Isolation and characterization of node/notochord-like cells from mouse embryonic stem cells
Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review
The homeobox gene Noto is expressed in the node and its derivative the notochord. Here we use a targeted Noto-GFP reporter to isolate and characterize node/notochord-like cells derived from mouse embryonic stem cells. We find very few Noto-expressing cells after spontaneous differentiation. However, the number of Noto-expressing cells was increased when using Activin A to induce a Foxa2- and Brachyury-expressing progenitor population, whose further differentiation into Noto-expressing cells was improved by simultaneous inhibition of BMP, Wnt, and retinoic acid signaling. Noto-GFP(+) cells expressed the node/notochord markers Noto, Foxa2, Shh, Noggin, Chordin, Foxj1, and Brachyury; showed a vacuolarization characteristic of notochord cells; and can integrate into midline structures when grafted into Hensen's node of gastrulating chicken embryos. The ability to generate node/notochord-like cells in vitro will aid the biochemical characterization of these developmentally important structures.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Journal | Stem Cells and Development |
Volume | 20 |
Issue number | 11 |
Pages (from-to) | 1817-1827 |
Number of pages | 11 |
ISSN | 1547-3287 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2011 |
ID: 35084378