Human reproduction
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Clinical-grade human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) ideally should be derived and maintained in xeno-free culture conditions using defined chemicals or materials of human origin. This will reduce the possibility of xeno-derived pathogenic infection and/or unfavorable immune reaction in clinical application. The present study therefore aimed to derive autogenic feeders from hESCs and evaluate their capability to support the pluripotency of hESCs in xeno-free culture conditions. ⋯ Novel autogenic feeders can be derived from hESCs under xeno-free conditions and they can robustly maintain the pluripotent identity of hESCs in xeno-free media containing a low concentration of HS.