Introducing a New Cross-Campus Core
The recent discovery of reprogramming human somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) offers an innovative approach to the study of human genetic disorders. Like human embryonic stem cells, iPS cells self-renew indefinitely and have unlimited developmental potential. The creation of patient-specific iPS cells holds great promise for understanding genetic disease mechanisms and for in vitro testing of potential therapies. Studies have reported that human pluripotent stem cells (hESCs and iPS cells) can be prone to chromosome aberrations, depending on the culture method or changes in environment. Chromosome abnormalities can affect the physiology and growth rate of stem cells and may lead to tumorigenesis. Thus, the cytogenetic characterization of newly established lines and the confirmation of karyotypic stability of established lines are essential for studies of the stem cells and their progeny as well as for their application in drug testing and any future therapeutics proposed.