52. PMID: 21386864

 Progress in understanding reprogramming to the induced pluripotent state. Plath K, Lowry WE. Nat Rev Genet. 2011 Apr;12(4):253-65. PMID: 21415849