Induced pluripotent stem cells: Generation methods and a new perspective in COVID-19 research

Generation of induced pluripotent stem cells from the Asian bats

Preservation of native Korean bats is crucial for maintaining ecological balance, as they play a vital role in insect control, pollination, and seed dispersal within their ecosystems. The present study details the establishment of bat induced pluripotent stem cells (BatiPSCs) from two Asian and Korean bats (Hypsugo alaschanicus and Pipistrellus abramus) using the Sendai Reprogramming Kit. Colonies of BatiPSCs, exhibiting distinctive features, were manually selected and expanded following successful transfection. Characterization of BatiPSCs revealed the expression of pluripotency markers, such as Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4), SRY (sex-determining region Y)-box 2 and Nanog, with notably increased Oct4 levels and reduced Myc proto-oncogene expression compared with those noted in other induced pluripotent stem cell sources. BatiPSCs displayed positive staining for alkaline phosphatase and demonstrated the ability to form embryoid bodies, while also inducing teratomas in non-immune nude mice. Additionally, green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing BatiPSCs were generated and used for chimeric mouse production, with slight GFP signals detected in the neck region of the resulting mouse foetuses. These findings demonstrate the successful generation and characterization of BatiPSCs, emphasizing their potential applications in chimeric animal models, and the protection of endangered bat species.

Designing molecules: directing stem cell differentiation

Stem cells have been widely applied in regenerative and therapeutic medicine for their unique regenerative properties. Although much research has shown their potential, it remains tricky in directing stem cell differentiation. The advancement of genetic and therapeutic technologies, however, has facilitated this issue through development of design molecules. These molecules are designed to overcome the drawbacks previously faced, such as unexpected differentiation outcomes and insufficient migration of endogenous or exogenous MSCs. Here, we introduced aptamer, bacteriophage, and biological vectors as design molecules and described their characteristics. The methods of designing/developing discussed include various Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) procedures, in silico approaches, and non-SELEX methods for aptamers, and genetic engineering methods such as homologous recombination, Bacteriophage Recombineering of Electroporated DNA (BRED), Bacteriophage Recombineering with Infectious Particles (BRIP), and genome rebooting for bacteriophage. For biological vectors, methods such as alternate splicing, multiple promoters, internal ribosomal entry site, CRISPR-Cas9 system and Cre recombinase mediated recombination were used to design viral vectors, while non-viral vectors like exosomes are generated through parental cell-based direct engineering. Besides that, we also discussed the pros and cons, and applications of each design molecule in directing stem cell differentiation to illustrate their great potential in stem cells research. Finally, we highlighted some safety and efficacy concerns to be considered for future studies.

Overcoming the challenges of scalable iPSC generation in translation medicine

BACKGROUND

The potential of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in revolutionizing regenerative medicine cannot be overstated. iPSCs offer a profound opportunity for therapies involving cell replacement, disease modeling, and cell transplantation. However, the widespread application of iPSC cellular therapy faces hurdles, including the imperative to regulate iPSC differentiation rigorously and the inherent genetic disparities among individuals. To address these challenges, the concept of iPSC super donors emerges, holding exceptional genetic attributes and advantageous traits. These super donors serve as a wellspring of standardized, high-quality cell sources, mitigating inter-individual variations and augmenting the efficacy of therapy.

METHODS

In pursuit of this goal, our study embarked on the establishment of iPSC cell lines specifically sourced from donors possessing the HLA type (A33:03-B58:01-DRB1*03:01). The reprogramming process was meticulously executed, resulting in the successful generation of iPSC lines from these carefully selected donors. Subsequently, an extensive characterization was conducted to comprehensively understand the features and attributes of these iPSC lines.

RESULTS

The outcomes of our research were highly promising. The reprogramming efforts culminated in the generation of iPSC lines from donors with the specified HLA type. These iPSC lines displayed a range of distinctive characteristics that were thoroughly examined and documented. This successful generation of iPSC lines from super donors possessing advantageous genetic traits represents a significant stride towards the realization of their potential in therapeutic applications.

CONCLUSION

In summary, our study marks a crucial milestone in the realm of regenerative medicine. The establishment of iPSC lines from super donors with specific HLA types signifies a paradigm shift in addressing challenges related to iPSC cellular therapy. The standardized and high-quality cell sources derived from these super donors hold immense potential for various therapeutic applications. As we move forward, these findings provide a solid foundation for further research and development, ultimately propelling the field of regenerative medicine toward new horizons of efficacy and accessibility.