Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026
04:23
Directed Differentiation of Hemogenic Endothelial Cells from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Published on: March 31, 2021
Specialized tip/stalk-like and phalanx-like endothelial cells from embryonic stem cells
Alicia A Blancas1, Lian E Wong, Drew E Glaser
1Graduate Program in Quantitative and Systems Biology, University of California , Merced, California, USA.
Stem Cells and Development
|December 20, 2012
Summary
Researchers generated distinct endothelial cell (EC) subtypes from stem cells. They isolated less migratory phalanx-like EC from pro-angiogenic tip/stalk-like EC, enabling new in vitro models and therapies.
Area of Science:
- Stem cell biology
- Endothelial cell biology
- Vascular biology
Background:
- Endothelial cells (EC) derived from stem cells are valuable for in vitro models and therapies.
- However, EC can differentiate into functionally and phenotypically distinct subtypes.
- Understanding these subtypes is crucial for optimizing their use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To generate and characterize distinct endothelial cell (EC) subpopulations from embryonic stem cells (ESC).
- To isolate and maintain phalanx-like EC separately from tip/stalk-like EC.
- To analyze the functional and phenotypic differences between these EC subtypes.
Main Methods:
- Embryonic stem cells (ESC) were differentiated into vascular progenitor cells.
- High vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment induced EC outgrowths.
- Phalanx-like EC were isolated based on their cobblestone morphology.
- Phenotypic markers (Flt-1, Tie-1, CXCR4, Notch-1, Tie-2) were analyzed.
- Cell migration, proliferation, and in vitro angiogenesis assays were performed.
Main Results:
- Two distinct EC subpopulations were generated: pro-angiogenic tip/stalk-like EC and less migratory phalanx-like EC.
- Phalanx-like EC (ESC-EC) were successfully isolated by selecting for cobblestone shape.
- Isolated phalanx-like ESC-EC expressed high levels of Flt-1 (89%) and Tie-1 (90%).
- ESC-derived angiogenic EC (ESC-AEC) contained tip cells (CXCR4+) and expressed higher Notch-1 and lower Tie-2.
- ESC-AEC exhibited significantly increased migration, proliferation, and vessel formation compared to phalanx-like ESC-EC.
Conclusions:
- This study demonstrates the generation of distinct EC subtypes (tip/stalk and phalanx) from ESC in vitro.
- Phalanx-like EC can be purified and cultured separately from tip/stalk-like EC.
- This purification enables the development of specialized EC populations for specific applications in regenerative medicine and research.
Related Concept Videos
00:58Embryonic Stem Cells
Embryonic stem (ES) cells are undifferentiated pluripotent cells, meaning they can produce any cell type in the body. This gives them tremendous potential in science and medicine since they can generate specific cell types for use in research or to replace body cells lost due to damage or disease.
00:57Embryonic Stem Cells
Embryonic stem (ES) cells were first discovered in mice in 1981 by Martin Evans. In 1998, James Thomson identified a method to isolate embryonic stem cells from humans. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are obtained from 3-5 day old embryos that remain unused after an in vitro fertilization procedure.
ES cells are grown in a culture medium where they can divide indefinitely, creating ES cell lines. Under certain conditions, ES cells can differentiate, either spontaneously into a variety of...
ES cells are grown in a culture medium where they can divide indefinitely, creating ES cell lines. Under certain conditions, ES cells can differentiate, either spontaneously into a variety of...
01:27Source And Potency Of Stem Cells
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells with extensive self-renewal properties that help them maintain their population during the fetal and adult stages of life. They can specialize in all cell types of the human body. However, their differential potential may vary and can be classified into five types. Stem cells can be (1) Totipotent, (2) Pluripotent, (3) Multipotent, (4) Oligopotent, and (5) Unipotent. Each stem cell has a specific origin; the fertilized egg or zygote is a totipotent cell and...
01:10Zygotic Development And Stem Cell Formation
The development of all multicellular organisms starts with the fusion of haploid cells called sperm and egg to form a diploid zygote. A zygote is a totipotent cell that can develop into a complete organism. The zygote undergoes cell division or cleavage to form an 8-cell mass. Until this stage, the cells are spherical, loosely attached, and remain totipotent. Totipotent cells are capable of developing both the embryonic and the extraembryonic tissues. However, as they continue to divide, they...
01:33Adult Stem Cells
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that divide and produce more stem cells or progenitor cells that differentiate into mature, specialized cell types. All the cells in the body are generated from stem cells in the early embryo, but small populations of stem cells are also present in many adult tissues including the bone marrow, brain, skin, and gut. These adult stem cells typically produce the various cell types found in that tissue—to replace cells that are damaged or to continuously renew...
01:26Stem Cell Niche
The stem cell niche is the dynamic microenvironment where stem cells reside. Inside these niches, the cells may remain undifferentiated, undergo high self-renewal, or become lineage-specific progenitors. Stem cells coexist with other niche cells, such as stromal cells. They also interact closely with the ECM. Cell-cell and cell-matrix communication occur via adhesion molecules or soluble factors that signal the stem cells and determine their fate. Stromal cells also provide survival signals to...