Derivation of human embryonic stem cells from single blastomeres

Nat Protoc. 2007;2(8):1963-72. doi: 10.1038/nprot.2007.274.

Abstract

This protocol details a method to derive human embryonic stem (hES) cells from single blastomeres. Blastomeres are removed from morula (eight-cell)-stage embryos and cultured until they form multicell aggregates. These blastomere-derived cell aggregates are plated into microdrops seeded with mitotically inactivated feeder cells, and then connected with neighboring microdrops seeded with green fluorescent protein-positive hES cells. The resulting blastomere-derived outgrowths are cultured in the same manner as blastocyst-derived hES cells. The whole process takes about 3-4 months.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blastomeres / cytology*
  • Blastomeres / drug effects
  • Cell Culture Techniques*
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Fibroblasts / physiology
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / analysis
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mitomycin / pharmacology

Substances

  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Mitomycin