The process of reprogramming human cells back to stem cells is called induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) generation.
The goal of iPSC generation is to take specialized cells, such as skin cells or blood cells, and reprogram them back to a pluripotent state, meaning that they have the ability to differentiate into any cell type in the body.
The process of generating iPSCs involves introducing specific genes into the cells. These genes are typically introduced using a viral vector, which is a virus that has been modified to carry the genes of interest. The genes that are typically introduced include Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc, which are transcription factors that play a key role in maintaining pluripotency.
Once the genes have been introduced into the cells, they begin to reprogram the cells back to a pluripotent state. This process typically takes several weeks, during which the cells are grown in culture and monitored for changes in gene expression and cell morphology.
Once iPSCs have been generated, they can be used for a variety of applications, including disease modeling, drug screening, and regenerative medicine. One advantage of iPSCs is that they can be generated from a patient’s own cells, which reduces the risk of immune rejection when using them for transplantation.
Overall, the process of reprogramming human cells back to stem cells involves introducing specific genes into the cells to induce pluripotency. This process has revolutionized the field of stem cell research and has opened up new possibilities for regenerative medicine and disease modeling.