Induced pluripotent stem cells reprogramming: Epigenetics and applications in the regenerative medicine

Abstract

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are somatic cells reprogrammed into an embryonic-like pluripotent state by the expression of specific transcription factors. iPSC technology is expected to revolutionize regenerative medicine in the near future. Despite the fact that these cells have the capacity to self-renew, they present low efficiency of reprogramming. Recent studies have demonstrated that the previous somatic epigenetic signature is a limiting factor in iPSC performance. Indeed, the process of effective reprogramming involves a complete remodeling of the existing somatic epigenetic memory, followed by the establishment of a "new epigenetic signature" that complies with the new type of cell to be differentiated. Therefore, further investigations of epigenetic modifications associated with iPSC reprogramming are required in an attempt to improve their self-renew capacity and potency, as well as their application in regenerative medicine, with a new strategy to reduce the damage in degenerative diseases. Our review aimed to summarize the most recent findings on epigenetics and iPSC, focusing on DNA methylation, histone modifications and microRNAs, highlighting their potential in translating cell therapy into clinics.

m‐carboxycinnamic acid bishydroxamide improves developmental competence, reduces apoptosis and alters epigenetic status and gene expression pattern in cloned buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) embryos

“…Somatic cells can be converted into pluripotent state either through SCNT or through ectopic expression of transcription factors, that is induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). Reprogramming is a stressful process and activates the apoptosis phenomenon and contributes to low efficiency of SCNT development (Kretsovali, Hadjimichael, & Charmpilas, 2012) and iPSC generation (Gomes et al, 2017). A key mediator acting in the apoptosis pathway is the F I G U R E 2 Determination of apoptotic and total nuclei in cloned and IVF blastocysts by TUNEL assay tumour suppressor protein, p53.…”

Generation of Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells from Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells using Small-Molecule Compound VC6TFZ

“…These stem cells had the ability to differentiate into all cell types and unlimited self-renewal abilities. This property made these cells had potential as cell sources for cell transplantation therapy, disease modeling, and drug screening [10]. The first and most widely used cell source for the generation of iPSCs was skin fibroblast cells [4], [8].…”

Targeting Epigenetic Aberrations in Pancreatic Cancer, a New Path to Improve Patient Outcomes?

“…The use of drugs to rewrite a chromatin landscape is a concept that is already in play in various fields centered around epigenetics. Much of the current research in stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine makes use of epigenetic drugs to manipulate cells and elicit a desired phenotype [ 33 , 34 ]. These fields have experienced tremendous success and more importantly, have shed light on the potential to translate these concepts into PDAC research.…”