Open AccessDerivation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells from Developing and Arrested Embryos
Author(s) -
Zhang Xin,
Stojkovic Petra,
Przyborski Stefan,
Cooke Michael,
Armstrong Lyle,
Lako Majlinda,
Stojkovic Miodrag
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
stem cells
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.159
H-Index - 229
eISSN - 1549-4918
pISSN - 1066-5099
DOI - 10.1634/stemcells.2006-0377
Subject(s) - homeobox protein nanog , biology , embryonic stem cell , embryo , nanog homeobox protein , microbiology and biotechnology , regenerative medicine , rex1 , induced pluripotent stem cell , germ layer , epiblast , stem cell , inner cell mass , blastocyst , embryogenesis , genetics , gene , gastrulation
Human embryonic stem cells (hESC) hold huge promise in modern regenerative medicine, drug discovery, and as a model for studying early human development. However, usage of embryos and derivation of hESC for research and potential medical application has resulted in polarized ethical debates since the process involves destruction of viable developing human embryos. Here we describe that not only developing embryos (morulae and blastocysts) of both good and poor quality but also arrested embryos could be used for the derivation of hESC. Analysis of arrested embryos demonstrated that these embryos express pluripotency marker genes such OCT4 , NANOG , and REX1 . Derived hESC lines also expressed specific pluripotency markers (TRA‐1‐60, TRA‐1‐81, SSEA4, alkaline phosphatase, OCT4 , NANOG , TERT , and REX1 ) and differentiated under in vitro and in vivo conditions into derivates of all three germ layers. All of the new lines, including lines derived from late arrested embryos, have normal karyotypes. These results demonstrate that arrested embryos are additional valuable resources to surplus and donated developing embryos and should be used to study early human development or derive pluripotent hESC.