1. Directed differentiation of hPSCs.
Directed differentiation of hPSCs.In vitro differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) can be performed in adherent culture or in suspension culture via embryoid body (EB) formation. In both formats, differentiation can be induced by treatment with growth factors and small molecules to activate or inhibit various signaling pathways in a step-wise manner by mimicking embryonic development. Typical differentiation protocols are illustrated using three specific examples: motoneurons from the ectoderm (Li et al., 2005; Wichterle et al., 2002), erythropoietic cells from the mesoderm (Niwa et al., 2011) and intestinal cells from the endoderm (Spence et al., 2011). In each case, the signaling factors and pathways required (or those that need to be inhibited) to drive differentiation into the appropriate cell types are indicated. BMP, bone morphogenetic protein; EGF, epidermal growth factor; EPO, erythropoietin; FGF, fibroblast growth factor; FP6, interleukin 6 (IL6) and IL6 receptor fusion protein; IL, interleukin; RA, retinoic acid; SCF, Kit ligand; SHH, sonic hedgehog; TPO, thyroid peroxidase; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor.
Zengrong Zhu, and Danwei Huangfu Development 2013;140:
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