Maintaining stem cells and the regulation of their differentiation: 2007 Proceedings

There are many physical factors that are often taken for granted during the culture of cells, including the topography and nature of the substrate, oxygen tension, temperature, etc. Furthermore, the addition of exogenous factors to the culture medium and the development of co-culture models are of importance to more closely mimic the conditions cells experience in vivo. The aim of this symposium was to therefore recognise that the control of cell differentiation requires an in-depth understanding of the growth conditions and signals cells require in order to differentiate in a particular manner. This was exemplified by a carefully selected panel of speakers who will share their experiences of controlling cell growth and differentiation using a range of alternative approaches.