Matrix-bound heparan sulfate is essential for the growth and pluripotency of human embryonic stem cells

Human embryonic stem (hES) cell production of heparan sulfate influences cell fate and pluripotency. Human ES cells remain pluripotent in vitro through the action of growth factors signaling, and the activity of these factors depends on interaction with specific receptors and also with heparan sulfate. Here, we tested the hypothesis that matrix-associated heparan sulfate is enough to maintain hES cells under low fibroblast growth factor-2 concentration in the absence of live feeder cells. To pursue this goal, we compared hES cells cultured either on coated plates containing live murine embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) or on a matrix derived from ethanol-fixed MEFs. hES cells were analyzed for the expression of pluripotency markers and the ability to form embryoid bodies. hES cells cultured either on live mouse fibroblasts or onto a matrix derived from fixed fibroblasts expressed similar levels of Oct-4, SOX-2, Nanog, TRA-1-60 and SSEA-4, and they were also able to form cavitated embryoid bodies. Heparan sulfate-depleted matrix lost the ability to support the adherence and growth of hES cells, confirming that this glycosaminoglycan, bound to the extracellular matrix, is enough for the growth and attachment of hES cells. Finally, we observed that the ethanol-fixed matrix decreases by 30% the levels of Neu5Gc in hES cells, indicating that this procedure reduces xeno-contamination. Our data suggest that matrix-bound heparan sulfate is required for the growth and pluripotency of hES cells and that ethanol-fixed MEFs may be used as a "live cell"-free substrate for stem cells.