Embryonic Stem Cell–Based Mapping of Developmental Transcriptional Programs Scientists describe versatile genome-wide analysis of transcription-factor binding sites by combining directed differentiation of embryonic stem cells and inducible expression of tagged proteins. [Nat Methods] Abstract Uncoupling Protein 2 Regulates Energy Metabolism and Differentiation Potential of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Here, researchers show that human pluripotent stem cells have functional respiratory complexes that are able to consume O2 at maximal capacity. [EMBO J] Abstract | Press Release FGF Signaling Inhibits Neural Induction in Human Embryonic Stem Cells Investigators have systematically investigated the specific roles of three signaling pathways, TGFβ/SMAD2, BMP/SMAD1, and FGF/ERK, in promoting the transition of human embryonic stem cells into the neuroectoderm lineage. [EMBO J] Abstract Cell Cycle Adaptations of Embryonic Stem Cells Here scientists demonstrate that the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome enzyme is active in embryonic stem cells but attenuated by high levels of the early mitotic inhibitor-1 protein. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract Wnt Signaling and a Smad Pathway Blockade Direct the Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells to Multipotent Neural Crest Cells Researchers have developed methods for the efficient generation of self-renewing neural crest stem cells that greatly enhance their potential utility in disease modeling and regenerative medicine. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract | Press Release Oct4 Links Multiple Epigenetic Pathways to the Pluripotency Network Here investigators employed an improved affinity purification approach combined with mass spectrometry to purify Oct4 protein complexes in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs), and discovered many novel Oct4 partners important for self-renewal and pluripotency of mESCs. [Cell Res] Abstract Systematic Engineering of 3D Pluripotent Stem Cell Niches to Guide Blood Development In this study, scientists explored the concept that mimicking the local in vivo microenvironment during mesoderm specification could promote the emergence of hematopoietic progenitor cells from embryonic stem cells. [Biomaterials] Abstract HOXB4 Can Enhance the Differentiation of Embryonic Stem Cells by Modulating the Hematopoietic Niche Researchers hypothesized that HOXB4 might modulate gene expression in pre-hematopoietic mesoderm and that this property might contribute to its pro-hematopoietic effect in differentiating embryonic stem cells. [Stem Cells] Abstract |