Elsevier

Mechanisms of Development

Volume 92, Issue 2, 1 April 2000, Pages 193-205
Mechanisms of Development

Embryonic stem cell-derived chondrogenic differentiation in vitro: activation by BMP-2 and BMP-4

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Abstract

Differentiation of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells via embryoid bodies was established as a suitable model to study development in vitro. Here, we show that differentiation of ES cells in vitro into chondrocytes can be modulated by members of the transforming growth factor-β family (TGF-β1, BMP-2 and -4). ES cell differentiation into chondrocytes was characterized by the appearance of Alcian blue-stained areas and the expression of cartilage-associated genes and proteins. Different stages of cartilage differentiation could be distinguished according to the expression pattern of the transcription factor scleraxis, and the cartilage matrix protein collagen II. The number of Alcian-blue-stained areas decreased slightly after application of TGF-β1, whereas BMP-2 or -4 induced chondrogenic differentiation. The inducing effect of BMP-2 was found to be dependent on the time of application, consistent with its role to recruit precursor cells to the chondrogenic fate.

Keywords

Embryonic stem cell
Chondrocyte
Transforming growth factor
Bone morphogenetic protein
Mouse

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