Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 5, 2026
22:06
Derivation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells from Murine Embryonic Stem Cells
Published on: February 25, 2007
14.0K
Asymmetric division in a two-cell-like state rejuvenates embryonic stem cells
Xinyi Wang1,2, Hong Fu2,3, Qingyang Sun2,3,4
1GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
Cell Research
|February 3, 2026
Summary
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) achieve immortality through asymmetric cell division. This process eliminates damaged cells and rejuvenates others, offering insights into cellular aging and renewal.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- A fundamental question in biology is whether all cells age.
- Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are unique in their capacity for indefinite in vitro proliferation.
- The mechanisms behind ESC immortality are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms underlying the indefinite proliferation of ESCs.
- To understand how ESCs maintain lineage health despite accumulating DNA damage.
Main Methods:
- Long-term live-cell imaging of single ESCs.
- Analysis of cell fate and division patterns.
- Assessment of DNA damage and pluripotency markers.
Main Results:
- ESCs enter a transient state expressing two-cell embryo-specific markers.
- Asymmetric cell divisions occur, sequestering DNA damage into one daughter cell.
- The other daughter lineage reverts to pluripotency, showing signs of rejuvenation and reduced DNA damage.
Conclusions:
- Asymmetric cell division is critical for ESC lineage immortality.
- This mechanism allows ESCs to counteract accumulated DNA damage and maintain long-term health.
- Provides a model for studying cellular aging and rejuvenation in mammals.
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