Mechanisms of Direct in vivo Cell Type Conversion in Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract

Reprogramming the identity of cells into desired cell types offers an advantage to treat many types of diseases that are characterized by the loss or dysfunction of a specific cell type. For example, Parkinson’s disease, characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons cells, can be cured if lost dopaminergic neurons cells introduced. Though this idea has been around for a while, the central question is how one can obtain desired cell types that can be transplanted to a patient. Additionally, it is now well established that many cells are refractory to be reprogrammed directly into other cell type even though cell fate inducers introduced. The lack of the ability of cell fate inducers to reprogram cell fates is probably due to the absence of “co-activators” or presence of “inhibitory factors” required for cell reprogramming. My research proposal aims to seek “inhibitory factors” preventing somatic cells to be reprogrammed into neurons, muscles and epithelial cells. Uncovering these inhibitory mechanisms will be critical steps to overcome “refractory barrier“ and may offer new ways for reprogramming cells for cell replacement/cell regeneration strategies.