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Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that divide and produce different cell types. Ordinarily, cells that have differentiated into a specific cell type are terminally differentiated; however, scientists have found a way to reprogram these mature cells so that they dedifferentiate and return to an unspecialized, proliferative state. These cells are pluripotent like embryonic stem cells—able to produce all cell types—and are called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
Somatic cells are...

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that divide and produce different types of cells. Ordinarily, cells that have differentiated into a specific cell type are post-mitotic—that is, they no longer divide. However, scientists have found a way to reprogram these mature cells so that they “de-differentiate” and return to an unspecialized, proliferative state. These cells are also pluripotent like embryonic stem cells—able to produce all cell types—and are therefore called induced pluripotent stem...

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that divide and produce different types of cells. Ordinarily, cells that have differentiated into a specific cell type are post-mitotic—that is, they no longer divide. However, scientists have found a way to reprogram these mature cells so that they “de-differentiate” and return to an unspecialized, proliferative state. These cells are also pluripotent like embryonic stem cells—able to produce all cell types—and are therefore called induced pluripotent stem...

Embryonic Stem Cells

Embryonic Stem Cells

Embryonic stem (ES) cells are undifferentiated pluripotent cells, meaning they can produce any cell type in the body. This gives them tremendous potential in science and medicine since they can generate specific cell types for use in research or to replace body cells lost due to damage or disease.

Embryonic Stem Cells

Embryonic Stem Cells

Embryonic stem (ES) cells were first discovered in mice in 1981 by Martin Evans. In 1998, James Thomson identified a method to isolate embryonic stem cells from humans. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are obtained from 3-5 day old embryos that remain unused after an in vitro fertilization procedure.
ES cells are grown in a culture medium where they can divide indefinitely, creating ES cell lines. Under certain conditions, ES cells can differentiate, either spontaneously into a variety of...

Source And Potency Of Stem Cells

Source And Potency Of Stem Cells

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells with extensive self-renewal properties that help them maintain their population during the fetal and adult stages of life. They can specialize in all cell types of the human body. However, their differential potential may vary and can be classified into five types. Stem cells can be (1) Totipotent, (2) Pluripotent, (3) Multipotent, (4) Oligopotent, and (5) Unipotent. Each stem cell has a specific origin; the fertilized egg or zygote is a totipotent cell and...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Chemical Reversion of Conventional Human Pluripotent Stem Cells to a Naïve-like State with Improved Multilineage Differentiation Potency

Chemical Reversion of Conventional Human Pluripotent Stem Cells to a Naïve-like State with Improved Multilineage Differentiation Potency

Published on: June 10, 2018

Pluripotent stem cell-derived gametes: truth and (potential) consequences.

Debra J H Mathews¹, Peter J Donovan, John Harris

¹Berman Institute of Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. dmathews@jhmi.edu

|July 3, 2009

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Pluripotent stem cells show potential for creating eggs and sperm. This emerging science raises significant ethical and policy considerations for stem cell-derived gametes.

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Generation of Human Primordial Germ Cell-like Cells at the Surface of Embryoid Bodies from Primed-pluripotency Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Generation of Human Primordial Germ Cell-like Cells at the Surface of Embryoid Bodies from Primed-pluripotency Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Published on: January 11, 2019

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Last Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Chemical Reversion of Conventional Human Pluripotent Stem Cells to a Naïve-like State with Improved Multilineage Differentiation Potency

Chemical Reversion of Conventional Human Pluripotent Stem Cells to a Naïve-like State with Improved Multilineage Differentiation Potency

Published on: June 10, 2018

The Production of Pluripotent Stem Cells from Mouse Amniotic Fluid Cells Using a Transposon System

The Production of Pluripotent Stem Cells from Mouse Amniotic Fluid Cells Using a Transposon System

Published on: February 28, 2017

Generation of Human Primordial Germ Cell-like Cells at the Surface of Embryoid Bodies from Primed-pluripotency Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Generation of Human Primordial Germ Cell-like Cells at the Surface of Embryoid Bodies from Primed-pluripotency Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Published on: January 11, 2019

Area of Science:

Reproductive biology
Stem cell science
Bioethics

Background:

Recent research indicates pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into gametes (eggs and sperm).
This scientific advancement opens new avenues in reproductive medicine and developmental biology.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the current scientific evidence on stem cell-derived gamete formation.
To explore the potential societal and ethical implications of this technology.
To provide recommendations for addressing emerging policy challenges.

Main Methods:

Literature review of current research on stem cell differentiation into gametes.
Analysis of ethical frameworks and policy considerations.
Synthesis of scientific findings with societal impact assessment.

Main Results:

Emerging data supports the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into functional gametes.
Significant ethical questions arise regarding reproductive rights, genetic modification, and accessibility.
Policy frameworks are needed to govern the development and application of this technology.

Conclusions:

Stem cell-derived gametes represent a significant scientific frontier with profound societal implications.
Proactive ethical deliberation and policy development are crucial for responsible innovation.
Further research and public discourse are essential to navigate the complexities of this emerging field.