Workshop 1: Pluripotent Stem Cell

Cells with the potential to develop into any cell type in the body, including specialized cells like neurons, muscle cells, and blood cells.

Stem cells derived from the inner cell mass of a blastocyst (early embryo) stage.

The first murine (mouse) embryonic stem cells were grown in culture in 1981, by the Kaufman and Martin groups.

The first human embryonic stem cell cultures were reported in 1998, after the successful mouse ESC line.

The process of transforming a specialized cell back into a pluripotent state, often using genetic reprogramming techniques.

Leading to the formation of specialized cell types with specific functions, such as heart muscle or nerve cells.

The ethical considerations and potential risks associated with the research and use of iPSCs. This includes topics such as informed consent, genetic modification, and potential for misuse.

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are pluripotent cells derived from the inner cell mass (ICM) of a blastocyst, an early stage of mammalian embryonic development. They have the ability to self-renew and differentiate into all cell types of the adult organism.

The inner cell mass (ICM) is a cluster of cells located inside the blastocyst. It is the source of embryonic stem cells (ESCs).

The trophectoderm is the outer layer of cells surrounding the blastocyst. It forms the placenta and other extra-embryonic tissues.

Teratocarcinomas are tumors derived from germ cells, which are cells that give rise to sperm and egg cells. They are often used in the study of embryonic development.

In one of the original ESC papers, Martin cultured her embryonic stem cells in media 'conditioned' by teratocarcinoma cells. This means that the media was enriched with factors produced by the teratocarcinoma cells, which helped to support the growth and survival of the ESCs.

A blastocyst is a hollow ball of cells that develops from a fertilized egg during early mammalian development. It contains the inner cell mass (ICM), which gives rise to the embryo, and the trophectoderm, which forms the placenta.

The zona pellucida is a glycoprotein layer that surrounds the oocyte (egg cell) and early embryo. It plays a role in fertilization and protects the embryo.

The blastocoel is the fluid-filled cavity inside the blastocyst. It provides space for the developing embryo to grow.

Germ stem cells are cells that give rise to sperm and egg cells. They are different from embryonic stem cells (ESCs), which have the potential to differentiate into all cell types of the adult organism.

The process of reprogramming adult cells to an embryonic-like state, capable of differentiating into any cell type in the body.

Confirming that the generated pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have the characteristics of embryonic stem cells, including the ability to self-renew and differentiate into all cell types.

The process of guiding pluripotent stem cells to develop into a specific cell type, such as neurons, cardiomyocytes, or blood cells.

Verifying that the differentiated cells have acquired the characteristics of the target cell population, such as expressing specific genes and proteins, and exhibiting appropriate function.

Ethical considerations surrounding the use of human pluripotent stem cells, particularly in research and therapeutic applications.

Cells that can differentiate into any cell type in the body.

The ability of a cell to develop into any cell type, including the germ layers.

Media conditioned by teratocarcinoma cells used to culture ESCs. This media contained growth factors that helped maintain ESC pluripotency.

A type of tumor that contains cells derived from all 3 germ layers. These tumors can produce a variety of cells.

A growth factor released by teratocarcinoma cells that helps maintain ESC pluripotency. It was only identified later after this paper was published.

The ability to differentiate into all three germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm.

The outer layer of the developing embryo, which gives rise to skin, nervous system, and sensory organs.

The middle layer of the developing embryo, which gives rise to muscles, blood, bones, and connective tissues.

The innermost layer of the developing embryo, which gives rise to the digestive system, lungs, and liver.

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are cells that have been reprogrammed from adult cells to have the characteristics of embryonic stem cells, meaning they can differentiate into any cell type in the body.

The four factors Yamanaka's group identified are Oct4 (O), Sox2 (S), Klf4 (K), and c-Myc (M).

Oct4 stands for Octamer-binding transcription factor 4, a protein that regulates gene expression, particularly in embryonic stem cells.

Sox2 stands for Sex-determining region Y-box 2, another critical transcription factor involved in regulating embryonic development and maintaining stem cell pluripotency.

Klf4 stands for Kruppel-like factor 4, a zinc finger protein that acts as a transcription factor, involved in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis.

c-Myc stands for cellular myelocytomatosis oncogene, an important transcription factor that plays a central role in cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation.

The process of iPSC derivation involves introducing the four factors (OSKM) into adult cells, causing them to revert to a pluripotent state, capable of differentiating into any cell type.

iPSCs hold promise for treating various diseases by generating patient-specific cells for transplantation, drug screening, and disease modeling.

iPSC technology raises ethical concerns regarding the potential for unintended consequences, such as tumor formation, and the need for careful regulation and oversight.

The future of iPSC research aims to improve the efficiency and safety of reprogramming techniques, address ethical concerns, and advance the development of therapeutic applications for a wide range of diseases.