English (United Kingdom)

https://curated-unify.zendy.io/wp-json/zendy-region/v1/featured_content/oa?rat=en

https://curated-unify.zendy.io/wp-json/zendy-region/v1/highlighted_journal/

Global: Zendy Plus annual

Presents the access of premium content as premium feature

Premium Content

Presents the keyphrase highlighting as premium feature

Keyphrase Highlighting

Presents the summarisation as premium feature

Summarisation

Insights

Presents the pdf analysis as premium feature

PDF Analysis

Presents the zaia usage as premium feature

ZAIA

Global: Zendy Tools annual

Global: Zendy Free Plan

Global: Zendy Tools monthly

Global: Zendy Plus monthly

Recent reports describing that, not unexpectedly, human embryonic stem (ES) cells have become available [Shamblott et al., 1998; Thomson et al., 1998] suddenly put ES cells in the centre of public interest. Mouse ES cells have been known as a fascinating object of biological research for many years, and in particular they have proven useful as an experimental tool for basic studies on gene function. Their potential use as model systems for studies on basic aspects of differentiation processes was in the past exploited by only a limited, but steadily increasing, number of researchers. Since last year interest in this field seems to have experienced a quantum leap, in particular due to the fact that the primate, and especially human, ES cells now available may show considerable promise for broad applications in tissue engineering and transplantation. Indeed, they could be an ideal source of material for transplantation purposes in the human. We will of course never have enough donated human cells and organs to meet all transplantation needs, in spite of all efforts that are being made. Xenotransplantation poses immunologic and animal protection problems. ES cells are attractive because they can proliferate and then be influenced by various cytokines to differentiate into certain directions, e.g. into the direction of haematopoietic stem cells that are of utmost interest in transplantation medicine [for animal experiments see e.g. Forrester et al., 1991; Palacios et al., 1995]. Studies along those lines are now being continued with human ES cells. ES cells are, on the other hand, also of considerable interest to embryologists and developmental biologists because they offer opportunities previously unavailable for performing studies on differentiation and pattern formation in mammals including (nonhuman) primates. It seems that the great practical use that derivatives of ES cell lines may find in transplantation medicine will increase the pressure to put much money and effort into such basic research on the regulation of differentiation in these systems. I am very happy, therefore, that Anna Wobus and Kenneth Boheler have accepted to compile and edit this timely special issue of Cells Tissues Organs. I am sure it will be welcomed by the scientific community as a very impor-

Embryonic Stem Cells: An Exciting Field for Basic Research and Tissue Engineering, but also an Ethical Dilemma?