Human embryonic stem cells in serum-free media: Growth andmetabolism
Within a decade after their discovery, human embryonic stem cells (hESC) moved quickly from feeder to feeder-free and defined serum-free cultures which were able to support the long term maintenance of hESC. Remarkably more than a dozen different formulations have been published in the literature in the last 7 years. This review highlights the important differences between these serum free media, and how the formulations of various cytokines or small molecules may impinge on similar pathways to maintain hESC pluripotency. A global study of selected serum free media, performed by the International Stem Cell Initiative (ISCI) Consortium is summarised and attention is drawn to some early investigations of hESC metabolism. In the future, the next stage of serum free media development must consider 3-dimensional bioreactor cultures, and how these media might influence differentiation of hESC to progeny that will be eventually be utilized in cellular therapy.
