bFGF Basic fibroblast growth factor DKK1 Dickkopf homolog-1 hEB Human embryoid body hESC Human embryonic stem cells HLA Human lymphocyte antigen miR MicroRNA RPE Retinal pigment epithelium

H.S. Bernstein (ed.), Tissue Engineering in Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, DOI 10.1007/978-1-61779-322-6_2, © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2011 Abstract Human embryonic stem cells have the capacity for self-renewal and pluripotency, making them a primary candidate for tissue engineering and regenerative therapies. To date, numerous human embryonic stem cell (hESC) lines have been developed and characterized. In this chapter, we discuss how hESC lines are derived, the means by which pluripotency is monitored, and how their ability to differentiate into all three embryonic germ layers is determined. We also outline the methods currently employed to direct their differentiation into populations of tissuespecific, functional cells. Finally, we highlight the general challenges that must be overcome and the strategies being developed in order to generate highly purified hESC-derived cell populations that can safely be used for clinical applications.