We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
RANDOX LABORATORIES

Download Mobile App




Induced Stem Cells Show Genetic Abnormalities Not Found in Embryonic Stem Cells

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 15 Jul 2014
Print article
Image: Scanning electron micrograph of cultured human neuron from induced pluripotent stem cell (Photo courtesy of the University of California, San Diego).
Image: Scanning electron micrograph of cultured human neuron from induced pluripotent stem cell (Photo courtesy of the University of California, San Diego).
All stem cells are not created equal: genomic evaluation revealed that the genome of stem cells generated from adult cells (induced pluripotent stem cells or iPS cells) differed considerably from that of "gold standard" human embryonic stem cells (ES cells).

Human pluripotent stem cells hold potential for regenerative medicine, but available cell types have significant limitations. Although ES cells from in vitro fertilized embryos (IVF ES cells) represent the "gold standard," they are genetically distinct from likely transplant recipients, and their use is compromised by ethical and logistical considerations. While autologous iPS cells are freely obtainable, they are prone to epigenetic and transcriptional aberrations.

A team of researchers from the University of California, San Diego (USA), Oregon Health & Science University (Portland, USA) and the Salk Institute for Biological Studies (La Jolla, CA, USA) cooperated to perform a study to determine whether abnormalities found in iPS cells were intrinsic to somatic cell reprogramming or secondary to the reprogramming method. To this end, they prepared genetically matched sets of human IVF ES cells (four lines), iPS cells (seven lines), and two lines of nuclear transfer ES cells (NT ES cells) derived by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). The 13 cell lines were examined by genome-wide analyses.

Results published in the July 2, 2014, online edition of the journal Nature revealed critical differences in the genomes of stem cells created with the three methods. Specifically, DNA methylation and gene expression patterns in nuclear transfer ES cells more closely resembled those of ES cells than did iPS cells, which revealed alterations apparently caused by the reprogramming process.

“The nuclear transfer ES cells are much more similar to real ES cells than the iPS cells,” said co-senior author Dr. Louise Laurent, assistant professor of reproductive medicine at the University of California, San Diego. “They are more completely reprogrammed and have fewer alterations in gene expression and DNA methylation levels that are attributable to the reprogramming process itself. Our results have shown that widely used iPS cell reprogramming methods make cells that are similar to standard ES cells in broad strokes, but there are important differences when you look really closely. By using the egg cell to do the job, we can get much closer to the real thing. However, not only is nuclear transfer technically difficult, but federal funds cannot be used in experiments involving this procedure. If we can figure out what factors in the egg drive the reprogramming process, maybe we can design a better iPS cell reprogramming method.”

Related Links:

University of California, San Diego
Oregon Health & Science University
Salk Institute for Biological Studies


Gold Member
Blood Gas Analyzer
GEM Premier 7000 with iQM3
Unit-Dose Packaging solution
HLX
New
Quantitative Immunoassay Analyzer
AS050
New
Leishmania Test
Leishmania Real Time PCR Kit

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: The new saliva-based test for heart failure measures two biomarkers in about 15 minutes (Photo courtesy of Trey Pittman)

POC Saliva Testing Device Predicts Heart Failure in 15 Minutes

Heart failure is a serious condition where the heart muscle is unable to pump sufficient oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. It ranks as a major cause of death globally and is particularly fatal for... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: Schematic overview of maternal biomarker discovery using cell-free RNA during pregnancy (Photo courtesy of Circulation Research (2024). DOI: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.124.325024)

Maternal Blood Test Identifies Congenital Heart Diseases in Fetus

Each year, around 1,000 children are born with a single ventricle heart defect (SVHD), a condition where one of the heart's lower chambers is underdeveloped, too small, or missing a valve.... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: QScout CBC will give a complete blood count in 2 minutes from fingerstick or venous blood (Photo courtesy of Ad Astra Diagnostics)

Next Gen CBC and Sepsis Diagnostic System Targets Faster, Earlier, Easier Results

Every hour is critical in protecting patients from infections, yet there are currently limited tools to assist in early diagnosis before patients reach a hospital. The complete blood count (CBC) is a common... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The InfectoSynovia test has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

High-Accuracy Bedside Test to Diagnose Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Five Minutes

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) represents a significant global issue that is worsening as the number of joint replacements increases due to aging populations. In the United States alone, the anticipated... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image

AI-Based Method Shows Promise for Pathological Diagnosis of Hereditary Kidney Diseases

Alport syndrome is a hereditary kidney disorder characterized by kidney dysfunction, sensorineural hearing loss, and ocular abnormalities. Early in the disease, patients experience hematuria, which is... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.