Dedifferentiation, transdifferentiation and cell fusion: invivo reprogramming strategies for regenerative medicine.

Abstract

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 invivo. Lastly, we discuss the main challenges that need to be addressed in the near future to develop invivo reprogramming approaches with therapeutic potential.