Differentiation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: Influence of BRCA Mutations

Inherited breast cancer is a major disease affecting many people. New ways of identifying drugs to treat breast cancer are required to prevent relapse of disease. This thesis tested stem cells made from donated breast tissue as a new model for breast cancer drug discovery. The research identified critical genetic weaknesses in the stem cells and the cell types made from them. This research will provide information critical for improving the validation of these stem cell based systems, aiding in the discovery of new medicines to treat breast cancer.