Stem Cell Aggregates
Stem Cell Aggregates - Related Videos
09:46
3D Magnetic Stem Cell Aggregation and Bioreactor Maturation for Cartilage Regeneration
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Cited by 12 •
2017
Chondrogenesis from stem cells requires fine tuning the culture conditions. Here, we present a magnetic approach for condensing cells, an essential step to initiate chondrogenesis. In addition, we show that dynamic maturation in a bioreactor applies mechanical stimulation to the cellular constructs and enhances cartilaginous extracellular matrix production.
06:28
Aggregate Size Optimization in Microwells for Suspension-based Cardiac Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
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Cited by 11 •
2016
Conventional methods to initiate suspension aggregate based cardiac differentiation of human pluripotent stems cells (hPSCs) are plagued with culture heterogeneity with respect to aggregate size and shape. Here, we describe a robust method for cardiac differentiation employing microwells to generate size-controlled hPSC aggregates cultured under cardiac-promoting conditions.
22:06
Derivation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells from Murine Embryonic Stem Cells
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Cited by 7 •
2007
This protocol details the derivation of transplantable hematopoietic stem cells from mouse embryonic stem cells (ESC) and their subsequent injection into lethally irradiated recipient mice. Briefly, ESC are differentiated as embryoid bodies, which are then infected with retroviral HoxB4 and co-cultured with OP9 stromal cells and hematopoietic cytokines.
11:37
Generation of Aggregates of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells that Show Symmetry Breaking, Polarization and Emergent Collective Behaviour In Vitro
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Cited by 82 •
2015
We have developed a protocol to generate aggregates of mouse embryonic stem cells that display self-organization, symmetry breaking and elongation paralleling axial development. This technique allows the study of axial developmental processes and the generation of cell types that are otherwise difficult to perform in monolayer culture.
08:59
4D Imaging of Protein Aggregation in Live Cells
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Cited by 4 •
2013
Cellular viability depends on timely and efficient management of protein misfolding. Here we describe a method for visualizing the different potential fates of a misfolded protein: refolding, degradation, or sequestration in inclusions. We demonstrate the use of a folding sensor, Ubc9ts, for monitoring proteostasis and aggregation quality control in live cells using 4D microscopy.
FAQs
Cell-cell adhesion helps hold neighboring stem cells together, while coordinated signaling allows them to influence one another within the cluster. These interactions can promote compaction and organization, then alter gene expression in ways that affect differentiation. In neural models, this provides a basis for examining how collective cellular behavior contributes to progenitor formation and tissue development.
Suspension or low-attachment culture reduces the tendency of cells to remain spread as isolated units on a surface. By keeping cells in close contact, these conditions support aggregate formation, compaction, and cell-cell signaling. The resulting environment can change gene expression and influence differentiation, making it useful when researchers want to study multicellular rather than single-cell behavior.
Compaction and coordinated signaling can influence neural differentiation because they change how neighboring cells interact and communicate. Those collective cues are associated with shifts in gene expression, which may alter developmental trajectories. In practice, aggregates help investigators examine how physical organization and intercellular communication contribute to the emergence of neural progenitors.
Compared with isolated cell cultures, stem cell aggregates provide closer cell-cell contact and a more tissue-like setting. This organization enables researchers to examine coordinated signaling and compaction rather than responses from separated cells alone. The comparison is useful for asking whether gene-expression changes and differentiation patterns depend on collective cellular interactions.
A basic workflow begins by concentrating stem cells under suspension or low-attachment conditions so they remain in close contact. As the cells adhere to one another, the cluster can compact and become more organized. Researchers can then examine associated changes in gene expression and differentiation, or use the aggregates to generate neural progenitors and multicellular models.
Stem cell aggregates are useful when neuroscience studies require a multicellular context for neural development or disease-related questions. They can support generation of neural progenitors and brain organoids, provide models for examining neurodevelopmental disorders and neuronal function, and allow testing of responses to candidate therapies. Their value comes from linking observed outcomes to cellular interactions that shape neural tissue formation.