A method of obtaining a neural multipotent, unipotent or somatic cell, including : i) providing a cell of a first type which is not a neural multipotent, unipotent or somatic cell; ii) increasing expression of at least one neural multipotent or unipotent gene regulator in the cell of a first type, to a level at which the at least one neural multipotent or unipotent gene regulator is capable of driving transformation of the cell of a first type into the neural multipotent, unipotent or somatic cell, wherein the at least one multipotent or unipotent gene regulator is Musashi1 (Msi1), Neurogenin 2 (Ngn2), or both Msi1 and Ngn2; and iii) placing or maintaining the cell in a neural cell culture medium and maintaining sufficient intracellular levels of the at least one multipotent or unipotent gene regulator for a sufficient period of time to allow a stable neural multipotent, unipotent or somatic cell to be obtained.