Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)

Definition

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a type of stem cell that is generated by reprogramming somatic cells to an embryonic-like state, allowing them to differentiate into various cell types. This groundbreaking technology has opened new avenues in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering by providing a source of patient-specific cells that can be used for therapy, drug testing, and disease modeling.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. iPSCs were first developed in 2006 by Shinya Yamanaka and his team, revolutionizing the field of regenerative medicine.
2. Unlike embryonic stem cells, iPSCs do not require the use of embryos, addressing ethical concerns associated with stem cell research.
3. iPSCs can be generated from various types of somatic cells, including skin and blood cells, making them accessible for many patients.
4. The potential applications of iPSCs include modeling diseases, drug discovery, and personalized medicine, as they can be derived from a patient's own cells.
5. Ongoing research focuses on improving the efficiency and safety of iPSC generation and ensuring that these cells do not form tumors when used in therapies.

Review Questions

• How do induced pluripotent stem cells differ from traditional embryonic stem cells in their origin and ethical implications?
  • Induced pluripotent stem cells are created by reprogramming adult somatic cells, such as skin or blood cells, back into a pluripotent state. This process eliminates the need for embryos, which is a significant ethical concern associated with traditional embryonic stem cells. By using iPSCs, researchers can sidestep ethical dilemmas while still harnessing the versatile capabilities of stem cells for therapeutic purposes.
• Discuss the role of reprogramming factors in the generation of iPSCs and how they contribute to cellular differentiation.
  • Reprogramming factors are key genes or proteins that are introduced into somatic cells to induce their transformation into iPSCs. These factors reset the epigenetic state of the cell, allowing it to revert to a pluripotent state. Once reprogrammed, iPSCs can then differentiate into various cell types, which is essential for applications in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering where specific cell types are needed for repair or replacement.
• Evaluate the impact of iPSC technology on personalized medicine and its future prospects within regenerative therapies.
  • The advent of iPSC technology has significantly advanced personalized medicine by enabling tailored treatments based on a patient's unique genetic makeup. As iPSCs can be derived from individual patients, they allow for the development of custom therapies that reduce the risk of immune rejection. Looking ahead, continued research aims to enhance the safety and efficiency of using iPSCs in regenerative therapies, potentially leading to breakthroughs in treating various conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases and heart disease.

Related terms

Pluripotent Stem Cells: Stem cells that have the ability to differentiate into nearly any cell type in the body, giving them potential for diverse applications in regenerative medicine.

Somatic Cells: Any cells in the body that are not sperm or egg cells; these are the cells that can be reprogrammed to create iPSCs.

Reprogramming Factors: Specific genes or proteins introduced into somatic cells that enable the conversion of these cells into iPSCs.