Transcription factor (TF) mediated cell reprogramming technology provides unprecedented opportunities in the field of biomedical research and regenerative medicine. Researchers at Creative Bioarray focus on different approaches of implementing TF-mediated reprogramming to provide technical support for researchers to explore their related epigenetic changes and therapeutic potential.
TF-Mediated Cell Reprogramming
In 2006, Japanese scientist Shinya Yamanaka introduced four key transcription factors Oct4, Sox2, Klf4 and c-Myc (also known as Yamanaka factor) into specialized adult cells (e.g., patient skin cells) and reprogrammed them into iPSCs. These cells show the same ability as embryonic stem cells in the laboratory, and avoid the ethical issues of embryonic stem cells. They have great application prospects in disease simulation, drug screening and cell therapy, and are regarded as a new hope for cell therapy.
TF-mediated reprogramming can occur in several ways, either by direct transdifferentiation into a new cell type (bypassing the intermediate pluripotency stage), by reverting to a pluripotent state prior to re-differentiation into a new cell type (also known as induced pluripotency), or, by using the induced pluripotency pathway without reaching a pluripotent state. The possibility of reprogramming any cell type of interest provides new insights into cell plasticity, and the development of this technology provides new uses for it across multiple platforms.
Fig.1 Various cell sources and transfer strategies for the generation of iPSCs. (Al Abbar, 2020)
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
iPSC offers a uniquely scalable platform with potential in the field of regenerative medicine. The research team of Creative Bioarray uses the following different strategies to generate iPSCs to meet the safety and quality standards for effective therapeutic applications.
- Reprogramming by integrating viral vector transfer system
- Reprogramming by Integrative Nonviral Transfer System
- Reprogramming by Nonintegrative Viral Transfer System
- Reprogramming by Nonintegrative Nonviral Transfer System
Alternatives to induced pluripotency
Transdifferentiation is the transformation of one somatic cell type to another without going through a pluripotent phase. Compared to iPSC technology, transdifferentiation is efficient and poses a lower risk of teratoma formation for downstream applications. We currently offer two types of transdifferentiation for our customers:
- Direct transdifferentiation from one cell type to another without undergoing an intermediate state.
- Indirect transdifferentiation, also known as cell activation and signal directed transdifferentiation, cells undergo partial dedifferentiation to a plastic state (cell activation) before transdifferentiation (signal directed) to a new cell type.
Advantages of Our Technology
- Relatively mature technology
- Fast and effective experimental system
- Safer methods of delivery
Over the years, Creative Bioarray has developed multiple methods to utilize specific TFs to initiate the remodeling of the cell-specific epigenome to a pluripotent state, another mature cell type, or a transient state capable of responding to external cues to help our clients generate desired mature cell types. Our specialized and advanced technologies will accelerate your research in biomedical research and regenerative medicine. Please contact us directly if you need our scientific assistance.
Reference
- Al Abbar, A.; et al. Induced pluripotent stem cells: Reprogramming platforms and applications in cell replacement therapy. BioResearch open access. 2020, 9(1): 121-136.