Transgene-free induced pluripotent dental stem cells for neurogenic differentiation

Abstract

A stem-cell-based therapy could be the ultimate strategy for the regeneration of degenerated nervous tissues. While neural progenitor cells are limited, the generation of functional nervous tissue cells from non-neural somatic cells (for example, dental stem cells) is highly desired. The recent publication in Stem Cell Research and Therapy by Huang and colleagues is an interesting contribution to this topic. The present commentary puts this paper in context with contemporary reports about (transgene-free) induced pluripotent stem cells and neurogenic differentiation. © 2012 BioMed Central Ltd.