Transdifferentiation: A lineage instructive approach bypassing roadways of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)

Genetic programmes that assist decision-making of a stem cell whether to selfrenew or to differentiate into a committed cell type have been studied extensively over the past few decades. In the process of exploiting pluripotent nature of a stem cell, researchers across the globe channelized their efforts to derive target cell types from various sources of stem cells. The scientific know-how about cellular fate determining transcription factors (TFs) and the huge amount of information regarding the regulation of stem cell differentiation led researchers to come up with a highly attractive concept of cellular reprogramming. About three decades ago, a fascinating study revealed direct conversion of fibroblasts to muscle cells by overexpressing merely one transcription factor 'MyoD'. Towards deciphering the underpinnings of cellular differentiation and self-renewal programmes, an offshoot of thought has emerged that advocated the interconversion within the somatic cell state. In present days the task of direct conversion, more popularly known as transdifferentiation, has been an excellent alternative approach to generate the cells of interest for clinical purpose.