Induced pluripotent stem cells: there is no limit to perfection

Japanese researchers from Kyoto University, working under the guidance of Professor Shinya Yamanaka, have developed a new method for creating induced pluripotent cells that prevents their malignancy and the formation of cancerous tumors after introduction into the body. This achievement can significantly reduce one of the main risks associated with the use of the latest methods of currently rapidly developing cell therapy.

Professor Yamanaka became a global celebrity thanks to the work that resulted in the creation of the first induced pluripotent cells (iPSCs). The essence of the achievement lies in the fact that he, with the help of a complex of genes, turned the cells of an adult organism into cells that are analogous to embryonic stem cells. The use of such cells for medical purposes avoids ethical problems, however, as it turned out, it is associated with a high risk of the formation of malignant tumors in the recipient's body.

In search of an alternative to the factor associated with the carcinogenicity of induced pluripotent stem cells, Yamanaka and his collaborators analyzed a database of the Japanese Agency for Industrial Science and Technology containing more than 1,400 genes. The gene of the transcription factor Glis1 found by them, the high level of expression of which is characteristic of unfertilized eggs and embryos at the unicellular stage of development, prevents the reproduction of cells that have not passed the full cycle of transformation into induced pluripotent cells. The subsequent death of these cells, which are practically indistinguishable from full-fledged iPSCs and trigger the process of tumor formation, significantly increases the safety of the final cell population.

Moreover, the researchers demonstrated that the addition of Glis1 to the complex of factors used to create induced pluripotent stem cells from fibroblasts increases the effectiveness of the old method by 10 times. Moreover, its truly "magical" effect extends to both mouse and human cells.

However, experts note that, despite the significance of Yamanaki's new achievement, the problem has not yet been solved. The fact is that the viral vector used to deliver transforming genes to reprogrammable cells can also cause the formation of malignant tumors. Therefore, work on improving the method continues.

Article by Momoko Maekawa et al. Direct reprogramming of somatic cells is promoted by maternal transcription factor Glis1 published June 8 in the journal Nature.

Evgeniya Ryabtseva
Portal "Eternal youth" www.vechnayamolodost.ru Based on NIKKEI materials: New Take On iPS Cells May Cut Cancer Risk.

20.06.2011