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Therapeutic Application of Pluripotent Stem Cells: Challenges and Risks
1Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence, German Center for Lung Research, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
Frontiers in Medicine
|January 10, 2018
Summary
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offer advantages over other stem cells, with significant progress in reprogramming and differentiation. However, challenges in cell maturation and integration remain for clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Cell Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Stem-cell-based therapies are innovative yet complex.
- Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) merge benefits of adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells (ESCs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the advancements and challenges in pluripotent stem cell (PSC) technologies for clinical applications.
- To highlight the current status and future directions of PSC-based cellular therapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of reprogramming technologies.
- Analysis of genome editing techniques for iPSCs and ESCs.
- Assessment of scalable expansion and differentiation protocols.
Main Results:
- Significant progress in iPSC/ESC reprogramming, genome editing, and scalable differentiation.
- Achievement of clinically relevant cell numbers and purity for certain lineages.
- Identification of remaining challenges in cellular subpopulation specification and maturation.
Conclusions:
- Pluripotent stem cell technologies are maturing, with clinical applications being initiated.
- Overcoming hurdles in cell survival and functional integration is crucial for broader therapeutic success.
- PSC technologies hold significant promise for future regenerative medicine.
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