What is stem cell differentiation?

Stem cell differentiation is the process by which an unspecialized stem cell develops into a specific cell type with a defined biological function. All cells in the human body, from neurons to heart muscle cells to insulin-producing beta cells, originate from stem cells that have undergone differentiation. In a developing embryo, this process is orchestrated by complex biological signals. In the laboratory, scientists can replicate and direct this process by exposing stem cells to carefully controlled sequences of growth factors and chemical signals.

Mastering differentiation protocols (the precise conditions required to reliably produce a specific cell type) is one of the most technically demanding aspects of stem cell research and a critical step in the development of any stem cell therapy. The protocol must not only produce the right cell type, but must do so with the consistency, purity, and functional quality required for safe and effective clinical use.

RMS has developed proprietary differentiation protocols for producing pancreatic Islet-Like Clusters (ILCs) from iPSCs. These protocols are the product of over two decades of research and are protected by multiple issued patents. They represent a core component of RMS’s intellectual property and a key technical advantage in the development of its iPSC-based diabetes therapy.

Learn about RMS’s approach to iPSC differentiation.