The Use of Embryonic Stem Cells to Study Hedgehog Signaling

Because they are capable of differentiating into cell types of all three primary germ layers, embryonic stem cells provide an ideal in vitro system in which to study the signals that regulate differentiation toward a specific cell type. Here, we describe methods for using embryonic stem cells to study the signals that control differentiation into neurectoderm and into vascular cell types, focusing on the Hedgehog signaling pathway.