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Somatic cell transformation into stem cell-like cells induced by different microenvironments

Jeong Mook Lim1, Seung Pyo Gong2

  • 1Department of Agricultural Biotechnology; Seoul National University; Seoul, Korea; WCU Biomodulation Program; Seoul National University; Seoul, Korea.

Organogenesis
|September 14, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Generating stem cell-like cells without genetic manipulation is possible. Specific microenvironments and cell-to-cell interactions can induce pluripotency in differentiated somatic cells, offering a safer alternative to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

Area of Science:

  • Stem Cell Biology
  • Regenerative Medicine
  • Cellular Reprogramming

Background:

  • Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology faces challenges with genetic manipulation and potential tumorigenesis, limiting clinical applications.
  • Alternative methods for somatic cell reprogramming are being explored to overcome these limitations.
  • Cell-to-cell interactions and specific microenvironments show promise for inducing cellular plasticity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the derivation of stem cell-like cells using microenvironmental conditions.
  • To discuss the technical perspectives and limitations of non-genetic reprogramming methods.
  • To highlight the potential of niche-induced stem cell-like cells as an alternative to iPSCs.

Main Methods:

  • Review of previous studies on cell-to-cell interactions and microenvironmental factors for somatic cell reprogramming.
  • Analysis of cellular properties of niche-induced, ESC-like cells compared to iPSCs and ESCs.
  • Discussion of technical aspects and limitations of deriving stem cell-like cells without genetic manipulation.

Main Results:

  • Embryonic stem cell (ESC)-like cells can be derived from somatic cells (ovarian cells, fetal fibroblasts) via cell-cell interaction or microenvironmental factors.
  • This process does not require genetic manipulation of progenitor cells.
  • Niche-induced ESC-like cells exhibit distinct properties compared to genetically manipulated iPSCs and standard ESCs.
  • Terminally differentiated somatic cells can acquire pluripotency-like activity or plasticity under specific conditions.

Conclusions:

  • Specific microenvironments and cell-to-cell interactions can induce pluripotency-like activity in differentiated somatic cells without genetic manipulation.
  • This approach offers a potentially safer alternative to iPSC technology by avoiding genetic modification.
  • Further research into technical perspectives and limitations is needed for clinical feasibility.
Keywords:
genetic plasticityimmune-specificmicroenvironmentpluripotencysomatic celltransformation

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