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Researchers create iPS cell colonies by treating adult cells, such as skin fibroblasts, with either genetic or protein factors that push the cells back to an immature, pluripotent state. Some of the adult cells begin to grow rapidly, forming what look like colonies of embryonic stem cells when viewed under a normal microscope. However, by using antibodies labeled with fluorescent dyes to track visually what proteins these cells are making, Schlaeger, Daley and colleagues showed that these stem cell-like colonies comprise three distinct stages of reprogramming (see accompanying image).
Cells from these three stages underwent further testing. In the tumor formation test, the team injected cells from each stage into mice with weakened immune systems to see if they formed tumors known as teratomas - containing cells that have differentiated into all three primary tissue layers. Formation of these tumors is a sure sign that the cells are indeed pluripotent. However, in the experiments, cells from only two of the three stages of reprogramming formed teratomas, and only one of these formed true, well-differentiated teratomas with the molecular characteristics of fully reprogrammed iPS cells or embryonic stem cells.
The most complete assessment of whether an iPS cell is truly pluripotent must comprise a battery of tests, Schlaeger says. None of the tests are prohibitively expensive or difficult for a stem cell lab, he adds, but many labs may be tempted to cut corners. "Our study creates a standard of analysis in the field," Schlaeger says, "and reminds people to be diligent when characterizing or making claims about putative pluripotent stem cells."
The article, "Live cell imaging distinguishes bona fide human iPS cells from partially reprogrammed cells," was published Oct. 11 in the journal Nature Biotechnology.
Contact:
Rob Graham
617-919-3110
rob.graham@childrens.harvard.edu
Founded in 1869 as a 20-bed hospital for children, Children's Hospital Boston today is one of the nation's leading pediatric medical centers, the primary pediatric teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, and the largest provider of health care to Massachusetts children. In addition to 396 pediatric and adolescent inpatient beds and more than 100 outpatient programs, Children's houses the world's largest research enterprise based at a pediatric medical center, where its discoveries benefit both children and adults. More than 500 scientists, including eight members of the National Academy of Sciences, 11 members of the Institute of Medicine and 13 members of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute comprise Children's research community. For more information about the hospital visit: www.childrenshospital.org/newsroom.
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