Abstract:

To explore the possible role of ganglioside GM1 in human embryonic stem cells differentiating into neural cells and to provide a method for clinical treatment in the future. MethodsHuman embryonic stem cells underwent suspension culture to form embryonic bodies (EB) and then the EB underwent adherent culture to induce neural cells. 0, 0.5?μg/ml, 5?μg/ml, and 50?μg/ml GM1 were respectively added to the neural differentiation culture media and then morphology of the EB and neural cells were observed, and positive cells of Nestin and βTubulin were counted. ResultsLight EB were formed when culture media were added to GM1, while dark EB were formed when culture media was not added to GM1. Nestin and βTubulin positive cells induced by neural differentiation culture media with GM1 were more significant than those without GM1. There were more Nestin and βTubulin positive cells when adding GM1 in suspension culture than in adherent culture, also with an increase of the concentration of GM1, the Nestin and βTubulin positive cells increased in both media. ConclusionGM1 may directionally induce hESCs into neural progenitor cells. GM1 added in suspension culture media is helpful in the directional differentiation of hESCs.

Key words:  , Stem cells, G(M1) ganglioside, Cells, cultured