dedifferentiate

Dedifferentiation is the process by which a mature, specialized cell loses its distinctive features and reverts to a less specialized or progenitor-like state. In this state, the cell often regains the ability to divide and can give rise to multiple cell types upon subsequent differentiation. Dedifferentiation is distinct from redifferentiation, in which a dedifferentiated cell returns to a more specialized form, and from transdifferentiation, where a mature cell type converts directly into another without an intermediate progenitor.

In plants, dedifferentiation is common and underpins tissue culture and cloning. Differentiated somatic plant cells can re-enter the cell cycle to form callus tissue, which can later differentiate into new organs or tissues. In animals, dedifferentiation is less widespread but has been observed in certain regenerative contexts, such as limb or heart repair in some species, where mature cells revert to a more plastic state or activate resident progenitor cells to contribute to regeneration. Many repair processes instead rely on resident stem or progenitor cells.

Mechanistically, dedifferentiation involves epigenetic remodeling and shifts in gene expression that reactivate stem-cell–associated programs while suppressing specialized traits. Signaling pathways that regulate development, cell-cycle entry, and chromatin structure contribute to these changes.

Artificial dedifferentiation is achieved through cellular reprogramming. Induced pluripotent stem cells are created by introducing transcription factors such as Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc to somatic cells, reversing their differentiation and enabling pluripotency. iPSCs can differentiate into many lineages and serve as models for disease or potential regenerative therapies; however, they carry risks of genomic instability and tumor formation.

Dedifferentiation remains an area of active research in developmental and regenerative biology, with implications for medicine and agriculture.