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Related Concept Videos

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells01:13

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 Cells01:06

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 Cells01:13

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...
iPS Cell Differentiation01:22

iPS Cell Differentiation

The ability of induced pluripotent stem cells or iPSCs to differentiate into most body cell types has stimulated repair and regenerative medicine research over the past few decades. iPSC-derived blood cells, hepatocytes, beta islet cells, cardiomyocytes, neurons, and other cell types can repair injuries or regenerate damaged tissue in diseases such as diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders.
Stem Cell Culture01:17

Stem Cell Culture

Stem cell research aims to find ways to use stem cells to regenerate and repair cellular damage. Over time, most adult cells undergo the wear and tear of aging and lose their ability to divide and repair themselves. Stem cells do not display a particular morphology or function. Adult stem cells, which exist as a small subset of cells in most tissues, keep dividing and can differentiate into a number of specialized cells generally formed by that tissue. These cells enable the body to renew and...
EPS and iPS Cells in Disease Research01:21

EPS and iPS Cells in Disease Research

Embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells are excellent models for disease research because of their ability to self-renew and differentiate into most cell types. Somatic cells from a patient are isolated and reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells or iPSCs. These iPSCs are later differentiated into the desired cell type, which mirrors the diseased cell of the patient. In this way, disease models have been created for investigating diseases such as Down syndrome, type I diabetes,...

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Isolation of Adult Human Dermal Fibroblasts from Abdominal Skin and Generation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Using a Non-Integrating Method
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Isolation of Adult Human Dermal Fibroblasts from Abdominal Skin and Generation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Using a Non-Integrating Method

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Induced pluripotent stem cells: past, present, and future.

Shinya Yamanaka1

  • 1Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.

Cell Stem Cell
|June 19, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) emerged from the convergence of key scientific fields, sparking new research avenues. Ongoing scientific debate questions whether iPSCs are functionally equivalent to embryonic stem cells (ESCs).

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Isolation of Adult Human Dermal Fibroblasts from Abdominal Skin and Generation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Using a Non-Integrating Method
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Isolation of Adult Human Dermal Fibroblasts from Abdominal Skin and Generation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Using a Non-Integrating Method

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Generation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells from Frozen Buffy Coats using Non-integrating Episomal Plasmids
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Scalable 96-well Plate Based iPSC Culture and Production Using a Robotic Liquid Handling System
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Scalable 96-well Plate Based iPSC Culture and Production Using a Robotic Liquid Handling System

Published on: May 14, 2015

Area of Science:

  • Stem cell biology
  • Reproductive medicine
  • Developmental biology

Background:

  • Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) represent a significant advancement, merging distinct scientific disciplines.
  • Their development has opened novel avenues for biological investigation and therapeutic exploration.
  • A persistent scientific discussion revolves around the functional equivalence of iPSCs compared to embryonic stem cells (ESCs).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically evaluate the scientific evidence regarding the functional equivalence of iPSCs and ESCs.
  • To delineate the current understanding of iPSC and ESC characteristics.
  • To address the ongoing debate using empirical data rather than external influences.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of studies comparing iPSC and ESC functionality.
  • Analysis of key differentiation markers and developmental potential.
  • Evaluation of epigenetic profiles and genomic stability.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests similarities in differentiation potential but highlights subtle differences in specific contexts.
  • Epigenetic reprogramming in iPSCs may not fully replicate ESC states in all aspects.
  • Functional equivalence remains a nuanced question dependent on specific assays and applications.

Conclusions:

  • The scientific community must continue rigorous investigation to resolve the iPSC vs. ESC functional debate.
  • Future research should focus on standardizing assays to definitively compare iPSC and ESC capabilities.
  • Resolution of this question requires objective scientific consensus, independent of commercial or political pressures.