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Introduction to Nuclear Reprogramming

Introduction to Nuclear Reprogramming

Nuclear reprogramming is the process of switching gene expression of one cell type to that of another cell type, usually from a differentiated cell state to an undifferentiated cell state. Differentiation occurs during processes such as development and morphogenesis, tissue regeneration, and malignancy. Cells can also be artificially induced to reprogram their gene expression by techniques such as nuclear transfer, induced pluripotency, and cell fusion. Such techniques have many applications in...

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Other than maintaining genome stability via DNA repair, homologous recombination plays an important role in diversifying the genome. In fact, the recombination of sequences forms the molecular basis of genomic evolution. Random and non-random permutations of genomic sequences create a library of new amalgamated sequences. These newly formed genomes can determine the fitness and survival of cells. In bacteria, homologous and non-homologous types of recombination lead to the evolution of new...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 19, 2026

Direct Lineage Reprogramming of Adult Mouse Fibroblast to Erythroid Progenitors

Direct Lineage Reprogramming of Adult Mouse Fibroblast to Erythroid Progenitors

Published on: December 14, 2018

Lineage conversion methodologies meet the reprogramming toolbox.

Ignacio Sancho-Martinez¹, Sung Hee Baek, Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte

¹Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037, USA.

Nature Cell Biology

|September 5, 2012

Summary

Lineage conversion offers a new way to create specific cell types, bypassing traditional methods. This approach uses genetic factors to directly change cell identity, providing an alternative to stem cell differentiation.

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Last Updated: May 19, 2026

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Area of Science:

Cell Biology
Developmental Biology
Genetics

Background:

Lineage conversion is an emerging alternative to directed differentiation of pluripotent stem cells.
Previous methods relied on forced expression of lineage-specific transcription factors.

Purpose of the Study:

To review direct cell conversion methodologies.
To discuss their potential as alternatives to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and differentiation protocols.

Main Methods:

Initial methods involved overexpression of key transcription factors characteristic of the target cell lineage.
Recent approaches bypass pluripotency through epigenetic erasure followed by exposure to developmental cues.

Main Results:

Direct lineage conversion has been successful in generating various cell types, including hematopoietic cells, neurons, and cardiomyocytes.
A general approach bypassing pluripotency has been developed.

Conclusions:

Direct lineage conversion presents a promising alternative for generating specific cell populations.
These methods may reduce reliance on iPSCs and complex differentiation protocols.