Reprogramming
Reprogramming
Reprogramming (pronunciation: /ˌriːprəʊˈɡræmɪŋ/) is a process in biology and medicine that involves changing the cellular identity of a cell. It is a fundamental aspect of developmental biology and has significant implications for regenerative medicine and cell therapy.
Etymology
The term "reprogramming" is derived from the English words "re-", meaning again, and "programming", referring to the setting of a course or procedure. In the context of biology and medicine, it refers to the resetting of a cell's identity or function.
Definition
Reprogramming is the process by which the genetic and epigenetic information in a cell is altered, leading to a change in the cell's identity. This can involve the conversion of one cell type to another, or the resetting of a differentiated cell to a pluripotent state, capable of giving rise to all cell types in the body.
Methods
There are several methods of reprogramming, including somatic cell nuclear transfer, cell fusion, and the use of transcription factors. The latter method, involving the introduction of specific genes into a cell, was used by Shinya Yamanaka to create induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), a discovery that earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
Applications
Reprogramming has a wide range of applications in medicine and biology. It is a key technique in regenerative medicine, allowing for the creation of patient-specific cells for transplantation. It also has potential uses in drug discovery and disease modeling, as well as in the study of developmental biology and aging.
Related Terms
- Cellular differentiation
- Epigenetics
- Gene expression
- Induced pluripotent stem cells
- Pluripotency
- Regenerative medicine
- Somatic cell nuclear transfer
- Transcription factor
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Reprogramming
- Wikipedia's article - Reprogramming
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