Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026

In vivo Reprogramming of Adult Somatic Cells to Pluripotency by Overexpression of Yamanaka Factors
Published on: December 17, 2013
[Plasticity of somatic stem cells: dream or reality?]
Michael Dürr1, Albrecht M Müller
1Institut für Medizinische Strahlenkunde und Zellforschung, Universität Würzburg.
Background:
Common and defining properties of stem cells are their capacity for self-renewal and their potential for differentiation into multiple mature cell types. In contrast to embryonic stem cells, which are able to give rise to all cell types of the body, somatic stem cells have been regarded as being restricted in their differentiation potential.
Current Research:
Recent studies support the idea that somatic stem cells from adult tissues can also contribute to heterologous tissues, i.e., transdifferentiate to unrelated cell types. These claims contradict the central dogma of the unidirectionality of differentiation processes. This review discusses the developmental potential of somatic stem cells in the light of recent findings.
Related Concept Videos
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Source And Potency Of Stem Cells
Stem Cell Culture
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Somatic cells are...
Somatic to iPS Cell Reprogramming
iPS Cell Differentiation

