A requirement for FGF signalling in the formation of primitive streak-like intermediates from primitive ectoderm in culture.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Embryonic stem (ES) cells hold considerable promise as a source of cells with therapeutic potential, including cells that can be used for drug screening and in cell replacement therapies. Differentiation of ES cells into the somatic lineages is a regulated process; before the promise of these cells can be realised robust and rational methods for directing differentiation into normal, functional and safe cells need to be developed. Previous in vivo studies have implicated fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signalling in lineage specification from pluripotent cells. Although FGF signalling has been suggested as essential for specification of mesoderm and endoderm in vivo and in culture, the exact role of this pathway remains unclear.

Methodology/principal findings

Using

SUBMITTER: Zheng Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2933233 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature