p38alpha MAP kinase-deficient mouse embryonic stem cells can differentiate to endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and neurons.
p38 MAP kinase alpha (p38alpha) regulates various cellular processes in adult cells, but little is known about its function in stem cells. We investigated the potential of wild type and p38alpha deficient mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) to differentiate into endothelial cells (ECs), smooth muscle cells (SMCs), and neurons. Our differentiation methods allowed simultaneous development of all these cell types. ECs formed monolayers similar to mature ECs and could assemble into vessel-like structures. SMCs had well-organized actin filaments with morphology similar to adult SMCs. Neurons exhibited well-developed cell bodies and elongated axons. Deletion of the p38alpha gene did not significantly compromise ESC differentiation since p38alpha-/- cells could express cell-specific markers and displayed similar overall morphology to the cells differentiated from p38alpha+/+ ESCs. Although p38alpha regulates various cellular activities of adult SMCs, ECs, and neurons, our data demonstrate that p38alpha is not essential for ESC differentiation to these cell types.
Guo
Yan-Lin
YL
Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406, USA. yanlin@guo.usm.edu
Ye
Jianming
J
Huang
Faqing
F
D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D017931:DNA Primers / Q000235:genetics; D053595:Embryonic Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000201:enzymology*; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D004789:Enzyme Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000494:pharmacology; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D048308:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 14 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000172:deficiency* / Q000235:genetics; D032389:Myocytes, Smooth Muscle / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D011725:Pyridines / Q000494:pharmacology; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D015415:Biomarkers; D017931:DNA Primers; D007093:Imidazoles; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D011725:Pyridines; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D048308:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 14; C093642:SB 203580