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Cell biology

Cellular reprogramming

DEZelluläre Reprogrammierung

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Cellular reprogramming is the experimental conversion of one cell type into another, most often a differentiated somatic cell into a pluripotent stem cell, by forcing expression of specific transcription factors known as OSKM (Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc). The process resets the epigenome, including DNA methylation and histone marks; however, it is partial or cyclic reprogramming — rather than full iPSC induction — that is being explored as a route to rejuvenation, since complete reprogramming erases cell identity. It underpins iPSC technology and is being examined as a strategy for organ regeneration and systemic rejuvenation.

Sources

  1. Takahashi & Yamanaka. (2006). Induction of pluripotent stem cells from mouse embryonic and adult fibroblast cultures by defined factors. *Cell*doi:10.1016/j.cell.2006.07.024
  2. Ocampo et al.. (2016). In vivo amelioration of age-associated hallmarks by partial reprogramming. *Cell*doi:10.1016/j.cell.2016.11.052