Partial reprogramming as an emerging strategy for safe induced cell generation and rejuvenation

Abstract

Conventional cell reprogramming involves converting a somatic cell line into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), which subsequently can be re-differentiated to specific somatic cell types. Alternatively, partial cell reprogramming converts somatic cells into other somatic cell types by transient expression of pluripotency genes thus generating intermediates that retain their original cell identity, but are responsive to appropriate cocktails of specific differentiation factors. Additionally, biological rejuvenation by partial cell reprogramming is a novel avenue of research. Here, we will briefly review the emerging information pointing to partial reprogramming as a suitable strategy toachieve cell reprogramming and rejuvenation, bypassing cell dedifferentiation. Partial reprogramming constitutes a powerful tool for the genesis of iPSC-free induced somatic cells of therapeutic value and for the implementation of in vitro and in vivo rejuvenation keeping cell type identity unchanged.