Human embryonic stem cells (ESC) are derived from a structure formed just days after a sperm fertilizes an egg. These cells have the remarkable ability to develop into any cell type in the body.

What Do We Know?

Firstly, human embryonic stem cells (ESC) are pluripotent, meaning they can become any other cell type in the body. Blastocysts, cells found in early-stage human embryos, form them. Many areas of science use mouse ESCs to study how blastocysts grow into adult cells and what signals guide stem cells to differentiate into specialized cells.

Consequently, researchers have gained significant knowledge about embryonic development and disease by creating chimeric mice with genetically modified ESCs. These mice allow researchers to analyze how specific genes contribute to cellular functions and diseases.

Current Research

Similarly, researchers are learning to create different types of specialized cells found in the body by exposing ESCs to various signaling molecules and growth conditions. Researchers use mouse ESCs to understand body development from the earliest embryonic stages to the formation of complex organs.

Researchers are studying how cells combine to form complex tissues, such as the layers of the brain, by attempting to create primitive organs in the laboratory.

In conclusion, many studies investigate how ESCs could treat various diseases, from multiple sclerosis to blindness and diabetes.

Embryonic Stem Cells

Cells Found in the Embryo (Human Embryonic Stem Cells – ESC)

Scientists culture embryonic stem cells from cells found in the embryo just a few days old. In humans, mice, and other mammals, a blastocyst at this stage consists of approximately 100 cells, forming a ball with two parts:

An outer layer of cells, or trophectoderm, will form the embryo’s placenta as it grows in the uterus.

An inner cell mass is an aggregate of 10-20 cells. These cells are undifferentiated or unspecialized and will multiply and extensively differentiate to form the many types of cells needed to create a complete animal.

The inner cell mass cells are pluripotent: they can differentiate into any cell type in the body.

Explore stem cells in our article, “What are Stem Cells?”