Differentiation of Embryonic Stem Cells into Anterior Definitive Endoderm

Anterior definitive endoderm (ADE) is both an important embryonic signaling center and a unique multipotent precursor of liver, pancreas, and other visceral organs. Here we describe a method for the differentiation of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells to endoderm with pronounced anterior character. ADE-containing cultures can be produced in vitro by suspension (aggregation or embryoid body) culture and in a serum-free adherent monolayer culture. Purified ES cell–derived ADE cells appear committed to endodermal fates and can undergo further differentiation in vitro towards liver and pancreas with enhanced efficiency. Curr. Protoc. Stem Cell Biol. 10:1G.3.1-1G.3.10. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Keywords: embryonic stem cells; differentiation; endoderm; anterior; activin; FGF; Hex