Induced pluripotent stem cells

Definition

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a type of stem cell that can be generated directly from adult cells through the introduction of specific genes. These cells possess the ability to differentiate into any cell type in the body, making them invaluable for research and potential therapies. iPSCs bridge the gap between adult and embryonic stem cells, offering significant promise for regenerative medicine, drug development, and disease modeling.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. iPSCs were first developed in 2006 by Shinya Yamanaka, earning him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2012.
2. The process of generating iPSCs typically involves the introduction of four key transcription factors: Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc.
3. Unlike embryonic stem cells, iPSCs do not require the use of embryos, alleviating ethical concerns associated with stem cell research.
4. iPSCs can be generated from various adult cell types, including skin cells and blood cells, allowing for patient-specific therapies.
5. Research using iPSCs has advanced our understanding of diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's by enabling the study of disease mechanisms in human cells.

Review Questions

• How do induced pluripotent stem cells differ from embryonic stem cells in terms of origin and ethical considerations?
  • Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are derived from adult somatic cells that have been reprogrammed to a pluripotent state, whereas embryonic stem cells are obtained from early-stage embryos. The generation of iPSCs avoids the ethical dilemmas associated with embryo use since no embryos are harmed or destroyed during their creation. This makes iPSCs a more ethically favorable option for researchers while still retaining the versatility found in embryonic stem cells.
• Discuss the significance of transcription factors in the reprogramming process to create induced pluripotent stem cells.
  • Transcription factors are essential proteins that regulate gene expression and play a pivotal role in reprogramming adult somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Specifically, the introduction of four key transcription factors—Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc—prompts these adult cells to revert to a pluripotent state. By manipulating these factors, researchers can effectively control the reprogramming process, allowing for advancements in regenerative medicine and personalized therapies.
• Evaluate the potential impact of induced pluripotent stem cells on future therapies and medical research.
  • The potential impact of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) on future therapies and medical research is vast. By providing a source of patient-specific stem cells that can differentiate into any cell type, iPSCs hold promise for developing personalized treatments for various diseases, including degenerative disorders. Furthermore, iPSCs enable researchers to model diseases in vitro, leading to a better understanding of disease mechanisms and facilitating drug discovery. Their ability to generate specific cell types could revolutionize transplantation therapies and lead to breakthroughs in treating conditions previously deemed untreatable.

Related terms

Pluripotent Stem Cells: Cells that can give rise to any cell type in the body except for extra-embryonic tissues, crucial for development and therapeutic applications.

Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT): A cloning technique that involves transferring the nucleus of a somatic cell into an enucleated egg cell, used to create embryonic stem cells.

Transcription Factors: Proteins that help turn specific genes on or off by binding to nearby DNA, playing a critical role in the reprogramming of adult cells into iPSCs.