Establishment of new murine embryonic stem cell lines for the generation of mouse models of human genetic diseases

Author(s)

M.A. Sukoyan ^[1] ; A.Y. Kerkis ^[2] ; M.R.B. Mello ^[3] ; I.E. Kerkis ^[4] ; J.A. Visintin ^[5] ; L.V. Pereira ^[6]

Affiliation

^[1] Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto de Biociências. Departamento de Biologia - Brasil

^[2] Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto de Biociências. Departamento de Biologia - Brasil

^[3] Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia. Departamento de Reprodução Animal - Brasil

^[4] Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto de Biociências. Departamento de Biologia - Brasil

^[5] Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia. Departamento de Reprodução Animal - Brasil

^[6] Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto de Biociências. Departamento de Biologia - Brasil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research; v. 35, n. 5, p. 535-542, 2002-05-00.

Abstract

Embryonic stem cells are totipotent cells derived from the inner cell mass of blastocysts. Recently, the development of appropriate culture conditions for the differentiation of these cells into specific cell types has permitted their use as potential therapeutic agents for several diseases. In addition, manipulation of their genome in vitro allows the creation of animal models of human genetic diseases and for the study of gene function in vivo. We report the establishment of new lines of murine embryonic stem cells from preimplantation stage embryos of 129/Sv mice. Most of these cells had a normal karyotype and an XY sex chromosome composition. The pluripotent properties of the cell lines obtained were analyzed on the basis of their alkaline phosphatase activity and their capacity to form complex embryoid bodies with rhythmically contracting cardiomyocytes. Two lines, USP-1 and USP-3, with the best in vitro characteristics of pluripotency were used in chimera-generating experiments. The capacity to contribute to the germ line was demonstrated by the USP-1 cell line. This cell line is currently being used to generate mouse models of human diseases. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 98/10607-8 - Alexandre Kerkis | Russian Academy of Sciences - Russia
• Grantee: Lygia da Veiga Pereira
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International
• FAPESP's process: 98/10606-1 - Marina Soukoian | Russian Academy of Sciences - Russia
• Grantee: Lygia da Veiga Pereira
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International