Pluripotent ES cells can develop into many types of differentiated tissues if they are placed back into a differentiating environment. Often, differentiation proceeds through an intermediate stage called the embryoid body (EB). EBs can be manipulated further to generate more differentiated cell types. This protocol describes a method for differentiation of ES cells into EBs. - [Read Differentiating Embryonic Stem (ES) Cells into Embryoid Bodies Protocol]
In vitro differentiation of ES cells occurs when the cells are allowed to aggregate in suspension culture in the absence of mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) feeders and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). Hanging drops provide a uniform aggregate size, which is then expanded by continued growth in suspension culture. The embryoid bodies are then plated and allowed to differentiate further in culture. - [Read Differentiation of Embryonic Stem (ES) Cells Using the Hanging Drop Method]
Includes protocols: Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts (MEF) Preparation; Harvesting MEFs; Cryopreservation of MEFs; Thawing and maintaining MEFs; Irradiating & Plating MEFs; Culture of Human ES cells with Matrigel® and Conditioned
Medium; Preparation of Conditioned Medium (CM); Preparation of Matrigel® -coated plates; Passage of human ES cells on Matrigel®; Daily maintenance of feeder-free culture; Freezing Human ES Cells; Thawing Human ES cells; Formation of Embryoid Bodies; - [Read Protocols for the Maintenance of Human Embryonic Stem Cells in Feeder Free Conditions]