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Embryonic Stem Cells

Embryonic Stem Cells

Embryonic stem (ES) cells were first discovered in mice in 1981 by Martin Evans. In 1998, James Thomson identified a method to isolate embryonic stem cells from humans. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are obtained from 3-5 day old embryos that remain unused after an in vitro fertilization procedure.
ES cells are grown in a culture medium where they can divide indefinitely, creating ES cell lines. Under certain conditions, ES cells can differentiate, either spontaneously into a variety of...

Embryonic Stem Cells

Embryonic Stem Cells

Embryonic stem (ES) cells are undifferentiated pluripotent cells, meaning they can produce any cell type in the body. This gives them tremendous potential in science and medicine since they can generate specific cell types for use in research or to replace body cells lost due to damage or disease.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Structure-function Studies in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells Using Recombinase-mediated Cassette Exchange

Structure-function Studies in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells Using Recombinase-mediated Cassette Exchange

Published on: April 27, 2017

Mouse embryonic stem (ES) cell culture.

¹Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Current Protocols in Molecular Biology

|February 12, 2008

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells are crucial for creating genetically modified mice. Maintaining their undifferentiated state using mouse embryo fibroblast (MEF) feeder layers and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is essential for germline transmission.

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Last Updated: Jul 7, 2026

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Area of Science:

* Stem cell biology
* Developmental biology
* Molecular genetics

Background:

* Mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells are vital tools for generating genetically modified mice through gene targeting and transgenesis.
* Maintaining the pluripotency of ES cells is critical for their ability to contribute to the germ line and transmit altered genetic material.
* Undifferentiated ES cells are required for successful germline transmission of gene modifications.

Purpose of the Study:

* To describe a common method for culturing mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells.
* To detail techniques for preventing ES cell differentiation.
* To ensure the maintenance of ES cell pluripotency for germline transmission.

Main Methods:

* Culture of ES cells on mouse embryo fibroblast (MEF) feeder layers.
* Use of recombinant leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in culture media.
* Standard cell culture techniques to prevent differentiation.

Main Results:

* Established a reliable method for culturing ES cells that prevents differentiation.
* Demonstrated the efficacy of MEF feeder layers and LIF in maintaining ES cell pluripotency.
* Confirmed the suitability of the culture conditions for germline transmission applications.

Conclusions:

* The described method using MEF feeder layers and LIF effectively maintains mouse ES cell pluripotency.
* This technique is essential for generating genetically modified mice via germline transmission.
* Consistent ES cell culture is fundamental for advancing gene targeting and transgenesis research.