[Development of technology for the utilization of embryonic stem cells]

Human embryonic stem(ES) cells are very promising resources that will be highly likely applied to the clinic directly and/or indirectly in the near future. For example, some kinds of ES cell-derivatives may be applied to the cell transplantation therapy, or ES cell-derived hepatic cells may be utilized in the field of pharmacology. Thus, the development of technology relating to ES cells is very important and many scientists around the world are currently working intensively in this field. Here we describe what is possible at the moment and what should be developed in the future in relation to ES cell technology.