Induced pluripotency of mouse and human somatic cells.

The identification of transcription factors to induce pluripotency directly in somatic cells has given researchers a unique platform on which to dissect the mechanisms underlying epigenetic reprogramming. In addition, induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells have enabled the derivation of patient-specific cells for the study and potential treatment of a variety of diseases. Here, we discuss recent discoveries in the reprogramming field including work from our own laboratory.