A new method for making induced pluripotent stem cells
NINGBO MACEY EDUCATION PRODUCT CO.,LTD , https://www.maceycreative.com
August 03 08:30:50, 2025
In a groundbreaking development, scientists at Shanghai Huyu have discovered a novel method to reprogram somatic cells by exposing them to an external environment. This technique enables differentiated cells to regain pluripotency—essentially transforming adult hematopoietic cells into stem cells without the need for complex technologies or transcription factors. The breakthrough was achieved using a low-pH environment, marking a significant advancement in regenerative medicine.
While environmental stress-induced reprogramming has long been observed in plants, where mature cells can be reverted to an immature state, this process had never been successfully demonstrated in mammalian cells—until now. The Shanghai Huyu team aimed to bridge this gap by testing various environmental stresses on animal cells.
To track the changes, they used fluorescent proteins as markers of pluripotency. When white blood cells were exposed to a short-term low-pH environment, some showed activation of pluripotency-related genes and expressed genetic markers typically found in early embryos. This indicated that the cells had transitioned into a pluripotent state, known as STAP (Stimulus-Triggered Acquisition of Pluripotency) cells.
Further experiments with cells from newborn mice confirmed the results: when placed in a weakly acidic environment, these cells reverted to an undifferentiated state, capable of developing into any cell type. Specifically, CD45+ hematopoietic cells were shown to become pluripotent after exposure to transient low pH conditions.
Although the current research has only been successful in tissues from newborn mice, the findings open up exciting possibilities. It remains to be seen whether similar methods could work on adult cells or cells from other species. However, detailed molecular analysis suggests that STAP cells represent a distinct and unique form of pluripotency.
This discovery challenges previous assumptions about how cells can be reprogrammed and highlights the potential of environmental cues in triggering cellular plasticity. As researchers continue to explore this new pathway, it may lead to more efficient and accessible methods for generating stem cells, ultimately benefiting regenerative medicine and personalized therapies.