| abstract |
The present invention describes mammalian pluripotent embryo-like stem cells (ELSCs) derived from corneal limbal tissue, a non-embryonic tissue. The ELSCs of the present invention can proliferate in vitro culture, maintain the ability to differentiate into endoderm, mesoderm and ectoderm lineages in culture, and form embryonic analogs when placed in suspension culture. Thus, these cells possess multiple lineage differentiation potential and self-renewal ability. ELSCs can be a promising treatment tool and can provide new treatment alternatives for various diseases, conditions and injuries. |