Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are pluripotent cells capable of differentiation to representatives of all three germ layers. Includes: Isolation of Primary Mouse Embryo Fibroblasts; Thawing and preparing p1 MEF feeder plates; Preparation of MEF- Conditioned Medium (MEF-CM; Microdissection Passaging of hESCs; Bulk passaging of hESC; Cryopreservation of hESCs; Thawing of hESCs; Karyotyping. - [Read Human Embryonic Stem Cell Protocols]
Karyotyping is a valuable research tool used to determine the chromosome complement within cultured cells. It is important to keep in mind that karyotypes evolve with continued culture. Because of this evolution, it is important for the interpretation of biochemical or other data, that the karyotype of a specific sub-line be determined. - [Read Karyotyping Protocol]
Protocol describes a recently developed method — methylation-specific digital karyotyping (MSDK) — that enables comprehensive and unbiased genome-wide DNA methylation analysis. Using a combination of a methylation-sensitive mapping enzyme (for example, AscI) and a fragmenting enzyme (for example, NlaIII), short sequence tags can be obtained and uniquely mapped to genome location. - [Read Methylation-Specific Digital Karyotyping Protocol]