A New Class of Stem Cells in South Africa: Introducing Induced Pluripotent Stem cells (iPS cells)

Robea Ballo; L Jacquie Greenberg; Susan H Kidson

doi:10.7196/SAMJ.6604

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A New Class of Stem Cells in South Africa: Introducing Induced Pluripotent Stem cells (iPS cells)

Robea Ballo, L Jacquie Greenberg, Susan H Kidson

Abstract

Created from adult rather than embryonic cells, induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells represent a breakthrough in stem cell science, and their pioneers have been recognised with the 2012 Nobel Prize in Medicine. These cells offer new hope in the treatment of pathogenetic diseases, but there is still a way to go on the road to effective therapeutic applications.

Authors' affiliations

Robea Ballo, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town

L Jacquie Greenberg, Division of Human Genetics, Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town

Susan H Kidson, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town