Abstract
Direct reprogramming of somatic cells into pluripotent stem cells has been reported by several combinations of transcription factors (Oct3/4, Sox2, Klf4, c-Myc, Nanog, and Lin28) and chemical compounds in mouse and human. They are similar to ES cells in morphology, proliferation and differentiation potential. The patient-specific iPS cells will contribute to elucidation of pathogenesis, drug discovery, and toxicology study. The iPS cells are also useful for study of radiation effect on human cells, especially on the cell of limited availability. While the use in basic research, studies of regeneration medicine by iPS cells are advancing all over the world. It has been reported that in vitro differentiation of mouse iPS cells into hematopoietic cells, neuron, and cardiomyocytes. Treatment of humanized sickle cell anemia mouse model with mouse iPS cells was already reported. However, there are several problems that remain to be solved before human iPS cells can undergo clinical trials. It will be necessary to analyze their character and differentiation potential. It is also important to guarantee the quality and the safety of differentiated cells for transplantation. In this meeting, I would like to discuss current progress and difficulties on iPS research based on the latest knowledge.
