Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026

Derivation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells by Immunosurgery
Published on: December 13, 2007
WNTing embryonic stem cells
Jason Wray1, Christine Hartmann
1University College London, Cancer Institute, Paul O'Gorman Building, 72 Huntley Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
Abstract:
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) - undifferentiated cells originating from preimplantation stage embryos - have prolonged self-renewal capacity and are pluripotent. Activation of the canonical Wnt pathway is implicated in maintenance of and exit from the pluripotent state. Recent findings demonstrate that the essential mediator of canonical Wnt signaling, β-catenin, is dispensable for ESC maintenance; however, its activation inhibits differentiation through derepression of T cell factor 3 (Tcf3)-bound genes. Wnt agonists are useful in deriving ESCs from recalcitrant mouse strains and the rat and in nuclear reprogramming of somatic stem cells. We discuss recent advances in our understanding of the role of canonical Wnt signaling in the regulation of ESC self-renewal and how its manipulation can improve pluripotent ESC derivation and maintenance.
Related Concept Videos
Embryonic Stem Cells
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
Stem Cell Culture
Maintenance of the ES Cell State
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Somatic cells are...
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

