Cell Transdifferentiation: A Challenging Strategy with Great Potential

With the discovery and development of somatic cell nuclear transfer, cell fusion, and induced pluripotent stem cells, cell transdifferentiation research has presented unique advantages and stimulated a heated discussion worldwide. Cell transdifferentiation is a phenomenon by which a cell changes its lineage and acquires the phenotype of other cell types when exposed to certain conditions. Indeed, many adult stem cells and differentiated cells were reported to change their phenotype and transform into other lineages. This article reviews the differentiation of stem cells and classification of transdifferentiation, as well as the advantages, challenges, and prospects of cell transdifferentiation. This review discusses new research directions and the main challenges in the use of transdifferentiation in human cells and molecular replacement therapy. Overall, such knowledge is expected to provide a deep understanding of cell fate and regulation, which can change through differentiation, dedifferentiation, and transdifferentiation, with multiple applications.