I am trying to differentiate HEK293 cells to induce ciliogenesis. I have seen in papers that this is possible by serum starvation but I obtain a mix population of differentiated cells and many dividing cells.
Usually this is done by adding a low concentration of serum (1 - 2% FBS) to the medium and then incubating for 48 hours. It is also possible to add chemicals that promote ciliogenesis.