A two- and three-dimensional approach for visualizing human embryonic stem cell differentiation

Methods Mol Biol. 2010:584:179-93. doi: 10.1007/978-1-60761-369-5_10.

Abstract

Undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells are characterized by expression of specific cell markers like the transcription factors OCT4, SOX2, and NANOG, the stage-specific embryonic antigen SSEA4, and the tumor-related antigens TRA-1-60 and TRA-1-81 and by their ability to differentiate under proper conditions into cells of the three germ layers and later into derivatives of these germ layers. Recent studies suggest a certain micro-heterogeneity of the expression of hESC markers, which demonstrates that not all cells in a hESC colony of apparently undifferentiated cells express all the expected markers. We describe a technique allowing paraffin embedding an entire hESC colony (e.g., 150 microm thick) and prepare 2-microm thick serial sections. Different staining procedures applied to individual sections produce a 2D survey of the developing hESC colony. Furthermore, a new and useful visualization of this 2D-expression pattern can be created by developing a 3D-model of the culture, based on serial paraffin sections. Individual sections are stained using individual markers. Using 3D image processing software such as Mimics or 3D-Doctor, the actual 3D-rendering of an entire colony can be accomplished. An extended version of this technique even allows for a high-magnification 3D-reconstruction of an area of interest (AOI), e.g., the developing hepatic stem cells. These techniques allow both a 2D and a 3D visualization of hESC colonies and lead to new insights into and information about the interaction of stem cells.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Cell Culture Techniques
  • Cell Differentiation*
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods*
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / statistics & numerical data
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Paraffin Embedding / methods
  • Software
  • Staining and Labeling

Substances

  • Biomarkers