Expression and function of the ID1 gene during transforming growth factor-β1-induced differentiation of human embryonic stem cells to endothelial cells

Cell Reprogram. 2015 Feb;17(1):59-68. doi: 10.1089/cell.2014.0020. Epub 2014 Dec 30.

Abstract

ID1 can mediate transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/activin receptor-like kinase-1 (ALK1)-induced (and Smad-dependent) migration in endothelial cells (ECs). However, the role that ID1 plays during differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) into ECs induced by TGF-β1 remains unclear. In this study, a hESC differentiation model that recapitulates the developmental steps of vasculogenesis during the early stages of embryonic development was used to explore this question. We found that TGF-β1 increases endothelial cell differentiation and inhibits endothelial tube formation. Furthermore, at an early stage of differentiation, TGF-β1 may induce in vitro differentiation of hESCs into ECs by inhibiting expression of ID1, while at a later stage of differentiation, TGF-β1 may stimulate the proliferation and migration of ECs via the ALK1/Smad1/5/ID1 pathway. Downregulation of ID1 by gene silencing can lead to acceleration of TGF-β1-induced hESC differentiation into ECs and inhibition of proliferation and migration of ECs. This study may reveal some mechanisms of in vivo vasculogenesis in the early stages of embryonic development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Differentiation*
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Endothelial Cells / cytology*
  • Humans
  • Inhibitor of Differentiation Protein 1 / genetics*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / pharmacology*

Substances

  • ID1 protein, human
  • Inhibitor of Differentiation Protein 1
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1