The transcription factor code in iPSC reprogramming

Abstract

Transcription factor (TF)-induced reprogramming of somatic cells across lineages and to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has revealed a remarkable plasticity of differentiated cells and presents great opportunities for generating clinically relevant cell types for disease modeling and regenerative medicine. The understanding of iPSC reprogramming provides insights into the mechanisms that safeguard somatic cell identity, drive epigenetic reprogramming, and underlie cell fate specification in vivo. The combinatorial action of TFs has emerged as the key mechanism for the direct and indirect effects of reprogramming factors that induce the remodelling of the enhancer landscape. The interplay of TFs in iPSC reprogramming also yields trophectoderm- and extraembryonic endoderm-like cell populations, uncovering an intriguing plasticity of cell states and opening new avenues for exploring cell fate decisions during early embryogenesis.