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Uniform TitleDifferentiation of human and murine embryonic stem cells: studies on the combined roles of adhesion molecules and growth factors
NameMoore, Rebecca (author), Moghe, Prabhas (chair), Grumet, Martin (co-chair), Foty, Ramsey (internal member), Cohen, Rick (outside member), Rutgers University, Graduate School - New Brunswick,
Degree Date2008-10
Date Created2008
SubjectBiomedical Engineering,
Cell differentiation,
Cell adhesion molecules,
Cells--Growth
DescriptionThe field of stem cell bioengineering can potentially revolutionize cell-based therapies for functional replacement of complex systems like the liver and nervous system. Despite significant challenges ahead, mouse and human embryonic stem (ES) cells can serve as a potential cell source for transplantation medicine, and efforts are being actively directed to guide ES cell development and maturation [1-3]. The murine ES cell model has been demonstrated to be highly organotypic based on its successful realization of specific lineages [4], but current efforts have been focused toward human ES differentiation. Despite the many research efforts, the molecular signals that can effectively promote the integration and specific differentiation of ES cells are not well characterized.
In this dissertation, I examined the molecular and microscale parameters governing the differentiation of embryonic stem cells into hepatic and neural tissue. The goals of this study are two-fold; first, we sought to identify the nature of and presentation approaches for molecular signals that promote the liver-specific maturation of mouse and human ES cells through cell-cell adhesion molecule, E-cadherin, and growth factor stimulation. Secondly, we investigated the effects of E-cadherin on neural differentiation of human ES cells. Overall, our hypothesis is that optimal combinations of molecular growth factors and the presentation of cell adhesion molecules can provide effective tools for regenerative and reparative medicine for cell-based therapy.
In this dissertation, I examined the molecular and microscale parameters governing the differentiation of embryonic stem cells into hepatic and neural tissue. The goals of this study are two-fold; first, we sought to identify the nature of and presentation approaches for molecular signals that promote the liver-specific maturation of mouse and human ES cells through cell-cell adhesion molecule, E-cadherin, and growth factor stimulation. Secondly, we investigated the effects of E-cadherin on neural differentiation of human ES cells. Overall, our hypothesis is that optimal combinations of molecular growth factors and the presentation of cell adhesion molecules can provide effective tools for regenerative and reparative medicine for cell-based therapy.
NotePh.D.
NoteIncludes bibliographical references (p. 127-146).
Genretheses
Persistent URLhttp://hdl.rutgers.edu/1782.2/rucore10001600001.ETD.17535
LanguageEnglish
CollectionGraduate School - New Brunswick Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Organization NameRutgers, The State University of New Jersey
RightsThe author owns the copyright to this work.