Significance of microRNAs for the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into definitive endoderm and mesoderm

Research Question: Differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into endoderm-derived cells, like insulin-producing cells, requires initially the formation of definitive endoderm (DE). MicroRNAs are important post-transcriptional regulators of the gene expression determining cell fates. Therefore, this study analyzed the microRNA expression profiles of purified DE, mesodermal cells, randomly differentiated cells, and undifferentiated ESC to identify important early cell fate regulators. Methodology: Human ESC lines (HUES8, HES3) were randomly differentiated or directed towards DE (CHIR-99021/ActivinA) and mesoderm…