Sripathy Rao, Srinidhi Rao2017-03-142017-03-142016-12https://hdl.handle.net/11299/185068University of Minnesota M.S. thesis. December 2016. Major: Stem Cell Biology. Advisor: James Dutton. 1 computer file (PDF); vii, 45 pages.Reprogramming is the process of converting a somatic cell into a different cell type in a controlled manner without an intermediate pluripotent state, usually by expression of exogenous transcription factors. Here, 3 transcription factors, (Pdx1, Ngn3 and MafA) incorporated in a polycistronic adenoviral vector system (Ad-PNM) was used to directly reprogram cells to beta-like cells that produce insulin in vitro. In addition, the role of innate immunity activation and open chromatin structure during reprogramming is studied to improve overall reprogramming efficiency while using the Ad-PNM adenoviral vector.enBeta-like cellsDirect ReprogrammingViral VectorsThesis or Dissertation