Attenuation of extrinsic signaling reveals the importance of matrix remodeling on maintenance of embryonic stem cell self-renewal.

ABSTRACT: The role of extrinsic factors in maintaining self-renewal of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) has been extensively studied since the cells' isolation, but the necessity for cell-secreted factors in self-renewal has remained undefined to date. Although it is generally accepted that addition of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) together with either serum or bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) is sufficient to maintain mouse ESCs (mESCs) in a self-renewing state, this does not preclude the possibility that autocrine factors are also required. Here we make use of a microfluidic perfusion device that is able to globally diminish diffusible autocrine signaling by applying continuous media flow to deplete cell-secreted factors. We demonstrate mESC culture for several days under continuous microfluidic

SUBMITTER: Przybyla LM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3271888 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature