In the present review the authors discussed the identification of selector, or …

• Abstract
• Introduction
• Identification of master switch genes and MyoD
• Transdifferentiation of myoblasts to adipocytes
• In vivo pancreas to liver transdifferentiation
• Conversion of hepatic cells to pancreatic-like cells
• Transdifferentiation of liver to pancreas by ectopic expression of Pdx1
• Hes1 as a suppressor of Ngn3
• Wnt signalling
• Barrett's metaplasia
• Bone marrow transdifferentiation - fact or artefact?
• Summary
• References
• Figures

Biology Articles » Developmental Biology » The molecular basis of transdifferentiation » Summary

Summary

- The molecular basis of transdifferentiation

There are now a growing number of models, both in vitro and in vivo demonstrating the plasticity of differentiated cells. In some cases, questions remain concerning the underlying molecular mechanisms and whether these represent true transdifferentiations or alternative events such as cell fusions. The therapeutic potentials of tissue reprogramming and cell replacement therapies offer exciting possibilities for new treatment strategies in degenerative and autoimmune diseases. As our understanding of the regulation of tissue development and maintenance increases, the promise of harnessing gene expression to influence cell phenotype and reprogramme tissues presents a worthy challenge.

Acknowledgements

The work in the Tosh lab is funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, the Medical Research Council, Cancer Research UK, the Sulis Seedcorn Fund and the Wellcome Trust.