Derivation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells From Developing and Arrested Embryos
The journal STEM CELLS® announced that scientists were able, for the first time, to derive pluripotent human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) from non-viable early human embryos.
The team, led by Professor Miodrag Stojkovic, derived hESCs using surplus and donated embryos that had stopped their cleavage. The scientists demonstrated that these non-viable embryos could be used under suitable laboratory conditions for derivation of hESCs and for study of early human development.
This progress, published in STEM CELLS®, encourages other scientists to perform hESC research using both viable and non-viable pre-implantation embryos in their attempt to understand and fight debilitating diseases. This article is freely available (Open Access) online.
About STEM CELLS®
STEM CELLS®, the international journal of cell differentiation and proliferation, publishes original articles and concise reviews describing basic laboratory investigations of stem cells and the translation to patient care. The Journal covers all aspects of stem cells and regenerative medicine. Currently in its 24th year of publication, STEM CELLS® is the first journal devoted to this fast-paced field of research. Its current Impact Factor of 6.094 places it in the top 3% of all high-impact international journals.
Abstract
Human embryonic stem cells (hESC) hold huge promise in modern regenerative medicine, drug discovery, and as a model for studying early human development. However, usage of embryos and derivation of hESC for research and potential medical application has resulted in polarised ethical debates since the process involves destruction of viable developing human embryos. Here we describe that not only developing embryos (morulae and blastocysts) of both good and poor quality but also arrested embryos could be used for the derivation of hESC. Analysis of arrested embryos demonstrated that these embryos express pluripotency marker genes such OCT4, NANOG and REX1. Derived hESC lines also expressed specific pluripotency markers (TRA-1-60, TRA-1-81, SSEA4, alkaline phosphatase, OCT4, NANOG, TERT and REX1) and differentiated under in vitro and in vivo conditions into derivates of all three germ layers. All the new lines including line derived from late arrested embryo have normal karyotype. These results demonstrate that arrested embryos are additional valuable resources to surplus and donated developing embryos and should be used to study early human development or derive pluripotent hESC.
