Prepared by the International Society for Stem Cell Research Embryonic stem cells are derived from the cells that make up the inner cell mass of the blastocyst. Both mouse and human embryonic stem cell lines exist. Mouse embryonic stem cells are capable of generating any and all cells in the body, under the right conditions. Therefore, they are said to be pluripotent and have unlimited potential as far as growth and differentiation. The cells divide continuously in tissue culture dishes in an incubator, but at the same time maintain the ability to generate any cell type when placed into the correct
Environment to cause their differentiation.
Human embryonic stem cell lines are currently being studied and several research teams are working to determine whether or not they possess the same properties as mouse embryonic stem cells. Because human embryonic stem cells were isolated relatively recently, and therefore we know less about them, it is currently more difficult to work with human systems than mouse. However, scientists are making remarkable progress that could ultimately lead to therapies to replace or restore damaged tissues using these human cells.
