Three‐dimensional culture(۳D) and differentiation of embryonic stem cells into oocyte‐like cells

Three‐dimensional (۳D) culture provides a biomimicry of the naive microenvironment that can support celldifferentiation. Some growth factors, such as epidermal growth factor (EGF), facilitate normal meiosis during oocytematuration in vivo. In this study, ۳D system using purified alginate was applied to induce oocyte differentiation frommouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). To increase the efficiency of the oocyte‐like cell differentiation from mESCs,we employed a coculture system using ovarian granulosa cells in the presence or absence of epidermal growth factor for۱۴ days and then the cells were assessed for germ cell differentiation, meiotic progression, and oocyte maturationmarkers. The cultures exposed to EGF in the alginate‐based ۳D microenvironment showed the highest level ofpremeiotic, meiotic, and oocyte maturation marker genes (p < .۰۵) in comparison to other groups. The data showed thatthis culture system along with EGF improved the rate of in vitro oocyte‐like cell differentiation.

Keywords:

cell differentiation , embryonic stem cells , growth factor , ۳D culture