Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026

09:00
Hemogenic Endothelium Differentiation from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells in A Feeder- and Xeno-free Defined Condition
Published on: June 16, 2019
Human pluripotent stem cells: an emerging model in developmental biology
1Developmental Biology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute, New York, NY 10065, USA. zhuz@mskcc.org
Summary
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) offer a novel model for studying human embryonic development. These cells complement traditional model organisms and enable gene discovery through advanced screening technologies.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Stem cell research
- Human embryonic development
Background:
- Classic model organisms have historically advanced developmental biology.
- Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), encompassing embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells, represent a significant new model system.
- hPSCs provide unique advantages for studying human development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss how hPSC studies complement traditional model organism research.
- To explain the recapitulation of human embryonic development using hPSCs in vitro.
- To summarize genetic tools for studying gene function during hPSC differentiation.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing hPSCs (human embryonic stem cells and human induced pluripotent stem cells) as a model system.
- Employing recently developed genetic tools for gene function analysis.
- Leveraging high-throughput screening technologies.
Main Results:
- hPSCs effectively model key aspects of human embryonic development in vitro.
- New genetic tools facilitate the investigation of gene function during hPSC differentiation.
- hPSCs, combined with screening technologies, show potential for revolutionizing gene discovery.
Conclusions:
- hPSCs are a valuable addition to developmental biology, complementing classic models.
- In vitro recapitulation of human development using hPSCs is feasible.
- Advancements in genetic tools and screening technologies enhance the utility of hPSCs for gene discovery in mammalian development.
Related Concept Videos
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that divide and produce different types of cells. Ordinarily, cells that have differentiated into a specific cell type are post-mitotic—that is, they no longer divide. However, scientists have found a way to reprogram these mature cells so that they “de-differentiate” and return to an unspecialized, proliferative state. These cells are also pluripotent like embryonic stem cells—able to produce all cell types—and are therefore called induced pluripotent stem...
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that divide and produce different cell types. Ordinarily, cells that have differentiated into a specific cell type are terminally differentiated; however, scientists have found a way to reprogram these mature cells so that they dedifferentiate and return to an unspecialized, proliferative state. These cells are pluripotent like embryonic stem cells—able to produce all cell types—and are called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
Somatic cells are...
Somatic cells are...
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that divide and produce different types of cells. Ordinarily, cells that have differentiated into a specific cell type are post-mitotic—that is, they no longer divide. However, scientists have found a way to reprogram these mature cells so that they “de-differentiate” and return to an unspecialized, proliferative state. These cells are also pluripotent like embryonic stem cells—able to produce all cell types—and are therefore called induced pluripotent stem...
EPS and iPS Cells in Disease Research
Embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells are excellent models for disease research because of their ability to self-renew and differentiate into most cell types. Somatic cells from a patient are isolated and reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells or iPSCs. These iPSCs are later differentiated into the desired cell type, which mirrors the diseased cell of the patient. In this way, disease models have been created for investigating diseases such as Down syndrome, type I diabetes,...
Stem Cell Culture
Stem cell research aims to find ways to use stem cells to regenerate and repair cellular damage. Over time, most adult cells undergo the wear and tear of aging and lose their ability to divide and repair themselves. Stem cells do not display a particular morphology or function. Adult stem cells, which exist as a small subset of cells in most tissues, keep dividing and can differentiate into a number of specialized cells generally formed by that tissue. These cells enable the body to renew and...
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.
