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Review
. 2018 Oct:11:18-23.
doi: 10.1016/j.coisb.2018.07.004.

Transdifferentiation: do transition states lie on the path of development?

Anna Reid  1   2 , Baris Tursun  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Transdifferentiation: do transition states lie on the path of development?

Anna Reid et al. Curr Opin Syst Biol. 2018 Oct.

Abstract

The direct conversion of one differentiated cell fate into another identity is a process known as Transdifferentiation. During Transdifferentiation, cells pass through intermediate states that are not well understood. Given the potential application of transdifferentiation in regenerative medicine and disease modeling, a better understanding of intermediate states is crucial to avoid uncontrolled conversion or proliferation, which pose a risk for patients. Researchers have begun to analyze the transcriptomes of donor, converting and target cells of Transdifferentiation with single cell resolution to compare transitional states to those found along the path of development. Here, we review examples of Transdifferentiation in a range of model systems and organisms. We propose that cells pass either through a mixed, unspecific intermediate or progenitor-like state during Transdifferentiation, which, to varying degrees, resemble states seen during development.

Keywords: Cell conversion; Cell states; Development; Reprogramming; Transdifferentiation.

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Figures

Image 1
Graphical abstract
Figure 1
Figure 1
Converting cells can deviate from the path of development. Cells undergoing Td can pass through (A) mixed ‘MX’ (B) unspecific intermediate ‘UI’ or (C) progenitor-like ‘PG’ transition states. Figures are modified versions of the Waddington landscape .
Figure 2
Figure 2
A summary of the different modes of Td. Transdifferentiating cells may pass through mixed ‘MX’, unspecific intermediate ‘UI’ or progenitor-like ‘PG’ transition states. Figure is a modified version of the Waddington landscape .
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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