Cell reprogramming is a process that induces differentiated cells into the totipotency state, embryonic stem cell lines, or even new ones under certain conditions. The source of seed cells can be solved by inducing somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells(iPSC). Changes in the microenvironment, such as oxidative stress, hypoxia, and heat treatment, may induce the activation of core transcription factors and trigger the process of reprogramming, which can prompt the differentiated somatic cells into undifferentiated progenitor/stem cells. Dental pulp cells and periodontal ligament cells possess stem cell-like properties and are possible cell sources for dental regeneration. Dental pulp is usually exposed to ischemia in case of injury or inflammation. Ischemia stimulates the expression of reprogramming markers and rejuvenates the loss of regeneration ability. It is a new way to induce somatic cells into iPSC through the changes in microenvironment that could prompt the differentiated somatic cells into undifferentiated progenitor/stem cells. In this paper, cell reprogramming and its influencing factors, as well as the influence of microenvironment changes on dental stem cell dedifferentiation, are revieweds.
