Generation of chimeric piglets by injection of embryonic germ cells from inbred Wuzhishan miniature pigs into blastocysts.

Background: Human embryonic stem/germ (ES/EG) cell research poses ethical dilemma, it is therefore critical to establish alternative sources of cells for relevant studies. Considering the similarities between the inbred miniature Wuzhishan pigs (WZSP) and humans, ES/EG from these pigs can serve as potential substitutes in human research. In this study, we reported our results that successfully established stable EG cell lines from the WZSP.

Cryopreservation of human embryonic stem cells: a protocol by programmed cooling.

Human embryonic stem (ES) cells have far-reaching applications in the areas of tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, pharmacology and basic scientific research. Although the culture conditions can maintain the human ES cells in an undifferentiated state for a transient period, spontaneous differentiation has also been observed during the routine culturing of ES cells. However, the maintenance of ES cells in the undifferentiated, pluripotent state for extended periods of time will be required in many areas of scientific research.