Characterization and isolation of subsets of human embryonic stem cells (HES) and cells associated or derived therefrom

摘要

A sub-population of HES cells is identified which is positive for specific HES markers. These cell types are identified by expression of particular GCTM-2 antigens. A method based on the identification of GCTM-2 can differentiate between substantially undifferentiated or differentiated cell populations. Spontaneous differentiation often occurs in HES cultures resulting in non-homogeneous cell cultures. The invention also provides further sub populations of cells within differentiated cultures of HES cells that are SCL or epithelial in nature.