Directed differentiation of size-controlled embryoid bodies towards endothelial and cardiac lineages in RGD-modified poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels.

ABSTRACT: Recent advances in stem cell research have demonstrated the importance of microenvironmental cues in directing stem cell fate towards specific cell lineages. For instance, the size of the embryoid body (EB) was shown to play a role in stem cell differentiation. Other studies have used cell adhesive RGD peptides to direct stem cell fate towards endothelial cells. In this study, materials and cell-based approaches are combined by using microwell arrays to produce size-controlled EBs and encapsulating the resulting aggregates in high molecular weight PEG-4 arm acrylate with and without conjugated RGD to study their effect on stem cell differentiation in a 3D microenvironment. Increasing EB size is observed along with a decrease in the total number of EBs in pristine PEG hydrogel, regardless o

SUBMITTER: Schukur L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3635117 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature