AU2015268690B2 - Differentiation of human embryonic stem cells - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides methods to promote the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into insulin producing cells. In particular, the present invention provides a method to increase the expression of NGN3 and NKX6.1 in populations of cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage.

Description

DIFFERENTIATION OF HUMAN EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0000] The present application is a divisional application of Australian Application

No. 2010333840, which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference.

[00011 This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/289,692, filed on December 23, 2009, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention provides methods to promote the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into insulin producing cells. In particular, the present invention provides a method to increase the expression of NGN3 and NKX6.1 in populations of cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Advances in cell-replacement therapy for Type I diabetes mellitus and a shortage of transplantable islets of Langerhans have focused interest on developing sources of insulin-producing cells, or β cells, appropriate for engraftment. One approach is the generation of functional β cells from pluripotent stem cells, such as, for example, embryonic stem cells.

[0004] During vertebrate embryonic development, a pluripotent cell gives rise to a group of cells comprising three germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm) in a process known as gastrulation. Tissues such as, for example, thyroid, thymus, pancreas, gut, and liver, will develop from the endoderm, via an intermediate stage. The intermediate stage in this process is the formation of definitive endoderm. Definitive endoderm cells express a number of markers, such as, HNF3 beta, GATA4, MIXL1, CXCR4 and SOX17.

[0005] Formation of the pancreas arises from the differentiation of definitive endoderm into pancreatic endoderm Cells of the pancreatic endoderm express the pancreatic-duodenal homeobox gene, PDX1. In the absence of PDX1, the pancreas fails to develop beyond the formation of ventral and dorsal buds. Thus, PDX1 expression marks a critical step in pancreatic organogenesis. The mature pancreas contains, among other cell types, exocrine tissue and endocrine tissue. Exocrine and endocrine tissues arise from the differentiation of pancreat ic endoderm.

[0006j Cells hearing the features of islet cells have reportedly been derived in vitro from embryonic ceils of the mouse. For example, Lumelsky et al. (Science 292:! 389, 2001) report differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells to insulin-secreting structures similar to pancreatic islets. Soria et al. (Diabetes 49:157, 2000) report that insulin-secreting cells derived from mouse embryonic stem cells normalize glycemia when implanted in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice [0007] In one example, Hori et al. (PNAS 99: 16105. 2002) disclose that treatment of mouse embryonic stem ceils with inhibitors of phosphoinositkle 3-kinase (LY294002) produced cells that resembled (3 cells.

[0008] In another example, Blyszezuk et al. (PNAS 100:998, 2003) reports Ore generation of insulin-producing cells from mouse embryonic stem cells constiiutively expressing Pax4. j0009] Micalief et al. reports that retinoic acid can regulate the commitment of embryonic- stem cells to form PDX1 positive pancreatic, endoderm. Retinoic acid is most effective at inducing PDX1 expression when added to cultures at day four of embryonic stem cell differentiation during a period corresponding to the end of gastmiation in the embryo (Diabetes 54:301, 2005). |0010] Miyazaki et al. reports a mouse embryonic stem cell line over-expressing Pdxl. Their results show that exogenous Pdxl expression clearly enhanced the expression of insulin, somatostatin, glueokinase, neurogenin3, p48, Paxil, and HNF6 in the resulting differentiated ceils (Diabetes 53; 1030, 2004).

[00.11 ] Skoudy et al. reports that activin A (a member of the TGF-β superfamily) upreguiates the expression of exocrine pancreatic genes (p48 and amylase) and endocrine genes (Pdxl, insulin, and glucagon) m mouse embryonic stem cells. The maximal effect was observed using 1 nM activin A. They also observed that the expression level of insulin and Pdxl mRNA was not affected by retinoic acid: however, 3nM FGF7 treatment resulted in an increased level of the transcript for Pdxl (Biochem, ). 379: 749,2004). (0012} SMraki ei al studied the effects of growth factors that specifically enhance differentiation of embryonic stem cells into PDXl positive cells. They observed that TGF-(12 reprodueihly yielded a higher proportion of PDXl positive cells (Genes Cells. 2005 Jim; 10(6): 503-16.). (0013] Gordon et al demonstrated the induction ofbraefayury [positive]/ HNF3 beta [positive] endoderm cells from mouse embryonic stem cells in the absence of serum and in the presence of aciivin along with an Inhibitor of Writ signaling (US 2006/0003446A1). (0014) Gordon et al (PNAS, Vol 103, page 16806,2006) states “Wat and TGF-beia/ nodal/ activin signaling simultaneously were required for the generation of the anterior primitive streak.” [0015} However, she mouse model of embryonic stem cell development may not exactly mimic the developmental program in higher mammals, such as, for example, humans, (0016} Thomson et al isolated embryonic stem cells from human blastocysts (Science 282:114, 1998). Concurrently, Gearhart and coworkers derived human embryonic germ (hEG) cell lines from fetal gonadal tissue (Shamblou el al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci USA 95:13726, 1998). Unlike mouse embryonic stem cells, which can be prevented from differentiating simply by culturing with leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF), human embryonic stem cells must be maintained under very special condi tions (II,S. Pat. No. 6,200,806; WO 99/20741; WO 01/51616). (0017) D’Amour et al describes the production of enriched, cultures of human embryonic stem cell-derived definitive endoderm in the presence of a high concentration of activin and low serum (Nature Biotechnology 2005). Transplanting these cells under the kidney capsule of mice resulted in differentiation into more mature cells with characteristics of some endodermal organs. Human embryonic stem cell-derived definitive endoderm cells can be further differentiated into PDX l. positive cells after addition of FGF-10 (LIS 2005/0266554ΑΪ). {0018] IT Amour et al (Nature Biotechnology - 24,1392 - 1401 (2006)) states: “We have developed a differentiation process that converts human embryonic stem (hES) cells to endocrine cells capable of synthesizing the pancreatic hormones insulin, glucagon. somatostatin, pancreatic polypeptide and ghrelin, This process mimics in vivo pancreatic organogenesis by directing ceils through stages resembling definitive endoderm, gut-tube endoderm, pancreatic endodenn and endocrine precursor en route to cells that express endocrine hormones” |0019] In another example. Fisk et aL reports a system for producing pancreatic islet cells from human embryonic stem ceils (US2006/0040387A1). In this ease, the differentiation pathway was divided into three stages. Human embryonic stem cells were first differentiated to endoderm using a combination of sodium butyrate and activia A, The ceils were then cultured with TGF-ji antagonists such as Noggin in combination with BGF or betaceliulinto generate PDX1 positive ceils. The terminal differentiation was induced by nicotinamide.

[0020] In one example, Benvenistry et a!, states: “We conclude that over-expression of PDX1 enhanced expression of pancreatic enriched genes, induction of insulin expression may require additional signals that are only present in vivo'" (Benvenistry etal, Stem Cells 2006; 24:1923-1930).

[0021] In another example, Graptsv-Botton et al states: “Early activation of Ngn3 almost exclusively induced glucagon [positive] cells while depleting the pool of pancreas progenitors. As from El 1.5, PDX-I progenitors became competent to differentiate into insulin [positive] and PP [positive] cells” (Johansson KA«i «/, Developmental Cel! IS* 457 — 465, March 2007).

[0022] The expression of NGK3 in cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage may reduce the ability of the cells to further differentiate into insulin expressing cells. Previous studies have showed that cells expressing markers characteris tic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage that express NGN3 are more likely to produce glucagon expressing cells than insulin expressing cells, when subjected to further differentiation, However, NGN3 expression is required to form pancreatic endocrine cells, or pancreatic endocrine precursor cells (cells that can form, for example glucagon, or insulin expressing cells). Therefore, the temporal regulation of NG.N3 is important in guiding the ul tim ate fate of pancreatic endocrine precursor cells toward insulin expressing ceils.

[0023] Therefore, there still remains a significant need to develop conditions for establishing pluripotent stem cell lines that can be expanded to address the current clinical needs, while retaining the potential to differentiate into insulin expressing cells. The present invention takes an alternative approach to improve the efficiency of differentiating human embryonic stem cells toward insulin expressing cells, by providing a method to increase the expression of NGN3 and NKX6.1 in cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage.

[0023a] Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

SUMMARY

[0023b] According to one aspect, the present invention provides a method for increasing the expression of NGN3 and NKX6.1 in a population of cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage, which comprises culturing cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage in a medium supplemented with a compound selected from the group consisting of H-9, H-89, GF 109203X, HA-1004, PP2, PP1, SB-203580, SB-202190, Tyrphostin 25, Tyrphostin AG 1478, Tyrphostin 46, GW 5074, hydroxy-2-naphthalenylmethylphosphonic acid, AG490, Y27632, and ML-7 during differentiation of the cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage into cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage and further into cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage, wherein the method increases the expression of NGN3 and NKX6.1 compared to cells that are not treated with the compound.

[0023c] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

[0024] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method to increase the expression of NGN3 and NKX6.1 in a population of cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage, comprising the steps of: a) culturing pluripotent stem cells, b) differentiating the pluripotent stem cells into cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage, c) differentiating the cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage into cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage, supplementing the medium used to differentiate the cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage with a compound selected from the group consisting of H-9, H-89, GF 109203X, HA-1004, PP2, PP1, LY 294002, Wortmannin, SB-203580, SB-202190, Tyrphostin 25, Tyrphostin, AG1478, Tyrphostin 46, GW 5074, Kenpaullone, HNMPA, AG490, Y27632, and ML-7, and d) differentiating the cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage into cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage.

[0025] In one embodiment, the medium used to differentiate the cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage is supplemented with a compound selected from the group consisting of H-9, H-89, GF 109203X, HA-1004, PP2, PP1, LY 294002, Wortmannin, SB-203580, SB-202190, Tyrphostin 25, Tyrphostin, AG 1478, Tyrphostin 46, GW 5074, Icnpaullane, ENMPA, AG490, Y27632, md ML· 7.

RETAILED DESCRIPTION 100261 For clarity of disclosure, and not by way of limitation, the detailed description of the invention is divided into the following subsections that describe or illustrate certain features, embodiments or applications of the present invention.

Definitions {0027] Stem cells are undifferentiated cells defined by their ability at the single cell level to both self-renew and differentiate to produce progeny cells, including self-renewing progenitors, non-renewing progenitors, and terminally differentiated cells. Stem cells are also characterized by their ability to differentiate in vitro into functional cells of various cell lineages from multiple gens layers (endoderra, mesoderm and ectoderm), as well as to give rise to tissues of multiple germ layers following transplantation and to contribute substantially to most, if not all tissues following injection into blastocysts. (01)28) Stem cells are classified by their developmental potential as: (1) totipotent, meaning able to give rise to all embryonic and extraembryooic cell types; (2 ) pluripoteni, meaning able to give rise to all embryonic ceil types; (3) muhipotent. meaning able to give rise to a subset of cell l ineages but all within a particular tissue, organ, or physiological system (for example, hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) can produce progeny that include HSC (self- renewal), blood cell restricted oligopotent progenitor's, and all cell types and elements (e,g„ platelets) that are normal components of the blood); (4) oligopotent, meaning able to give rise to a more restricted subset of cell lineages than muhipotent stem cells; and (5) umpotem, meaning able to give rise to a single cell lineage (e.g„ spermatogenic stem cells).

[0O29| Differentiation is the process by which an un,specialized (“uncommitted”) or less specialized cell acquires the features of a specialized cell such as, for example, a nerve cell or a muscle cell. A differentiated or differentiation-induced cell is one that, has taken on a more specialized ("committed”) position within the lineage of a cell. The term “committed”, when applied to the process of differentiation, refers to a cell that has proceeded in the differentiation pathway to a point where, under normal circumstances, i t will continue to differentiate into a specific ceil type or subset of cell types, and cannot, under normal circumstances, differentiate into a different cell type or revert to a less differentiated cell type. De-differentiation refers to the process by which a cell reverts to a less specialized (or committed) position within the lineage of a cell. As used herein, the lineage of a cell defines the heredity of the cell, i.c., which cells it came from and what cells it can give rise to. The lineage of a cell places the ceil within a hereditary scheme of development and differentiation. A lineage-specific marker refers to a characteristic specifically associated with the phenotype of cells of a lineage of interest and can be used to assess the differentiation of an uncommitted cell to the lineage of interest. (0030) “Cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage”, or “Stage I cells') or “Stage I", as used herein, refers to cells expressing at least one of the following markers: SOX17, GATA4, HNF3 beta, CISC, CER1, Nodal, FGF8, Braehyury, Mix-like homeobox protein, FGF4 CD48, eomesodermin (HOMES), DKK4, FGFI7, GATA6, CXCR4, C-Kit, CD99, or OTX2. Ceils expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage include primitive streak precursor cells, primitive streak cells, mesendoderai cells and definitive endoderm cells. (003!) “Celts expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage”, us used herein, refers to cells expressing at least one of the following markers: PDXI, HNF1 beta, PTF1 alpha. HNF6, NKX6.1, or HB9. Cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage include pancreatic endoderm cells, primitive gut lube cells, and posterior foregut cells. (0032) “Definitive endoderm”, as used herein, refers to cells which bear the characteristics of cells arising from the epiblusi during gastrulation and which form the gastrointestinal tract and its derivatives. Definitive endoderm cells express the following markers: HNF3 beta, GATA4, SOX17, Cerberus, OTX2, goosecoid, C-Kit, CD99, and MIXL1. (0033) “Marker”, as used herein, are nucleic acid or polypeptide molecules that are differentially expressed in a ceil of interest In this context, differential expression means an increased level for a positive marker and a decreased level for a negative marker. The detectable level of the marker nucleic acid or polypeptide is sufficiently higher or lower in the ceils of interest compared to other cells, such that the cell of interest can be identified and distinguished from other cells using any of a variety of methods known m the art [0034] “Pancreatic endocrine cell” or “pancreatic hormone expressing cell”, as used herein, refers to a ceil capable of expressing at least one of the following hormones: insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, and pancreatic polypeptide.

Isolation, Expansion and Culture of Pluripotent Stem Cells

Characterization of Pluripotent Stem Cells [0035) Pluripotent stem cells may express one or more of the stage-specific embryonic antigens (SSEA) 3 and 4, and markers detectable using antibodies designated Tra-1-60 and fra-1-81 (Thomson et ah, Science 282:1145,1998), Differentiation of pluripotent stem cells in vitro results in the loss of SSEA-4, Tra 1-60, and Tra 1-81 expression ( if present) and increased expression of SSEA-L Undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells typically have alkaline phosphatase activity, which can be delected by fixing the cells with 4% paraformaldehyde, and then developing with Vector Red as a substrate, as described bv She manufacturer (Vector Laboratories, Burlingame Calif ), Undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells also typically express OCT4 and TERT. as detected by RT-PCR, [0036 j Another desirable phenotype of propagated pluripotent stem ceils is a potential to differentiate into cells of all three germinal layers: endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm tiss ues, P luripotency of pluripotent stem cells can be confi rmed, for example, by injecting cells into severe combined irmmmodeficient (SCID) mice, fixing the teratomas that form using 4% paraformaldehyde, and then examining them histologically for evidence of ceil types from the three germ layers. Alternatively, pluripotency may be determined by the creation of embrvoid bodies and assessing the embryoid bodies for the presence of markers associated with the three germinal layers.

[0037] Propagated pluripotent stem ceil lines may be karyotyped using a standard G-banding technique and compared to published karyotypes of the corresponding primate species. It is desirable to obtain ceils that have a "normal karyotype,” which means that the ceils are euploid, wherein all human chromosomes are present and not noticeably altered.

Sources of Pluripotent Stem Ceils [0038] The types of pluripotent stem cells that may be used include established lines of pluripotent cells derived from tissue formed after gestation, including pre-embryonic tissue (such as, for example, a blastocyst), embryonic tissue, or fetal tissue taken any time during gestation, typically but not necessarily before approximately 10-12 weeks gestation. Non-limiting examples are established lines of human embryonic stem cells or human embryonic germ cells, such as, for example the human embryonic stem cell lines HI, H7, and H9 (WiCell). Also contemplated is use of the compositions of this disclosure during foe· initial establishment or stabilization of such cells, in which case the source cells would be primary pluripotent cells taken directly from the source tissues. Also suitable are cells taken from a pluripotent stem cell population already cultured in the absence of feeder cells. Also suitable are mutant human embryonic stem cell lines, such as, for example, BGOIv (BresaGcn, Athens, GA).

[0039] In one embodiment human embryonic stem cells are prepared as described by Thomson et at, (U.S. Pat, No, 5,843,780; Science 282: ϊ 145, 1998; Curt Top. Dev. Biot. 38:133 fL 1998; Proc. Natl Acad. Set USA 92:7844, 1995).

Culture of Pluripotent Stem Celts |0(140j in one embodiment, pluripotent stem cells are typically cultured on a layer of feeder ceils that support foe pluripotent stem cells in various ways. Alternatively, pluripotent stem cells are cultured in a cul ture system that is essentially free of feeder cells, but nonetheless supports proliferation of pluripotent stem cells without undergoing substantial differentiation. The growth of pluripotent stem cells in feeder- free culture without differentiation is supported using a medium conditioned by culturing previously with another cell type. Alternatively, the growth of pluripotent stem cells in feeder-free culture without differentiation is supported using a chemically defined medium.

[0041 ] For example, Reubinoff et al (Nature Biotechnology i 8: 399 - 404 (2000} j and

Thompson et al (Science 6 November 1998: Vol. 282, no. 5391, pp. 1145 - 1147} disclose the culture of pluripotent stem ceil lines from human blastocysts using a mouse embryonic fibroblast feeder cell layer, [0042] Richards et al, (Stem Ceils 2,1:546-556.2003) evaluated a panel of 11 different human adult fetal and neonatal feeder cell layers for their ability to support human pluripotSBt stem cell culture. Richards et al, states: “human embryonic stem cell lines cultured on adult skin fibroblast feeders retain human embryonic stem cell Mptphology and remain pluripotent", [0043] US2OO20072117 discloses cell lines that produce media that support the growth of primate, pluripotent stem ceils in feeder-free culture. The cell lines employed are mesenchymal and fibroblast-like cell lines obtained from embryonic tissue or differentiated from embryonic stem cells. 11820020072117 also discloses the use of the cell lines as a primary feeder cell layer.

[0044] In another example, Wang et al (Stem Cells 23: 1221-1227, 2005) discloses methods for the long-term growth of human pluripotent stem cells on feeder cell layers derived from human embryonic stem cells.

[0045] In another example, Stojkovie et al (Stem Cells 2005 23:306-314,2005) disclose a feeder ceil system derived from the spontaneous differentiation of human embryonic stem cells.

[004ft] in a further example, Miyamoto et al (Stem Cells 22:433-440,2004) disclose a source of feeder cells obtained from human placenta.

[0047] Amil et al (Biol, Rcprod 68: 2150-2156,2003) discloses a feeder ceil layer derived front human foreskin .

[0048] In another example, Inzunza et at (Stem Cells 23: 544-549, 2005) disclose a feeder cell layer from human postnatal foreskin fibroblasts.

[0049] l J86642048 discloses media that support the growth of primate pluripotent stem (pPS) cells in feeder-free culture, and cell lines useful for production of such media. US6642048 states: “This invention includes mesenchymal and fibroblast-like cell lines obtained from embryonic tissue or differentiated from embryonic stem cells. Methods for deriving such cell lines, processing media, and growing stem cells using the conditioned media are described and illustrated in this disclosure.” 100501 in another example, WG2005014799 discloses conditioned medium for the maintenance, proliferation and differentiation of mammalian cells. W02005014799 states; ‘The culture medium produced in accordance with the present invention is conditioned by the ceil secretion activity of murine cells; in particular, those differentiated and immortalized transgenic hepatoeytes, named MMH (Met Murine Hepatocyte) ” [00511 In another example, Xu el ai (Stem Cells 22: 972-980, 2004) discloses conditioned medium obtained from human embryonic stem cell derivatives that have been genetically modified to over express human telomerase reverse transcriptase.

[0052] In another example. US2O070O1OO.11 discloses a chemically defined culture medium for the maintenance of pluripotent stem cells, [0053] An alternative culture system employs serum-free medium supplemented with growth factors capable of promoting the proliferation of embryonic stem cells. For example, Cheon et al (BioReprod DOl; 10.1095/biolreprod. 105.046870, October 19, 2005) disclose a feeder-free, serum-free culture system in which embryonic stem cells are maintained in unconditioned serum replacement (SR) medium sttpplemented with different growth factors capable of triggering embryonic stern cell self-renewal.

[0054] in another example, Levenstein et «/(Stem Cells 24; 568-574,2006) disclose methods for the long-term culture of human embryonic stem cells in the absence of fibroblasts or conditioned medium, using media sttpplemented with bFGP.

[0055] In another example, 0520050148070 discloses a method of culturing human embryonic stem cells in defined media without serum and without fibroblast feeder cells, the method comprising; culturing the stem cells in a culture medium containing albumin, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, at least one transferrin or transferrin substitute, at least one insulin or insulin substitute, the culture medium essentially free of mammalian fetal serum and containing at least about 100 ng/mf of a fibroblast growth factor capable of activating a fibroblast growth factor signaling receptor, wherein the growth factor is supplied from a source other than, just a fibroblast feeder layer, the medium supported the proliferation of stem cells in an undifferentiated state without feeder cells or conditioned medium.

[0056] In another example, US200S0233446 discloses a defined medium useful in culturing stern cells, including undifferentiated primate primordial stern cells. In solution, the medium is substantially isotonic as compared, to the stem cells being cultured. In a given culture, the particular medium comprises a base medium arid an amount of each ofibFCiF, insulin» and ascorbic acid necessary to support substantially undifferentiated growth of the primordial stem cells, [0057] In another example, US68OO480 states “In one embodiment a cell, culture medium for growing primate-derived primordial stem cells in a substantially undifferentiated state is provided which includes a low osmotic pressure, low endotoxin basic medium that is effective to support the growth of primate-derived primordial stem cells. The basic medium is combined with a nutrient serum effective to support the growth of primate-derived primordial, stem cells and a substrate selected from the group consisting of feeder cells and an extracellular matrix component derived from feeder cells. The medium further includes non-essential amino acids, an anti-oxidant, and a first growth factor selected from fee group consisting of nucleosides and a pyruvate salt," [0058] In another example. US20050244962 states; “In one aspect fee invention provides a method of culturing primate embryonic stem cells. One cultures the stem, cells in a culture essentially free of mammalian fetal serum (preferably also essentially free of any animal serum) and in the presence of fibroblast growth factor that Is supplied from a source other than just a fibroblast feeder layer, in a preferred form, the fibroblast feeder layer, previously required to sustain a stem cell culture, is rendered unnecessary by the addition of sufficient fibroblast growth factor.” [0059] In a further example, WO2Q05065354 discloses a defined, isotonic culture medium, that is essentially feeder-free and serum-free, comprising: a, a basal medium; b, an amount of bFGF sufficient to support growth of substantially undifferentiated mammalian stem cells; c. an amount of insulin sufficient to support growth of substantially undifferentiated mammalian stem cells; and d, an amount of ascorbic acid sufficient to support growth of substantially undifferentiated mammalian stem cells.

[0060] In another example, W02005086845 discloses a method for maintenance of an undifferentiated stem cell, said method comprising exposing a stem cell to a member of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) family of proteins, a member of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family of proteins, or nicotinamide (N 1C) in an amount sufficient to maintain the ceil in an undifferentiated state for a sufficient, amount of time to achieve a desired result.

[0061 j The piuripotent stem cells may be plated onto a suitable culture substrate, in one embodiment, the suitable culture substrate is an extracellular matrix component, such as, for example, those derived front basement membrane or that may form part of adhesion molecule receptor-ligand couplings. In one embodiment, the suitable culture substrate is MATRJ.GEL * (Bccton Dickenson), MATRKiEL* is a soluble preparation from Engelbreth-Holm Swarm tumor cells that gels at room temperature to form a reconstituted basement membrane.

[0(162] Other extracellular matrix components and component mixtures are suitable as an alternative. Depending on the cell type being proliferated, this may include laminin, fibronectin, proteoglycan, gntactia, heparan sulfate, and the like, alone or In various combinations, [0063] The piuripotent stem cells may be plated onto the substrate in a suitable distribution and in the presence of a medium that promotes cell survival, propagation, and retention of the desirable characteristics. All these characteristics benefit from careful attention to the seeding distribution and can readily be determined by one of skill in the art, [00641 Suitable culture media may be made from the following components, such as, for example, Dulbeeeo’s modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM), Gibco # .11965-092; Knockout Duibecco’s modified Eagle's medium (KO DMEM), Gibco #10829-018; Ham’s F12/50% DMEM basal medium; 200 mM L-glutantine, Gibco if15039-027; non-essential amino acid solution, Gibco 11140-050; β-mercaptoethanol. Sigma # M7522; human recombinant basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), Gibco § .13256-029,

Formation of a Population of Cells Expressing Markers Characteristic of the Pancreatic Endocrine Lineage with Increased Expression ofNGN3 and NKX6.I

[111165] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method to increase the expression ofNGKB and NKX6.1 in a population of cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage, comprising the steps of: a) culturing pluripotent stem cells, b) differentiating the pluripotent stent cells into cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive eiKioderai lineage, c) differentiating the cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage into cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage, supplementing the medium used to differentiate the cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage with a compound selected from the group consisting ofH-9, H-89, OF Ϊ09203Χ, HA-1004, PP2, PP1, LY 294002, Wortmannin, SB-203580, SB-202190, Tyrphostin 25, Tyrphostin, AG 1478, Tyrphostin 46, GW 5074, Kenpautlone, HNMPA, AG490, Y27632, and MI.-7, and d) differentiating the cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage into cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage.

Differentiation of Pluripotent Stem Ceils into Cells Expressing Markers Characteristic of the Definitive Endoderm Lineage {00661 Formation of cel ls expressing markers characteristic of the defini tive endoderm. lineage may be determined by testing for the presence of the markers before and. after following a particular protocol Pluripotent stem cells typically do not express such markers. Thus, differentiation of pluripoten t cells is detected when cells begin to express them.

[1111671 Pluripotent stem cells may be differentiated into cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage, by any method in the art or by any method proposed in this invention. f006S) For example, pluripotent stem cells may be differentiated into cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage according to the m ethods disclosed in D’Amour et al, Nature Biotechnology 23,1534™ 1541 (2005). 100691 For example, pluripotent stem cells may be differentiated into cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage according to the methods disclosed in Shmozaki et al, Development 131, 1651 - 1662 (2004).

[0070] For example, pluripotent stem cells may be differentiated into cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage according to the methods disclosed in McLean etaL Stem Cells 25. 29 - 38 (2007). (00741 For example* pluripotent stem cells may be differentiated into cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage according to the methods disclosed in D1 Amour et al, Nature Biotechnology 24, ,1392™ 1401 (2006). (00721 For example, pluripotent stem cells may be differentiated into cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage by culturing the pluripotent stem cells in medium containing activin A in the absence of serum, then culturing the cells with activin A and serum, and then, culturing the cells with activin A and serum of a different concentration. An example of this method is disclosed in Nature Biotechnology 23,1534 - 1541 (2005).

[00731 For example, pluripotent stem ceils may be differentiated into cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage by culturing the pluripotent stem cells in medium containing activin A in the absence of serum, then culturing the ceils with activin A with serum of another concentration. An example of this method is disclosed in D' Amour el al. Nature Biotechnology, 2005. 10074] For example, pluripotent stem cells may be differentiated into ceils expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage by culturing the pluripotent stem ceils in medium containing activin A and a Wnt ligand in the absence of scram, then removing the Wat ligand and culturing the cells with activin A with serum. An example of this method is disclosed in Nature Biotechnology 24, 1392 -1401. (2006). (0075] For example, pluripotent stem cells may be differentiated into ceils expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage by treating the piuripotent stem cells according to the methods disclosed in US patent application Sen No. 11./736,908, assigned to DfeSean, Inc. |0076] For example, pluripotent stem celts may be differentiated into cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endodertn lineage by treating the pluripotent. stem cells according to the methods disclosed in US patent application Ser. No. 11/779,311, assigned to LifeScan, Inc.

[0077] For example, pluripotent stem cells may be differentiated into cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage by treating the pluripotent stem cells according to the methods disclosed in US patent application Ser. No, 60/990,529.

[0078] For example, pluripotent stem cells may be differentiated into cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage by treating the pluripotent stem cells according to the methods disclosed in US patent application Ser. No. 61/076,889.

[0079] For example, pluripotent stem cells may be differentiated into cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage by treating the pluripotent stem cells according to the methods disclosed in US patent application Ser. No. 61/076,900.

[0080] For example, pluripotent stem cells may be differentiated into cells expressing markets characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage by treating the pluripotent stem cells according to the methods disclosed in US patent application Ser. No. 61/076,908.

[0081.] For example, pluripotent stem ceils may be differentiated into cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage by treating the pluripotent stem cells according to the methods disclosed in US patent application Ser. No. 61/076,915.

Differentiation of Cells Expressing Markers Characteristic of the Definitive Endoderm Lineage into Cells Expressing Markers Characteristic of the Pancreatic

Endoderm Lineage £0082] Cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage may be differentiated into cells expressin g markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage by any method in the art or by any method proposed in this invention. |0083] For example, cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage may be differentiated into cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage according to the methods disclosed in D’Amoar et at, Nature BiotechnoL 24:1392-1403, 2006 [0084] For example, cells expressing markers characteristic of tire definitive endoderm lineage are further differentiated into cells expressing markets characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage, by treating the cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage with a fibroblast growth factor and the hedgehog signaling pathway inhibitor KAAD-cydopamine, then removing the medium containing the fibroblast growth factor and KAAD-cydoparaine and subsequently culturing the cells in medium containing retinoic acid, a fibroblast growth factor and KAAD-cyclopamine. An example of this method Is disclosed in Nature Biotechnology 24,1392 - 1401 (2006). £008$] In one aspect of the presen t inven t i o n, cel ls expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage are further differentiated into cells expressing markets characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage, by treating the cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage with retinoic acid and at least, one fibroblast growth factor for a period of time, according to the methods disclosed in US patent application Ser. No, 11/736,908, assigned toLifeScan, toe. £0086] In one aspect of the present invention, cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage are farther differentiated into cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage, by treating the ceils expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage with retinoic acid and at least one fibroblast growth factor for a period of time, according to the me thods disclosed in US patent application Ser, No, 11/779,311, assigned to LifeScan, Inc.

[0087) Τη one aspect of the present invention, cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage are further differentiated into ceils expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endodemr lineage, by treating the cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage according to the methods disclosed in US patent application Ser. No, 60/990,529.

[0088) The efficiency of differentiation may be determined by exposing a treated cell population to an agent (such as an antibody) that specifically recognizes a protein marker expressed by ceils expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage.

[0089) Methods for assessing expression of protein and nucleic acid markers in cultured or isolated cells are standard in the art. These include quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RX-PCR), Northern blots, m situ hybridization (see, e.g., Current Protocols in Molecular Biology ( Ausubcl et a/., eds. 2001 supplement)), and immunoassays, such as immunohistoehemical analysis of sectioned material. Western blotting, and for markers that are accessible in intact cells, such as flow cytometric analysis (FACS) (see, e.g., Harlow and Lane, Using Antibodies; A Laboratory Manual, New York; Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press (1998)), )0090] Characteristics of phiripotent stem cells are well known to those skilled in the art, and additional characteristics of pluripolent stem cells continue to be identified. Phiripotent stem cell markers include, for example, the expression of one or more of the following; ABCG2, evipto, FOXD3, CONNEXIN43, CONNEXIN45, OCT4, SOX2, Nanog, hTERT, UTF.I, ZFP42, SSEA-3, SSEA-4, Tra .1-60, Tra 1.-81, [0091] After treating pluripotent stern cells with the methods of the present invention, the differentiated ceils may be purified by exposing a treated cell population to an agent (such as an antibody) that specifically recognizes a protein marker, such as CXCR4, expressed by cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage, )0092) Phiripotent stem cells suitable for use in the present invention include, for example, the human embryonic stem cell line H9 (NIH code; WA09), the human embryonic stem cell line HI (NIH code: WA01), the human embryonic stem cell line H? (NIH code; WA07), and the human embryonic stem cell line SA002 (CeHartis, Sweden),

Also suitable for use in the present invention are cells that express at least one of the following markers characteristic of plnripotcnt cells: ABCG2, cripto, CD9, FOXD3, CONNEXIN43, CONNBXIN45, OCT4, SOX2, Nanog, hTERT, 1JTF1, ZFP42, SSEA-3, SSEA-4, Tra 1 60, and Tra 1-81.

[0093] Markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage are selected from the group consisting of SQ.XI7, GATA4, HNF3 beta, GSC, CERi, Nodal, FGF8, Braehyury, Mix-like homeobox protein, FGF4 CD48, eotnesoderaain (EOMES), DKK4, FGF17, GATA6, CXCR4, C-Kit, CD99, and OTX2, Suitable for use in the present invention is a eel! that expresses at least one of the markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage. In one aspect of the present invention, a cell expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage is a primitive streak, precursor cell.

In an alternate aspect, a cell expressing markets characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage is a tnesendoderm cell In an alternate aspect, a ceil expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage is a definitive endoderm cell [8094] Markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage are selected from the group consisting ofPDXl, MMF'i beta, PTF1 alpha, HNF6, HB9 and PROX1. Suitable for use in the present invention is a cel! that expresses at least one of the markets characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage, In one aspect of the present invention, a cell expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage is a pancreatic endoderm cell.

[0095] in one embodiment, the cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage are further differentiated into cells expressing markers of the characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage. The present invention provides methods to increase the expression of NGN3 and NK.X6.1 in populations of cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage.

[0690] Increasing the expression ofNGN3 and 'NKX6.1 in populations of ceils expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage may be achieved by treating cells expressing markers expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage with a compound selected from the group consisting ofH-9, H-89, GF 109203X, HA-1004, PP2, PPi, LY 294002, Wortmannin, SB-203580, SB-202190,

TyirphostLa 25, Tyrphostin, AG1.478, Tyrphostin 46, GW 5074, Kenpaullone, HNMPA, AG490, Y27632, and ML-7. Alternatively, increasing the expression of NGN3 and NKX6. l in populations of ceils expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage may be achieved by treating cells expressing markers expressing matters characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage with a compound selected from the group consisting of H-9, H-89, Gf 109203X, HA-1004, PP2, PPL LY 294002, Wortmannin, SB-203580, SB-202190, Tyrphostin 25, Tyrphostin, AG1478. Tyrphostin 46, GW 3074, Kenpaullone, HNMPA, AG490, Y 27632, and ML-7, [0097] In the case where ceils expressing markers expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage are treated with a compound selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z, the cells are treated by supplementing the medium, used to differentiate the cells to cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage wi th a compound selected from the group consisting of H-9, H-89, GF .109203X, HA-1004, PP2, PPL LY 294002, Wortmannin, SB-203580, SB-202190, Tyrphostin 25, Tyrphostin, AG 1478, Tyrphostin 46, GW 5074, Kenpaullone, HNMPA, AG490, Y27632, and ML-7.

[0098) In the case where cells expressing markers expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage are treated with a compound selected from the group consisting of X, Y, and Z, the cells are treated by supplementing the medium used to differentiate the cells to cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage with a compound selected from the group consisting of H-9, H-89, GF I09203X, HA-1004, PP2. PPL LY 294002, Wortmannin, SB-203580, SB- 202 190, Tyrphostin 25, Tyrphostin, AG 1478, Tyrphostin 46, GW 5074, Kenpaullone, HNMPA, AG490, Y27632, and ML-7, XHfferentiatim of Celts Expressing Markers Characteristic of the Pancreatic Endoderm Lineage into Cells' Expressing Markers Characteristic of ike Pancreatic Endocrine lineage with an Increased Expression qfNGN3 and NKX6.1 [0099| Cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage may be differentiated into cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage by any method in the art or by any method proposed in this invention.

[0100) For example, cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage obtained according to the methods of the present invention are further differentiated into cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage, by culturing the cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage in medium containing exendin 4, then removing the medium containing exendin 4 and subsequently culturing the cells in medium containing exendin l, IGF-1 and HGF. An example of this method is disclosed in D’ Amour et al, Nature Biotechnology·, 2006, [01 011 For example, cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage obtained according to the methods of the present invention are further differentiated into cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage, by culturing the cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage in medium containing DAFT (Sigma-Aldrich, MO) and exendin 4, An example of this method is disclosed in D’ Amour et al, Nature Biotechnology , 2006. 10102] For example, cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage obtained according to the methods of the present invention are further differentiated into cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage, by culturing the cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage in medium containing exendin 4, An example of this method is disclosed in D' Amour et al, Nature Biotechnology, 2006. (0103] For example, ceils expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage obtained according to the methods of the present invention are further differentiated into cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage, by treating the cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage with a factor that inhibits the Notch signaling pathway, according to the methods disclosed in US patent application Ser, No. 11/736,908, assigned to LifeScas, Inc. |01O4] For example, cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage obtained according to the methods of the present invention are further differentiated into cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage, by treating the cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage with a factor that inhibits the Notch signaling pathway, according to the methods disclosed in OS patent application Ser. No. 11/779,311, assigned to Life Sean. Inc.

[0105] For example, cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage obtained according to the methods of the present invention are further differentiated into cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage, by treating the cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage with a factor that inhibits the Notch signaling pathway, according to the methods disclosed in US patent application Ser, No. 60/953,178, assigned to LifeSean, Inc. jftlOS] For example, cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage obtained according to the methods of the present invention are farther differentiated into cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage, by treating the cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage with a factor that inhibits the Notch signaling pathway, according to the methods disclosed in US patent application Ser, No. 60/990,529, assigned to LifeSean, Inc, 10107.1 Markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage are selected from the group consisting of NGN 3, NEOROD, lSLI, PDX.1, NKX4L PAX4, NGN3, and FTP-1 alpha. In one embodiment, a pancreatic endocrine cell is capable of expressing at least one of the following hormones: insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, and pancreatic polypeptide. Suitable for use in the present invention is a cell that expresses at least one of the markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage. In one aspect of the present invention, a ceil expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage is a pancreatic endocrine cell. The pancreatic endocrine cell may be a pancreatic hormone-expressing cell. Alternatively, the pancreatic endocrine cell may be a pancreatic hormone-secreting cell.

[0108] In one aspect of the present invention, the pancreatic endocrine cell is a cell expressing markers characteristic of the β cell lineage. A cell expressing markers characteristic of the β cell lineage expresses PDX1 and at least one of the following tramcription factors; NGN3, NKX2.2, NKX6.1, NEOROD, ISL1, HNF3 beta, MAFA, PAX4, and P.AX6, In one aspect of the present invention, a ceil expressing markers characteristic of the β cell lineage is a β cell. 10109] The present invention provides methods to increase the expression of NGN3 and NKX6J in populations of cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage.

[0110] In one embodiment, increasing the expression of NGN3 and NKX6.1 in populations of cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage may be achieved by treating cells expressing markers expressing markers characteristic of die pancreatic endoderm lineage with a compound selected tram the group consisting of H-9, H-89, GF I09203X, HA-1004, PP2,PPL LY294002, Worinmnnin, SB-203580, SB-202190, Tyrphostin 25, Tyrphostin, AG1478, Tyipbostin 46, GW 5074, Kenpaullone, HNMPA, AG490, Y27632, and ML-?.

[0111] In the case where ceils expressing markers expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage are treated with a compound selected from the group consisting of H-9, H-89, GF 1.09203X, HA-1004, PP2, PPl, LY 294002,

Wortmannin, SB-203580, SB-202190, 'fyrphostm 25, Tyrphostin, AG 1478, Tyrphostin 46, GW 5074, Kenpaullone, HNMPA, AG490, Y27632, and ML-7, the cells are treated by supplementing the medium used to differentiate the ceils to cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage with a compound selected from, the group consisting of H-9, H-89, GF 109203X, HA-1004, PP2, PPl, LY 294002, Wortmannin. SB-203580, SB-202190, Tyrphostin 25, Tyrphostin, AG 1478, Tyrphostin 46, GW 5074, Kenpaullone, HNMPA, AG49th Y27632, and ML-7.

[011.2] The present invention is further illustrated, but not limited by, the following examples.

EXAMPLES Example I

Screening for Small Molecule Analogues that Mediate NGN3 Expression (0.11.3] Expression of the transcr iption factor NGN3 is required daring the progression of progenitor cells towards an. endocrine ceil fate. Enhancing the efficiency of this process is a desirable outcome. A screen of small molecule compounds was performed on the assumption that enzymatic inhibitors may regulate cellular signals transmitted during differentiation and have direct or indirect effects on the gene expression of critical transcription factors such as NGN3, (0114] Preparation of mils for assay: Stock cultures of human embryonic stem cells (Hi human embryonic stem cell line) were maintained in an undifferentiated, pluripotent state on reduced growth factor MATRIGEL (BD Biosciences; Cat # 356231 keoated dishes in MEF conditioned medium with passage on average every four days.

Passage was performed by exposing cell cultures to a solution of 1 mg/ml dispase (hwitrogen, Cat #: 17105-041) for 5 to 7 minutes at 37°C followed by rinsing the monolayer with MEF conditioned culture medium and gentle scraping to recover cell clusters. Clusters were centrifuged at low speed to collect a celt pellet and remove residual dispase, Cell clusters were split at a 1:3 or 1:4 ratio for routine maintenance culture. AH human embryonic stem ceil lines were maintained at passage numbers less than 50 and routinely evaluated for normal karyotype and absence of mycoplasma. For screens in miniaturized assay format, clusters of Hi human embryonic stem ceils were harvested from culture with dispase treatment as described and plated with even dispersal at a ratio of 1:2 (surface area) on reduced growth factor MATRIGEL (BD Biosciences; Cat # 35623 l)-coated 96-well black plates (Packard ViewPlates; PerkinElmer; Cat #6005182) using volumes of 100 μΐ/weil. Cells were allowed to attach and then recover log phase growth over a 1 to 3 day time period, feeding daily with MEF conditioned medium supplemented with 8ng/ml bFGE (R&D Systems; Cat # 233-FB). Plates were maintained at 37°€, 5% CO? in a humidified box throughout the duration of assay. (0115) Preparation of compounds: Screening was conducted using two commercial libraries of small molecule kinase inhibitors (BioMo! Inti; Cat # 2832A(V2.2) and HMD Biosciences; Cat # 539745). Table 1 and 'fable 2 describe the compounds in these .BioMo! and EMD kinase inhibitor libraries, respectively. Compounds from these libraries were made available as 10 mM stocks in 96-well plate format, solubilized in 100% DMSO and stored at -80°C, The library compounds were further diluted to an intermediate concentration; of 2.5tnM in 1001½ DMSO (Sigma; Cat # D2650), also stored at ~80°C until use. On the day of assay, compounds were diluted 1:12,5 into DMEM high glucose medium to yield a 200uM working stock in 8% DMSO and then further diluted 1:80 into each assay test well for a final concentration of 2.5μΜ compound and 0.1% DMSO. 101161 Differentiation and Screening A&sav: Step 1 of the differentiation protocol was conducted over three days, feeding daily by aspirating the medium from each well and replacing with a fresh aliquot (ΊΟΟμί), Ott the first day of assay, wells were fed using RPM1-I640 medium (invitrogen; Cat #: 22400) containing 2% Albumin Bovine Fraction V, Fatty Acid Free (FAF BSA) (Proliant Inc.; Cat #: SKU 68700), lOOag/m! Activin A (PeproTeeh; Cat #120-14), 20ng/tnl Wnt3a (R&D Systems; Cat # 1324-W.N/CF), and 8ngftnl bFGF (R&D Systems; Cat # 233-F8). On the second and third day of assay, wells were fed with the same medium except that Wnt3awas removed. Ail wells were fed and treated identically.

[iH17| Step 2 of the differentiation protocol was conducted over two days. Cells were fed daily by aspirating the medium from each well and replacing with a fresh aliquot (ΙΟΟμΙ) of DMEM:F 12 medium (Invitrogen; Cat # 1030-032) containing 2% FAF BSA, 50ng/ml PGP? (PeproTeeh; Cat # 100-19), and 250nM KAAD-eyclopamine (Calbiochem; Cat # 230804). All wells were fee! and treated identically. (0118] Step 3 of the differentiation protocol was conducted over four days. Cells were fed on alternating days by aspirating medium from each well and replacing with a fresh aliquot (20Qul) of DMEM-high glucose (Invitrogen; Cat # 10569) supplemented with 0.1%.Albtintax (Invitrogen; Cat#: 11020-021), O.Sx Insulin-Timfemn-ScleniBrn. (1TS-X; Invitrogen; Cat# 51500056), 50ng/ml FGF7,100 ng/rnl Noggin (R&D Systems; Cat # 3344-NG), 250 nM KAAD-cyclopamip®, 2 μΜ all-trans retinoic acid (RA) (Sigma-Aldrich; Cat # R2625), and 30ng/ral Activin A. During step 3, test samples of kinase inhibitors were added to single wells in two individual plates (Plates A and B); a third plate (Plate C) was left untreated. In each plate, a total of 16 control wells were treated with an equivalent amount of 0.1% DMSO without any test compound. (0119) Step 4 of the differentiation protocol was conducted over three days. Celts were fed on days 1 and 2, not day 3. by aspirating the medium from each well and replacing with a fresh aliquot (2G0ul) of DMEM-high glucose supplemented with 0.1%

Album ax, 0.5x Iitsulm-Transfenitv-Selentum. 100 ng/ml Noggin, and htM Aik 5 inhibitor (Axxora; Cat # ALX-270-445). During step 4, test samples of kinase inhibitors were added to single wells in two individual plates (Plates B and €); a third plate was left untreated (Plate A). In each plate, a total of 16 control wells were treated with an equivalent amount of 0.1% DMSO without, any test compound. (0120) High Content Analysis: At the conclusion of step 4, medium from all assay plates was aspirated followed by fixing at room temperature for 20 minutes with 4% paraformaldehyde (Sigma-Aldrich; Cat # 1.58127) diluted in PBS without divalent cations (Invitrogen; Cat # 14190), then washing once with PBS. Sample wells were permcabilized with. 0.5% Triton X-100 (VWR; Cat # VW3929-2) for 20 minutes at room temperature, washed two times with PBS, and blocked with 5% donkey serum (Jackson ImmtmoResearch; Cat # 017-000-121) in PBS for 30 minutes at room temperature. Primary antibody (sheep anti-NGN3; R&D Systems; AF3444) was diluted 1:300 in 5% donkey serum and added to each well for one hour at room temperature. After washing two times in PBS, Alexa Fluor 647 donkey anti-sheep secondary antibody (invitrogen; Cat # A21448) was diluted 1:100 and added to each sample well for 30 minutes at room temperature, followed by two washes in PBS. To counterstain nuclei, 4pg/ml Hoecbst 33342 (invitrogen; Cat # H3570) was added for ten minutes at room temperature. Plates were washed once with PBS and left in ΙΟΟμΙ/weiI PBS for imaging. )0121] imaging was performed using an IN Cell A nalyzer 1000 (GE Healthcare) utilizing the 51008bs dichroie for cells stained with Hoecbst 33342 and Alexa Flour 647.

Exposure times were optimized from positive control wells stained with secondary antibody alone. Images from 15 fields per well were acquired to compensate for any cell loss during the bioassay and subsequent staining procedures. Measurements for total cell number and total NGN3 intensity were obtained from each well using ΪΝ Cell Developer Toolbox t .7 (GE Healthcare) software. Segmentation for the nuclei was determined based on gray-scale levels (baseline range 100-300) and nuclear size. Total NGjN3 protein expression was reported as total intensity or integrated intensity. defined as total fluorescence of the cell multiplied by the area of the cell Background was eliminated based on acceptance criteria of gray-scale ranges between 200 to 3500. Total intensity data, were normalized by dividing total intensities for each well by the average total intensity for the positive control.

[0122] Screening results are shown in Table 3 from the combination of two kinase inhibitor libraries used to treat six assay plates in this single experiment Data shown are a representative ratio of the intensity ofNGN3 staining for individual compound treated wells relative to staining in wells with DMSO vehicle alone. Intensity ratios as well as rank order comparisons are shown for individual compounds dosed during stage 3 alone or stage 4 alone or combined stages 3 and 4. Compounds with ratio intensities >1.4 relative to a vehicle treated control were tagged as hits for confirmation and additional evaluation. Of special, interest, as summarized in Table 4, these compounds appear to target several cell signaling pathwap that may be involved in the optimal expression pattern ofNGHi during endocrine differentiation.

Example 2

Screening for Small Molecule Analogues that Mediate N8X6.1 and NGN3

Expression »1231 Expression of NKXti.l, along with NGN3 is required during the progression of progenitor cells towards an endocrine cell fate. A screen of kinase inhibitors was conducted to determine if any could up-reguiate the expression of one or both markers during differentiation. In this example, the HDAC inhibitor Trichostatin A was also included in the differentiation protocol to modulate chromatin remodeling and possibly enhance gene transcription.

[6124] Preparation of cells for assay: Stock cultures of human embryonic stem ceils (HI human embryonic stem cell line) were maintained in an undifferentiated, pluripotent state on reduced growth factor MATRIGEL (BD Biosciences; Cat # 356231 J-eoated dishes in MEF conditioned medium with passage on average every four days.

Passage was performed by exposing cell cultures to a solution of Ϊ tag/ml dispase (hmtrogen, Cat #: 17105-041) for 5 to 7 minutes at 37°C followed by rinsing the monolayer with MEF conditioned culture medium and gentle scraping to recover ceil clusters. Clusters were centrifuged at low speed to collect a ceil pellet and remove residual dispose. Cell clusters were spilt at a 1:3 or 1.:4 ratio for routine maintenance culture. All human embryonic stem cell lilies were maintained at passage numbers less than 50 and routinely evaluated for normal karyotype and absence of mycoplasma. For screens in miniaturized assay format, clusters of HI human embryonic stem cells were harvested from culture with dispase treatment as described and plated with even dispersal at a ratio of 1:2 (surface area) on reduced growth factor MATR1GEL (BD Biosciences; Cat # 356231.)~coaied 96-well black plates (Packard VtewPlaies; PerkinElmer; Cat #6005182) using volumes of 100 μί/well. Cells were allowed to attach and then recover log phase growth over a 1 to 3 day time period, feeding daily with MEF conditioned medium supplemented with 8ng/m1 bFGF (R&D Systems; Cat # 233-FB). Plates were maintained at 37°C, 5% CCb in a humidified box. throughout the duration, of assay.

[0125] Preparation of compounds: Screening was conducted using a single commercial library of small molecule kinase inhibitors (BioMol Inti; Cat # 2832A(V2,2) as defined in Table L Compounds from this library were made available as 10 raM stocks in 96-well plate format, solubilized in 100% DMSO and stored at —80°C. The library compounds were further diluted to an intermediate concentration of 2.5mM in 100% DMSO (Sigma; Cat # D2650), also stored at -80°C until use. On the day of assay, compounds were diluted 1:1.2.5 into DM.EM high glucose medium to yield a 200uM working stock in 8% DMSO and then further diluted 1:80 into each assay test well lor a final concentration of 2.5μΜ compound and 0.1% DMSO. 10126 j Differentiation and Screening Assay: Step 1 of the differentiation protocol was conducted over three days, feeding daily by aspirating the medium from each well and replacing with a fresh aliquot (ΙΟΟμΙ), On the first day of assay, wells were fed using RPMi-1640 medium (lhvitrogen; Cat #: 22400) containing 2% Albumin Bovine Fraction V. Fatty Acid Free (FAF BSA) (Proliant Inc.; Cat §: SKU 68700), lOOng/nrl ActiviiJ A (PeproTech: Cat #120-14), 20ng/ml Wnt3a (R&D Systems; Cat # 1324-WN/CF), and 8nghnl bFGF (R&D Systems; Cat # 233-FB). On the- second and third day of assay, wells were fed with the same medium except that Wm3a was removed. All wells were fed and treated, identical. (01271 Step 2 of the differentiation protocol was conducted over two days. Cells were fed daily by aspirating the medium from each well and replacing with a fresh aliquot (ΙΟΟμί) of DMEM; F12 medi uni (Invitrogea; Cat # 11330-032} containing 2% FAF BSA, SOiig/'ml FGF7 (PeproTech; Cat f 100-19), and 250nM KAAD-cyclopamine (Calbioehem; Cat # 239804). All wells were fed and treated identically. (0128] Step 3 of the differentiation protocol was conducted over five days. Cells were fed on alternating days by aspirating medium from each well and replacing with a fresh aliquot (200μ1) of DMEM-high glucose (invitrogen: Cat # 10569) supplemented with 0.1% Albania* (Invitrogen; Cat#: 11020-021),0.5s Itisulin-Transferrtn-Selenium (ITS-X; Invitrogen; Cat # 51500056), 50 ng/mi FGF7, 100 ag.%1 Hoggin (R&D Systems; Cat # 3344-HG). 250 «Μ KAAD-cyclopamtne, 2 μΜ all-tram retinoic acid (IRA) (Signm-Aklricfa; Cat # R2625), 30«g/ml Activin A, and JOOnM Triehostafin A (TsA; Sigma; Cat # T8552). During step 3, test samples of kinase inhibitors were added to single wells on days 2 and 4. In each plate, a total of 16 control wells were treated with an equivalent amount of 0.1% BMSO without any test compound. (0129] Step 4 of the differentiation protocol was conducted over three days. Cells were fed daily by aspirating the medium from each well and replacing with a fresh aliquot (2Ο0μ1) of DMEM-high glucose supplemented with 0.1% Albumax, 0.5x Insulin-Transferrin-Selenium, 100 ng/ml Hoggin, luM Aik 5 inhibitor (Axxora; Cat # ALX-270-445), and lug/rnl DAPT (Sigma; Cat #D5942). During step 4, test samples of kinase inhibitors were added to single wells on the first day along with lOOnM Triehostatin A, then both test samples of kinase inhibitors and TsA were omitted during feeding on days 2 and 3, In each plate, a total of 16 control wells were treated with an equivalent amount, of 0,1.11 DMSO without any test compound. |0t3t) | High Content Analysis: At the conclusion of step 4, medium from all wells was aspirated followed by fixing at room temperature for 20 minutes with 4% paraformaldehyde (Sigma-AIdrich; Cat # 158127) diluted in PBS without divalent cations (Invitrogen; Cat # 14190), then washing once with PBS. Sample wells were permeabilized with 0.5% Triton X-100 (VWR; Cat # VW3929-2) for 29 minutes at room temperature, washed two times with PBS, and blocked with 5% donkey· serum (Jackson ImmunoResearch; Cat #017-000-121) in. PBS for 30 minutes at room temperature. Primary antibodies (sheep anti-NGN3; R&D Systems; AF3444 or mouse anti-HKX6,i; University of Iowa; Cat jf F55A.12) were diluted (1:300 for anti- NGN3; 1:500 for anti-NKX6,l) in 5% donkey serum and added to each well for one hour at room temperature. After washing two times in PBS, Alcxa Fluor 647 donkey anti-sheep secondary antibody {Invitrogen; Cat # A2I448) and Alexa Fluor 488 donkey anti-mouse secondary antibody (Invitrogen; Cat #A21202) were diluted 1:100 (both secondary antibodies) and added to each sample well for 30 minutes at room temperature, followed by two washes in PBS. To counicrstain nuclei, 4ug/mi Hoechst 33342 (invitrogen; Cat # H3570) was added for ten minutes at room temperature. Plates were washed once with PBS and left in ΙΟΟμΙ/weil PBS for imaging, fOtiJlJ Imaging was performed using an IN Cell Analyzer 1000 (GE Healthcare) utilizing the 510081» dichroic for cells stained with Hoechst 33342 and Alex» Fluor 488 and Alexa Flour 647. Exposure times were optimized front positive control wells stained with each secondary antibody alone, images from 15 fields per well were acquired to compensate for any ceil loss during the bioassay and subsequent, staining procedures. Measurements for total cell number and total NGN 3 or NKX6.1 intensity were obtained from each well using IN Ceil Developer Toolbox 1.7 (OB Healthcare) software. Segmentation for the nuclei was determined based on gray-scale levels (baseline range 100-300) and nuclear size. Total NGN3 orNKXri.l protein expression was reported as total intensity or integrated intensity, defined as total fluorescence of the cell multiplied by the area of the cell. Background was eliminated based on acceptance criteria of gray-scale ranges between 200 to 3500. Total intensity data were normalized by dividing total intensities for each well by the average total intensity for the positive control. I0I32J Results from this screen are summarized in Table 5, Tabic 6, and Table 7. Data In Table 5 depict a representative ratio of NGN3 and NKX6.1 staining for each well treated with m individual compound relative to average staining in wells with DMSO alone, in addition, the rank order tor each compound's effect on protein expression for either NGN3 or NKX6.1 is also shown. Table 6 lists ordered rankings for the top 16 hits having a positive effect on .NGN3 and/or NKX6.1 expression. Table 7 summarizes the targets and signal transduction pathways that correspond to these top hits. Pathways with multiple hits from this screen would appear to have greatest validity for having an impact on expression on these two transcription factors critical for endocrine fate determination.

Example 3

Confirmations for Small Molecule Analogues that Mediate NGN3 and ΝΊΚΧ6.Ι

Expression 10133] Expression of a NKX6.1, along with NG.N3 is required during the progression of progenitor ceils towards an endocrine cell fate. A screen of kinase inhibitors was repeated to determine if any small molecule compounds could up-regulate expression of one or both markers during differentiation, in this example, the HDAC inhibitor Trichosfatin A was also included in the differentiation protocol to modulate chromatin remodeling and possibly enhance gene transcription.

[0134] Preparation of cells,for assay: Stock cultures of toman embryonic stem cells (HI human embryonic stem cell line) were maintained in an undifferentiated, pluripotent state on reduced growth factor MATRIGEL (BD Biosciences; Cat if- 35623 l)-coated dishes in MEF conditioned medium with passage on average every four days.

Passage was performed by exposing cell cultures to a solution of 1 mg/ml dispase (Invitrogen, Cat #: 17105-041) for 5 to 7 minutes at 37°C followed by rinsing the monolayer with MEF conditioned culture medium and gentle scraping to recover cell clusters. Clusters were centrifuged at low speed to collect a cell pellet and remove residual dispase. Cell clusters were split at a. 1:3 or 1:4 ratio for routine maintenance culture. All human embryonic stem cell lines were maintained at passage numbers less than 50 and routinely evaluated for normal karyotype and absence of mycoplasma. For screens in. miniaturized assay format, clusters of HI human, embryonic stem ceils were harvested from culture with dispase treatment as described and plated with even dispersal at a ratio of 1:2 (surface area) on reduced growth .factor MATRIGEL (BD Biosciences; Cat # 356231 l-coated 96-well black plates (Packard ViewPlates; PerkinElmer; Cat #-6005182) using volumes of 100 μΙ/well. Cells were allowed to attach and then, recover log phase growth over a 1 to 3 day time period, feeding daily with MEF conditioned medium supplemented with hug/ml bFGF (R&D Systems; Cat # 233-FB). Plates were maintained at 37°C, 5% CQ;> in a. humidified box throughout the duration of assay.

[0135) Preparation of compounds; Confirmation screening was conducted using a single commercial l ibrary of small molecule kinase inhibitors (SioMoi inti; Cat # 2832A(V2.2) as defined in Table 5. Compound hits of interest from this library were made available as 10 mM stocks in 96-well plate format, solubilized in 100% DMSO and stored at -80%', individual library compounds of interest were further diluted to an intermediate concentration of 2.5mM in 100% DMSO (Sigma; Cat # D2650), also Stored at -80% until use. On the day of assay, these individual compounds of interest were diluted 1:12,5 into DMEM high glucose medium to yield a 200μΜ working stock in 8% DMSO and then further diluted 1:80 into each assay test well for a final concentration of 2.5μΜ compound and 0.1% DMSO, [8136) Differentiation and Screening Assay: Step 1 of the differentiation protocol was conducted over three days, feeding daily by aspirating the medium from each well and replacing with a fresh aliquot (ΙΟΟμΙ), On the first day of assay, wells were led using RPM3-1640 medium {Invitrogen; Cat #-: 22400) containing 2% Albumin Bovine Fraction V, Fatty Acid Free (FAF BSA} (Proliant Inc,; Cat #: SKU 68700), lOOng/ml Activist A (PeproTech; Cat #120-14), 20ng/ml Wht3a (R&D Systems; Cat # 1324-WN/CF), and 8ng/ml bFGF (R&D Systems; Cat # 233-FB). On the second and third day of assay, wells were fed with the same medi um except that Wat3a was removed. All wells were fed and treated identically, [0.137) Step 2 of the differentiation protocol was conducted over two days. Cells were fed daily by aspirating the medium from each well and replacing with a fresh aliquot (100(d) of DMEM:F .12 medi um (Invitrogen; Cat # 11330-032) containing 2% FAF BSA, 50ng/ml. FGF7 (PeproTech; Cat # 100-19), and 250nMKAAD-cyclopamine (Calbiochem; Cat # 239804). All wells were fed and treated identically.

[0138] Step 3 of the differentiation protocol was conducted over four days. Cells were fed on alternating days by aspirating medium from each well and replacing with a fresh aliquot (200μΙ) ofDMEM-high glucose (Invitrogen; Cat # 10569) supplemented with 0.1% Albnmax (Invitrogen; Cat #: 11020-021), 0,5x Insnlin-Transfenin-Seleninm (TTS-X; In vitrogen; Cat # 51500056), 50 ng/ml FGF7,100 ng/rnl Noggin (R&D Systems; Cat. # 3344-NG), 250 nM KAAD-cyelopamine, 2 μΜ all-trans retinoic acid (RA) (Sigma-Aldrich; Cat # R2625), and 20ng/m.l Activin A. During step 3, triplicate test samples of kinase inhibitors were added to wells at the time of feeding on days I and 3. In each plate, a total of 16 control wells were treated with an equivalent amount of 0.1% DMSO without any test compound.

[0139] Step 4 of the differentiation protocol was conducted over four days. Cells were fed oa alternating days by aspirating the medium from each well and replacing with a fresh aliquot (200μί) ofDMBM-high glucose supplemented with 0.1% Alburaax, 0.5x iasulin-Transferin^Selenium, 100 ng/ml Noggin, and 1 μΜ Aik 5 inhibitor (Axxora; Cat # ALX-270-445). During step 4, triplicate test samples of kinase inhibitors were added to wells at the time of feeding on days 1 and 3. in each plate, a total of 16 control wells were treated with an equivalent amount of 0,1% DMSO without any test compound. {0140] High Content Analysis: At the conclusion of step 4, medium from all wells was aspirated followed by fixing at room temperature for 20 minutes with 4% paraformaldehyde (Sigma-Aldrich; Cat # 1.58127) diluted in. PBS without divalent cations (Invitrogen; Cat # 14190), then washing once with PBS. Sample wells were permeabilized with 0.5% Triton X-100 (VWR; Cat # VW3929-2) for 20 minutes at room temperature, washed two times with PBS, and blocked with 5% donkey serum (Jackson immunoResearch; Cat #017-000-123) in PBS for 30 minute at room temperature. Primary antibodies (sheep anti-NGN3; R&D Systems; AF3444 or mouse anti-NKX6.1 ; University of Iowa; Cat # F55A12) were diluted (1:300 for anti-NG.N3; i :500 for anti-NKX6.1) in 5% donkey serum and added to each well for one hour at room temperature. After washing two times in PBS. Alexa Fluor 647 donkey anti-sheep secondary antibody (invitrogen; Cat # A21448) and Alexa Fluor 488 donkey anti-mouse secondary antibody (Invitrogen; Cat #A21202) were diluted 1:100 (both secondary antibodies) and added to each sample well for 30 minutes at room temperature, followed by two washes in PBS- To counterstain nuclei, 4pg/ml lioechsl 33342 (Invitrogen; Cat # H3570) was added for ten minutes at room temperature. Plates were washed once with PBS and left in ΙΟΟμΙ/welI PBS for imaging, {0141.] Imaging was performed using an IN Cell Analyzer 1000 (GE Healthcare) utilizing the 5l008bs dichroic for cells stained with Hoechst 33342 and Alexa Fluor 488 and Alexa Flour 647. Exposure times were optimized from positive control wells stained with each secondary antibody alone, linages from 15 .fields per well were acquired to compensate lor any cell loss daring die bioassay and subsequent staining procedures. Measurements for total cell number and total NGN3 or NKX6.1 intensity were obtained from each well using IN Cell Developer Toolbox 1.7 (GB Healthcare) software. Segmentation for the nuclei was determined based on gray-scale levels (baseline range 100-300) and nuclear size. Total NGN3 or NKX'6.1 protein expression was reported as total intensity or integrated intensity, defined as total fluorescence of the cell multiplied by the area of the cell. Background was eliminated based on acceptance cr iteria of gray-scale ranges between 200 to 3500. Total intensity data were normalized by dividing total intensities for each well by the average total intensity for the positive control. |01421 Results for these studies are shown in Table 8, Two compounds (Kespaulkm and BML-259) did not confirm and have no enhancing effects on either NGN3 or NKX6.1 expression relative to a control treatment. The remaining compounds in this assay show a positive impact on one or both transcription factors, confirming earlier results and highlighting the importance of these associated signaling pathways.

Table 1: BioMol KINASE INHIBITOR LIBRARY (Ca

35 36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

44

Table 2: EMD Calbiochem K INASE INHIBITOR LIBRARY (Cat # 539745)

45 46

47

m 49

50

51

52

53

54

Table 3: ΒΜΌΪΙ and BioMol. Kinase Inhibitor libraries NGN3 Intensity

Dose Stage 3 Dose Stage 4 Dose Stages 3&4

BRARY WELL TARGET INHIBITOR RANK RATIO RANK RATIO RANK j RATIO oMol Kin j H f-4 Sre family PP2 8 1.81 2 2.50 1 2,49

Divio! Kin Η o - 5 PI 3-K LY294Q02 7 :1,82 9 1.63 2 2.46

Dlvtoi Kin | H b · 3 p38 MARK SB-203580 3 2.23 7 1.88 3 2.34 /1DI1 Kin Η h - 2 p38 SB 203580 19 :1 *53 52 1.08 : 4 j 2,22 55 56

57

58

59

60

61

62

63

64

65

66

67

68

69

70

71

72

73

74

75

76

Table 4: 7?

78

79

80

81

82

83

Table 5:

Table 6:

Table 7:

Table 8:

10143( Publications cited throughout this document are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Although the various aspects of the invention have been illustrated above by reference to examples and preferred embodiments* it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention is defined not by the foregoing description but by the following claims properly construed under principles of patent law'.

Claims (8)

1. Claim:

   1. A method for increasing the expression of NGN3 and NKX6.1 in a population of cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage, which comprises culturing cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage in a medium supplemented with a compound selected from the group consisting of H-9, H-89, GF 109203X, HA-1004, PP2, PP1, SB-203580, SB-202190, Tyrphostin 25, Tyrphostin AG1478, Tyrphostin 46, GW 5074, hydroxy-2-naphthalenylmethylphosphonic acid, AG490, Y27632, and ML-7 during differentiation of the cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage into cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endoderm lineage and further into cells expressing markers characteristic of the pancreatic endocrine lineage, wherein the method increases the expression of NGN3 and NKX6.1 compared to cells that are not treated with the compound.
2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method comprises culturing the cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage in a medium supplemented with a compound selected from the group consisting of H-9, H-89, GF 109203X, HA-1004, PP2, PP1, SB-203580, SB-202190, Tyrphostin 25, Tyrphostin AG1478, Tyrphostin 46, and GW 5074.
3. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the method comprises culturing the cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage in a medium supplemented with a compound selected from the group consisting of H-9, H-89, GF 109203X, and HA-1004.
4. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the method comprises culturing the cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage in a medium supplemented with PP2 or PP1.
5. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the method comprises culturing the cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage in a medium supplemented with SB-203580 or SB-202190.
6. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the method comprises culturing the cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage in a medium supplemented with Tyrphostin 25, Tyrphostin AG1478, or Tyrphostin 46.
7. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the method comprises culturing the cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage in a medium supplemented with GW 5074, hydroxy-2-naphthalenylmethylphosphonic acid or AG490.
8. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the method comprises culturing the cells expressing markers characteristic of the definitive endoderm lineage in a medium supplemented with Y27632 or ML-7.