Method of controlling differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells by culturing ES cells in the presence of bmp-2 pathway antagonists

摘要

ES cells have a natural tendency to differentiate into cells resembling those of the extra-embryonic endodermal lineages in the early human embryo. Applicants have found that culturing ES cells in the presence of direct and/or indirect antagonists of the BMP-mediated default pathway of extra-embryonic endoderm differentiation will prevent ES cells from proceeding along this pathway.