An interesting cell type is the induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) [283]. iPSCs are artificial cells derived from non pluripotent cells, typically adult somatic cells through the induction of a “”forced”" expression of specific genes. iPSCs have been regarded

as the most promising way to create SCs. However the use of iPSCs has Apoptosis Compound Library raised concerns. The iPSCs are easily created by modulating the human genome to ectopically express transcriptional factors. Since their overexpression has been associated with tumorigenesis [284, 285], there is a risk that the differentiated cells might also be tumorigenic when transplanted into patients. The insertion of transgenes into functional genes of the human genome can be detrimental [286]. Furthermore, although the transcription factors are mostly silenced following

reprogramming, it has been reported that residual Hippo pathway inhibitor transgene expression may be responsible for some of the differences between ESCs and iPSCs such as the altered differentiation potential of iPSCs into functional cell types [287]. There are a few ways of creating iPSCs, i.e. genomic modification, protein introduction, and treatment with chemical reagents [288, 289]. iPSCs research has to be conducted keeping in mind ethical, legal, and social issues [290]. These cells may be used to construct disease models and to screen effective and safe drugs, as well as to treat patients through the cell transplantation therapy

[281]. However, the validity of these predictions will depend on the benefits obtained on the ongoing phase II and III human clinical trials. In the meantime, new candidate small molecules and bioactives will be identified using SC assays in the high-throughput ADAMTS5 screening that will impact on SC mobilization broaden the horizons of regenerative medicine. It has been proposed that centenarians and supercentenarians (aged 110 years or more) may present an unprecedented opportunity to explore the possibilities of SCs that have proven their value over time. These SCs should be studied to determine their developmental potential, mutational load, telomere lengths, and markers of “”stemness”" [291]. In conclusion, beyond the great enthusiasm for new treatment perspectives, an heavy investigational work is still in progress to develop specific SCs related pharmacology. In fact new drugs are urgently needed to assist SCs in vitro/in vivo differentiation and full tissue/organ integration and recovery. As far as CNS related diseases (cerebrovascular accidents and spinal traumatic lesions) are concerned, the role of autologous cytokines induced by SCs infusion has to be deeply investigated and may represent, in the future, a new treatment perspective. Aknowledgements This review was not supported by grants. The authors hereby certify that all work contained in this review is original work of DL, TI and BP.