Fig. 2.

Cell fate roadblocks for lineage reprogramming. Cell identity is a function of many parameters including gene expression, epigenetic configuration, protein composition, signaling pathway activity, and metabolism. Several studies suggest that modulation of any of these parameters not only follows but also dictates physiological and induced cell fate changes. It will therefore be essential to devise methods to monitor and potentially modulate all these parameters in order to faithfully generate cells for disease modeling and regenerative medicine