Engineering three-dimensional tissue structures using differentiating embryonic stem cells (Technion)
- Summary
- Human embryonic stem (hES) cells hold promise as an unlimited source of cells for transplantation therapies. The present is of a method for the control of hES cells proliferation and differentiation into complex, viable 3D tissues constructs.
The invention describes the use of biodegradable polymer scaffolds for promoting hES cell growth and differentiation and formation of 3D structures. It is shown that complex structures with features of various committed embryonic tissues can be generated, in vitro, by using early differentiating hES cells and further inducing their differentiation in a supportive 3D environment such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/poly(L-lactic acid) polymer scaffolds. hES cell differentiation and organization can be influenced by the scaffold and directed by growth factors such as retinoic acid, transforming growth factor beta, activin-A, or insulin-like growth factor.
These growth factors induced differentiation into 3D structures with characteristics of developing neural tissues, cartilage, or liver, respectively. In addition, formation of a 3D vessel-like network was observed.
This approach provides a unique culture system for addressing questions in cell and developmental biology, and provides a potential mechanism for creating viable human tissue structures for therapeutic applications.
- ID No.
- STM-0695
- Country/Region
- Israel
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