Characterization of Human Embryonic Stem Cells

Embryonic stem (ES) cells have indefinite replicative potential and the ability to differentiate into derivatives of all three germ layers. Human ES (hES) cell lines have been derived in multiple laboratories throughout the world. These cell populations grow as tightly compacted colonies of undifferentiated cells on mouse or human feeders or as colonies in feeder-free conditions using matrix and conditioned medium. Although mouse ES cells can …