Scientists Report Reprogramming of Adult Cells Since the birth of Dolly the sheep in 19961 scientists have been tantalized by the possibility that any cell from adult tissue could be coaxed to revert to an early developmental (i.e., "primitive") state with the potential to generate all cell types. However, the only way known so far to induce an adult cell to revert to this state is to transfer its nucleus, containing genetic material, into an egg whose own nucleus has been removed. Factors present in the egg activate a myriad of genes long silenced in the adult cell's genetic material, thus reprogramming the cell's identity and function. Identifying the factors responsible for this genetic transformation has been a challenge. Knowledge of the factors would be interesting because such information might show the way to reprogramming without the use of a donated egg. Scientists at Kyoto University have been tackling this very issue and have now reportedly identified four factors that in combination induce cells isolated from the tail tips of mice to adopt properties similar to those of embryonic stem (ES) cells.2 ES cells, normally derived from blastocyst embryos, have the unique ability to generate any cell type. This study from Kyoto contributes significantly to our understanding of genetic reprogramming and may also offer a novel way to derive ES cells.Validation of their system in human cells will be a necessary next step. Notes: *Author affiliation: Posted October 16, 2006 Contact Friends of ISSCR | Privacy Statement | Disclaimer | ISSCR Home Page
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