iPSC stands for induced pluripotent stem cells. They are ordinary adult cells, usually taken from the skin or blood, that have been "reprogrammed" in the laboratory back into an embryonic-like state. Like embryonic stem cells, iPSCs are pluripotent: they can become almost any cell type in the body, such as nerve cells, heart cells, retinal cells or insulin-producing cells. Unlike embryonic stem cells, they can be made without using embryos. For an overview of all the main stem cell types, see our guide to types of stem cells.
iPSC definition and full form
Full form: induced pluripotent stem cell (plural: iPSCs, also written iPS cells).
Induced: the cells are deliberately changed in the lab.
Pluripotent: able to develop into cells of all three germ layers of the body.
hiPSC: human induced pluripotent stem cells.
How are iPSCs made? The Yamanaka factors
In 2006, Shinya Yamanaka and his team in Kyoto showed that adding four genes to mouse skin cells could turn them into pluripotent stem cells. In 2007 the same was achieved with human cells. These four genes, OCT4, SOX2, KLF4 and c-MYC, are known as the Yamanaka factors (or OSKM). Yamanaka shared the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for this discovery.
The basic process:
A small sample of skin or blood cells is collected.
The reprogramming factors are introduced into the cells. Modern methods avoid permanently changing the cell's DNA.
Over several weeks, some cells become pluripotent and form colonies.
These iPSC lines are expanded, tested for quality and genetic stability, and then guided ("differentiated") into the cell type needed.
iPSCs vs embryonic stem cells vs adult stem cells
iPSCs: made from reprogrammed adult cells; pluripotent; low ethical concerns; can be patient-specific; used today mainly in research and early clinical trials.
Embryonic stem cells: taken from early-stage embryos; pluripotent; high ethical concerns; not patient-specific; limited clinical trials.
Adult and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs): from bone marrow, fat tissue or umbilical cord; multipotent (a limited range of cell types); low ethical concerns; the most widely used type in clinical studies.
What are iPSCs used for?
Disease modelling: cells from a patient can be turned into, for example, neurons to study how a disease such as Parkinson's or ALS develops in that person's own cells.
Drug discovery and testing: new medicines can be tested on human cells grown from iPSCs.
Regenerative cell therapy research: iPSC-derived cells are being tested in clinical trials. In 2014, Japanese researchers performed the first transplant of iPSC-derived retinal cells in a patient with macular degeneration. Trials have since started for Parkinson's disease, heart failure, spinal cord injury, corneal disease and diabetes.
iPSC-derived exosomes: small vesicles released by iPSC-derived cells are being studied as a cell-free approach to support tissue repair.
Advantages of induced pluripotent stem cells
No embryos are needed.
Cells can be made from the patient's own tissue, lowering the risk of immune rejection.
Almost unlimited supply: iPSCs can multiply for a long time in the lab.
They can become nearly any cell type, including cells that are hard to obtain, such as neurons.
Challenges and safety
Tumour risk: any undifferentiated pluripotent cells left in a product could form tumours, so strict purification and testing are essential.
Genetic stability: cell lines must be checked for mutations acquired during reprogramming and growth.
Time and cost: producing patient-specific, clinical-grade iPSC products takes months and is expensive. "iPSC banks" of donor cell lines are being developed to address this.
Regulation: in the European Union, iPSC-based therapies are regulated as Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs). As of today, iPSC therapies are not yet part of routine approved treatment in Europe, and most use is within clinical research.
What is clinical-grade iPSC?
Clinical-grade iPSCs are produced under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) conditions, with full documentation, sterility testing, genetic testing and quality control, so that they can be considered for use in humans. Research-grade cells are not suitable for patients.
Frequently asked questions
What does iPSC stand for?
Induced pluripotent stem cell.
Who discovered iPSCs?
Shinya Yamanaka and Kazutoshi Takahashi at Kyoto University, published in 2006 (mouse) and 2007 (human).
What is the difference between iPSCs and embryonic stem cells?
Both are pluripotent, but iPSCs are made from adult cells and do not require embryos.
Are iPSC treatments available now?
iPSC-based therapies are being tested in clinical trials worldwide. Most are still experimental, so every patient should receive an individual medical assessment and clear information about evidence and risks.
Regenerative medicine at Regenova BioTech
Regenova BioTech in Sofia, Bulgaria, works with an advanced cell laboratory in Graz, Austria. Our medical team follows developments in iPSC and mesenchymal stem cell research and offers every patient a personal medical assessment before any treatment decision. Book a free consultation or message us on WhatsApp at +49 176 5689 1000.
This article is for general information and does not replace individual medical advice. Medically reviewed by Dr. Younis Yaseen, Medical Director, Regenova BioTech.
