microRNA induced transdifferentiation.
Recent months have seen rapid advances in the field of transdifferentiation, specifically in the conversion of fibroblasts to neurons. Most surprising is the observation that the ability to drive these transitions is not limited to transcription factors, but that they can be promoted by microRNAs as well. Indeed, in one case, microRNAs alone induced the transdifferentiation of fibroblasts to neuron-like cells, albeit at a low efficiency. Here, we review this rapidly advancing field, discuss possible mechanisms underlying microRNA-induced transdifferentiation and the potential for microRNAs to drive such transitions to any cell type of interest in vitro and in vivo.
The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Center for Reproductive Sciences Department of Urology, 35 Medical Center Way, Pod B 1018, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA. 94143 - 0667 USA.
Archana
A
Shenoy
Robert
R
Blelloch