Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: Advances and Applications in Regenerative Medicine

Reprogramming adult somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) through the ectopic expression of reprogramming factors offers truly personalized cell-based therapy options for numerous human diseases. The iPSC technology also provides a platform for disease modeling and new drug discoveries. Similar to embryonic stem cells, iPSCs can give rise to any cell type in the body and are amenable to genetic correction. These properties of iPSCs allow for the development of permanent corrective therapies for many currently incurable disorders. In this chapter, we summarize recent progress in the iPSC field with a focus on potential clinical applications of these cells.