Overcoming Reprogramming Induced Senescence

A new STEM CELLS article from Lisa Porter (University of Windsor, Ontario, Canada) reveals an epigenetic mechanism involving the cell cycle regulator SPY1 used by normal fibroblasts to override reprogramming-induced senescence, thereby increasing the number of cells amenable to becoming induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Lubanska et al. note that improving reprogramming efficiencies will support ongoing iPSC-related regenerative approaches and may reveal mechanisms important to normal development and disease states.