Trans-differentiation via Epigenetics: A New Paradigm in the Bone Regeneration

Abstract

In regenerative medicine, growing cells or tissues in the laboratory is necessary when damaged cells can not heal by themselves. Acquisition of the required cells from the patient's own cells or tissues is an ideal option without additive side effects. In this context, cell reprogramming methods, including the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and trans-differentiation, have been widely studied in regenerative research. Both approaches have advantages and disadvantages, and the possibility of de-differentiation because of the epigenetic memory of iPSCs has strengthened the need for controlling the epigenetic background for successful cell reprogramming. Therefore, interest in epigenetics has increased in the field of regenerative medicine. Herein, we outline in detail the cell trans-differentiation method using epigenetic modification for bone regeneration in comparison to the use of iPSCs.

Keywords: Bone regeneration; Cell transdifferentiation; Epigenomics; Induced pluripotent stem cells; Tissue engineering.

Fig. 1. (A) Waddington's epigenetic landscape: a metaphor for how gene regulation modulates cell development. (B) Comparison between induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) and trans-differentiation.