Induced pluripotent stem cell

As opposed to the embryonic stem cells (ESC), the induced pluripotent stem cells (or iPSC) are derived from an adult somatic cell which has become pluripotent through the action of growth factors.

These iPSC were first obtained from mouse cells (2006) and subsequently from human cells (2007).

They have been extensively studied for their potential role in the treatment of genetic diseases, cancers, and for organ replacement.