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Updated: Apr 29, 2026

De Novo Generation of Somatic Stem Cells by YAP/TAZ
Published on: May 7, 2018
Lineage potential, plasticity and environmental reprogramming of epithelial stem/progenitor cells
Alessandro W Amici, Fatai O Onikoyi1, Paola Bonfanti
1‡School of Life and Medical Sciences, Institute of Child Health, University College London (UCL), 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, U.K.
Environmental cues can reprogram somatic cells, altering their fate. This review explores epithelial cell plasticity and its implications for disease and cell therapy.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Developmental biology
- Regenerative medicine
Background:
- Environmental factors can influence somatic cell fate.
- Epithelial cells exhibit remarkable plasticity and reprogramming potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review environmental reprogramming and fate potency in various epithelial cells.
- To discuss the implications of epithelial plasticity in pathologies and cell therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on environmental reprogramming of epithelial cells.
- Analysis of examples including stratified epithelia, thymic epithelium, and pancreas.
Main Results:
- Stratified epithelia (epidermis, hair follicle, cornea, oesophagus) and thymic epithelium show significant reprogramming potential.
- Pancreatic progenitors and differentiated cells also exhibit plasticity.
- Epithelial plasticity is implicated in pathologies like oesophageal metaplasia.
Conclusions:
- Environmental cues offer significant potential for reprogramming epithelial cells.
- Understanding epithelial plasticity opens new avenues for cell therapy and treating pre-neoplastic conditions.
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