Embryonic Stem Cells

Abstract

Embryonic stem(ES) cells are able to self-renew and differentiate into all kinds of human cells.Due to their unique properties,ES cells are used in diverse fields of biological research,particular in developmental biology.Meanwhile,their potential medical application become a research hot-spot worldwidly.Since pre-implantation eggs are sources to generate ES cells,the use of embryonic stem cells is therefore controversial.This review will outline characterization of ES cells,regulation of self-renewal,and the applications of the cell in treating diseases,as well as ethical issues related to human ES cells research.