Title:Advances in the Production and Application of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Volume: 12
Issue: 8
Author(s): Ibrahim Mortada*Nadeem Bilani
Affiliation:
- Medical Faculty, Beirut,Lebanon
Keywords:
Stem cells, pluripotency, bioengineering, reprogramming, genetic vectors, genomic vectors, microfluidics.
Abstract: Background: Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent, meaning they have the capacity to selfrenew
and to differentiate into cells of the 3 germ layers. In 2006, Takahashi et al. reprogrammed somatic
cells into stem cells using exogenetic gene expression. These new cells became known as induced
pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Research continues to develop new tools and techniques in order
to reprogram cells with higher output and quality, so that iPSCs can be used in modeling of human
disorders, drug discovery and of course, regenerative medicine.
Objective: After a brief overview of the basic characteristics of iPSCs, this article will cover the production
and processing techniques of these cells, with a focus on new innovations, as well as their different
uses and potential role in future research.
Conclusion: Progress over the last few years regarding the efficient and safe ways to produce iPSCs
has been tremendous. These cells might open doors regarding the future of precision medicine practices
and research.
