Abstract
Human embryonic stem (hES) cells are self-renewing, pluripotent cells that are valuable research tools and hold promise for use in regenerative medicine. Most hES cell lines are derived from cryopreserved human embryos that were created during in vitro fertilization (IVF) and are in excess of clinical need. Embryos that are discarded during the IVF procedure because of poor morphology and a low likelihood for generating viable pregnancies or surviving the cryopreservation process are also a viable source of hES cells. In this protocol, we describe how to derive novel hES cells from discarded poor-quality embryos and how to maintain the hES cell lines.
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Acknowledgements
This work was made possible through the generosity and vision of Joshua and Anita Bekenstein, the Harvard Stem Cell Institute and Children's Hospital Boston. G.Q.D. is a recipient of the Burroughs Wellcome Fund Clinical Scientist Award in Translational Research.
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P.H.L. and A.Y. contributed equally to this work.
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Lerou, P., Yabuuchi, A., Huo, H. et al. Derivation and maintenance of human embryonic stem cells from poor-quality in vitro fertilization embryos. Nat Protoc 3, 923–933 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/nprot.2008.60
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nprot.2008.60
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