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Maintenance of the ES Cell State

Maintenance of the ES Cell State

The cells of the blastocyst inner cell mass only remain pluripotent for a short time. This state of pluripotency and self-renewal can be maintained in embryonic stem (ES) cell culture by adding specific chemicals or growth factors to ensure the cells can continue dividing and later differentiate into different cell types. In some cases, the cells are grown on a feeder layer of differentiated cells, which provides the growth factors and extracellular matrix components necessary for stem cell...

Chromatin Modification in iPS Cells

Chromatin Modification in iPS Cells

Chromatin modification alters gene expression; therefore, scientists can add histone-modifying enzymes, histone variants, and chromatin remodeling complexes to somatic cells to aid reprogramming into pluripotent stem (iPS) cells.
Compact chromatin makes reprogramming difficult. Enzymes, such as histone demethylases and acetyltransferases, are often added during reprogramming to loosen the chromatin, making the DNA more accessible to transcription factors. Molecules that inhibit histone...

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.

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic Regulation

Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 23, 2026

Oct4GiP Reporter Assay to Study Genes that Regulate Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell Maintenance and Self-renewal

Oct4GiP Reporter Assay to Study Genes that Regulate Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell Maintenance and Self-renewal

Published on: May 30, 2012

Epigenetics of embryonic stem cells.

Vincenzo Calvanese¹, Mario F Fraga

¹Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología/CSIC, Madrid, Spain.

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology

|March 30, 2012

Summary

Epigenetic factors control embryonic cell differentiation, guiding regenerative medicine. Key mechanisms like DNA methylation and histone modifications are crucial for embryonic stem cell maintenance and development.

Area of Science:

Developmental Biology
Epigenetics
Regenerative Medicine

Background:

Cell differentiation is vital for embryonic development.
Epigenetic factors regulate chromatin structure and gene expression.
Understanding these mechanisms is key for regenerative medicine.

Purpose of the Study:

To review known epigenetic modifications and pathways.
To describe the state of the art in epigenetic regulation of embryonic stem cells.
To highlight the role of epigenetics in cell differentiation and maintenance.

Main Methods:

Focus on DNA methylation.
Focus on histone modifications.
Review of current literature on epigenetic regulation.

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Chromatin Immunoprecipitation from Human Embryonic Stem Cells

Chromatin Immunoprecipitation from Human Embryonic Stem Cells

Published on: July 22, 2008

Epigenetic Regulation of Cardiac Differentiation of Embryonic Stem Cells and Tissues

Epigenetic Regulation of Cardiac Differentiation of Embryonic Stem Cells and Tissues

Published on: June 3, 2016

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Last Updated: May 23, 2026

Oct4GiP Reporter Assay to Study Genes that Regulate Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell Maintenance and Self-renewal

Oct4GiP Reporter Assay to Study Genes that Regulate Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell Maintenance and Self-renewal

Published on: May 30, 2012

Chromatin Immunoprecipitation from Human Embryonic Stem Cells

Chromatin Immunoprecipitation from Human Embryonic Stem Cells

Published on: July 22, 2008

Epigenetic Regulation of Cardiac Differentiation of Embryonic Stem Cells and Tissues

Epigenetic Regulation of Cardiac Differentiation of Embryonic Stem Cells and Tissues

Published on: June 3, 2016

Main Results:

DNA methylation and histone modifications are key epigenetic regulators.
These modifications control chromatin structure and gene expression.
Significant progress has been made in understanding stem cell epigenetics.

Conclusions:

Epigenetic regulation is central to embryonic stem cell maintenance and differentiation.
Further research into epigenetic mechanisms can advance regenerative medicine.
This knowledge provides a foundation for developing new therapeutic strategies.