Abstract: The present invention is directed, in part, to methods and compositions comprising inhibitors of micro RNA-145 and activators of the TGF-? signaling pathway to permit reprogramming using only small molecule compounds. Also described herein are methods to distinguish cancer cells or cells having cancerous potential in human iPS cell populations, based on determining the balance of p21-p53 expression levels, or ratio thereof in reprogrammed cells. In further aspects, methods and compositions to cause redifferentiation of a hepatoma cell to a hepatocye-like cell using acyclic retinoid and inhibitors of AKR1B10 are provided.