Anti-apoptotic effect of sphingosine-1-phosphate and platelet-derived growth factor in human embryonic stem cells

Abstract

Human embryonic stem (hES) cells hold great promise for use in regenerative medicine. However, technologies first need to be established to maintain hES cells efficiently in vitro. Understanding the signaling networks involved in hES cell maintenance will prove to be essential to the development of such culture systems. Previously, we described a serum-free medium capable of supporting prolonged hES cell maintenance using sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). Here, we describe an anti-apoptotic effect of S1P and PDGF in hES cells and demonstrate a direct effect of S1P in preventing hES cell apoptosis. Western blot analysis shows that S1P stimulates the phos..