Generation and Application of Mouse-Rat Allodiploid Embryonic Stem Cells The authors report the generation of mouse-rat allodiploid embryonic stem cells (AdESCs) by fusing haploid ESCs of the two species. The AdESCs have a stable allodiploid genome and are capable of differentiating into all three germ layers and early-stage germ cells. [Cell] Abstract | Graphical Abstract Functional Anterior Pituitary Generated in Self-Organizing Culture of Human Embryonic Stem Cells Generating human anterior pituitary tissue that retains regulatory hormonal control in vitro is an important step for the development of cell transplantation therapy for pituitary diseases. The authors achieved this by recapitulating mouse pituitary development using human embryonic stem cells. [Nat Commun] Full Article H3K4 Methyltransferase Set1a Is a Key Oct4 Coactivactor Essential for Generation of Oct4 Positive Inner Cell Mass Set1a was recruited to and required for H3K4 methylation at the Oct4 target gene promoters and transcriptional activation of Oct4 target genes in embryonic stem cells (ESCs), and consistently Set1a is required for ESC maintenance and induced pluripotent stem cell generation. [Stem Cells] Abstract Conversion of Embryonic Stem Cells into Extraembryonic Lineages by CRISPR-Mediated Activators Researchers enhanced the expression of endogenous Cdx2 and Gata6 genes by CRISPR-mediated activators, thus mouse embryonic stem cells were directly converted into two extraembryonic lineages. [Sci Rep] Full Article Enhanced OCT4 Transcriptional Activity Substitutes for Exogenous SOX2 in Cellular Reprogramming Scientists showed that adenoviral early region 1A can generate induced pluripotent stem cells in combination with OCT4 and KLF4, thus replacing exogenous SOX2. [Sci Rep] Full Article Non-Invasive Chamber-Specific Identification of Cardiomyocytes in Differentiating Pluripotent Stem Cells Researchers demonstrated that Raman microspectroscopy can non-invasively identify embryonic stem cell-derived chamber-specific cardiomyocytes and monitor cell maturation. [Stem Cell Reports] Full Article | Graphical Abstract Genetic Variability Overrides the Impact of Parental Cell Type and Determines iPSC Differentiation Potential Investigators showed that induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) lines derived from the same donor are highly similar to each other. However, genetic variation imparts a donor-specific expression and methylation profile in reprogrammed cells that leads to variable functional capacities of iPSC lines. [Stem Cell Reports] Full Article | Graphical Abstract | Press Release Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF) Withdrawal Activates mTOR Signaling Pathway in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells through the MEK/ERK/TSC2 Pathway Investigators showed that the LIF/STAT3-regulated signaling pathway contributes to the maintenance of self-renewal and pluripotency of mouse embryonic stem cells by suppressing mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin), which is necessary for early differentiation. [Cell Death Dis] Full Article High-Efficient Transfection of Human Embryonic Stem Cells by Single Cell-Plating and Starvation Scientists tried to modify the traditional transfection protocol by introducing two crucial processes, single cell-plating and starvation, to increase the transfection efficiency in human embryonic stem cells. [Stem Cells Dev] Abstract |