iPSC From Animal Cells

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are somatic cells dedifferentiated to an embryonic stem cell (ESC) state by forced expression of specific exogenous genes/factors. Discovery of iPSCs was first reported in laboratory mice, and continued studies in this animal model have resulted in improved technical and scientific understanding of this cell fate reprogramming process. Moreover, studies on iPSCs derived from mouse cells have paved the way for preclinical studies exploring potential for regenerative approaches in treating a variety of conditions that may be translatable to human medicine.

The core mechanisms underlying iPSC generation are conserved across different mammalian species examined to date, and iPSCs have been reported from numerous species—companion animals to endangered wildlife. Depending on the species, different novel applications have been proposed for iPSCs and ...