Embryonic stem (ES) cells have the potential to develop into all cell types of the adult body.
This capability provides the basis for considering the ES cell system as a novel and
unlimited source of cells for replacement therapies for the treatment of a wide range of
diseases. Before the cell-based therapy potential of ES cells can be realized, a better
understanding of the pathways regulating lineage-specific differentiation is required. Current
studies suggest that the bone morphogenic protein, transforming growth factor-β, Wnt, and …