Genomic stability of human pluripotent stem cells: advances in research and screening criteria

Genetic and acquired genomic abnormalities pose substantial risks to human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), presenting a critical challenge to their safe use in both research and clinical applications. Although hPSCs possess intrinsic regulatory mechanisms that support genomic stability, diverse culture conditions and extended in vitro expansion inevitably give rise to chromosomal and subchromosomal abnormalities. Genomic adaptation during long-term culture, therefore, remains an unavoidable phenomenon. This review synthesizes recent advances in understanding the determinants of hPSC genomic stability and highlights strategies to preserve stem cell quality. Furthermore, it summarizes current screening criteria for defining safe stem cell lines, providing a valuable reference for their translational use. Together, these insights lay the groundwork for improving culture systems, refining monitoring techniques, and guiding the development of safer and more reliable stem cell-based applications in regenerative medicine.