Embryonic stem (ES) cells are pluripotent stem cells derived from the inner cell mass of the developing blastocyst. These cells possess several key features that distinguish them and make them invaluable in both research and potential clinical applications. The hallmark feature of ES cells is their pluripotency, meaning they have the potential to differentiate into cells of all three germ layers: endoderm (which gives rise to internal organs), mesoderm (which gives rise to muscles, bones, and connective tissues), and ectoderm (which gives rise to the nervous system and skin). This allows ES cells to form a wide range of specialized cell types, making them valuable for studying developmental processes and tissue regeneration. In mouse gene targeting studies the contribution of ES cells to the germline allows the generation of gene-targeted mice with heritable gene alterations induced by targeting. ES cells have the capacity for self-renewal, meaning they can divide and produce identical daughter cells indefinitely whilst maintaining their pluripotent state. This ability is essential for establishing stable ES cell lines and ensuring a consistent source of pluripotent cells for research and potential therapeutic use. ES cells typically express specific markers, including the transcription factors Oct4, Sox2, and Nanog, which help identify and characterize their pluripotent state. These markers serve as indicators of undifferentiated ES cells and guide researchers in maintaining their identity during culture. ES cells can be grown and maintained in vitro (outside of the body) through specific culture conditions. These conditions often involve feeder cells, growth factors, and defined culture media that provides the necessary nutrients and signals to support ES cell self-renewal and pluripotency. ES cells typically maintain robust genomic stability, with a relatively low occurrence of mutations. This stability is important to ensure that the differentiated cells derived from ES cells are healthy and functional for potential therapeutic applications. ES cells can be genetically manipulated to carry specific disease-associated mutations, allowing researchers to create disease models in the laboratory. These models are invaluable for studying disease mechanisms, for drug development, and for potential therapeutic interventions. The derivation of ES cells from human embryos has raised ethical concerns due to the destruction of embryos during the process. This has led to the exploration of alternative pluripotent stem cell sources, such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which are reprogrammed from adult somatic cells without embryo destruction. ES cells hold promise for regenerative medicine because of their ability to differentiate into various cell types. They can potentially be used to replace damaged or degenerated tissues in conditions such as spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's disease, and diabetes, though challenges such as immune rejection and teratoma formation exist. ES cells therefore serve as powerful tools for studying embryonic development, tissue formation, and disease mechanisms. They have contributed significantly to our understanding of cell biology, developmental biology, and disease. We offer a comprehensive product range of research tools for investigating embryonic stem cells, including CD9 antibodies, STAT3 antibodies, SOX2 antibodies, SCF ELISA Kits, and STAT3 ELISA Kits. Explore our full embryonic stem cells product range below and discover more, for less. Alternatively, you can explore our Intracellular, Surface Molecules, and Secreted product ranges.