Concepts and Techniques in Cellular Reprogramming

Flashcards for review of cellular reprogramming concepts and techniques as presented in Lecture 2.

What are the main steps involved in cellular reprogramming to create induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)?

Fibroblast -> iPSC -> Lineage Stem Cell -> Terminal fate.

What technology was developed to introduce reprogramming factors in cell reprogramming?

Development of the transcription factor (TF) cocktail.

Which four transcription factors are used in the Yamanaka cocktail for iPSC reprogramming?

KLF4, SOX2, MYC, and OCT3/4.

How does skipping the transcription factor Myc affect iPSC generation?

Skipping Myc reduces tumor formation in transplantations.

What cell types can be reprogrammed to form iPSCs besides fibroblasts?

Blood mononuclear cells (MNCs).

What is the significance of the Fbx15 gene in iPSC research?

The Fbx15 gene is used as a marker for identifying pluripotent stem cells.

How can iPSCs differentiate in vitro?

iPSCs can differentiate into all three germ layers.

What are the advantages of using blood mononuclear cells for reprogramming?

They are easily isolated and have fewer somatic mutations compared to other cell types.

What is a common method used for delivering reprogramming factors without integrating DNA into the host genome?

Using Sendai RNA virus for reprogramming.

What is direct reprogramming in the context of stem cell biology?

Transforming ESCs or fibroblasts directly into a terminal cell fate using lineage-specific TF cocktails.