Confined 3D microenvironment regulates early differentiation in Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
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ABSTRACT: We aimed to investigate how different three-dimensional microenvironments regulate the early differentiation of the three germ layers in human embryonic stem cells derived embryoid bodies. In particular, a permeable, biocompatible, hydrogel microwell array was specifically designed for recreating a confined niche in which EB secreted molecules accumulate in accordance with hydrogel diffusional cut-off. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching technique was performed to accurately evaluate hydrogel permeability, mesh size and diffusional cutoff for soluble molecules. EBs culture in microwells promotes the expression of genes involved in pattern specification processes, brain development, ectoderm and endoderm differentiation. On the contrary, suspension EBs express instead genes involved in mesoderm specification and heart development. These results suggest that local accumulation of EBs secreted molecules drives differentiation patterns, as confirmed by immunofluorescence of germ layer markers, in hydrogel confined EB culture.
ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens
PROVIDER: GSE36480 | GEO | 2012/06/12
SECONDARY ACCESSION(S): PRJNA153515
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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