Pluripotent Cell Lines with Genetic Variations and Methods of Use Thereof

Stanford researchers have developed a method in which induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be generated specifically for a disease of interest. In particular, they are able to generate patient-specific iPSCs related to Parkinson's disease or Parkinson's-like disease. The disease-related iPSCs are further differentiated into cell types such as dopaminergic neurons, involved in the disease progression. These differentiated cells are a valuable source for cellular transplantation therapy and as a cellular model for elucidating basic disease mechanisms, screening for therapeutics and for use in diagnostic, prognostic, and theranostic applications.