Ectodermal Lineage Markers

Pluripotent stem cells can be functionally characterized by the ability to differentiate into cells of the three germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm that normally arise during gastrulation. In vertebrates, the ectoderm is further restricted into surface ectoderm and neural ectoderm. Cells from the surface ectoderm differentiate to form the epithelial linings of some tissues and external structures such as epidermis, hair, and nails. Specification of the neural ectoderm gives rise to the neural plate, neural tube, and neural stem cells, which proliferate and differentiate into a variety of ectodermal cell lineages that subsequently form the adult nervous system.