Establishment and characterization of two new human embryonic stem cell lines, SYSU-1 and SYSU-2.
BACKGROUND
Human embryonic stem cells can propagate indefinitely in vitro and are able to differentiate into derivatives of all three embryonic germ layers. The excitement surrounding human embryonic stem cells lies largely in their potential to produce specialized cells that can be used for transplant therapies. However, further investigation requires additional cell lines with varying genetic background. Therefore, efforts to derive and establish more human embryonic stem cell lines are highly warranted.


METHODS
Surplus embryos (blastocysts) from donors were used to isolate the inner cell mass by immunosurgery. All cells were cultured continuously on irradiated murine embryonic fibroblasts feed layer and likely human embryonic stem cell colonies were subsequently characterized by cell surface marker staining, karyotyping and teratoma formation.


RESULTS
Two human embryonic stem cell lines (SYSU-1 and SYSU-2) were established from surplus embryos. The two lines express several pluripotency markers including alkaline phosphatase, SSEA-4, Tra-1-60, Oct-4, Nanog and Rex-1. They remain in undifferentiated state with normal karyotype after prolonged passages and can form embryoid bodies in vitro and teratoma in vivo.


CONCLUSIONS
Two new human embryonic stem cell lines have been established from surplus embryos. They can be used to understand selfrenewal and differentiating mechanisms and provide more choices for regenerative medicine.
Huang
Guo
G
Centre for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
Li
Wei-qiang
WQ
Chen
Rui
R
Chen
Zhen-guang
ZG
Zhang
Xiu-ming
XM
Mao
Fu-xiang
FX
Huang
Shao-liang
SL
Li
Shu-nong
SN
Lahn
Bruce T
BT
Xiang
Andy Peng
AP
D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002460:Cell Line; D053595:Embryonic Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D006801:Humans; D007621:Karyotyping