Summary
Adult cells reprogrammed to a pluripotent state with factors Oct4, Sox2, Klf4 and c-Myc.
In depth
Takahashi and Yamanaka (2006, Nobel 2012) used four factors to reprogram fibroblasts. iPSCs avoid embryo use and allow patient-specific cells but carry risks of tumours and variability.
Reprogramming takes weeks and is inefficient. Integrating viruses were replaced by non-integrating methods for safety. iPSC lines retain some epigenetic memory.
Example: patient-specific iPSCs are used for drug screening in cardiology.
Frequently asked questions
What is Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells?
Adult cells reprogrammed to a pluripotent state with factors Oct4, Sox2, Klf4 and c-Myc.
Which area of biology covers Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells, and how advanced is it?
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells is one of the 54 topics in Developmental Biology. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Reprogramming and Transdifferentiation, Organoids, Cloning.
Can you give an example of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells?
IPSC-derived neurons from patients model Parkinson's disease.
What should I learn before Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells?
Work through the Beginner topics in Developmental Biology first, such as Fertilisation, Zygote, Embryo, then return to Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells?
The closest topics to Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells are Reprogramming and Transdifferentiation, Organoids, Cloning, Embryonic Stem Cells. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. To practise the whole of Developmental Biology, use the Developmental Biology quiz.
How is Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells different from Reprogramming and Transdifferentiation?
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: Adult cells reprogrammed to a pluripotent state with factors Oct4, Sox2, Klf4 and c-Myc. Reprogramming and Transdifferentiation: Converting one cell type to another directly or via an intermediate pluripotent state. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Reprogramming and Transdifferentiation and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Developmental Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.