Osteoblast differentiation of human embryonic stem cells using Compactin

Mouse embryonic stem cells can differentiate towards osteoblasts in the presence of Compactin. The authors demonstrate that addition of Compactin induces BMP2 expression in differentiating cells and results in osteoblast morphology and expression of osteoblastic markers, similar to that seen after exposure to BMP2. Also, they demonstrate that treatment with retinoic acid at early stages of differentiation, is essential for expression of osteocalcin, an osteoblast-specific marker.