Open AccessPrimate embryonic stem cells create their own niche while differentiating in three‐dimensional culture systems
Author(s) -
Michelini M.,
Franceschini V.,
Sihui Chen S.,
Papini S.,
Rosellini A.,
Ciani F.,
Margolis L.,
Revoltella R. P.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
cell proliferation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.647
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1365-2184
pISSN - 0960-7722
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2184.2006.00381.x
Subject(s) - microbiology and biotechnology , extracellular matrix , embryonic stem cell , biology , matrix (chemical analysis) , stem cell , niche , cell adhesion molecule , cell adhesion , cell culture , cellular differentiation , foreskin , cell , chemistry , genetics , biochemistry , gene , chromatography
Abstract. Rhesus monkey embryonic stem cells (ESCs) (R366.4), cultured on a three‐dimensional (3D) collagen matrix with or without human neonatal foreskin fibroblasts (HPI.1) as feeder cells, or embedded in the collagen matrix, formed complex tubular or spherical gland‐like structures and differentiated into phenotypes characteristic of neural, epithelial and endothelial lineages. Here, we analysed the production of endogenous extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, cell–cell adhesion molecules, cell‐surface receptors, lectins and their glycoligands, by differentiating ESCs, forming a micro‐environment, a niche , able to positively influence cell behaviour. The expression of some of these molecules was modulated by HPI.1 cells while others were unaffected. We hypothesized that both soluble factors and the niche itself were critical in directing growth and/or differentiation of ESCs in this 3D environment. Creating such an appropriate experimental 3D micro‐environment, further modified by ESCs and modulated by exogenous soluble factors, may constitute a template for adequate culture systems in developmental biology studies concerning differentiation of stem cells.