Regulation of Neural Specification from Human Embryonic Stem Cells by BMP and FGF
Open Access
- 23 April 2009
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Oxford University Press (OUP) in The International Journal of Cell Cloning
- Vol. 27 (8), 1741-1749
- https://doi.org/10.1002/stem.99
Abstract
Inhibition of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling is required for vertebrate neural induction, and fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) may affect neural induction through phosphorylation at the linker region of Smad1, thus regulating BMP signaling. Here we show that human embryonic stem cells efficiently convert to neuroepithelial cells in the absence of BMP antagonists, or even when exposed to high concentrations of exogenous BMP4. Molecular and functional analyses revealed multiple levels of endogenous BMP signaling inhibition that may account for the efficient neural differentiation. Blocking FGF signaling inhibited neural induction, but did not alter the phosphorylation of the linker region of Smad1, suggesting that FGF enhances human neural specification independently of BMP signaling. Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.Keywords
Funding Information
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (R01 NS045926)
- Waisman Center from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (P30 HD03352)
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