[Direct generation of pluripotent stem cells from differentiated somatic cells].
Embryonic stem (ES) cells have the unique capacity to proliferate extensively and maintain the potential to differentiate into advanced derivatives of all three primary germ layers. ES cell lines can also be generated from human blastocyst embryos and are considered promising donor sources for cell transplantation therapies for diseases such as juvenile diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and heart failure. However, as for organ transplants, tissue rejection remains a significant concern for ES cell transplantation. Another concern is the use of human embryos. One possible means to avoid these issues is by reprogramming the nuclei of differentiated cells to ES cell-like, pluripotent cells. This review discusses the potential of these strategies to generate tailor-made pluripotent stem cells and the role of transcription factors in the reprogramming process.
Li
Linfeng
L
Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy ofAgricultural Science, Beijing 100094, China.
Guan
Weijun
W
Ma
Yuehui
Y
Li
Han
H
Bai
Xiujuan
X
Gong
Xuelian
X
D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D065150:Cellular Reprogramming; D006801:Humans; D053652:Nuclear Transfer Techniques; D039904:Pluripotent Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*