Rediscovering pluripotency: From teratocarcinomas to embryonic stem cells

Abstract

The journey home from Cardiff provided plenty of time for reflection, and a chance to appreciate the great distance the field has covered since pluripotent embryonal carcinoma cells were described in germ cell tumours. However, it was also obvious how far this area of research has yet to travel. Despite gathering together some of the most influential thinkers, no agreement could be reached as to which range of cells were truly pluripotent, and what stage of embryonic development the different stem cell types represented. The confounding effects of speciation and heterogeneity still have the potential to cloud our vision, yet the illuminating science presented at this meeting suggests that a clearer picture will soon emerge. © 2012 UBC Press.