Integrated live imaging and molecular profiling of embryoid bodies reveals a synchronized progression of early differentiation.

ABSTRACT: Embryonic stem cells can spontaneously differentiate into cell types of all germ layers within embryoid bodies (EBs) in a highly variable manner. Whether there exists an intrinsic differentiation program common to all EBs is unknown. Here, we present a novel combination of high-throughput live two-photon imaging and gene expression profiling to study early differentiation dynamics spontaneously occurring within developing EBs. Onset timing of Brachyury-GFP was highly variable across EBs, while the spatial patterns as well as the dynamics of mesendodermal progression following onset were remarkably similar. We therefore defined a 'developmental clock' using the Brachyury-GFP signal onset timing. Mapping snapshot gene expression measurements to this clock revealed their temporal trends, indi

SUBMITTER: Boxman J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4987683 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature