Transdifferentiation Factors
Expression vectors to directly convert one cell type to another

Transdifferentiation Factors

Transdifferentiation (TD) is the direct conversion of one cell type to another. This reprogramming method provides a fast route for creating novel cell types and manufacturing functional tissues. TD enables the generation of patient-specific cell types without the risk of creating potentially tumorigenic induced pluripotent stem cells before differentiation. The TD-Consortium, offered by SBI, includes collections of transcription factors and microRNA precursors built in constitutive or inducible vector formats to allow you to harness the TD technology and advance regenerative medicine research.

Recent History of Transdifferentiation

Transdifferentiation Factors

Transdifferentiation methods

Two classes of factors have been demonstrated to have the ability to cooperate in intricate regulatory circuits either to generate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) or to convert one specific tissue-type of cells into another: Transcription factors and microRNAs.

Example routes to switch cell lineages

Using either transcription factors, microRNAs, or a combination of these expression vectors can enable cell lineage reprogramming through the following validated routes.

transcription factors

Direct Conversion of Fibroblasts to Neurons

SBI's TD clone collection includes the mouse factors known to directly convert fibroblasts to neurons (Ascl1, Brn2, Myt1l, Olig2, and Zic1) as published in Wernig et al., Nature 2010. These vectors are expression-verified and functionally validated to convert mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and tail fibroblasts directly to "Induced Neurons".

Direct Reprogramming: MEF Induced Neuronal Cells

Expression analysis and functional validation of the transdifferentiation factors Ascl1, Brn2, Myt1l, Olig2, and Zic1. Robust transcripts can be detected by RT-PCR and MEF induced neuronal cells using display predicted, complex neuronal morphology and express Tuj1 12 days after infection with five transcription factor lentiviruses.

transcription factors

TD Factors and Known Combinations

TD Factors and Known Combinations...