Direct Reprogramming to Vascular Cells: A Mini-Review

Recent advances in the field of direct reprogramming have changed the way we see and study the plasticity of somatic cells. Many research groups worldwide are developing techniques with which one cell type is directly converted into another without passing through an intermediate multipotent stem cell-like state. Ectopic overexpression of transcription factors, microRNAs, epigenetic and metabolic regulators, even exosomal particles, have been proven sufficient in yielding a variety of cell types from fibroblasts, with neurons, hepatocytes, cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells and hematopoietic progenitor cells being amongst them. These studies have been an inspiration for creating new approaches in regenerative medicine, especially in the field of cardiovascular biology. Developing novel methods of regenerating the damaged myocardium and endothelium are crucial to millions of patients worldwide suffering from diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In the present study, we aim to review the progress of direct reprogramming and discuss the possible applications of this technology in regenerative therapy, disease modelling and drug discovery.