Editing Embryonic stem cell (section)

===Cell replacement therapies===

Research has focused on differentiating ESCs into a variety of cell types for eventual use as cell replacement therapies. Some of the cell types that have or are currently being developed include [[cardiomyocytes]], [[neurons]], [[hepatocytes]], [[bone marrow]] cells, [[Pancreatic islets|islet]] cells and [[endothelial]] cells.<ref name="davila">{{cite journal|pmid=15014205|year=2004|last1=Davila|first1=JC|last2=Cezar|first2=GG|last3=Thiede|first3=M|last4=Strom|first4=S|last5=Miki|first5=T|last6=Trosko|first6=J|title=Use and application of stem cells in toxicology|volume=79|issue=2|pages=214–223|doi=10.1093/toxsci/kfh100|journal=Toxicological Sciences|doi-access=free}}</ref>  However, the derivation of such cell types from ESCs is not without obstacles, therefore research has focused on overcoming these barriers. For example, studies are underway to differentiate ESCs into tissue specific cardiomyocytes and to eradicate their immature properties that distinguish them from adult cardiomyocytes.<ref name="pmid17584049">{{cite journal|year=2007|last1=Siu|first1=CW|last2=Moore|first2=JC|last3=Li|first3=RA|title=Human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes for heart therapies|journal=Cardiovascular & Hematological Disorders Drug Targets|volume=7|issue=2|pages=145–152|pmid=17584049|doi=10.2174/187152907780830851}}</ref>