Derivation and characterization of rabbit embryonic stem cells: A review

Abstract

In the first part of this chapter the different types of pluripotent stem cells are described in general: embryonal carcinoma cells, mouse and human embryonic stem cells, germ cells, epiblast stem cells and induced pluripotent cells. The methods used for isolation of rabbit embryonic stem like cells and rabbit primordial germ cells are detailed in the second part, including the species specific factors playing role in the maintenance of pluripotency. Detection of pluripotency markers both at mRNA and protein levels is an important tool in embryonic stem cell characterization. In vitro differentiation, teratoma formation and chimera forming ability are all inevitable tools to characterize embryonic stem cells. Finally the future potential of a truly validated widely available rabbit embryonic stem cell line is highlighted. © 2009 Springer Netherlands.