1. Reprogramming mediated by stem cell fusion
- Author
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Theodore P. Rasmussen and Dominic J. Ambrosi
- Subjects
Embryonic Germ Cells ,Induced stem cells ,Nuclear Transfer Techniques ,Cellular differentiation ,Cloning, Organism ,Stem Cells ,Cell Differentiation ,Cell Biology ,Embryoid body ,Biology ,Hybrid Cells ,Embryo, Mammalian ,Embryonic stem cell ,Models, Biological ,Cell biology ,Cell Fusion ,Embryo Research ,Stem Cell Review Series ,Molecular Medicine ,Animals ,Humans ,Stem cell ,Reprogramming ,Cell potency - Abstract
Advances in mammalian cloning prove that somatic nuclei can be reprogrammed to a state of totipotency by transfer into oocytes. An alternative approach to reprogram the somatic genome involves the creation of hybrids between somatic cells and other cells that contain reprogramming activities. Potential fusion partners with reprogramming activities include embryonic stem cells, embryonic germ cells, embryonal carcinoma cells, and even differentiated cells. Recent advances in fusion-mediated reprogramming are discussed from the standpoints of the developmental potency of hybrid cells, genetic and epigenetic correlates of reprogramming, and other aspects involved in the reprogramming process. In addition, the utility of fusion-mediated reprogramming for future cell-based therapies is discussed.
- Published
- 2005