Gene expression profiles during early differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells

Abstract

ES cell lines derived from different mouse strains and carrying different genetic modifications are almost invariant in gene expression profile under conditions used to maintain pluripotency. Tissue culture conditions that give the widest range of gene expression and maximise EB growth involve the use of 20% serum and starting cell numbers of 1000 per EB. 23 genes of importance to early development have been identified; more than half of these are also identified using similar studies, thus validating our results. EBs cultured in the same dish vary widely in terms of their gene expression (and hence, undoubtedly, in their future differentiation potential). This may explain some of the inherent variability in differentiation protocols that use EBs.