iPSCdifferensierte

iPSCdifferensierte refers to cells that have been derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and guided to acquire specialized phenotypes and functions. Differentiation aims to mimic embryonic development by exposing iPSCs to defined signaling cues and culture conditions that direct lineage specification.

Common strategies include directed differentiation in defined media using growth factors and small molecules that modulate pathways such as BMP, TGF-β/Activin, Wnt, and FGF. Techniques include monolayer differentiation and the formation of embryoid bodies, with increasingly sophisticated approaches using three-dimensional organoids to model tissues. Differentiation yields lineage-specific cell types such as neural cells, cardiomyocytes, hepatocytes, pancreatic beta-like cells, and mesenchymal cells. Purification and characterization steps are typically used to assess marker expression and functional properties.

Applications for iPSC-differentiated cells span disease modeling, drug screening, toxicology testing, and regenerative therapies. Patient-specific iPSC-derived cells enable modeling of genetic diseases and testing of compounds, while some products are under clinical investigation, for example retinal pigment epithelium and certain neural cell types. Challenges include variable differentiation efficiency, cellular heterogeneity, and maturation differences compared with native tissues. There are also concerns about genetic or epigenetic changes during reprogramming and differentiation, and the risk of residual undifferentiated cells forming tumors. Quality control relies on marker analyses, functional assays, and genomic stability assessments, and regulatory frameworks emphasize safety, standardization, and traceability for any therapeutic applications.