Induced pluripotent stem cells

Definition

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a type of stem cell that can be generated from adult cells through the introduction of specific genes that reprogram the cells back to an embryonic-like state. This groundbreaking technique allows scientists to create patient-specific stem cells, which can potentially be used for personalized medicine, drug testing, and regenerative therapies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. iPSCs were first developed in 2006 by Shinya Yamanaka, who introduced four key transcription factors into mouse fibroblasts to revert them to a pluripotent state.
2. The ability of iPSCs to differentiate into various cell types makes them invaluable for modeling diseases and testing new drugs without needing human or animal subjects.
3. Since iPSCs can be derived from a patient’s own cells, they hold great promise for reducing the risk of immune rejection in transplantation therapies.
4. Research using iPSCs has led to advancements in understanding complex diseases such as Parkinson's and diabetes, enabling scientists to study disease mechanisms at a cellular level.
5. Ethical concerns associated with the use of embryonic stem cells are mitigated with iPSCs, as they do not involve the destruction of embryos, making them a more acceptable alternative for research.

Review Questions

• How do induced pluripotent stem cells differ from embryonic stem cells in terms of origin and ethical implications?
  • Induced pluripotent stem cells are derived from adult somatic cells that have been reprogrammed to an embryonic-like state, whereas embryonic stem cells are obtained from early-stage embryos. The use of iPSCs avoids the ethical concerns associated with the destruction of embryos, making them a more favorable option in research and therapeutic applications. This difference in origin not only impacts ethical considerations but also opens up new possibilities for personalized medicine by using a patient's own cells.
• Discuss the role of induced pluripotent stem cells in personalized medicine and how they can contribute to drug testing.
  • Induced pluripotent stem cells play a crucial role in personalized medicine by allowing for the generation of patient-specific cells that can be used for drug testing and development. By creating iPSCs from an individual's own tissues, researchers can assess how that person's unique cellular makeup responds to different treatments. This approach helps identify effective therapies tailored to the individual’s genetic profile and can significantly enhance the safety and efficacy of medications before they are administered.
• Evaluate the potential impact of induced pluripotent stem cells on regenerative medicine and their future implications for treating complex diseases.
  • Induced pluripotent stem cells have the potential to revolutionize regenerative medicine by providing a source of versatile cells that can repair or replace damaged tissues and organs. Their ability to differentiate into various cell types positions them as powerful tools in treating complex diseases such as heart disease, spinal cord injuries, and neurodegenerative disorders. As research continues to advance in this field, the future implications could lead to innovative therapies that improve recovery outcomes and quality of life for patients suffering from previously untreatable conditions.

Related terms

Pluripotent stem cells: Stem cells that have the ability to differentiate into nearly any cell type in the body, making them crucial for developmental processes and potential therapies.

Somatic cell nuclear transfer: A cloning technique that involves transferring the nucleus of a somatic cell into an oocyte, resulting in the creation of an embryonic-like stem cell.

CRISPR technology: A gene-editing technology that allows for precise modifications to DNA, which can be utilized in conjunction with iPSCs to correct genetic disorders.