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Australian first for stem-cell scientists

18 February 2009

Scientists have created Australia's first induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell lines.

The scientists, from the Monash Institute of Medical Research, have derived the cells from skin cells and reprogrammed them to behave as embryonic stem cells.

The breakthrough will allow Australian scientists unlimited access to study a range of diseases. Until now Australian scientists have had to import human iPS cells from America or Japan.

Program leader Dr Paul Verma said the significance of developing iPS cells in-house cannot be underestimated.

"We now have the capability to investigate any human disease without relying on iPS cells that have been generated elsewhere," Dr Verma said.

Creating iPS cells does not require donated excess IVF embryos or human eggs; therefore, no human embryos are destroyed in the process.

However Dr Verma said it was still too early to assume iPS cells are the preferable alternative to working with embryonic stem cells.

"While the iPS cells we have created appear in an identical manner to embryonic stem cells, iPS cell lines show great variability in their potential to produce mature cells," Dr Verma said.

"If we can overcome this, iPS cells would certainly pose a great alternative to embryonic stem cells."

Dr Verma and his team, together with Professor Bernie Tuch from the Sydney Cell Therapy Foundation, will now generate iPS cells from type 1 diabetes patients to help understand the disease and develop better medicines.