Human embryonic stem cell derivation: from the IVF perspective to therapeutic applications

Human embryonic stem cells (hESC) are capable of proliferating indefinitely in an undifferentiated state and are pluripotent, being able to differentiate into most cell types under the correct conditions. Since the establishment of the first hESC line in 1998, the hope has existed that these cells could constitute an unlimited cell source for replacement therapy in the treatment of various diseases and disabilities. However, there is opposition and concern within society towards hESC derivation. The purpose of this article is to introduce the medical and scientific issues surrounding hESC derivation for clinical use concerning the source for this research (human embryos donated from in vitro fertilization procedures), and the methodologies implicated in feeder-free, xeno-free derivation that will allow potential clinical applications.