Direct Conversion Challenges Embryonic Stem Cell Research | LifeNews.com: Why are researchers “skipping pluripotency?” Because the undifferentiated nature of pluripotent stem cells makes them unpredictable and prone to causing tumors. To use pluripotent stem cells to treat patients, researchers would have to take pluripotent cells and differentiate them into the cells needed. But if any of these cells retain their pluripotency, they may develop into tumors. This is exactly the reason embryonic stem cells are known to cause tumors in animal models. Skipping pluripotency reduces the risk of tumor formation which means these kinds of cells made by direct conversion are not only easier to make but also may be safer for use in patients.
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