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Updated: May 11, 2026
Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells into Cortical Interneuron Precursors
Published on: December 3, 2017
Sonic hedgehog inhibition induces mouse embryonic stem cells to differentiate toward definitive endoderm
Ali Ghanbari1, Mozafar Khazaei, Mahmoud Hashemi-Tabar
1Fertility and Infertility Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, P.O. Box 1568, Iran.
Abstract:
In the experimental group (shh inhibited group), there were significant decreases in the expression of Oct4, Nanog, Shh, GATA4, Brachyury and Goosecoid, while increases were observed for TAT and Pdx1. The expression of Sox17 did not differ between two control and experimental groups. In experimental group, the amount of GSC positive cells was somehow lower but it seems that there was no difference for Sox17. Shh inhibition induces ESCs to differentiate toward definitive endoderm by committing mesendodermal lineages.
Insights
Sonic hedgehog (Shh) inhibition promotes embryonic stem cells (ESCs) differentiation into definitive endoderm. This process involves specific gene expression changes, guiding mesendodermal lineage commitment.
Area of Science:
- Developmental biology
- Stem cell differentiation
- Molecular signaling pathways
Background:
- Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) possess the potential to differentiate into various cell types.
- Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling is crucial for embryonic development and cell fate determination.
- Understanding the role of Shh in ESC differentiation is key to regenerative medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of Shh inhibition on ESC differentiation.
- To identify key gene expression changes associated with Shh-mediated differentiation.
- To determine if Shh inhibition directs ESCs towards definitive endoderm lineage.
Main Methods:
- Experimental group with Shh inhibition.
- Quantitative analysis of gene expression (Oct4, Nanog, Shh, GATA4, Brachyury, Goosecoid, TAT, Pdx1, Sox17).
- Assessment of GSC and Sox17 positive cell populations.
Main Results:
- Shh inhibition led to decreased expression of Oct4, Nanog, Shh, GATA4, Brachyury, and Goosecoid.
- Increased expression of TAT and Pdx1 was observed in the experimental group.
- Sox17 expression and GSC positive cell counts showed no significant difference.
Conclusions:
- Shh inhibition effectively induces ESCs to differentiate towards the definitive endoderm lineage.
- This differentiation is characterized by specific alterations in key developmental gene expression.
- The findings highlight Shh signaling as a critical regulator of mesendodermal lineage commitment.
