Reprogramming of somatic cell identity

All mammalian somatic cells originate from a single fertilized cell, the zygote, and share identical genetic information despite the dramatic changes in cell structure and function that accompany organismal development. The genome is subjected to a wide array of epigenetic modifications during lineage specification, a process that contributes to the implementation and maintenance of specific gene expression programs in somatic cells. Nuclear transfer and cell-fusion experiments demonstrate that the epigenetic signature directing a cell identity can be erased and modified into that of another cell type. Furthermore, in the case of cloning, differentiated cells can be reprogrammed back to pluripotency to support the reexpression of all developmental programs. Recent breakthroughs highlight the importance of transcription factors as well as epigenetic modifiers in the establishment, maintenance, and rewiring of cell identity. By focusing on reprogramming of terminally differentiated lymphocytes, we review and highlight recent insights into the molecular mechanisms and cellular events potentially underlying programming and reprogramming of somatic cell identity in mammals.