Induced pluripotent stem cells – in one touch

Stem cell reprogramming is being prepared for industrial scaleElena Novoselova, STRF.ru based on Nature News: Stem-cell induction made simpler
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can now be obtained from mature somatic cells by applying only a single intervention in the genome.

Previously, cell reprogramming was possible only after multiple manipulations using a combination of several genes – Oct4, Sox2, Klf4 and c-Myc. Several retroviruses are used to deliver them to the cell, and the place of embedding these genes into chromosomes is unpredictable.

Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University have proposed a new, more accurate method for obtaining iPSCs, which saves time and money. To do this, the specialists combined the integrated genes on one section of DNA, the so-called cassette, which ensures the embedding of all genes into one locus. Treatment of such somatic cells with the antibiotic doxycycline triggers the expression of the entire gene cassette.

This method is more cost-effective and allows you to reduce time. Experts predict the possibility of commercialization of this cell reprogramming technology in the near future, which will undoubtedly be reflected in cell transplantation. After all, induced pluripotent cells have a huge potential for clinical use and do not have such ethical difficulties as embryonic ones.

The results of the work are published in the journal Nature Methods.

Portal Eternal Youth www.vechnayamolodost.ru16.12.2009