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World J Stem Cells. Nov 26, 2014; 6(5): 620-628
Published online Nov 26, 2014. doi: 10.4252/wjsc.v6.i5.620
Published online Nov 26, 2014. doi: 10.4252/wjsc.v6.i5.620
Cell signalling pathways underlying induced pluripotent stem cell reprogramming
Kate Hawkins, Shona Joy, Tristan McKay, Molecular Cell Sciences, St George’s University of London, London SW17 0RE, United Kingdom
Author contributions: All the authors solely contributed to this paper.
Correspondence to: Dr. Kate Hawkins, Molecular Cell Sciences, St George’s University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, United Kingdom. k.hawkins@sgul.ac.uk
Telephone: +44-20-87253646
Received: July 23, 2014
Revised: September 5, 2014
Accepted: September 17, 2014
Published online: November 26, 2014
Revised: September 5, 2014
Accepted: September 17, 2014
Published online: November 26, 2014
Core Tip
Core tip: Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells present great promise, both to research and to medicine. However, we know very little regarding the mechanisms that occur throughout the iPS cell reprogramming process and thus the process remains inefficient. In this review, we discuss the 3 stages of reprogramming, initiation, maturation and stabilisation, and clarify the signalling pathways underlying each phase. We draw together the current knowledge to propose a model for the interactions between the key pathways in iPS cell reprogramming with the aim of illuminating this complex yet fascinating process.