Generation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) through Cellular Reprogramming

Abstract

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are primarily derived from completely differentiated somatic cells or non-stem cells following molecular induction and cellular reprogramming. Molecular induction, leading to formation of iPSCs, has successfully been accomplished at multiple molecular hierarchies of biomolecules, including DNA, RNA, and Protein, and even using small organic inducer molecules like non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug, Nabumetone, the anticancer drug, 4-hydroxytamoxifen and so on. Such molecular induction leads to almost complete reversal of cellular machinery from differentiated state to undifferentiated state, restoring the immense biological potential which is considerably similar to Embryonic Stem cells (ESCs). This scientific breakthrough and tremendous accomplishment has given researchers rays of hope and equipped them to carry out various preclinical and clinical trials and translate the trial-based findings to design cure for various dreaded and degenerative diseases. Furthermore, its implication also transcends the various biological boundaries wherein it can be employed to slow down the physiological degeneration, such as aging, occurring owing to the cellular senescence and stem cell exhaustion. Besides, iPSCs can also help in understanding the normal development process as well as underlying mechanism leading to diseases. Pursuing research in this direction, various promising results have already been achieved which need to be consolidated and further extended to the next level of translational research. The uses of iPSCs is not only limited to cell-based therapy but have also been extended to the level of biological manufacturing, therapeutic cloning, and biosynthesis wherein several biomolecules, including growth hormones, chemokines, immunological molecules, such as interferon and interleukin of therapeutic significance are being synthesized by iPSCs-derived cells and organs. Moreover, iPSCs-derived cells and tissues are being used for toxicity testing and drug development.