Multilineage Differentiation from Human Embryonic Stem Cell Lines

Abstract

Stem cells are unique cell populations with the ability to undergo both self-renewal and differentiation. A wide variety of adult mammalian tissues harbors stem cells, yet "adult" stem cells may be capable of developing into only a limited number of cell types. In contrast, embryonic stem (ES) cells, derived from blastocyst-stage early mammalian embryos, have the ability to form any fully differentiated cell of the body. Human ES cells have a normal karyotype, maintain high telomerase activity, and exhibit remarkable long-term proliferative potential, providing the possibility for unlimited expansion in culture. Furthermore, they can differentiate into derivatives of all three embryonic germ layers when transferred to an in vivo environment. Data are now emerging that demonstrate human ES cells can initiate lineage-specific differentiation programs of many tissue and cell types in vitro. Based on this property, it is likely that human ES cells will provide a useful differentiation culture system to study the mechanisms underlying many facets of human development. Because they have the dual ability to proliferate indefinitely and differentiate into multiple tissue types, human ES cells could potentially provide an unlimited supply of tissue for human transplantation. Though human ES cell-based transplantation therapy holds great promise to successfully treat a variety of diseases (e.g., Parkinson's disease, diabetes, and heart failure) many barriers remain in the way of successful clinical trials.

Embryonic stem cells generated by nuclear transfer of human somatic nuclei into rabbit oocytes

“…The isolation of human embryonic stem cells, and the successful directed differentiation of these cells [13][14][15]30] may result in an ability to correct various diseases through cellular transplantation. However, the use of human ES cell lines for transplantation will face immunological challenges as seen with the transplantation of organs.…”

Derivation and long-term culture of human parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells using human foreskin feeders

“…Human embryonic stem (hES) cells have tremendous potential in regenerative medicine and cell therapy because of their potential for self-renewal and multi-differentiation [1,2]. Allogeneic ES cells have been found to elicit a vigorous immune response, hence it is important to use ES cells that are matched genetically with the recipient in clinical applications.…”

Skeletal tissue engineering using embryonic stem cells

“…ICM cells were separated from trophectoderm by immunosurgery, plated onto a fibroblast feeder substratum in medium containing fetal calf serum [14].…”