Organ-Specific Dedifferentiation and Epigenetic Remodeling in In Vivo Reprogramming.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review of preclinical and mechanistic studies without human clinical data.
PubMed 41114535 · doi:10.1111/acel.70268
What was done
This narrative review synthesizes recent literature on in vivo reprogramming using transient expression of the Yamanaka factors (OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, and c-MYC). The authors examined mechanisms across multiple organ systems—including retina, skeletal muscle, heart, liver, brain, and intestine—comparing OSKM-mediated reprogramming with injury-induced dedifferentiation, evaluating epigenetic remodeling, and discussing risk-mitigation strategies such as cyclic induction and targeted delivery.
What was found
The abstract reports no quantitative metrics or numerical data. It qualitatively summarizes evidence that transient OSKM expression can restore regenerative capacity and induce rejuvenation across multiple tissues, while identifying key safety concerns including teratoma formation, organ failure, and loss of cell identity.
Why it matters
This review outlines the organ-specific nuances and safety hurdles of in vivo cellular reprogramming, clarifying the balance between functional regeneration and oncogenic or dedifferentiative risks.
Limits
As a narrative review, it lacks systematic search methodology, formal risk-of-bias evaluation, and meta-analytic pooling. The underlying evidence base is largely restricted to preclinical animal models, and no quantitative effect sizes or safety limits are provided in the abstract.
Cited by
- supports Expressing all four Yamanaka reprogramming factors in vivo inside an animal can induce teratomas.