UC San Diego

The ability of embryonic stem cells to differentiate into any cell type provides a potential therapy for skeletal muscle repair. A limitation to such a therapy is the susceptibility of these cells to environmental and chemical signals, making in vitro differentiation into a specific lineage difficult to control and reproduce. Soluble factors, mechanical stress, and cell-cell/matrix interactions influence the cell's commitment to certain lineages. In this study, we aim to determine the media and ECM components that best promote and support differentiation of embryonic derived mesoderm progenitor (Hues9D) cells into the myogenic lineage. Hues9D cells cultured in media supplemented with 5% FBS, N2, and hydrocortisone stained positive for Myf5 when analyzed using immunofluorescent staining. Also, immunofluorescent staining revealed positive Myf5 staining of cells grown on collagen I, collagen IV, and laminin. MyoD was expressed in cells grown on laminin and collagen I coated wells. Collagen I and laminin were determined to best support myogenic differentiation of Hues9D cells, while fibronectin best supported proliferation