an embryonic stem cells (hESC) can potentially be used as models of vascular development, angiogenesis, vascular pathogenesis, drug discovery and tissue engineering. Yet little is known about the mechanisms controlling hESC differentiation along the pathway toward the endothelial lineage. For example, bone morphogenic protein (BMP) 4, a potent mesoderm inducer, is known to play a role in vascular development in various animal models but it is unclear what role BMP4 plays in human vasculogenesis. Here we have developed a model of hESC differentiation based on embryoid bodies adhering to a Matrigel gel substrate in EGM-2 medium. After 7 days in culture we detected by RT-PCR significantly increased expression of endothelial markers (e.g. KDR, VE-Cad, PECAM1, CD34, eNOS, vWF, Tie-2). Our preliminary results indicate that a relatively simple hESC developmental vasculogenesis model may be used to study temporal gene expression thereforewe propose to examine the role of BMP4 in the hESC differentiation and endothelial development. The NIH hESC registry codes for cell lines used in this research are:BG01,BG02andWA09.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32HL083741-03
Application #
7489276
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F05 (20))
Program Officer
Mondoro, Traci
Project Start
2006-09-01
Project End
2008-09-30
Budget Start
2008-09-01
Budget End
2008-09-30
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2008
Total Cost
$7,254
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Georgia
Department
Veterinary Sciences
Type
Schools of Earth Sciences/Natur
DUNS #
004315578
City
Athens
State
GA
Country
United States
Zip Code
30602