HIHG Centers : Stem Cell Research Subdivision
Stem Cell Research Subdivision
Stem cells hold tremendous potential for the treatment and understanding of disease. Traditionally this has meant the use of stem cells derived from embryos. However, new technologies have been developed that facilitate the derivation of cell which has stem cell-like properties that differentiate from somatic cells. This reprogramming of adult somatic cells is made possible through the introduction of several cellular factors that promote stem cell characteristics. The treatment of the cell over an extended period of time (typically 21 to 30 days) will allow a fraction of the cells to adopt a stem cell morphology and gene expression profiles. Once these cells are derived they can be differentiated into a variety of different cell types, including cells of the immune system, muscle cells and neurons. These new technologies provide the opportunity to derive stem cells, termed induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS), from adult tissue (eg. skin-derived fibroblasts). These iPS cells will have the identical genetic make-up as the individual from which the cells were derived. These patient-specific stem cells can than be used to model the impact that distinct genetic events have on the pathogenesis of disease. The development of these resources will serve as an important stepping stone in helping to understand the pathophysiology.