Exploring the regulation of human neural precursor cell differentiation using arrays of signaling microenvironments.

ABSTRACT: Cells of a developing embryo integrate a complex array of local and long-range signals that act in concert with cell-intrinsic determinants to influence developmental decisions. To systematically investigate the effects of molecular microenvironments on cell fate decisions, we developed an experimental method based on parallel exposure of cells to diverse combinations of extracellular signals followed by quantitative, multi-parameter analysis of cellular responses. Primary human neural precursor cells were captured and cultured on printed microenvironment arrays composed of mixtures of extracellular matrix components, morphogens, and other signaling proteins. Quantitative single cell analysis revealed striking effects of some of these signals on the extent and direction of differentiation.

SUBMITTER: Soen Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1681508 | biostudies-literature | 2006

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature