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Open Access 01-12-2015 | Review

Human embryonic stem cell cultivation: historical perspective and evolution of xeno-free culture systems

Authors: Nina Desai, Pooja Rambhia, Arsela Gishto

Published in: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology | Issue 1/2015

Abstract

Human embryonic stem cells (hESC) have emerged as attractive candidates for cell-based therapies that are capable of restoring lost cell and tissue function. These unique cells are able to self-renew indefinitely and have the capacity to differentiate in to all three germ layers (ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm). Harnessing the power of these pluripotent stem cells could potentially offer new therapeutic treatment options for a variety of medical conditions. Since the initial derivation of hESC lines in 1998, tremendous headway has been made in better understanding stem cell biology and culture requirements for maintenance of pluripotency. The approval of the first clinical trials of hESC cells for treatment of spinal cord injury and macular degeneration in 2010 marked the beginning of a new era in regenerative medicine. Yet it was clearly recognized that the clinical utility of hESC transplantation was still limited by several challenges. One of the most immediate issues has been the exposure of stem cells to animal pathogens, during hESC derivation and during in vitro propagation. Initial culture protocols used co-culture with inactivated mouse fibroblast feeder (MEF) or human feeder layers with fetal bovine serum or alternatively serum replacement proteins to support stem cell proliferation. Most hESC lines currently in use have been exposed to animal products, thus carrying the risk of xeno-transmitted infections and immune reaction. This mini review provides a historic perspective on human embryonic stem cell culture and the evolution of new culture models. We highlight the challenges and advances being made towards the development of xeno-free culture systems suitable for therapeutic applications.

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Title: Human embryonic stem cell cultivation: historical perspective and evolution of xeno-free culture systems
Authors: Nina Desai
Pooja Rambhia
Arsela Gishto
Publication date: 01-12-2015
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1477-7827
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12958-015-0005-4

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Human embryonic stem cell cultivation: historical perspective and evolution of xeno-free culture systems

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

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Abstract

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