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Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Oct4GiP Reporter Assay to Study Genes that Regulate Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell Maintenance and Self-renewal
Published on: May 30, 2012
Epigenetic stability of embryonic stem cells and developmental potential
Maëlle Pannetier1, Robert Feil
1Institute of Molecular Genetics, CNRS, 1919, route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France.
Abstract:
Recent studies highlight the tremendous potential of human embryonic stem (ES) cells and their derivatives as therapeutic tools for degenerative diseases. However, derivation and culture of ES cells can induce epigenetic alterations, which can have long lasting effects on gene expression and phenotype. Research on human and mouse stem cells indicates that developmental, cancer-related genes, and genes regulated by genomic imprinting are particularly susceptible to changes in DNA methylation. Together with the occurrence of genetic alterations, epigenetic instability needs to be monitored when considering human stem cells for therapeutic and technological purposes. Here, we discuss the maintenance of epigenetic information in cultured stem cells and embryos and how this influences their developmental potential.
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