Human induced pluripotent stem (hiPS) cells are very attractive tools for modeling diseases and regenerative medicine. However, to achieve them, the efficient differentiation methods of hiPS cells into aimed cell type in vitro are necessary. Because mesoderm cells are useful in particular, we have developed the differentiation of mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells into mesoderm cells previously. In this time, these methods were improved for hiPS cells and now human mesoderm cells are able to be obtained efficiently. It is certain that the new methods are applicable to various studies and therapies.
Keywords: Bone; Cartilage; Human induced pluripotent stem (hiPS) cells; Mesoderm; Platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα); Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2).