Optimized neuronal differentiation of murine embryonic stem cells: role of cell density

Neuronally differentiated embryonic stem (ES) cells offer a flexible and extremely potent model to study nervous system development and disease. A variety of protocols have been described to facilitate neuronal differentiation. The density of ES cells used for neuronal differentiation has striking effects on the proportion and purity of the derived neuronal cells. Here, the protocols used to optimize ES cell density in neuronal differentiation with and without an initial aggregation step are described.