Improved genetic manipulation of human embryonic stem cells

Low efficiency of transfection limits the ability to genetically manipulate human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), and differences in cell derivation and culture methods require optimization of transfection protocols. We transiently transferred multiple independent hESC lines with different growth requirements to standardized feeder-free culture, and optimized conditions for clonal growth and efficient gene transfer without loss of pluripotency. Stably transfected lines retained differentiation potential, and most lines displayed normal karyotypes.