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• iPS technology

A key development in the field of stem cell biology is the ability to reprogram cells from a patient to take on the properties of stem cells, the so called “induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells”. These iPS cells could be used to generate any form of replacement tissue. iPS technology avoids rejection issues and any perceived ethical issues associated with stem cells derived from embryos.

Stem Cell Sciences has licensed technology from the University of Cambridge on iPS cell technology. This method of reprogramming has been exemplified using brain cells and unlike other technologies involves the use of specific chemical inhibitors that promote pluripotency.This simple treatment allows the complete transition from one cell type, in this case, brain cells, to authentic induced pluripotent cells that are indistinguishable from embryonic stem cells.

Tested in SCS’s Cambridge laboratory the utility of this procedure was demonstrated by converting these brain-derived iPS cells into beating heart tissue in culture. This demonstrates that cells can be converted from one defined lineage to another using this technique and has implications for both cellular therapeutics as well as the development of drug screening tools.