What is the Difference Between IPS Cells and Embryonic Stem Cells?

Embryonic stem (ES) cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are both pluripotent stem cells, meaning they can differentiate into cells from all three primary germ layers (ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm). However, there are some differences between the two:

1. Origin: ES cells are derived from the inner cell mass of preimplantation embryos, while iPS cells are generated by somatic cell reprogramming following the exogenous expression of specific transcription factors.
2. Epigenetic Status: ES cells have a unique epigenetic landscape that is important for pluripotency, while iPS cells are generated by resetting the epigenetic state of somatic cells to that of ES cells.
3. Morphology: ES cells and iPS cells are indistinguishable from a morphological point of view.
4. Function: Both ES and iPS cells can differentiate into cells of any of the three germ layers.
5. Applications: ES cells have been used for disease modeling, cell transplantation therapy, regenerative medicine, drug testing, and more. iPS cells, on the other hand, offer patient-specific stem cells for research and clinical studies, overcoming ethical and immunological issues associated with ES cells.

Despite their similarities, ES and iPS cells have some differences in gene expression and epigenetic status. Researchers are working to better understand these differences and how they may impact the function and application of these cells in various biomedical fields.

Comparative Table: IPS Cells vs Embryonic Stem Cells

Differences between induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and embryonic stem cells (ESCs) can be summarized in the following table:

Despite the differences, both iPSCs and ESCs are considered pluripotent stem cells, meaning they can differentiate into cells of all three germ layers and have the potential for use in various biomedical applications, such as cell transplantation therapy, regenerative medicine, drug testing, and disease modeling.