The H1 human embryonic stem cell (hESC) model is the first step toward whole-cell models of human cells. The model will represent the core cellular functions of all human cells including their metabolism, DNA replication, transcription, translation, protein complexation, RNA and protein degradation, and division. The model focuses on H1-hESCs because ESCs behave as individual cells, because ESC lines are karyotypically normal, because ESCs grow quickly, and because H1-hESC has been extensively characterized. In addition to demonstrating the feasibility of human whole-cell models and driving the development of whole-cell modeling tools, the model will be used to gain insights into how stem cells maintain pluripotency.
