Can iPS cells eliminate the need for embryonic stem cells in research?
Although scientists would welcome alternative sources to obtaining pluripotent cells from embryos, they remain the only reliable source. iPS cells share many of the characteristics of embryonic stem cells including pluripotency, but differences remain. One study identified 271 genes that were expressed differently between iPS and embryonic stem cells, and variability in iPS cells has been observed depending on their tissue source. Technological hurdles remain for iPS cells to be used in a clinical setting, because several of the genes used to induce transformation from adult cell to an embryonic-like state are linked to cancer. Work continues on finding safer methods of induction and determining whether iPS cells can fully replace the function and capabilities of true embryonic stem cells. Embryonic stem cells remain the gold standard. If iPS technology (often referred to as “reprogramming”) is to eventually replace embryonic stem cells in research, it will be because the results were
