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Updated: May 8, 2026
13:23
Selecting and Isolating Colonies of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Reprogrammed from Adult Fibroblasts
Published on: February 20, 2012
Back to the future: how human induced pluripotent stem cells will transform regenerative medicine
Human Molecular Genetics
|August 16, 2013
Summary
Scientists can now reprogram adult human cells into induced pluripotent stem cells, offering new avenues for regenerative medicine and potentially impacting human aging research.
Area of Science:
- Stem cell biology
- Regenerative medicine
- Genetics
Background:
- Adult human cells retain the potential for pluripotency.
- Cellular differentiation was previously considered largely irreversible.
- Recent advancements challenge the fixed nature of cell differentiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss recent developments in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology.
- To explore the applications of iPSCs in regenerative medicine.
- To examine the potential impact of iPSCs on human aging.
Main Methods:
- Reprogramming adult somatic cells to a pluripotent state.
- Utilizing induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for therapeutic applications.
- Genome editing techniques for cell modification.
Main Results:
- Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be generated from adult human cells.
- This technology enables the creation of functional cells for therapeutic use.
- Potential for autologous transplantation and personalized medicine.
Conclusions:
- Induced pluripotent stem cell technology represents a significant breakthrough in regenerative medicine.
- The ability to reprogram cells opens new possibilities for treating diseases.
- Further research may elucidate the impact of iPSCs on human aging and longevity.
Related Concept Videos
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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...
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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...
01:06Induced 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...
Somatic cells are...
01:22iPS Cell Differentiation
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01:17Stem 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...
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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.