Microvessels support engraftment and functionality of human islets and hESC-derived pancreatic progenitors in diabetes models.

Islet transplantation is a promising treatment for type 1 diabetes (T1D), yet the low donor pool, poor islet engraftment, and life-long immunosuppression prevent it from becoming the standard of care. Human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived pancreatic cells could eliminate donor shortages, but interventions to improve graft survival are needed. Here, we enhanced subcutaneous engraftment by employing a unique vascularization strategy based on ready-made microvessels (MVs) isolated from the adipose tissue.

Recapitulating kidney development in vitro by priming and differentiating mouse embryonic stem cells in monolayers.

In order to harness the potential of pluripotent stem cells, we need to understand how to differentiate them to our target cell types. Here, we developed a protocol to differentiate mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) to renal progenitors in a step-wise manner. Microarrays were used to track the transcriptional changes at each stage of differentiation and we observed that genes associated with metanephros, ureteric bud, and blood vessel development were significantly upregulated as the cells differentiated towards renal progenitors.

Cellular systems biology identifies dynamic trophoblast populations in early human placentas.

Introduction: The human placenta is accessible in early developmental stages and affords a unique opportunity to investigate human organogenesis and the dynamics of transitory cell populations in human placenta development.

Methods: The cell surface proteomic profile of early trophoblast cells of first trimester human placentas was quantified using a high throughput flow cytometry screen of 370 Cluster of Differentiation (CD) antigens. Targeted investigation of candidate trophoblast progenitor populations was done through immunohistochemistry, multi-color flow cytometry, and genome wide expression analysis.