Yamanaka genes refer to a set of four specific genes that are critical in the process of cellular reprogramming, enabling the transformation of differentiated cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). These genes were identified by Shinya Yamanaka, a Japanese scientist, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2012 for this groundbreaking discovery.
The four Yamanaka genes are:
- Oct4 (Pou5f1): Plays a crucial role in maintaining the pluripotency of stem cells.
- Sox2: Works alongside Oct4 to regulate the expression of genes necessary for pluripotency.
- Klf4: Functions in cell proliferation and differentiation and helps in maintaining stem cell identity.
- c-Myc: A gene involved in cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and cellular transformation.
By introducing these four genes into a somatic (differentiated) cell, scientists can reprogram it back to a pluripotent state, meaning the cell can then differentiate into any cell type in the body. This technique holds significant potential for regenerative medicine, disease modeling, and drug discovery.
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