Epigenetic rejuvenation by partial reprogramming

BioEssays, vol. 45, pp. e2200208

Abstract

Rejuvenation of cells by reprogramming toward the pluripotent state raises increasing attention. In fact, generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) completely reverses age-associated molecular features, including elongation of telomeres, resetting of epigenetic clocks and age-associated transcriptomic changes, and even evasion of replicative senescence. However, reprogramming into iPSCs also entails complete de-differentiation with loss of cellular identity, as well as the risk of teratoma formation in anti-ageing treatment paradigms. Recent studies indicate that partial reprogramming by limited exposure to reprogramming factors can reset epigenetic ageing clocks while maintaining cellular identity. So far, there is no commonly accepted definition of partial reprogramming, which is alternatively called interrupted reprogramming, and it remains to be elucidated how the process can be controlled and if it resembles a stable intermediate state. In this review, we discuss if the rejuvenation program can be uncoupled from the pluripotency program or if ageing and cell fate determination are inextricably linked. Alternative rejuvenation approaches with reprogramming into a pluripotent state, partial reprogramming, transdifferentiation, and the possibility of selective resetting of cellular clocks are also discussed.

Authors 2

1. Deepika Puri corresponding Aachen Institute for Stem Cell Biology Medical Faculty

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Helmholtz‐Institute for Biomedical Engineering RWTH Aachen University Medical Faculty Aachen Germany

   Institute for Stem Cell Biology RWTH Aachen University Medical School Aachen Germany

   Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Medical Faculty, Aachen, Germany

   Institute for Stem Cell Biology, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, Aachen, Germany

2. Wolfgang Wagner corresponding Aachen Institute for Stem Cell Biology Medical Faculty

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Helmholtz‐Institute for Biomedical Engineering RWTH Aachen University Medical Faculty Aachen Germany

   Institute for Stem Cell Biology RWTH Aachen University Medical School Aachen Germany

   Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Medical Faculty, Aachen, Germany

   Institute for Stem Cell Biology, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, Aachen, Germany