Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This characteristic is possessed by stem cells, particularly embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells. Pluripotent cells can give rise to all cell types of the body (a property termed totipotency) plus the extraembryonic, or placental, cells.

Definition[edit | edit source]

Pluripotency is the state of a single cell that can differentiate into all lineages of cells in an organism, including the germ cells, i.e., cells that give rise to future generations of organism. In other words, a pluripotent cell can give rise to all cells of the body, but not to the support structures such as the placenta which are derived from the trophoblast in the case of mammals.

Types of Pluripotent Cells[edit | edit source]

There are two types of pluripotent cells: embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

Embryonic Stem Cells[edit | edit source]

Embryonic stem cells are derived from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst, an early-stage preimplantation embryo. They are pluripotent, meaning they can differentiate into cells from all three germ layers.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells[edit | edit source]

Induced pluripotent stem cells are adult cells that have been genetically reprogrammed to an embryonic stem cell–like state by being forced to express genes and factors important for maintaining the defining properties of embryonic stem cells.

Pluripotency and Cellular Differentiation[edit | edit source]

Pluripotency in certain stem cells could also make it possible to generate patient-specific cell lines, such as neurons to treat neurological diseases, and pancreatic islet cells to treat diabetes. Pluripotent cells undergo cellular differentiation into numerous cell types for the entire organism.

References[edit | edit source]

Pluripotency Resources
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