Induced pluripotent stem cells

Definition

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a type of stem cell that can be generated from adult cells through the introduction of specific genes, which reprograms the cells to a pluripotent state. This means they have the ability to develop into any type of cell in the body, making them incredibly valuable for regenerative medicine approaches aimed at neural repair. By utilizing iPSCs, researchers can create patient-specific cell types that may help in repairing damaged neural tissues and treating neurological disorders.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Induced pluripotent stem cells were first developed in 2006 by Shinya Yamanaka, who discovered that four specific transcription factors could reprogram adult fibroblasts into iPSCs.
2. iPSCs can be derived from various adult tissues, including skin and blood, making them easier to obtain compared to embryonic stem cells.
3. Since iPSCs are derived from a patient's own cells, they reduce the risk of immune rejection when used for therapeutic purposes.
4. The ability of iPSCs to differentiate into neural progenitor cells holds promise for treating conditions like Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries, and stroke.
5. Research using iPSCs is advancing our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and facilitating the development of personalized medicine approaches.

Review Questions

• How do induced pluripotent stem cells differ from embryonic stem cells in terms of their source and ethical considerations?
  • Induced pluripotent stem cells are derived from adult somatic cells, such as skin or blood, through genetic reprogramming, while embryonic stem cells are obtained from early-stage embryos. This key difference makes iPSCs ethically more acceptable since they do not involve the destruction of embryos. Additionally, iPSCs allow for patient-specific therapies, minimizing issues related to immune rejection that can occur with embryonic stem cell use.
• Discuss the potential applications of induced pluripotent stem cells in neural repair and the challenges faced in their therapeutic use.
  • Induced pluripotent stem cells have significant potential in neural repair due to their ability to differentiate into various neural cell types. They could be used to generate dopamine-producing neurons for Parkinson's disease or oligodendrocytes for multiple sclerosis treatment. However, challenges remain in ensuring the safe and efficient differentiation of iPSCs into functional neural cells and avoiding tumorigenesis when these cells are transplanted into patients.
• Evaluate the impact of induced pluripotent stem cell technology on future research directions in regenerative medicine and its implications for treating neurological disorders.
  • Induced pluripotent stem cell technology is revolutionizing research in regenerative medicine by providing a more accessible source of pluripotent cells for studying disease mechanisms and testing drug responses. This technology enables scientists to create patient-specific models of neurological disorders, allowing for personalized approaches to treatment. As research advances, iPSCs could lead to breakthroughs in repairing damaged neural tissues, improving outcomes for patients with conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and spinal cord injuries.

Related terms

Pluripotent Stem Cells: Cells that have the ability to differentiate into any cell type of the three germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm.

Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT): A technique used to create a cloned embryo by transferring the nucleus of a somatic cell into an enucleated egg cell, which can also produce pluripotent stem cells.

Regenerative Medicine: A branch of medicine focused on repairing or replacing damaged tissues and organs, often utilizing stem cells and tissue engineering.