Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are specialized cells created by reprogramming mature cells, like skin or blood cells, back into a flexible, early-stage cell type. Think of them as adult cells temporarily turned into versatile cells capable of becoming almost any other cell type in the body. This process involves adding specific genes that reset the cell’s identity. iPSCs are valuable for medical research and potential therapies because they can model diseases, test drugs, and possibly regenerate damaged tissues—all using a patient’s own cells, reducing rejection risk.