TITLE:
hiPSCs: Reprogramming towards cell-based therapies
AUTHORS:
Phillip E. Woolwine
KEYWORDS:
iPSC; Reprogramming; Small Molecules; Oct4; Epigenetics; Regenerative Medicine; Clinical Regulations
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Regenerative Medicine,
Vol.2 No.3,
August
21,
2013
ABSTRACT: Stem cell therapies show great
potential for use in regenerative medicine, though advancements in safe stem
cell technology need to be realized. Human induced pluripotent stem cells
(hiPSCs) hold an advantage over other stem cell types for use in cell-based
therapies due to their potential as an unlimited source of rejuvenated and
immunocompatible SCs which do not elicit the ethical and moral debates
associated with the destruction of human embryos. Towards realization of this
potential this review focuses on the recent progress in DNA-and xeno-free
reprogramming methods, particularly small molecule methods, as well as
addresses some of the latest insights on donor cell gene expression, telomere
dynamics, and epigenetic aberrations that are a potential barrier to successful
widespread clinical applications.