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Brains in metamorphosis: reprogramming cell identity within the central nervous system
Paola Arlotta1, Benedikt Berninger2
1Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, 7 Divinity Ave, Cambridge, USA.
Current Opinion in Neurobiology
|May 8, 2014
Summary
Mammalian cells, even neurons, can change identity within the organism. This direct lineage reprogramming challenges central nervous system (CNS) immutability, offering new avenues for neural regeneration and circuit reshaping.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Cellular differentiation involves epigenetic changes that establish stable cell identities.
- Neurons are considered highly immutable, maintaining their specific traits throughout an organism's life.
- Direct lineage reprogramming offers potential for organ regeneration but its feasibility in the CNS is uncertain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the plasticity of central nervous system (CNS) cells for reprogramming.
- To challenge the long-held notion of neuronal immutability.
- To explore the potential of in vivo reprogramming for neural applications.
Main Methods:
- Focus on two experimental paradigms: glia-to-neuron conversion and neuron-to-neuron conversion.
- Utilizing direct lineage reprogramming strategies within the living organism.
- Assessing the capacity for cell identity change in CNS cells.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that cells within the CNS can indeed change their identity.
- Provided evidence against the concept of CNS immutability.
- Showcased the feasibility of reprogramming specific neuronal types.
Conclusions:
- Lineage reprogramming challenges the dogma of CNS cell immutability.
- Direct reprogramming strategies can reshape neurons and neural circuits in vivo.
- This opens possibilities for regenerative medicine and therapeutic interventions in the nervous system.
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