Stem Cell Review Series
The molecular basis of transdifferentiation
Wan-Chun Li #, Wei-Yuan Yu #, Jonathan M. Quinlan, Zoë D. Burke, David Tosh *
Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, UK Received: April 15, 2005; Accepted: August 19, 2005
# These authors contributed equally * Correspondence to: David TOSH, Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK. Tel.: +44 (0) 1225.386532; Fax: +44 (0) 1225.386779 E-mail: d.tosh@bath.ac.uk
There is now excellent experimental evidence demonstrating the remarkable ability of some differentiated cells to convert to a completely different phenotype. The conversion of one cellular phenotype to another is referred to as 'transdifferentiation' and belongs to a wider class of cell-type switches termed 'metaplasias'. Defining the molecular steps in transdifferentiation will help us to understand the developmental biology of the cells that interconvert, as well as help identify key regulatory transcription factors that may be important for the reprogramming of stem cells. Ultimately, being able to produce cells at will offers a compelling new approach to therapeutic transplantation and therefore the treatment and cure of diseases such as diabetes.
Keywords: transdifferentiation • metaplasia • liver • pancreas • stem cells
Source: J. Cell. Mol. Med. Vol 9, No 3, 2005 pp. 569-582
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