Low O 2 tensions and the prevention of differentiation of hES cells

Early-stage mammalian embryos develop in a low O(2) environment (hypoxia). hES cells, however, are generally cultured under an atmosphere of 21% O(2) (normoxia), under which conditions they tend to differentiate spontaneously. Such conditions may not be the most suitable, therefore, for hES cell propagation. Here we have tested two hypotheses. The first hypothesis was that hES cells would grow as well under hypoxic as under normoxic conditions. The second hypothesis was that hypoxic culture would reduce the amount of spontaneous cell differentiation that occurs in hES colonies. Both hypotheses proved to be correct. Cells proliferated as well under 3% and 5% O(2) as they did under 21% O(2), and growth was only…

• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Award: HD21896