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Updated: Aug 31, 2025

Reprogramming Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts with Transcription Factors to Induce a Hemogenic Program
Published on: December 16, 2016
Oncofetal reprogramming in tumour development and progression
Ankur Sharma1,2,3,4, Camille Blériot5, Jennifer Currenti6,7
1Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia. ankur.sharma@perkins.org.au.
Abstract:
Embryonic development is characterized by rapidly dividing cells, cellular plasticity and a highly vascular microenvironment. These features are similar to those of tumour tissue, in that malignant cells are characterized by their ability to proliferate and exhibit cellular plasticity. The tumour microenvironment also often includes immunosuppressive features. Reciprocal communication between various cellular subpopulations enables fetal and tumour tissues to proliferate, migrate and escape immune responses. Fetal-like reprogramming has been demonstrated in the tumour microenvironment, indicating extraordinary cellular plasticity and bringing an additional layer of cellular heterogeneity. More importantly, some of these features are also present during inflammation. This Perspective discusses the similarity between embryogenesis, inflammation and tumorigenesis, and describes the mechanisms of oncofetal reprogramming that enable tumour cells to escape from immune responses, promoting tumour growth and metastasis.
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