INDUCED PLURIPOTENT STEM CELL Meaning and
Definition
-
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a type of stem cell that are generated by reprogramming adult somatic cells (such as skin cells) through genetic manipulation. This process involves introducing specific factors into the adult cell's nucleus, which alters the genetic expression and reverts the cell to a pluripotent state. iPSCs resemble embryonic stem cells in their ability to differentiate into different cell types and self-renew, but they are obtained without the need to destroy embryos, making them a highly valuable and ethically less controversial resource in the field of regenerative medicine.
The term "pluripotent" refers to the ability of stem cells to differentiate into any cell type present in the body. iPSCs possess this characteristic, making them highly promising for potential therapeutic applications. By using specific differentiation protocols, iPSCs can be directed to develop into specialized cell types such as neurons, heart cells, liver cells, and more, offering immense potential for repairing damaged tissues and treating a wide range of diseases and conditions.
The discovery of iPSCs has revolutionized the field of regenerative medicine, offering great hope for tissue and organ regeneration, personalized medicine, and drug development. The ability to generate patient-specific iPSCs also opens up new possibilities for disease modeling, as researchers can study the development and progression of various conditions in a controlled laboratory environment. Induced pluripotent stem cells represent a groundbreaking technology that brings us closer to the realization of regenerative medicine's full potential.
