Stem cell differentiation is directed through the use of signaling proteins called growth factors.  Many of these growth factors, including fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and bone morphogenic protein (BMP), have been shown to interact with glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains that are found on the cell surface.  These interactions are vital for signal transduction which lead to gene expression changes that direct the cell toward specific lineages.  To influence these interaction, synthetic GAG mimetics were synthesized and introduced into the membrane of mouse embryonic stem cells (Ext1<sup>-/-</sup>) deficient in heparan sulfate GAGs.  Signaling through the canonical BMP pathway was enhanced upon GAG mimetic incorporation.   The incorporation of these mimetics into embryoid bodies was characterized, and mesodermal differentiation was achieved.  We have now show that we can access each germ layer, so now we can study the effects of glycan and mimetic structure on the pathways governing differentiation.<br/>

Using glycosaminoglycan mimetics to influence stem cell differentiation

255th National Meeting (2018)

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