Mechanism and methods to induce pluripotency

Abstract

Pluripotent stem cells are able to self-renew indefinitely and differentiate into all types of cells in the body. They can thus be an inexhaustible source for future cell transplantation therapy to treat degenerative diseases which currently have no cure. However, non-autologous cells will cause immune rejection. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology can convert somatic cells to the pluripotent state, and therefore offers a solution to this problem. Since the first generation of iPSCs, there has been an explosion of relevant research, from which we have learned much about the genetic networks and epigenetic landscape of pluripotency, as well as how to manipulate genes, epigenetics, and microRNAs to obtain iPSCs. In this review, we focus on the mechanism of cellular reprogramming and current methods to induce pluripotency. We also highlight new problems emerging from iPSCs. Better understanding of the fundamental mechanisms underlying pluripotenty and refining the methodology of iPSC generation will have a significant impact on future development of regenerative medicine.

A novel xeno-free and feeder-cell-free system for human pluripotent stem cell culture

“…4C). These results are consistent with the occurrence of epigenetic remodeling during reprogramming by gene transduction (Yamanaka, 2008;Wang and Na, 2011). In addition, chromosomal G-banding analysis indicated that C1-OSN hiPSCs had a normal (46, XY) karyotype (Fig.…”

Feasibility of intraperitoneal placental‐derived mesenchymal stem cell injection in stomachs of diabetic mice

“…However, stem cells from the placenta and the umbilical cord have advantages of no embryonic germ cells and rare immune reactions after transplantation. Induced pluripotent stem cells from somatic cells have disadvantages of viral transduction with retro or lenti virus and risks of developing tumors due to incomplete silencing of viral transgenes and, therefore, have drawbacks in clinical settings . Adipose or bone marrow derived stem cells are also needed to suppress immune reaction.…”

“…Induced pluripotent stem cells from somatic cells have disadvantages of viral transduction with retro or lenti virus and risks of developing tumors due to incomplete silencing of viral transgenes and, therefore, have drawbacks in clinical settings. 36 Adipose or bone marrow derived stem cells are also needed to suppress immune reaction. The main functional characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are immune modulatory, capacity for self-renewal, and differentiation into tissues of mesodermal origin including enteric smooth muscles.…”

Energy metabolism and energy-sensing pathways in mammalian embryonic and adult stem cell fate

“…When injected into a blastocyst, mouse iPSCs can produce viable chimeras that contribute to germline production (Okita et al, 2007). In the past few years, great strides have been made in generating iPSCs from a variety of mouse and human differentiated cell types using different combinations of reprogramming factors, chemicals and delivery methods (Feng et al, 2009;Wang and Na, 2011). Importantly, iPSCs have been derived from patients that are affected by various diseases (Grskovic et al, 2011), leading to patient-specific in vitro disease modeling.…”