Embryonic stem (ES) cells are pluripotent cells derived from blastocyst-stage embryos. They are characterized by their infinite
self-renewal capacity and their ability to differentiate into many cell types in vitro as well as in vivo. The present protocol
describes culture conditions that allow efficient differentiation of mouse ES cells toward the endothelial lineage, both in
two-dimensional cultures and in three-dimensional, multicellular embryoid bodies. We also provide a protocol for establishing
recombinant ES cell clones, giving the example of cells expressing green fluorescent protein and an antibiotic resistance
gene under the control of an endothelial-specific promoter. These transgenes allow the visualization and the genetic selection
of endothelial cells from a heterogeneous population of differentiating ES cells. Potential applications for these differentiation
models are given, including the study of the endothelial cell lineage and its derivatives, the testing of molecules involved
in angiogenesis, and the potential use of selected endothelial cells in vivo.
Key Words Angiogenesis – differentiation – embryoid body – endothelial cell transplantation – endothelial cells – lineage selection – mouse embryonic stem cells – smooth muscle cells