Journal
STEM CELL REVIEWS AND REPORTS
Volume 11, Issue 5, Pages 761-773Publisher
SPRINGER
DOI: 10.1007/s12015-015-9598-4
Keywords
Human embryonic stem cell; Extracellular matrix; Cellular differentiation; Endoderm; Mesoderm
Funding
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB)
- South African Medical Research Council
- University of Cape Town
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) have the potential to differentiate into all cells of the three germ layers, thus making them an attractive source of cells for use in regenerative medicine. The greatest challenge lies in regulating the differentiation of hESCs into specific cell lineages by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. In this study we determined the effect of a fibroblast-derived extracellular matrix (fd-ECM) on hESCs differentiation. We demonstrate that growth of hESCs on fd-ECM results in hESCs losing their stemness and proliferation potential. As the stem cells differentiate they attain gene expression profiles similar to the primitive streak of the in vivo embryo. The activation of both the MEK-ERK and Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathways is required for the fd-ECM-mediated differentiation of hESCs towards the endoderm and involves integrins alpha 1, alpha 2, alpha 3 and beta 1. This study illustrates the importance of the cellular microenvironment in directing stem cell fate and that the nature and composition of the extracellular matrix is a crucial determining factor.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available