Scripps researchers find safe method to reprogram cells

A group of researchers has been able to reengineer a mature human cell into an embryonic-like state--able to develop into any of a variety of tissues--without genetically manipulating the cell.

Scientists have known for awhile now how to transform a mature cell into an embryonic like player by reprogramming it with four genes that are inserted into the cell through a viral transport. But that process has raised all sorts of safety issues, including the prospect of triggering cancer. This new process, which was undertaken at Scripps Research Institute, uses four proteins associated with the genes, which is believed to be a much safer approach.  

"We engineered these four proteins so that they can penetrate the cell" and return it to a primitive state, Scripps' Sheng Ding tells the Wall Street Journal. Their study was published in Cell Stem Cell. Dr. Ding founded Fate Therapeutics and Stemgent, which have teamed up to commercialize the use of reengineered tissue in drug tests.

Finding a safe way to create a stock of embryonic-like stem cells without having to destroy embryos would remove the controversy around the field and help speed new research activities.

- read the story in the Wall Street Journal

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