title: Nuclear reprogramming in cell-free extracts.
abstract: Methods for directly turning a somatic cell type into another type (a process referred to as transdifferentiation) would be beneficial for producing replacement cells for therapeutic applications. Adult stem cells have been shown to display a broader differentiation potential than anticipated and may contribute to tissues other than those in which they reside. In addition, novel transdifferentiation strategies are being developed. I report recent results on the functional reprogramming of a somatic cell using a nuclear and cytoplasmic extract derived from another somatic cell type. The reprogramming of 293T fibroblasts in an extract from T cells is evidenced by nuclear uptake and the assembly of transcription factors, induction of activity of a chromatin remodelling complex, changes in chromatin composition and activation of lymphoid cell-specific genes. The reprogrammed cells express T-cell-specific surface molecules and a complex regulatory function. Reprogramming cells in cell-free extracts may create possibilities for producing replacement cells for therapeutic applications. The system may also constitute a powerful tool to examine the mechanisms of nuclear reprogramming, at least as they occur in vitro.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D002457:Cell Extracts / Q000235:genetics*; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000502:physiology; D002474:Cell-Free System; D002843:Chromatin / Q000502:physiology*; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000502:physiology*; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D006801:Humans; D006822:Hybrid Cells / Q000502:physiology; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000502:physiology*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
chemical_list: D002457:Cell Extracts; D002843:Chromatin; D014157:Transcription Factors