Direct cellular reprogramming and transdifferentiation of fibroblasts on wound healing—Fantasy or reality?

Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology is one of the de novo approaches in regeneration medicine and has led to new research applications for wound healing in recent years. Fibroblasts have attracted wide attention as the first cell line used for differentiation into iPSCs. Researchers have found that fibroblasts can be induced into different types of cells in variable mediums or microenvironments. This indicates the potential “stem” characteristics of fibroblasts in terms of direct cellular reprogramming compared with the iPSC detour. In this review, we described the morphology and biological function of fibroblasts. The stem cell characteristics and activities of fibroblasts, including transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts, osteogenic cells, chondrogenic cells, neurons, and vascular tissue, are discussed. The biological values of fibroblasts are then briefly reviewed. Finally, we discussed the potential applications of fibroblasts in clinical practice. The model of direct cellular reprogramming and the induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) Highlights We described the morphology and biological functions of fibroblasts and discussed the stem cell characteristics and activities of fibroblasts, including transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts, osteogenic cells, chondrogenic cells, neurons, and vascular tissue. The biological value of fibroblasts is also briefly reviewed. Finally, we provided an overview of the potential application of fibroblasts in clinical practice.