Embryonic Stem Cell Proteins and MicroRNAs in the Etiology of Germ Cell Cancer

textabstractIn the early 1980s, a population of unique cells was isolated from the inner cell mass (ICM) of the mouse pre-implantation embryo named embryonic stem (ES) cells. These cells were generated by removing the ICM from pre-implantation blastocysts. The resulting cells were found to be pluripotent and showed unrestricted proliferative potential. Human ES cell lines have now been derived in many labs from totipotent cells of the early mammalian embryo and are capable of unlimited, undifferentiated proliferation in vitro. Essential characteristics of ES cells include: a) derivation from the pre-implantation embryo, b) prolonged (undifferentiated) proliferation and c) stable developmental potential to form derivatives of all three embryonic germ layers even after prolonged culture [6]. These unique properties of ES cells make them exceptionally valuable for cell replacement therapy and regenerative medicine, defining their potential clinical applications