The significance of culture adaptation of embryonic stem cells for regenerative medicine

Abstract

The promise that human embryonic stem (ES) cells hold for regenerative medicine has generated much excitement since their initial derivation. However, before the potential of these cells can be realised, efficient differentiation protocols must be devised, and the cells should be shown to pose no safety risk. Despite initial reports suggesting that human ES cells are karyotypically stable, during the last decade it has become apparent that they do acquire genetic and/or epigenetic changes during culture, reflecting an adaptation to life in vitro. This culture adaptation can affect ES cell growth and differentiation, but of particular concern is the potential link between adaptation and cancer, which would become an issue if the cells are to be used for transplantation. In this chapter we discuss the issues surrounding culture adaptation of ES cells, and the potential impacts, both positive and negative, it may have on the use of these cells for regenerative medicine.