| abstract |
Human pluripotent stem cells are disclosed which are established form human postnatal tissue through the introduction of Oct3/4, Sox2, and Klf4 genes, or Oct3/4, Sox2, and Klf4 genes in combination with either a c-Myc gene or a histone deacetylase inhibitor. Methods of inducing human pluripotent stem cells of the invention from an undifferentiated stem cell in human postnatal tissue are also claimed, as are stem cells of the invention for use in cell replacement therapy. Undifferentiated stem cells in which each of the genes Tert. Nanog, Oct3/4, and Sox2 has not undergone epigenetic inactivation, and which can be induced into the pluripotent stem cells of the invention, are also claimed. |