ESC

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) signaling along with its family members have been implicated in development and maintenance of various organs. Stem cells are important contributors to this process and are characterized by their ability to self-renew and to generate differentiated cells of a particular tissue. Stem cells can be classified into embryonic and somatic stem cells.

Stem cell marker antibodies are used to identify and isolate stem cells in vitro. Whereas adult stem cells can only differentiate into one cell type, embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have the unique ability to differentiate into a large variety. Stem cells can be genetically manipulated into specific cell lines, and researchers have recently developed a promising new method of producing ESC-like cell lines from adult stem cells.