Stem Cell Research Tools

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPS cells or iPSCs) are a type of pluripotent stem cell commonly derived from human somatic cells through genetic modification and integration of specific DNA-transcription factors to reprogram adult human cells to a pluripotent state. It has been suggested that Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and natural pluripotent stem cells, like embryonic stems cells, share identical qualities such as the expression of certain stem cell genes and proteins, chromatin methylation patterns, doubling time, embryoid body formation, teratoma formation, viable chimera formation, and potency and differentiability. However, the full extent of their relation to natural pluripotent stem cells is still being assessed.

Independent laboratories have established the fact that Sox2, c-myc, Lin28, KLF4, and especially Oct4 and Nanog play essential roles in the induction of pluripotent stem cells. Both recombinant adenoviral and lentiviral vectors have been found to be efficient and effective for the application of iPSCs. Ready-to-use vectors and viruses can be helpful in Pluripotent Stem Cell research.

For safety issues related to recombinant lentiviruses please refer to the guidance documents available at the site of Office of Biotechnology Activities (NIH).  Please click here.