This method, for the selective amplification of full-length cDNA ends, involves the addition of an adapter during reverse transcription. This method takes advantage of the propensity of Moloney murine leukemia virus reverse transcriptase (MMLV RT) to append two to four cytosines to the 3'-end of newly synthesized cDNA strands. The additional residues are added when the enzyme reaches the 5'-cap structure at the end of the mRNA template. - [Read Cap-Switching RACE 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]
This protocol describes the isolation of fibroblasts from mouse embryos. Mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells are used as a feeder layer for the culture of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells to help maintain them as pluripotent stem cells. The inhibition of ES-cell differentiation provided by the MEF feeders appears to be due to their production of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). - [Read Isolation and Freezing of Primary Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts (MEF) For Feeder Plates]
RAW 264.7 cells are a macrophage-like, Abelson leukemia virus
transformed cell line derived from BALB/c mice. For routine maintenance in culture (passage), cells are seeded at a confluence of approximately 10% (1 x 106 and 3 x 106 cells in 100-mm and 150-mm plates, respectively) and grown to a confluence of approximately 80%. This procedure requires the cells to be split every two days. - [Read Passage Procedure for RAW 264.7 Cells]
This protocol describes the culture of embryonic stem (ES) cells using mitotically inactivating primary mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells as a feeder layer (preparation described in Preparation of Mouse Embryonic Fibroblast (MEF) Feeder Plates). The ES culture medium is supplemented with recombinant leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) to help maintain the cells as pluripotent stem cells. This protocol has been optimized for the ES-D3 cell line. - [Read Propagation of Pluripotent Mouse Embryonic Stem (ES) Cells Protocol]
This protocol describes the culture of embryonic stem (ES) cells using mitotically inactivating primary mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells as a feeder layer (preparation described in Preparation of Mouse Embryonic Fibroblast (MEF) Feeder Plates). The ES culture medium is supplemented with recombinant leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) to help maintain the cells as pluripotent stem cells. This protocol has been optimized for the ES-D3 cell line. - [Read Propagation of Pluripotent Mouse Embryonic Stem (ES) Cells Protocol]
This protocol a protocol on how to generate transfected embryonic stem (ES) cell clones. The previous protocol in this series is the Protocol for Electroporation of ES cells. The next protocol in the series is the Protocol on Disaggregation, Expansion, and Freezing of Transfected ES Clones.