iPSC Technology: An Innovative Tool for Developing Clean Meat, Livestock, and Frozen Ark

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology is an emerging technique to reprogram somatic cells into iPSCs that have revolutionary benefits in the fields of drug discovery, cellular therapy, and personalized medicine. However, these applications are just the tip of the iceberg. There are examples now of repurposing iPSC technology to potentially aid endangered species, as well as even reviving extinct species. With increasing consumer reliance on animal products, combined with an exponentially growing population, there is a necessity to develop alternative approaches to conventional farming practices. One such approach that offers significant benefits is the development of domestic animal iPSCs, which will have a myriad of potential knock-on effects, such as reduction in animal death, pasture degradation, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. Ultimately, reducing the environmental impact caused by large-scale farming provides an environmentally friendly commercial alternative. Another key issue that iPSC technology will address is both food security and potential zoonosis. Here, in the form of a “Frozen Ark”, we will discuss past, current, and future research using iPSC technology and how it will potentially impact protein production in the form of animal-free meat alternatives to address increasing public awareness of foodborne diseases, factory farming, and the meat industry’s ecological footprint. ABSTRACT: Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology is an emerging technique to reprogram somatic cells into iPSCs that have revolutionary benefits in the fields of drug discovery, cellular therapy, and personalized medicine. However, these applications are just the tip of an iceberg. Recently, iPSC technology has been shown to be useful in not only conserving the endangered species, but also the revival of extinct species. With increasing consumer reliance on animal products, combined with an ever-growing population, there is a necessity to develop alternative approaches to conventional farming practices. One such approach involves the development of domestic farm animal iPSCs. This approach provides several benefits in the form of reduced animal death, pasture degradation, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. Hence, it is essentially an environmentally-friendly alternative to conventional farming. Additionally, this approach ensures decreased zoonotic outbreaks and a constant food supply. Here, we discuss the iPSC technology in the form of a “Frozen Ark”, along with its potential impact on spreading awareness of factory farming, foodborne disease, and the ecological footprint of the meat industry.