Are there differences between iPS and human embryonic stem cells?
OI: Yes, there are. It is not yet clear how critical such differences (however small) may be in using iPS stem cells in the future. The iPS cells generated by the researchers are pluripotent, meaning that, like embryonic stem cells, they can differentiate into any other cell type. So they clearly share most of the qualities of embryonic stem cells. But there are some gene expression differences, as well, which are detailed in the papers published today. More research is required to understand the implications of these differences on the therapeutic potential of these cells, whether using them for transplantation purposes or as a research tool for testing drugs in the lab. MJFF: Will iPS cells “replace” human embryonic stem cell research? OI: At this time, embryonic stem cells remain the “gold standard” for understanding how a cell develops and, in particular, how they convert into other cell types. No doubt the iPS finding is exciting, but iPS cells are still somewhat “artificial” beca
