@GravitronMan:
Ummmm, dude, we made a TETRAPLOID embryo using these cells. For those of you not in the field, this means the resulting mouse is completely derived from the reprogrammed skin cells. Hence, I think we have shown quite conclusively that they have the potential to become any type of somatic cell.
Now, I do agree with the other comments on this page however, that there is need to push forward the ability to turn these induced stem cells into specific cell types and tissues in the laboratory setting. Only after this can we enter into clinical applications. Some cell types are just easier to make and grow than others; that's a simple fact.
Really though, that's not my job or expertise. I'm just trying to provide those labs with a high-quality starting material so they can perfect the process. I think we have helped the field move in that direction, but I don't think this is the end of discoveries on how to improve methods of making stem cells in the first place.
Don your sunglasses, the future will be bright~!
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@GravitronMan: Ummmm, dude, we made a TETRAPLOID embryo using these cells. For those of you not in the field, this means the resulting mouse is completely derived from the reprogrammed skin cells. Hence, I think we have shown quite conclusively that they have the potential to become any type of somatic cell. Now, I do agree with the other comments on this page however, that there is need to push forward the ability to turn these induced stem cells into specific cell types and tissues in the laboratory setting. Only after this can we enter into clinical applications. Some cell types are just easier to make and grow than others; that's a simple fact. Really though, that's not my job or expertise. I'm just trying to provide those labs with a high-quality starting material so they can perfect the process. I think we have helped the field move in that direction, but I don't think this is the end of discoveries on how to improve methods of making stem cells in the first place. Don your sunglasses, the future will be bright~!