Magnetic Attraction Works in Concert with Biochemical Supplementation to Influence Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell Lineage Determination

摘要

This work uses a novel approach to mechanically stimulate EBs. We observe that manipulation of paramagnetic beads embedded within EBs can activate mechanotransduction pathways and increase mesodermal gene expression. These results suggest that (1) ESCs are sensitive to mechanical changes in their microenvironment, and (2) the timing of stimulation can alter cell phenotypes during differentiation. We are currently confirming the cardiovascular phenotype of the EBs following each of these stimulation regimens.