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Introducing only four genes into fully differentiated skin cells can transform them into embryonic-like stem cells (induced pluripotent stem [iPS] cells), similar to those that exist transiently shortly after conception. In other words, we can turn back the clock, and we can create for individuals their own genetically identical embryonic stem cells. Such cells could be transformed into replacements for cells killed by disease — cardiomyocytes or neurons, for example. Disease in animals has been treated successfully in this way (NEJM JW Gen Med Dec 29 2008). This landmark discovery was honored with the Nobel Prize in 2012.
Practical obstacles abound, however, in applying this breakthrough in stem cell biology to treating human disease. One h…