IPS Technology has revolutionized traditional techniques in stem cell biology. It is typically achieved by ectopic expression of 4 transcription factors (OSKM) which induce stochastic changes in gene expression. These cells have similar (but not identical) morphology, self-renewal features, growth properties and genetic profiles to embryonic stem cells (ESCs); in addition, they share the capability to differentiate into cell lineages belonging to all three embryonic germ layers. 

Improved results have been achieved through exploring the IPS technology for modeling human pathology and the discovery of new drugs. Central to this paradigm is the requirement of patient-specific stem cells that can be propagated in a cell culture environment suitable for transplantation and other therapeutic applications, however, this goal has not been accomplished.

 IPS technology is primarily based on the introduction of OSKM factors via retroviral transduction: this can result in a genomic integration of the transgene increasing the risk of mutagenesis. In spite of the development of reprogramming methods based on non-integrative methods (which include transient expression of reprogramming factors such as episomal vectors, plasmids, adenoviruses, RNA, or excision of the transgene after reprogramming that can reduce the risk of tumorigenicity). However, the ultimate goal of translating this technology into clinical application is to use nucleic acid-free approaches. 

This methods collection will be focused on genetic-free reprogramming of somatic cells to pluripotency by exploring the methods based on small molecules, proteins, antibodies, or signaling pathways which regulate pluripotency during human development.