Induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPS cells, are special cells that can multiply and change into different types of cells in the body. They are made from adult cells, which makes them a more ethical choice compared to using embryonic stem cells. Recently, at a conference in Paris, researchers discussed the potential of iPS cells for medical treatments and scientific understanding.
iPS Cells for Treatment
Over 1,200 patients around the world have been treated using iPS cells in 115 clinical trials, with more than 100 billion iPS cells given to patients. According to a database, there are about 7,333 lines of iPS cells available globally. A recent review showed that 57% of the clinical trials used iPS cells, mostly in the early stages of testing.
One of the benefits of using iPS cells for treatment is that they can help avoid issues with the immune system. This can happen when doctors use the patient’s own cells for treatment, or when they use specially matched cells from a bank of iPS cells.
Researchers are also working on creating banks of iPS cells that can be used by many people. For example, a researcher named Laurence Guyonneau-Harmand is trying to produce iPS cells from bone marrow.
iPS Cells for Understanding the Body
iPS cells are also being used to create 3D structures called organoids, which mimic the functions of real organs. For instance, organoids made from iPS cells can help scientists study infections in the liver or lungs, and they can test new medications. However, when it comes to creating brain organoids, there are more complicated ethical questions. Some researchers are even creating models of early human development without fertilization, known as blastoids. These models are so similar to real embryos that it can be hard to tell them apart, and theoretically, they could lead to a baby if implanted in a uterus, although this is currently illegal.
The Future of iPS Cells in Reproduction
There are concerns that iPS cells could be used for risky purposes. For example, scientists are exploring in vitro gametogenesis (IVG), which means creating reproductive cells in the lab. This could allow people, including those from the LGBTQ+ community, to have children biologically related to both parents. Researchers believe that within 5 to 10 years, it might be possible to produce gametes in a lab.
This new technology could make the process of having children easier for some, but it also raises concerns about how it might change reproduction. While techniques like in vitro fertilization (IVF) have already moved fertilization outside the body, IVG could take it a step further by creating gametes entirely in the lab.
Researchers are worried about the potential inequalities in access to this technology. They stress the importance of creating laws that ensure fair and responsible use of IVG, protecting the rights and well-being of future children.
At a recent conference, a prominent scientist expressed caution about genetic editing in embryos, suggesting that we should be careful about how far we go with these technologies. The discussion is ongoing, and it highlights the need for thoughtful consideration of the ethical implications of using iPS cells and related technologies in medicine and reproduction.
This article has been translated and simplified by artificial intelligence from a French article “Les cellules iPS : pour le meilleur mais aussi pour le pire ?”
It may therefore contain errors. The French version is the reference version..