Cells reprogrammed on the computer

By the University of the Luxembourg
August 5, 2013
Guest science at the University of Luxembourg have developed a way to reprogram living cells by computer.

Credit: University of the Luxembourg

The Luxembourg University scientists have developed on computer instructions for reprogramming of cells.

The model predicts that effectively differentiated cells change in completely different types of cells.

"Our theoretical model first queries the databases where large quantities of information about gene actions and their effects are stored and then identifies genes that maintain the stability of differentiated cells," says Isaac Crespo at the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine. "Working in the appropriate folders, the model suggests what genes in the cells of departure must be turned on and off again and when, in order to change them into a different cell type."

Crespo said that the model had made very accurate predictions in the laboratory. The team says that the model could be a huge advantage for regenerative medicine, potentially allow doctors, for example, to reprogram a patient clean healthy skin cells to develop into nerve cells when the nerve becomes ill, and treat conditions such as Parkinson's disease.

The University of the Luxembourg
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