Function of embryonic stem cells: Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent, characterized by their ability to differentiate into various tissues (all tissues, including germ line cells) through cell differentiation.
All cells carry a set of genetic information of organisms, but differentiated cells, such as blood, bones, nerve cells, etc., only call the part of DNA code related to their own functions, and the rest of the codes will be labeled with methyl groups, and gene expression will be inhibited. The lower the degree of methylation, the more open the genome and the greater the potential of cell differentiation.
Extended data:
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Application prospect of embryonic stem cells;
1, producing cloned animals.
Theoretically, ES cells can proliferate indefinitely without losing their normal diploid genotype and phenotype. After nuclear transfer with ES cells as nuclear donors, a large number of individuals with the same genotype and phenotype can be obtained in a short time. Chimeric cloning of ES cells and embryos can solve the problem of distant hybridization of mammals and produce precious new animal species.
Using this technology to clone heterogeneous animals is of great significance to protect rare wild animals.
2. Transgenic animals
Using ES cells to produce transgenic animals can break the boundaries of species, break through the restriction of kinship, accelerate the genetic variation of animal populations, and conduct directional variation and breeding.
3. Organ and tissue transplantation
As a kind of ES cell called "seed cell", it provides a lot of materials for clinical tissue and organ transplantation. After gene knockout, human embryonic stem cells are directionally induced to the end organs to avoid transplant rejection among different individuals.
4, used for cell therapy
Cell therapy refers to the direct transplantation or input of genetically engineered human cells into patients in order to cure and control diseases. After gene manipulation, ES cells can still proliferate stably in vitro.
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