This protocol decribes derivation of TS cell lines from 3.5-days post coitum (dpc) mouse blastocysts. The procedure is similar to the derivation of embryonic stem (ES) cell lines. However, the success rate is considerably higher, and less expertise is required to recognize pluripotent TS cell colonies. - [Read Derivation of Trophoblast Stem (TS) Cell Lines from Blastocysts Protocol]
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]
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are pluripotent cells capable of differentiation to representatives of all three germ layers. Includes: Isolation of Primary Mouse Embryo Fibroblasts; Thawing and preparing p1 MEF feeder plates; Preparation of MEF- Conditioned Medium (MEF-CM; Microdissection Passaging of hESCs; Bulk passaging of hESC; Cryopreservation of hESCs; Thawing of hESCs; Karyotyping. - [Read Human Embryonic Stem Cell Protocols]
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]
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]