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. This groundbreaking technique allows these cells to revert to a pluripotent state, meaning they can differentiate into nearly any cell type in the body. This innovation has revolutionized regenerative medicine and gene therapy, opening new avenues for disease modeling, drug development, and potential treatments for various conditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. iPSCs were first developed in 2006 by Shinya Yamanaka, who discovered how to reprogram mouse fibroblasts using four key transcription factors.
2. Unlike embryonic stem cells, iPSCs can be generated without the use of embryos, alleviating ethical concerns surrounding stem cell research.
3. iPSCs have significant potential in personalized medicine, as they can be derived from a patient's own cells, reducing the risk of immune rejection in therapies.
4. Research on iPSCs is being conducted to understand various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders and heart disease, by creating patient-specific disease models.
5. iPSCs also hold promise in drug discovery and testing, allowing researchers to screen new treatments using human cells that accurately reflect a patient's condition.

Review Questions

• How did the discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells change our understanding of cellular differentiation?
  • The discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells challenged the long-held belief that once a cell differentiates into a specific cell type, it cannot revert back to a more primitive state. iPSCs demonstrated that adult somatic cells could be reprogrammed into pluripotent cells capable of differentiating into various cell types. This breakthrough not only enhanced our understanding of cellular plasticity but also opened up new possibilities for regenerative medicine and therapeutic applications.
• Discuss the ethical implications of using induced pluripotent stem cells compared to embryonic stem cells.
  • Using induced pluripotent stem cells presents fewer ethical concerns than using embryonic stem cells because iPSCs can be derived from adult somatic cells without involving embryos. This eliminates debates over the moral status of embryos and provides a more ethically acceptable avenue for research and therapy. However, discussions still exist regarding consent and the potential risks associated with genetic manipulation involved in reprogramming these cells.
• Evaluate the potential impact of induced pluripotent stem cells on future therapies in regenerative medicine and gene therapy.
  • Induced pluripotent stem cells have the potential to significantly impact future therapies by providing an abundant source of patient-specific cells for regeneration and repair of damaged tissues. In regenerative medicine, iPSCs could be used to generate replacement tissues for conditions like heart disease or spinal cord injuries, enhancing healing processes. Additionally, in gene therapy, iPSCs offer a platform for correcting genetic defects in somatic cells, potentially leading to treatments tailored specifically to an individual's genetic makeup. This personalized approach could revolutionize how we treat diseases at a fundamental level.

Related terms

Pluripotency: The ability of a stem cell to differentiate into any type of cell in the body, excluding extra-embryonic tissues.

Somatic cells: Any non-reproductive cells in the body that make up the tissues and organs, which can be reprogrammed to form iPSCs.

Reprogramming factors: Specific genes that are introduced into somatic cells to induce their transformation into induced pluripotent stem cells.