CSB329H1 Lecture Notes - Inner Cell Mass, Cell Potency, Blastocyst
Document Summary
Marker proteins for escs, also regulates gene expression in those stem cells. Study how cardiac cells respond to drugs. Trials underway to use cells differentiated in vitro in therapy to treat damaged heart tissue after cardiac arrest. Do not grow uncontrollably - terminally differentiated but depends on the cell type. Only undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells continue to divide. We want the exact cellular phenotype, which is difficult. Fertilized egg (totipotent), can form embryonic tissue proper, and extraembryonic tissue (before morula stage - segregation). Early blastocyst (inner cell mass) and late blastocyst/post implantation epiblast (both pluripotent). Form the 3 germ layers, specializing to form all tissues and organs of embryo proper. Pluripotent phenotype is transient during development (do not self renew). Maintaining phenotype culture, tells us what is needed to maintain pluripotency. Takes whole blastocyst, but favors the inner cell mass to continue self renewal. Can be maintained for many rounds of cell divisions: maintain self renewal.
