Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) in cellular replacement therapy

Principle of use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) in cellular replacement therapy. Patient cells, ie skin fibroblasts, can be obtained and reprogrammed to pluripotency ex vivo, generating iPS. These iPS can subsequently be differentiated to specific cell types which can be used for autologous transplantation. In monogenic diseases, it may be possible to correct the disease gene in iPS before transplantation.