Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Oct. 18, 2009 - Scientists from Scripps Research Institute have developed a faster and more efficient process for turning regular cells into induced-pluripotent stem cells. Researchers used three chemicals to create 200-times the number of iPS cells in half the time of past techniques.

Oct. 8, 2009 - Researchers have developed several different techniques to activate the four genes needed to transform regular cells into induced pluripotent stem cells. This latest advance involves use of so-called small molecules to replace two of the genes. The researchers hope to overcome any safety concerns with using iPS cells in treatments by replacing all four genes.

July 24, 2009 - Chinese scientists have created live mice by injecting iPS cells into mouse embryos. Researchers say the test proves that iPS cells can function exactly like embryonic stem cells. "This clearly says for the first time that iPS cells pass the most stringent test," said Konrad Hochedlinger, a stem cell researcher at Harvard University.

Apr. 27, 2009 - Scientists at the Scripps Research Institute announced that they were able to transform regular skin cells from mice into cells that have the same properties as embryonic stem cells using proteins. Previously, researchers had been able to create induced pluripotent stem cells by manipulating the genes in skin cells but using proteins is considered safer.

Aug. 2, 2008 - Dr. David Prentice from the Family Research Council writes about the recent advance with turning skin cells from patients with ALS into a neuron similar to the type the disease attacks. This shows for the first time iPS cells can produce specialized cells from a patient with a disease. “The results of this study should put another nail in cloning's coffin,” Dr. Prentice said.

Nov. 20, 2007 - Numerous media outlets reported on breakthrough research by two groups of researchers. Researchers from Kyoto University and the University of Wisconsin in independent experiments reprogrammed human skin cells to make them act like embryonic stem cells. These new cells are called induced pluripotent stem cells. This research was done without killing or cloning human embryos.