The in vitro directed differentiation of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) through stimulation of developmental signaling pathways can generate mature somatic cell types for basic laboratory studies or regenerative therapies.
Pluripotent stem cell differentiation reveals distinct developmental pathways regulating lung- versus thyroid-lineage specification.
Treatment
View SamplesTwo populations of Nkx2-1+ progenitors in the developing foregut endoderm give rise to the entire post-natal lung and thyroid epithelium, but little is known about these cells, as they are difficult to isolate in a pure form. We demonstrate here the purification and directed differentiation of primordial lung and thyroid progenitors derived from mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Inhibition of TGF and BMP signaling, followed by combinatorial stimulation of BMP and FGF signaling can specify these cells efficiently from definitive endodermal precursors. When derived using Nkx2-1GFP knock-in reporter ESCs, these progenitors can be purified for expansion in culture and have a transcriptome that overlaps with developing lung epithelium. Upon induction, they can express a broad repertoire of markers indicative of lung and thyroid lineages and can recellularize a 3D lung tissue scaffold. Thus, we have derived a pure population of progenitors able to recapitulate the developmental milestones of lung/thyroid development.
Efficient derivation of purified lung and thyroid progenitors from embryonic stem cells.
Specimen part
View SamplesThe influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus caused a global flu pandemic in 2009 and contributes to seasonal epidemics. Different treatment and prevention options for influenza have been developed and applied with limited success. Here we report that an Akt inhibitor MK2206 possesses potent antiviral activity against influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus in vitro. We showed that MK2206 blocks the entry of different A(H1N1)pdm09 strains into cells. Moreover, MK2206 prevented A(H1N1)pdm09-mediated activation of cellular signaling pathways and the development of cellular immune responses. Importantly, A(H1N1)pdm09 virus was unable to develop resistance to MK2206. Thus, MK2206 is a potent anti-influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 agent.
Akt inhibitor MK2206 prevents influenza pH1N1 virus infection in vitro.
Specimen part, Cell line
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