Cancer-Related Mutations Found in 22% of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells: A Cause for Concern in Regenerative Medicine

A recent study conducted by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has raised significant concerns in the rapidly evolving field of regenerative medicine. The study, focusing on human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs)—known for their capacity to self-renew and differentiate into various human cell types—has unearthed a disturbing revelation. A staggering 22% of hPSC samples were found to carry at least one cancer-related mutation. These cells, despite their remarkable potential for tissue regeneration, disease modeling, and drug discovery, might harbor hidden dangers.

Stem Cells and Cancer Mutations

The majority of these mutations, accounting for approximately 70%, were discovered to be acquired during cell propagation in culture. This finding emphasizes the need for increased vigilance in the use of stem cell derivatives in both research and clinical applications. It underscores the importance of regular evaluations of cell cultures to ensure accurate conclusions and safe therapeutic practices.

Methodology and Findings

The research was led by Prof. Nissim Benvenisty's laboratory at the Azrieli Center for Stem Cell and Genetic Research. The team used a bioinformatic algorithm to analyze over 2,200 samples from more than 140 different hPSC lines. The study, published in the esteemed Nature Biotechnology, found that the most common mutation was in the P53 gene, a well-known tumor suppressor.

Implications and Concerns

The high prevalence of mutations poses a serious challenge to the safety standards in research and clinical applications. Moreover, these mutations affect not only the growth advantage in culture but also influence the cell fate transition during differentiation. This raises considerable concerns for the future direction of the field, particularly in clinical settings. The findings of the study merit urgent attention and pave the way for more comprehensive safety protocols in regenerative medicine.