THOMAS GRAF EXPLAINS HOW TO REPROGRAM CELLS ON EUROSTEMCELL SITE
The Differentiation and Cancer Programme coordinator at the Centre for Genomic Regulation, Prof. Thomas Graf, has published a commentary titled “Cell replacement therapies: iPS technology or transdifferentiation?” on the EuroStemCell website.
The article explains, in broad terms and using easy language, the main techniques for cell reprogramming. In other words, it talks about how to convert one cell type into another. Thomas Graf explains the technique that allows us to reprogramme somatic cells into pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells). This technique was developed by Yamanaka in 2006. He also describes the transdifferentiation technique, which involves converting a somatic cell directly into another specialized cell type.
Thomas Graf details both techniques and analyzes their advantages and limitations regarding their use for medical purposes. Recent advances in stem cell research have opened up new routes to personalized cell therapies and could be really useful for treating some diseases such as Parkinson's or improving organ transplantation. 
Please, read the complete commentary on EuroStemCell or find further information about Thomas Graf research on the CRG website.
EuroStemCell is a European project launched in 2010. It gathers more than 90 European stem cell and regenerative medicine research labs. It is funded by the EU 7th Framework Programme and its aim is to make research on stem cells and regenerative medicine accessible to everybody. This is why scientists, clinicians, ethicists, science communicators, teachers and patient representatives work together in EuroStemCell. The Centre for Genomic Regulation is the only Spanish partner in this project.