How do you determine the best somatic cell type to start with? Fibroblasts are probably the easiest to obtain in a sample, but are there advantages to other types?
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In theory, all somatic cells can be reprogrammed. Usually one would choose a cell source that is easier to obtain and expandable so that you can obtain a large number of starting cells. Fibroblasts fit both criteria and have been widely used. As a result, there are many papers and protocols available for reprogramming fibroblasts. Blood cells are also increasing in popularity, because blood draw is usually a routine procedure, and there are many reagents available for enrichment and expansion of hematopoietic cell types.
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