New Report on iPS Cell Reprogramming

A new paper released today from researchers at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute offers data on the length of time cells must be exposed to reprogramming factors in order to induce them into behaving like stem cells. According to an email announcement from the HSCI, this allows scientists to “narrow the field of candidate chemicals and proteins that might be used to safely turn these processes on and off.” The paper appears in Cell Stem Cell, and also illuminates the sequence of stages through which the reprogrammed cells transform from their original cells types, such as skin cells, into pluriponent cells.

Researchers announced the creation of iPS cells in only November. This latest report is another step forward in understanding the process of creating iPS cells, and could advance the possibilities of regenerative medicine.

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