Encyclopedia of Embryonic Stem Cells

An international consortium of scientists published the largest existing survey comparing genetic and chemical traits of human embryonic stem cell lines from around the world. "You could call this an encyclopedia of embryonic stem cells. " The study compared 59 lines of stem cells from 17 laboratories around the world and assessed the similarities and differences in the expression of many common molecular markers. Researchers also identified certain cell surface antigens and developmentally regulated genes that characterize all human embryonic stem cell lines isolated to date, despite the cell lines' variety of genetic backgrounds and growth conditions. The similarities identified in the study will help set benchmarks for future stem cell work.