Three-step method for proliferation and differentiation of human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived male germ cells.

The low efficiency of differentiation into male germ cell (GC)-like cells and haploid germ cells from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) reflects the culture method employed in the two-dimensional (2D)-microenvironment. In this study, we applied a three-step media and calcium alginate-based 3D-culture system for enhancing the differentiation of hESCs into male germ stem cell (GSC)-like cells and haploid germ cells. In the first step, embryoid bodies (EBs) were derived from hESCs cultured in EB medium for 3 days and re-cultured for 4 additional days in EB medium with BMP4 and RA to specify GSC-like cells.

Chondrogenic potential of stem cells derived from amniotic fluid, adipose tissue, or bone marrow encapsulated in fibrin gels containing TGF-β3.

In this study, several types of hMSCs, derived from bone marrow, adipose tissue, or amniotic fluid, were encapsulated in a fibrin hydrogel mixed with TGF-β3 and then evaluated for their capacity for differentiation in vitro and in vivo. For determination of stem cell differentiation, RT-PCR, real time quantitative PCR (qPCR), histology, and immunohistochemical assays were used for analysis of chondrogenesis. Using these analysis methods, several of the cultured hMSCS were found to highly express genes and proteins specific to cartilage forming tissues.

The effect of electrical stimulation on the differentiation of hESCs adhered onto fibronectin-coated gold nanoparticles.

To encourage stem cell differentiation, gold nanoparticles (20 nm) were used to deliver electrical stimulation to human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in vitro. Nano-structured gold nanoparticles were designed by coating the surface of culture dishes with gold nanoparticles using a layer-by-layer (LBL) system. In this method, gold nanoparticles were continuously coated onto dishes by SEM analysis.