Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 19, 2026
12:13
Zinc-finger Nuclease Enhanced Gene Targeting in Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Published on: August 23, 2014
11.4K
Genetic Manipulation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells
1Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Medical Genetics Institute, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, 3235, Jerusalem, 91031, Israel, rachela@szmc.org.il.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|December 19, 2014
Summary
Genetic manipulation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) is highly accessible, enabling precise gene alterations. These advanced techniques are crucial for understanding gene function and directing cell differentiation.
Area of Science:
- Stem cell biology
- Molecular genetics
- Developmental biology
Background:
- Embryonic stem (ES) cells offer significant advantages for genetic modification due to their pluripotency and ease of clonal expansion.
- Established gene delivery and manipulation techniques in mouse ES cells have paved the way for similar applications in human ES cells (hESCs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the methodologies for genetic manipulation of hESCs.
- To highlight the applications of genetically modified hESCs in research.
- To provide essential technical insights for successful genetic engineering of hESCs.
Main Methods:
- Transfection protocols for introducing genetic material into hESCs.
- Electroporation techniques for efficient gene delivery.
- Viral infection methods for genetic modification.
- Selective propagation for clonal expansion of modified cells.
Main Results:
- Demonstration of effective gene delivery and manipulation in hESCs.
- Successful generation of genetically modified hESC clones.
- Adaptability of these protocols for human-induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells.
Conclusions:
- Genetic manipulation of hESCs is a powerful tool for studying gene function and differentiation.
- Standardized protocols ensure efficient and reliable genetic engineering of hESCs.
- These methods are transferable to human-induced pluripotent stem cells, broadening their applicability.
Related Concept Videos
00:57Embryonic Stem Cells
6.0K
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...
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...
6.0K
00:58Embryonic Stem Cells
33.6K
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.
33.6K
00:49What is Genetic Engineering?
82.1K
Overview
82.1K
01:59CRISPR
60.4K
Genome editing technologies allow scientists to modify an organism’s DNA via the addition, removal, or rearrangement of genetic material at specific genomic locations. These types of techniques could potentially be used to cure genetic disorders such as hemophilia and sickle cell anemia. One popular and widely used DNA-editing research tool that could lead to safe and effective cures for genetic disorders is the CRISPR-Cas9 system. CRISPR-Cas9 stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced...
60.4K
01:16In-vitro Mutagenesis
17.7K
To learn more about the function of a gene, researchers can observe what happens when the gene is inactivated or “knocked out,” by creating genetically engineered knockout animals. Knockout mice have been particularly useful as models for human diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes.
17.7K