Transdifferentiation.
Recent progress in studies of development and differentiation has greatly stimulated analysis of transdifferentiation, and more cell types capable of transdifferentiation have been documented. Growth factors must be essential, key factors in the regulation of the transdifferentiation process, in cooperation with components of the extracellular matrix, which helps to stabilize the differentiated state of tissues. Trials to induce transdifferentiation artificially by transfection of genes have also begun.
Eguchi
G
G
National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan.
Kodama
R
R
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology*; D002642:Chick Embryo; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000502:physiology; D007448:Invertebrates / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D009928:Organ Specificity; D010857:Pigment Epithelium of Eye / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology; D014162:Transfection; D014714:Vertebrates / Q000033:anatomy & histology
D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins; D006133:Growth Substances