Therapeutic cloning and cellular reprogramming

Adv Exp Med Biol. 2012:741:276-89. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4614-2098-9_18.

Abstract

Embryonic stem cells are capable of differentiating into any cell-type present in an adult organism, and constitute a renewable source of tissue for regenerative therapies. The transplant of allogenic stem cells is challenging due to the risk of immune rejection. Nevertheless, somatic cell reprogramming techniques allow the generation of isogenic embryonic stem cells, genetically identical to the patient. In this chapter we will discuss the cellular reprogramming techniques in the context of regenerative therapy and the biological and technical barriers that they will need to overcome before clinical use.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cellular Reprogramming*
  • Cloning, Organism*
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / cytology
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Nuclear Transfer Techniques
  • Phenotype
  • Regenerative Medicine / methods
  • Stem Cell Transplantation