Directed differentiation of embryonic stem cells using a bead-based combinatorial screening method

Marina Tarunina, Diana Hernandez, Christopher J. Johnson, Stanislav Rybtsov, Vidya Ramathas, Mylvaganam Jeyakumar, Thomas Watson, Lilian Hook, Alexander Medvinsky, Chris Mason, Yen Choo*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

We have developed a rapid, bead-based combinatorial screening method to determine optimal combinations of variables that direct stem cell differentiation to produce known or novel cell types having pre-determined characteristics. Here we describe three experiments comprising stepwise exposure of mouse or human embryonic cells to 10,000 combinations of serum-free differentiation media, through which we discovered multiple novel, efficient and robust protocols to generate a number of specific hematopoietic and neural lineages. We further demonstrate that the technology can be used to optimize existing protocols in order to substitute costly growth factors with bioactive small molecules and/or increase cell yield, and to identify in vitro conditions for the production of rare developmental intermediates such as an embryonic lymphoid progenitor cell that has not previously been reported.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere104301
JournalPLoS ONE
Volume9
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 24 Sept 2014

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Directed differentiation of embryonic stem cells using a bead-based combinatorial screening method'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this