Bernal, Juan Antonio2019-06-132019-06-132013-12J Cardiovasc Transl Res. 2013; 6(6):956-681937-5387http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12105/7771The therapeutic potential of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is well established. Safety concerns remain, however, and these have driven considerable efforts aimed at avoiding host genome alteration during the reprogramming process. At present, the tools used to generate human iPSCs include (1) DNA-based integrative and non-integrative methods and (2) DNA-free reprogramming technologies, including RNA-based approaches. Because of their combined efficiency and safety characteristics, RNA-based methods have emerged as the most promising tool for future iPSC-based regenerative medicine applications. Here, I will discuss novel recent advances in reprogramming technology, especially those utilizing the Sendai virus (SeV) and synthetic modified mRNA. In the future, these technologies may find utility in iPSC reprogramming for cellular lineage-conversion, and its subsequent use in cell-based therapies.engVoRhttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/AnimalsCell DifferentiationCell LineageCellular ReprogrammingEpigenesis, GeneticGene Expression Regulation, DevelopmentalGenetic VectorsHumansInduced Pluripotent Stem CellsMicroRNAsRNARNA, MessengerSendai virusTranscription FactorsGene Transfer TechniquesAtribución 4.0 Internacional2385258266956-6810.1007/s12265-013-9494-81937-5395Journal of cardiovascular translational researchopen access