A fast and efficient method to generate contracting embryoid bodies from murine iPs cells

Faculty Advisor: Jay (Jianyi) ZhangThis project aimed to test and refine a method of differentiating iPs cells into contracting embryoid bodies. Embryoid bodies (EBs) are spheroid clumps of pluripotent cells that can differentiate into various types of cells5. Spontaneous contraction of EBs indicates development into cardiomyocytes. The ability to differentiate cardiomyocytes from iPs cells can then aid in the process of cardiomyocyte regeneration for individuals who have suffered significant and damaging cardiac events. Our research aimed to develop a method of quickly and efficiently differentiating murine iPs cells into contracting EBs. Our protocol yielded areas of spontaneously contracting proportions of EBs within six days, and the peak proportion of contracting EBs was observed within nine to ten days. Further research into this topic may look into the role of norepinephrine in successfully developing EBs, or the applicability of this method of differentiation on human iPs cells.This research was supported by the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)