Neuronal Induction of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells Following Co-culture with Chick Embryonic Somites

The aim of the present study was to understand if EBs can promote generation of neurons following co-culture with chick embryo somites.

The mouse ES cells line Royan B1 were cultured in hanging drops to induce embryoid bodies (EBs) formation. Then RA was added to some EBs according to 2-/2+/2+ protocol to evaluate the potential of their neuron generation. Somites were isolated from the chick embryos and then embedded in alginate solution. Finally alginate beads containing somites were co-cultured with EBs as 1:1 and 4:1 ratio.

Mean percentage of EBs containing neurons in RA somite 4:1 somite 1:1 and control were 82.8% 35.3% 21.1% and 4.8% respectively. Our results showed that EBs can promote generation of neurons following co-culture with somites and somite 4:1 had more profound effect on neural induction compared to somite1:1. The neurons were formed rapidly in RA and somites groups than control group. The somite groups induced higher rosette formation which had the capacity to generate neurons upon isolation and replating. Finally the neural properties were confirmed by immunocytochemistry procedures.

Chick embryonic somites can induce ES cells –derived EBs to generate neurons in vitro and may lead to formation of rosette structures with neuron formation capacity.