Parallels With Embryonic Development
Much of the research central to embryonic stem cell differentiation and morphogenesis is derived from studies in developmental biology and mammalian embryogenesis. For example, immediately after the blastocyst stage of development (from which ESCs are derived), the embryo undergoes gastrulation, whereby cell specification of the inner cell mass results in the formation of the visceral endoderm and epiblast. As the anterior-posterior axis is formed, the embryo develops a transient structure known as the primitive streak. Much of the spatial patterning the occurs during the formation and migration of the primitive streak results from the secretion of agonists and antagonists by various cell populations, including the growth factors from the Wnt and transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) families (Lefty 1, Nodal), as well as repressors of the same molecules (Dkk-1, Sfrp1, Sfrp5). Due to the similarities between embryogenesis and ESC differentiation, many of the same growth factors are central to directed differentiation approaches.
Read more about this topic: Embryoid Body
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