Chimaeras with the contribution of the pluripotent stem cells as a tool in biomedical research

Abstract

The CHIMAERA has been known as a mythic, fire-breathing monster containing a lion’s head, goat’s body, and serpent’s tail. In modern biotechnology, this term has been used to describe organisms composed of cells derived from at least two zygotes and thus differing genetically. Experimentally produced chimaeras have become an extremely valuable tool in biomedical research, used, among others, for investigating the developmental potential of cells, the differentiation processes that occur during embryogenesis, as well as for studying gene function, modelling human diseases, and developing new therapies. The interspecific chimaeras are also a promising approach for the generation of human organs for transplantation and saving endangered species. This article summarizes the current state of knowledge on chimaeras formed with the contribution of pluripotent stem cells and discusses the prospects and threats related to their use in basic research and medicine.