Reprogramming Cell Identity: Past Lessons, Challenges, and Future Directions

Reprogramming is traditionally defined as the fate conversion of a cell to a stage of increased developmental potential. In its broader meaning, the reprogramming term is also applied to all forms of cell fate conversion that do not follow a developmental trajectory. Reprogramming is now a well-established field of research that gained rapid progress upon the advent of induced pluripotency. In this perspective, I reflect on the reprogramming lessons of the past, in the contributions to other fields of research and on the potential transformative future use of reprogrammed cells and of its cell derivatives.