Induced pluripotent stem cells: Induction of pluripotency and the molecular mechanism of partial reprogramming

Abstract

Induction of pluripotency is a process that reverses the phenotype of terminally differentiated cells. Somatic cells, induced by specific transcription factors, are reprogrammed to a pluripotent state. The resulting cells, called induced pluripotent stem cells, have activated pluripotency-related genes and silenced genes of the somatic programme. Many studies have been done in order to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of reprogramming. Experimental data will increase our understanding of the reprogramming process and help to improve reprogramming strategies. Reprogramming somatic cells occurs in phases. Pre-induced pluripotent stem cells (pre-iPSCs) have been identified as an intermediate stage and will allow the study of the molecular pathways of reprogramming. Pre-iPSCs and iPSCs hold potential for regenerative medicine as well as the modelling of diseases.