How and when do embryonic stem cells start to differentiate?

[Kevvvin]

Hello, I'm doing research on stem cells for a project at school, and I'm a bit curious on the question above: What triggers the first differentiation of embryonic stem cells in the early stages of the zygote? Also, how do these early cells regulate differentiation, that is, what is the starting process causes the gene switch to turn on or off for specialization?

[ajcourtney]

Hello Kevvvin,

This is a great question and one that scientists are working hard at understanding. The NIH has a website that has some good information about stem cells. Link here: https://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/2.htm

Is this question related to a science fair project?