The main aim of this proposal is to promote the basic methodology used for human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) culturing in order to encourage their large-scale growth in feeder layer-, animal- and serum-free conditions, and their distributions. In addition, we aim to further characterize these cells and to culture them under good laboratory practices (GLP) regulations. By achieving these goals, we will be able to distribute hESCs that will not only be suitable for basic studies but also potentially for clinical and industrial uses. To meet these aims our research team will concentrate on the following; ? Exploring the optimal culture conditions for hESCs: feeder layer-, animal- and serum-free conditions. ? Growing andpropagating hESCs inGLP. ? Generating a setof measurements for the evaluation ofthe cells' quality. ? Characterizing comprehensively the four Technion NIH-registered cells during their culture in various culture conditions, after prolonged culture and during early differentiation events. ? Improving the existing methods forfreezingandthawinghESCs. These improvements will constitute the ability to grow and propagate hESCs in large quantities in conditions that promote both research and clinical utilization of these cells.
| Amit, Michal; Itskovitz-Eldor, Joseph (2009) Embryonic stem cells: isolation, characterization and culture. Adv Biochem Eng Biotechnol 114:173-84 |
| Hall, Lisa L; Byron, Meg; Butler, John et al. (2008) X-inactivation reveals epigenetic anomalies in most hESC but identifies sublines that initiate as expected. J Cell Physiol 216:445-52 |
| International Stem Cell Initiative; Adewumi, Oluseun; Aflatoonian, Behrouz et al. (2007) Characterization of human embryonic stem cell lines by the International Stem Cell Initiative. Nat Biotechnol 25:803-16 |
| Amit, Michal; Itskovitz-Eldor, Joseph (2006) Feeder-free culture of human embryonic stem cells. Methods Enzymol 420:37-49 |
| Amit, Michal; Itskovitz-Eldor, Joseph (2006) Sources, derivation, and culture of human embryonic stem cells. Semin Reprod Med 24:298-303 |
| Amit, Michal; Winkler, Monica E; Menke, Sandra et al. (2005) No evidence for infection of human embryonic stem cells by feeder cell-derived murine leukemia viruses. Stem Cells 23:761-71 |
| Gerecht-Nir, Sharon; Cohen, Smadar; Itskovitz-Eldor, Joseph (2004) Bioreactor cultivation enhances the efficiency of human embryoid body (hEB) formation and differentiation. Biotechnol Bioeng 86:493-502 |
