Nephrogenic Factors Promote Differentiation of Mouse... : Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (original) (raw)
Genetics and Development
Nephrogenic Factors Promote Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells into Renal Epithelia
Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Address correspondence to: Dr. Gregory R. Dressler, University of Michigan, Department of Pathology, MSRB1, Room 4510, 1150 West Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109. Phone: 734-764-6490; Fax: 734-763-6640; [email protected]
Accepted September 28, 2005
Received May 24, 2005
Abstract
Embryonic stem (ES) cells have been induced to differentiate in vitro into a broad spectrum of specialized cell types, including hematopoietic, pancreatic, and neuronal cell types. Such ES-derived cells can provide a valuable source of progenitor cell types. Whereas undifferentiated ES cells can become integrated into a developing kidney and contribute to tubular epithelia, the ability to generate renal precursor cells in vitro has not been reported. This study used a combination of nephrogenic growth factors to differentiate ES cells into renal epithelial cells that are capable of integrating into a developing kidney with very high efficiency. Using a combination of retinoic acid, Activin-A, and Bmp7, cultured ES cells can be induced to express markers specific for the intermediate mesoderm, from which the kidneys arise. Embryoid bodies that are cultured in the presence of nephrogenic factors can respond to inductive signals and form epithelial structures in vitro. When injected into developing kidney rudiments, treated ES cells contribute to tubular epithelia with near 100% efficiency. These methods may facilitate the large-scale culture of renal epithelial precursor cells for a variety of applications.
Copyright © 2005 The Authors. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
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