Cell fusion for reprogramming pluripotencyToward elmination of the pluripotent genome

Embryonic stem cell (ESC) technology should enable the generation of specific cell types for the study and treatment of human diseases. Therapeutic cloning provides a way to generate ESCs genetically matched to diseased individuals through nuclear reprogramming of the somatic genome. However, practical and ethical limitations associated with therapeutic cloning are calling for the development of oocyte- and-embryo-free alternatives for obtaining of autologous pluripotent cells for transplantation therapy. An alternative approach to reprogram the somatic genome involves fusion between somatic and pluripotent cells. Potential fusion partners with reprogrmaming activities include embryonal carcinoma cells, embryonic germ cells, and ESCs.