高效诱导人干细胞英文缩写

细胞储存保鲜的实践案例 2023年05月11日 09:11 380 im

Introduction

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a type of cells that can be artificially created from non-pluripotent cells, such as skin or blood cells. By using genetic reprogramming techniques, researchers can coax these cells into becoming pluripotent, which means they have the potential to develop into any cell type in the body. iPSCs have revolutionized the field of regenerative medicine, as they can be used to create patient-specific therapies for many diseases. However, the process of inducing pluripotency in cells is not always efficient or reliable. In this article, we will explore some of the strategies that researchers are using to improve the efficiency of iPSC induction.

1. Reprogramming Factors

One of the key factors that determines the efficiency of iPSC induction is the choice of reprogramming factors. These are the genes or proteins that are introduced into non-pluripotent cells to trigger their transformation into iPSCs. The four classic reprogramming factors are Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc, which were first identified by Shinya Yamanakas lab in 2006. However, over the years, other reprogramming factors have been discovered or engineered that may be more efficient at inducing pluripotency. For instance, some researchers have found that using Nanog or Esrrb along with the classic four factors can improve the quality and yield of iPSCs. Others have developed synthetic transcription factors or small molecules that mimic the effects of the natural ones.

2. Delivery Methods

Another crucial factor in iPSC induction is the method of delivering the reprogramming factors into the target cells. The most common methods are viral vectors, which are viruses that have been modified to carry the reprogramming factors and infect the cells with them. However, viral vectors can cause unintended mutations or inflammation, and they may not be efficient at delivering the factors to all the cells. Other delivery methods that have been explored include plasmid transfection, protein transduction, electroporation, and RNA transfection. Each of these methods has its advantages and drawbacks, and researchers are still working on optimizing them for iPSC induction.

3. Culture Conditions

In addition to the reprogramming factors and delivery methods, the culture conditions of the target cells can also influence the efficiency of iPSC induction. The cells need to be in an environment that supports their growth and differentiation, while also allowing the reprogramming factors to do their job. For instance, the cells need to be at a low density, as high-density cells can inhibit reprogramming. They also need to be in a medium that contains specific factors that promote pluripotency, such as leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) or basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). Researchers are constantly testing new culture conditions and media formulations to find the optimal combination for each cell type and reprogramming method.

4. Epigenetic Modifications

Finally, epigenetic modifications are another important aspect of iPSC induction that can affect its efficiency. Epigenetics refers to the changes in gene expression that are not due to alterations in the DNA sequence, but rather to modifications of the DNA itself or the proteins around it. These modifications can be heritable and can influence the fate of cells during development and differentiation. In iPSC induction, epigenetic modifications play a critical role in resetting the epigenetic landscape of the target cells to a pluripotent state. However, some cells may have more stubborn or resistant epigenetic marks that hinder their reprogramming. To address this issue, researchers are using various epigenetic modifiers, such as DNA methyltransferase inhibitors or histone deacetylase inhibitors, to erase or modify these marks and facilitate iPSC induction.

Conclusion

Inducing pluripotency in cells is a complex process that requires careful manipulation of many factors. However, by improving the reprogramming factors, delivery methods, culture conditions, and epigenetic modifications, researchers are steadily increasing the efficiency and reliability of iPSC induction. These advances hold great promise for the field of regenerative medicine, as they offer new opportunities for creating patient-specific treatments for many debilitating diseases.