Human ESC/iPSC-based ‘omics’ and bioinformatics for translational research

The establishment of human embryonic stem cell lines (hESCs) created the basis for new approaches in regenerative medicine and drug discovery. Despite the potential of hESCs for cell-based therapies, ethical controversies limit their use. These obstacles could be overcome by induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) that are generated by reprogramming somatic cells. Before iPSCs can be used for clinical applications, however, they must be thoroughly analyzed for aberrations in the genome, epigenome, transcriptome and proteome. Here, we review how ‘omics’ technologies can be employed for a quantitative and definitive assessment of these cells.