Review Article
Narumi Uno Yasuhiro Kazuki
Abstract
Various Stem cells including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are expected to contribute to the development of regenerative medicines. Human artificial chromosome (HAC) vectors have no limits with respect to the size of inserts, and are independently maintained from host chromosomes. HACs could be promising vectors that will contribute to gene and cell therapy in the future. Various applications and methods have been developed using HAC vectors; however, in this review we introduce current research focused towards gene and cell therapy of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and hemophilia A using stem cells. In addition, HAC vectors to generate iPSCs, with a safeguard system to eliminate tumorigenic cells are proposed.