Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
iPSC's Effect on Our World
Finding a Cure
IPSC not only offer the prospect of regenerating tissue in the human body, but also introduces the idea of disease modeling. By cultivating stem cells from a diseased organism, scientists have the ability to closely study the progression of diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), diabetes, Alzheimers, and sickle cell. Through this model, the disease can be researched in a closer and more controlled manner, progressing the movement towards cures immensely.
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Continue reading below for Marissa Shapiro's story and the hope stem cells brought her!
Replacing ESC
IPSC has the ability to replace ESC in research and application within regenerative medicine. Not only will this allow stem cell research to progress, but it also allows stem cells to be easily reproduced and therefore increasing their efficiency and practicality. These cells have already begun to display their incredible abilities in bio-fabrication, cell therapy, and tissue engineering, accomplishing great tasks such as the growth of human organs. Contrasting from ESC grown organs, the organs produced from iPSC will be patient specific, negating the chance of rejection from the immune system and the need for immuno-suppressant drugs.
Adrienne and Marissa Shapiro
Adrienne Shapiro is the mother of Marissa Shapiro, a child diagnosed with the sickle cell disease. This disease caused her blood cells to take the shape of a crescent, causing painful blood clots and various other negative effects. Though doctors only expected Marissa to live one year, she and Adrienne persevered and Marissa grew far past their expectations. However, at the age of 20, complications with treatments arose and Marissa eventually became hypersensitive, meaning that treatments could no longer be conducted and her only refuge became pain reducing medicine. Adrienne now turns towards stem cell research, believing that it will provide the solution to sickle cell and create a future where sickle cell will no longer plague the world.
Above is a picture of Adrienne Shapiro, Marissa's mother.