ObjectiveTo review the research progress of different ways of stem cells generation and cells dedifferentiation induced by reversine. MethodsThe papers related to reversine inducing cells dedifferentiation and stem cells generation were reviewed. ResultsTo obtain stem cells, there are always some disadvantages via somatic cell nuclear transfer or gene transfection. However reversine, a small molecule, can induce cells dedifferentiation which has unique advantage. But its mechanism is still unclear. ConclusionThe chemical approach for generation of induced pluripotent stem cells by reversine may take the place of other methods.