Discussion

Since the initial reports on induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSCs) generation, the word reprogramming has been associated to the de-differentiation of somatic cells into an embryonic-like pluripotent state and, inherently, to the possibility of generating autologous cell material for transplantation. The development of gene-editing technologies has further opened the possibility for the targeted gene-correction of mutant genes responsible for the development of disease phenotypes. Yet, nuclear reprogramming is not limited to iPSC generation for cell transplantation and disease modeling. With the advent of novel lineage conversion strategies and novel technologies deepening our understanding on the molecular mechanisms controlling cell fate, the applications of reprogramming expand from the in vitro generation of defined cell types to the activation of regenerative responses in the living individual. Here I will summarize current reprogramming strategies as well as discuss their advantages and disadvantages when considering practical applications in vitro and in vivo.