Embryonic stem cells | UCLA BSCRC

Human embryonic stem cells, or hESCs, enable scientists to study early human developmental processes that would otherwise be inaccessible, gain critical insights into diseases and develop new treatment strategies that could one day transform into life-saving therapies.

Researchers investigate the mechanisms underlying the differentiation The process by which stem cells transform into specific, specialized cell types with distinct functions and features. differentiation The process by which stem cells transform into specific, specialized cell types with distinct functions and features. of hESCs into distinct cell types with the aim of replicating this process in a lab dish. Our investigators are pursuing methods to cultivate specific cell types that can be used in cell therapies for a range of conditions including heart failure, neurodegenerative diseases, muscular dystrophies and spinal cord injuries.

An additional focus of hESC research is understanding the mechanisms behind these cells' self-renewal When stem cells self-renew, they divide to make identical copies of themselves. self-renewal When stem cells self-renew, they divide to make identical copies of themselves.. This research is leading yielding insights into how cell fate specification The crucial process by which undifferentiated cells receive molecular signals and genetic cues that guide them towards developing into specific cell types with distinct functions. This process is essential for the formation of various tissues and organs during embryonic development and plays a role in tissue regeneration in adults. cell fate specification The crucial process by which undifferentiated cells receive molecular signals and genetic cues that guide them towards developing into specific cell types with distinct functions. This process is essential for the formation of various tissues and organs during embryonic development and plays a role in tissue regeneration in adults. is regulated during healthy embryonic and post-natal development, how it becomes dysregulated during aging and even in the development of cancer.

Learn More: Stem Cell Biology

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Embryonic stem cells | UCLA BSCRC