Induced pluripotent stem cells: From derivation to application in biochemical and biomedical research

This review considers different methods for obtaining induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and their use in biochemical and biomedical research. Some viral and nonviral methods for obtaining iPS cells are described. Basic factors involved in reprogramming are considered. It is also demonstrated that the most suitable source of iPS cells are skin fibroblasts. Properties of iPS cells and embryonic stem cells are compared, and some advantages of iPS cells for biological and biomedical investigations are emphasized. The possibilities for application of iPS cells in the development of cell models of some neurodegenerative diseases, drug screening, and cell therapy are also considered.