Reprogram

Reprogram means to change the programmed instructions governing a system to a different state or identity. In computing and electronics, reprogramming involves modifying software or firmware to alter a device's behavior, often by installing new code, changing configuration, or reflashing firmware.

Biology and medicine use the term to describe changing a cell's fate or identity. Somatic cell reprogramming can generate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by introducing transcription factors such as Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc, reversing differentiation state. Direct reprogramming or transdifferentiation converts one mature cell type into another without passing through a pluripotent stage, enabling potential regenerative therapies.

Neural reprogramming aims to convert glial cells or other cells into neurons. These approaches hold promise for treating neurodegenerative diseases and injuries, but face challenges including incomplete reprogramming, genetic instability, and tumorigenicity.

In research and medicine, reprogramming is used for modeling diseases, drug screening, and developing regenerative strategies. In computing, it is common to reconfigure or replace firmware and software to change functionality, improve performance, or fix vulnerabilities.

The term derives from the root program and has been widely used since the demonstration of iPSCs in the early 2000s, with ongoing advances in methods, efficiency, and safety considerations.