What Are IPS Cells? Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Center University of Wisconsin-Madison

What are IPS cells? Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Center University of Wisconsin-Madison

n induced pluripotent stem cell, or IPS cell, How do we know induced pluripotent stem is a stem cell that has been created from an cells can match embryonic stem cells? So adult cell such as a skin, liver, stomach or far, induced pluripotent stem cells appear to Aother mature cell through the introduction of genes exhibit the same key features of embryonic that reprogram the cell and transform it into a cell stem cells: the ability to differentiate from a that has all the characteristics of an embryonic stem blank-slate state to any of the 220 types of cell. The term pluripotent connotes the ability of a cells in the human body, and the ability to cell to give rise to multiple cell types, including all reproduce indefinitely in culture. Because in- three embryonic lineages forming the body’s or- duced stem cells are relatively new, however, gans, nervous system, skin, muscle and skeleton. scientists must compare the cells to those obtained from embryos to assess their charac- What are the advantages of induced pluripotent teristics in detail and ensure that there are no stem cells? significant differences.

Bioethics: Induced stem cells have the obvious edge Do induced pluripotent stem cells mean of not having to be derived from human embryos, we no longer need embryonic stem cells? a major ethical consideration. The ability to re- No. It remains to be seen whether repro- program an adult cell to behave like an embryonic grammed cells differ in significant ways from stem cell may also enable scientists to sidestep embryonic stem cells. Comparative studies other controversial methods, notably somatic cell of embryonic and induced pluripotent stem nuclear transfer, also known as cloning, a technique cells are necessary to ensure that they are the that has additional ethical considerations and that same. It is essential for science to explore is extremely difficult to do routinely, as unfertilized the full spectrum of research options to bring human eggs are required. stem cell research to clinical fruition as soon as possible. Genetically matched cell lines: Another critical advantage of induced pluripotent stem cell tech- Co-Directors: Timothy Kamp, M.D., Ph.D.

nology is that, in theory, it allows for the creation William Murphy, Ph.D. of cell lines that are genetically customized to a patient. The issue of immune rejection, in which the Program: Sue Gilbert body’s immune system recognizes implanted cells [email protected] or tissues as foreign and attacks them, is a barrier to the therapeutic application of cell-based therapies. Outreach: Jordana Lenon If cells for therapy can be created using a patient’s [email protected] own cells, the issue can be potentially overcome. Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Center Easier to create: Finally, the other key benefit of 5009 WIMR, 1111 Highland Avenue induced stem cells is that the technique can be Madison, WI 53705 performed in any moderately equipped molecular phone: (608) 265-8668 biology lab and does not require materials — hu- fax: (608) 263-5267 man eggs or embryos — that can be more difficult www.stemcells.wisc.edu to obtain.