Generation of Pluripotent Cell Lines from Human Embryos

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) hold significant promise for regenerative medicine. In this application our goal is to derive hESC lines from pre-implantation embryos to generate a source of low passage lines that can be used in research and to develop the procedures required to generate a clinic grade cell-based product. In this application we will develop the procedures for deriving, expanding and banking using current good manufacturing practices (cGMP), which are necessary for producing a clinic grade line. We aim to do this using chemically defined media and surfaces in consultation with the Director of Regulatory Compliance at our Institution. Secondly, we aim to derive hESC lines from embryos that have genetic disorders. These genetic aberrations are identified following pre implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) or pre implantation genetic screening (PGS) of consented embryos from couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Deriving hESC lines from these embryos will be essential for understanding the underlying causes of spontaneous miscarriage, or as a tool to improve the quality of life of individuals born with these chromosomal abnormalities including Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome), or Monosomy X (Turner Syndrome).