Expanding the boundaries of embryonic stem cells.
The boundaries of embryonic stem cell (ESC) research have extended considerably in recent years in several important ways. Alongside a deeper understanding of the pluripotent state, ESCs have been successfully integrated into various fields, such as genomics, epigenetics, and disease modeling. Significant progress in cell fate control has pushed directed differentiation and tissue engineering further than ever before and promoted clinical trials. The geographical distribution of research activity has also expanded, especially for human ESCs. This review outlines these developments and future challenges that remain.
Stem Cell Unit, Department of Genetics, Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem 91904, Israel.
Uri
U
Ben-David
Stem Cell Unit, Department of Genetics, Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem 91904, Israel.
Oded
O
Kopper
Stem Cell Unit, Department of Genetics, Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem 91904, Israel. Electronic address: nissimb@cc.huji.ac.il.
Nissim
N
Benvenisty
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D053595:Embryonic Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology* / Q000637:transplantation; D006801:Humans