Therapeutic transdifferentiation: a novel approach for vascular disease.

Abstract

Emerging evidence indicates that overexpression of a few “master regulators” can dramatically alter cell type (transdifferentiation), in a process called direct reprogramming. The recent reprogramming of human fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells augurs a new era in cardiovascular medicine by increasing the feasibility of cardiovascular regenerative therapy.