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Dedifferentiation, transdifferentiation and cell fusion: in vivo reprogramming strategies for regenerative medicine
Author(s) -
Pesaresi Martina,
SebastianPerez Ruben,
Cosma Maria Pia
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
the febs journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.981
H-Index - 204
eISSN - 1742-4658
pISSN - 1742-464X
DOI - 10.1111/febs.14633
Subject(s) - reprogramming , transdifferentiation , regenerative medicine , context (archaeology) , regeneration (biology) , biology , cell fate determination , stem cell , neuroscience , microbiology and biotechnology , cell , genetics , transcription factor , paleontology , gene
Regenerative capacities vary enormously across the animal kingdom. In contrast to most cold‐blooded vertebrates, mammals, including humans, have very limited regenerative capacity when it comes to repairing damaged or degenerating tissues. Here, we review the main mechanisms of tissue regeneration, underlying the importance of cell dedifferentiation and reprogramming. We discuss the significance of cell fate and identity changes in the context of regenerative medicine, with a particular focus on strategies aiming at the promotion of the body's self‐repairing mechanisms. We also introduce some of the most recent advances that have resulted in complete reprogramming of cell identity in vivo . Lastly, we discuss the main challenges that need to be addressed in the near future to develop in vivo reprogramming approaches with therapeutic potential.