Two multipotent embryonal carcinoma cell lines irreversibly differentiate in defined media.

Area of Science:

• Developmental Biology
• Cell Biology
• Stem Cell Research

Background:

• Multipotent embryonal carcinoma cell lines (OC-15S1, 1003) were cultured in defined media to study differentiation signals.
• Previous studies showed F9 cells differentiate minimally in EM-3 medium without inducers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify signals influencing the differentiation of OC-15S1 and 1003 embryonal carcinoma cell lines.
• To investigate the role of defined media components, specifically fibronectin and lipoproteins, in cell differentiation.

Main Methods:

• Culture of OC-15S1 and 1003 cells in hormone-supplemented defined medium (EM-3).
• Supplementation of EM-3 with factors like purified serum lipoproteins and assessment of cell proliferation and morphology.
• Analysis of secreted plasminogen activator to identify differentiated cell types.

Main Results:

• OC-15S1 and 1003 cells did not proliferate in EM-3 but differentiated.
• Differentiated cells required supplementation (e.g., high-density lipoprotein) for survival in EM-3.
• Differentiated cells exhibited epitheloid morphology and secreted plasminogen activator characteristic of parietal endoderm.
• Fibronectin promoted differentiation of OC-15S1 and 1003 in serum-containing media.

Conclusions:

• OC-15S1 and 1003 cells differentiate into parietal endoderm in a defined medium, influenced by components like high-density lipoprotein.
• Fibronectin appears to be a key factor promoting differentiation in these cell lines, potentially playing a direct role in early mammalian development.