ABSTRACT
Embryonic stem cells (ESC) are derived from the blastocyst and induced pluripotent stem cells (IPS) are derived by genetic reprogramming of an adult cell. Both ESC and IPS cells are pluripotent stem cells because they have the potential to differentiate into any cell within the human body. This has raised interest in their application for regenerative medicine. Within this chapter, we discuss the history behind and development of ESC and IPS cells as well as initial clinical trials.
