Differentiation of Murine Embryonic Stem Cells into Endothelial Cells

Objective: In this investigation Murine Embryonic Stem (ES) cells were differentiatedinto endothelial cells.Materials and Methods: Murine ES cells (CCE cell line) exposed to Alpha-MEM medium containing 10% FBS for 4 days. Then obtained Flk-1 (Flk-1:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2) Positive cells were cultuted inEndothelial Growth Medium-2 (EGM-2) until the last day of experiment. Differentiatedcells were evaluated by immunocytochemistry, RT-PCR and Tube FormationAssays.Results: When the ES cells cultured in collagen coated dishes containingAlpha-MEM & FBS, Flk-1 positive cells were obtained. After transfering Flk-1positive cells into fibronectin coated dishes containing EGM2, the cells wereassumed a relatively uniform endothelial cell morphology and could be propagatedand expanded. Immunocytochemical and RT-PCR analysis of differentiatedcells showed that they take up acetylated low-density lipoprotein (LDL), express Flk-1, CD31 and bind the BS-l lectin. When placed in Matrigel, these MurineES cell–derived endothelial cells formed capillary-like structures characteristicof endothelial cellsConclusion: ES cell–derived endothelial cells provide a novel means to examine the mechanisms of endothelial cell development, and may open up new therapeutic strategies