Thyroid function: functional thyroid gland grown in vitro offers intriguing therapeutic possibility.

The article focuses on a study published in "Nature" which found that cultured embryonic stem cells can generate functional thyroid tissue. Recombinant mouse embryonic stem cells were used in this study. According to the study, the cells formed structures similar to thyroid follicles when treated with recombinant thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). The study also found reduced plasma TSH levels in the mice after tissue implantation.