Arizona State University (ASU) BME100 Introduction to Biomedical Engineering Midterm Practice Exam

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have the potential to develop into virtually any cell type in the body, which is one of their most significant advantages for regenerative medicine and disease modeling. However, this pluripotency also comes with increased risks, particularly the possibility of tumor formation.

When iPSCs are generated, they are often manipulated genetically to revert somatic cells back to a pluripotent state. This reprogramming process can result in genomic abnormalities or the expression of oncogenes – genes that have the potential to cause cancer when activated. If these cells are subsequently used in therapies, they may not only differentiate into the desired cell types but can also lead to uncontrolled cell growth, resulting in tumors.

In contrast, while other stem cell types such as cardiac, fetal, and adult stem cells also have associated risks, they are generally considered to have less potential for causing tumors when used correctly, especially since they are more restricted in their differentiation capabilities compared to iPSCs. This unique risk factor tied specifically to iPSCs is crucial for researchers to consider when designing therapeutic applications and for maintaining patient safety in clinical settings.