Within embryonic stem cell biology, secreted proteins play important roles influencing ES self-renewal, differentiation, and interactions with the microenvironment. These proteins are involved in such processes as intercellular communication, tissue development, and maintenance of pluripotency. Leukaemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF) is a cytokine secreted by co-cultured feeder cells or added to the culture medium to maintain ES cell pluripotency. LIF activates the JAK-STAT signalling pathway, which inhibits differentiation and promotes self-renewal, thereby maintaining their undifferentiated state. Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGFs), particularly FGF2 and FGF4, are also secreted factors that influence ES cell differentiation and self-renewal. FGF2 activates the FGF receptor (FGFR) on the surface of ES cells, initiating a signalling cascade leading to the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, specifically the MEK (MAPK/ERK kinase) and ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) kinases. Activated ERK regulates the expression of genes involved in pluripotency, sustaining the expression of core pluripotency-associated transcription factors, such as Oct4, Sox2, and Nanog whilst blocking the activation of transcription factors like GATA4 and GATA6, which are associated with endodermal differentiation. Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) are a group of secreted signalling molecules of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily. BMPs play a dual role in ES cell fate determination, with low concentrations of BMPs supporting self-renewal, whilst higher concentrations induce differentiation into various cell lineages, including mesoderm and ectoderm. Nodal and activin are additional TGF-β family members that influence ES cell differentiation. They are secreted proteins that normally promote endodermal and mesodermal differentiation when signalling is activated. Their activities are regulated by the expression of inhibitors like Lefty and Cerberus, which can bind directly to Nodal and Activin, thereby competitively preventing them from interacting with their respective receptors and helping to maintain pluripotency. Wnt proteins are secreted ligands that activate Wnt signalling pathways, influencing ES cell behaviour. Depending on the context, Wnt signalling can either enhance self-renewal or promote differentiation. Canonical Wnt signalling stabilizes β-catenin and maintains pluripotency, whilst non-canonical Wnt pathways are involved in lineage specification. Activin A and BMP4 together can be used to promote ES cell differentiation into the endodermal lineage, mimicking early developmental processes. These secreted factors thereby play a role in guiding ES cells towards becoming cell types such as hepatocytes or pancreatic cells. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is a secreted factor essential for angiogenesis and vasculogenesis during development. In ES cell culture, VEGF can promote the formation of endothelial cells and blood vessels. This is crucial for generating three-dimensional tissue structures and maintaining proper oxygen and nutrient supply in vitro. The Hedgehog (Hh) family includes secreted proteins such as Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), which play roles in patterning and differentiation during embryonic development. In ES cells, Shh can be used to direct differentiation into specific cell types such as neurons. Finally, although not generally considered secreted proteins, components of the extracellular matrix, such as laminin, fibronectin, and collagen, are crucial for ES cell adhesion, survival, and differentiation. These proteins provide structural support and signalling cues to guide ES cell behaviour. We offer a comprehensive product catalogue of research reagents for studying ESCs related secreted proteins, including PSCA antibodies., and FGF10 ELISA Kits. Explore our full ESCs related secreted proteins product range below and discover more, for less.