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By: Josephine Ong Seen Yee
Glossary
(Ref: UCLA Stem Cell Research Glossary )
Pluripotent Stem Cells: Cells capable of developing into any cell type in the body, except for extra-embryonic tissues.
Reprogramming: The process of converting differentiated somatic cells into pluripotent stem cells by introducing specific transcription factors.
Somatic Cells: Any cells forming the body, excluding germ cells (sperm and eggs), which are typically differentiated and not pluripotent.
Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a groundbreaking development in stem cell research, offering significant potential for regenerative medicine and research. They are created by reprogramming somatic cells—adult, differentiated cells—into a pluripotent state! This reprogramming process allows iPSCs to develop into almost any cell type in the body, similar to embryonic stem cells (ESCs), but without the ethical concerns associated with using embryos!
According to a detailed review in Stem Cells Translational Medicine (NCBI article), iPSCs are generated by introducing specific transcription factors into somatic cells. These factors typically include Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc, which work together to reprogram the cells. This method was first demonstrated by Shinya Yamanaka and John Gurdon in 2006 and has since revolutionised our approach to studying and treating diseases.
iPSCs have a wide range of applications– they are used in disease modelling, drug discovery, and personalised medication planning! For instance, researchers can derive iPSCs from patients with specific genetic conditions to study disease mechanisms in vitro. Additionally, iPSCs can be used to test the efficacy and safety of new drugs, tailoring treatments to individual genetic profiles.
A recent article in Nature Biomedical Engineering highlights the ongoing advancements and challenges in the field of iPSCs. Researchers are continually improving methods for generating and manipulating iPSCs to enhance their safety and efficacy. One significant advancement is the development of more efficient and less invasive reprogramming techniques, reducing the risks associated with the reprogramming process.
However, challenges remain, particularly concerning the potential for tumorigenicity (the risk of forming tumours) and the consistency of iPSC-derived cells. Researchers are addressing these issues by refining the reprogramming techniques and developing more precise methods for differentiating iPSCs into desired cell types. Ensuring that iPSC-derived cells function correctly and safely in clinical applications is a key focus of current research.
Induced pluripotent stem cells represent a transformative technology in regenerative medicine and disease research. By overcoming the limitations of traditional stem cell sources, iPSCs offer a versatile tool for creating patient-specific models and therapies. While there are still challenges to address, ongoing research is paving the way for more effective and safe applications of iPSCs, potentially revolutionising treatments for a variety of diseases!
Citations
Medvedev, S., Shevchenko, A., & Zakian, S. (2010, July 1). Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: Problems and Advantages when Applying them in Regenerative Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3347549/#:~:text=Induced%20pluripotent%20stem%20cells%20
Cerneckis, J., Cai, H., & Shi, Y. (2024). Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs): molecular mechanisms of induction and applications. Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41392-024-01809-0
Induced pluripotent stem cells | UCLA BSCRC. (n.d.). UCLA BSCRC. https://stemcell.ucla.edu/glossary/induced-pluripotent-stem-cells
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