Converting one cell type to another directly or via an intermediate pluripotent state.
Direct conversion: fibroblasts to neurons (Ascl1, Brn2, Myt1l) or cardiomyocytes. Gurdon's nuclear transfer experiments in frogs showed differentiated nuclei retain full potential (Nobel 2012).
Pioneer factors open closed chromatin. In vivo reprogramming could in principle regenerate tissue without transplantation.
Remember: Gurdon and Yamanaka shared the 2012 Nobel Prize.
Converting one cell type to another directly or via an intermediate pluripotent state.
Reprogramming and Transdifferentiation is one of the 54 topics in Developmental Biology. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells, Cloning, Pluripotency.
In vivo reprogramming of scar cells into heart muscle is being explored.
Work through the Beginner topics in Developmental Biology first, such as Fertilisation, Zygote, Embryo, then return to Reprogramming and Transdifferentiation. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
The closest topics to Reprogramming and Transdifferentiation are Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells, Cloning, Pluripotency, Totipotency. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Reprogramming and Transdifferentiation. To practise the whole of Developmental Biology, use the Developmental Biology quiz.
Reprogramming and Transdifferentiation: Converting one cell type to another directly or via an intermediate pluripotent state. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: Adult cells reprogrammed to a pluripotent state with factors Oct4, Sox2, Klf4 and c-Myc. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Developmental Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
Adult cells reprogrammed to a pluripotent state with factors Oct4, Sox2, Klf4 and c-Myc.
🥚 Developmental BiologyProducing a genetically identical organism or cell, as with Dolly the sheep by nuclear transfer.
🥚 Developmental BiologyCapacity to form all body cell types, as in embryonic stem cells, but not a whole organism.
🥚 Developmental BiologyThe ability of a cell to give rise to all cell types, including embryonic and extraembryonic tissue.
🥚 Developmental Biology