Induced cell turnover (ICT) is a theoretical intervention in which the targeted ablation of damaged, diseased, and/or nonfunctional cells is coupled with replacement by partially differentiated induced pluripotent stem cells in a gradual and multiphasic manner. Tissue-specific ablation can be achieved using pro-apoptotic small molecule cocktails, peptide mimetics, and/or tissue-tropic adeno-associated virus-delivered suicide genes driven by cell type-specific promoters. Replenishment with new cells can be mediated by systemic administration of cells engineered for homing, robustness, and even enhanced function and disease resistance. Otherwise, the controlled release of cells can be achieved using implanted biodegradable scaffolds, hydrogels, and polymer matrixes. In theory, ICT would enable in situ tissue regeneration without the need for surgical transplantation of organs produced ex vivo, and addresses non-transplantable tissues (such as the vasculature, lymph nodes, and the nervous system). This article outlines several complimentary strategies for overcoming barriers to ICT in an effort to stimulate further research at this promising interface of cell therapy, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine.
Keywords: biomedical gerontology; cell therapy; geroscience; regenerative medicine; stem cells; tissue engineering.