Adult stems cells, possessing the ability to grow, migrate, proliferate, and transdifferentiate into various specific phenotypes, constitute a great asset for peripheral nerve regeneration. Adult stem cells' ability to undergo transdifferentiation is sensitive to various cell‐to‐cell interactions and external stimuli involving interactions with physical, mechanical, and chemical cues within their microenvironment. Various studies have employed different techniques for transdifferentiating adult stem cells from distinct sources into specific lineages (e.g., glial cells and neurons). These techniques include chemical and/or electrical induction as well as cell‐to‐cell interactions via co‐culture along with the use of various 3D conduit/scaffold designs. Such scaffolds consist of unique materials that possess controllable physical/mechanical properties mimicking cells' natural extracellular matrix. However, current limitations regarding non‐scalable transdifferentiation protocols, fate commitment of transdifferentiated stem cells, and conduit/scaffold design have required new strategies for effective stem cells transdifferentiation and implantation. In this progress report, a comprehensive review of recent advances in the transdifferentiation of adult stem cells via different approaches along with multifunctional conduit/scaffolds designs is presented for peripheral nerve regeneration. Potential cellular mechanisms and signaling pathways associated with differentiation are also included. The discussion with current challenges in the field and an outlook toward future research directions is concluded.

中文翻译：

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控制成年干细胞分化为周围神经再生的研究进展

成年干细胞具有生长，迁移，增殖和转分化为各种特定表型的能力，是外周神经再生的重要资产。成年干细胞进行转分化的能力对各种细胞间相互作用和外部刺激敏感，这些刺激涉及在其微环境中与物理，机械和化学线索的相互作用。各种研究已经采用了不同的技术将成年干细胞从不同的来源转分化为特定的谱系（例如神经胶质细胞和神经元）。这些技术包括化学和/或电感应以及通过共培养以及使用各种3D导管/支架设计的细胞间相互作用。这种支架由独特的材料组成，这些材料具有可控的物理/机械特性，可模仿细胞的天然细胞外基质。然而，当前关于不可扩展的转分化方案，转分化干细胞的命运承诺以及导管/支架设计的局限性要求有效的干细胞转分化和植入的新策略。在此进展报告中，对通过周围神经再生的不同途径以及多功能导管/支架设计对成人干细胞进行转分化的最新进展进行了全面的综述。还包括与分化相关的潜在细胞机制和信号传导途径。