R&D Systems now offers a Human Pluripotent Cell-derived Endoderm Differentiation Kit (Catalog # SC019). This kit contains specially formulated media supplements and growth factors for the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into definitive endoderm under serum-free conditions. Definitive endoderm gives rise to the lining of the gut and multiple organ systems such as the liver, lungs, and pancreas. The kit includes sufficient quantities of media supplement, recombinant human FGF basic, Activin A, and Wnt-3a for the differentiation of 2.8 x 10⁷ pluripotent cells. Cells that are differentiated can be expected to be at least 70% positive for the definitive endoderm marker, SOX17, and express minimal to non-existent levels of SOX7, a marker for extra-embryonic endoderm.

Expression of SOX17, HNF-3beta, SOX7, and CXCR4 in Definitive Endoderm Differentiated BGO1V Stem Cells. The expression of SOX17, HNF-3beta, and SOX7 in definitive endoderm differentiated BG01V stem cells was determined by staining with A) anti-human SOX17 (Catalog #AF1924), B) anti-human HNF-3beta (Catalog #AF2400), or C) anti-human SOX7 (Catalog #AF2766), followed by NorthernLights™ 557-conjugated anti-goat IgG (Catalog #NL001; red). D) CXCR4 expression in endoderm differentiated cells was determined by flow cytometry using PE-conjugated anti-human CXCR4 (Catalog #FAB173P) or a matched isotype control (Catalog #IC0041P). For immunocytochemistry experiments the nuclei were counterstained with DAPI (blue).