Biology Forums - Study Force

Stem cells are extraordinary cells, capable of both self-renewal and differentiation to mature somatic cells in vivo and in vitro.  How to do differentiate those cells in a dish?

To recreate embryonic development in a dish, stem cells are exposed to chemical or physical signals that will cause cellular differentiation including:

Growth Factors: Signalling molecules that cause cellular differentiation can be added to stem cell culture medium to transform stem cells into specialized cell types.

Cell Culture Substrate: Stem cells can be cultured on top of extracellular matrix proteins (proteins secreted by cells into the extracellular space) to cause differentiation.

Co-culture Environments: Cells produce signalling molecules that neighboring cells can respond to. Stem cells can be grown together with other cells that produce growth factors that will cause differentiation.

Three-dimensional Culture: Stem cells can be cultured in three-dimensional aggregates (spherical clumps of cells) called embryoid bodies to create mechanical stimulation and cell contact. Embryoid bodies recreate an early developmental process called gastrulation, a process that establishes the three primary germ layers.

Signal Inhibition: In addition to providing activating signals to cause cellular differentiation, signals that cause the differentiation of stem cells to cell types other than the cell type of interest can be inhibited. This can be accomplished by using inhibitory growth factors.