1471-2164-8-365 1471-2164 Research article <p>Dynamic transcription programs during ES cell differentiation towards mesoderm in serum versus serum-free<sup>BMP4 </sup>culture</p> Bruce J Stephen s.bruce@imb.uq.edu.au Gardiner B Brooke b.gardiner@imb.uq.edu.au Burke J Les l.burke@imb.uq.edu.au Gongora M Milena m.gongora@imb.uq.edu.au Grimmond M Sean s.grimmond@imb.uq.edu.au Perkins C Andrew a.perkins@imb.uq.edu.au

Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Wesley Research Institute, Queensland, Australia

ARC Special Research Centre in Functional and Applied Genomics, Australia

Australian Stem Cell Centre, Melbourne, Australia

 BMC Genomics 1471-2164 2007 8 1 365 http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2164/8/365 17925037 10.1186/1471-2164-8-365 28 5 2007 10 10 2007 10 10 2007 2007 Bruce et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract

Background

Expression profiling of embryonic stem (ES) cell differentiation in the presence of serum has been performed previously. It remains unclear if transcriptional activation is dependent on complex growth factor mixtures in serum or whether this process is intrinsic to ES cells once the stem cell program has been inactivated. The aims of this study were to determine the transcriptional programs associated with the stem cell state and to characterize mesoderm differentiation between serum and serum-free culture.

Results

ES cells were differentiated as embryoid bodies in 10% FBS or serum-free media containing BMP4 (2 ng/ml), and expression profiled using 47 K Illumina(R) Sentrix arrays. Statistical methods were employed to define gene sets characteristic of stem cell, epiblast and primitive streak programs. Although the initial differentiation profile was similar between the two culture conditions, cardiac gene expression was inhibited in serum whereas blood gene expression was enhanced. Also, expression of many members of the Kruppel-like factor (KLF) family of transcription factors changed dramatically during the first few days of differentiation. KLF2 and KLF4 co-localized with OCT4 in a sub-nuclear compartment of ES cells, dynamic changes in KLF-DNA binding activities occurred upon differentiation, and strong bio-informatic evidence for direct regulation of many stem cell genes by KLFs was found.

Conclusion

Down regulation of stem cell genes and activation of epiblast/primitive streak genes is similar in serum and defined media, but subsequent mesoderm differentiation is strongly influenced by the composition of the media. In addition, KLF family members are likely to be important regulators of many stem cell genes.

Background

Embryonic stem (ES) cells isolated from the inner cell mass of the early mammalian blastocyst-stage embryo retain pluripotency when cultured on mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) in the presence of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) 1. In the absence of LIF and MEF attachment, ES cells spontaneously differentiate into multi-cellular aggregates termed embryoid bodies (EBs). Although the spatial complexity of organogenesis is not established during EB maturation, the dynamics of gene expression closely mimic those which characterize early stages of mouse development 2345. Thus, ES cell differentiation is an excellent model system for the discovery of genes involved in developmental processes.

Many studies have attempted to identify genes that define the stem cell state by mining for genes co-expressed in ES cells and various other stem cell populations such as hematopoietic and neural stem cells 67, or ES cells and trophoblast stem cells 8. Some of these studies have been criticized because they were unable to define a similar cohort of stem cell genes 9. Also, this approach is likely to find co-expression of 'housekeeping' genes that are irrelevant to the stem cell state. More recently, dynamic expression profiling during ES cell differentiation has been undertaken using various EB culture techniques 1011 and the addition of exogenous growth factors 7. Most of these studies followed differentiation for a short time period (up to 6–8 days) due to inherent limitations of liquid or adherent cultures cell differentiation systems.

Various platforms have been used to determine gene expression profiles, including differential display, SAGE 12 and slide micro-arrays, such as those provided by Affymetrix, Agilent and Compugen. In this study we employed Illumina® Sentrix Mouse-6 oligo bead arrays 13, which have ~47 K probes that are largely based on the MEEBO set of transcripts, plus ESTs discovered as part of the FANTOM2 transcriptome project 14, some alternatively employed exons, and a small subset of non-coding transcripts. This is a new, rich and sensitive platform for expression profiling 15.

ES cells were differentiated in methylcellulose cultures, which allowed consistent EB development over 16 days in either serum 216 or defined serum-free media containing BMP4 (2 ng/ml), termed serum-freeB4L hereafter 17. The dynamics of loss of stem cell gene expression and activation of epiblast and primitive streak gene expression programs were similar in serum and serum-freeB4L but QT clustering revealed a significant difference in mesoderm outcomes from day 6 onwards. In particular, cardiac gene expression was greater in serum-freeB4L whereas activation of the blood program was enhanced in serum.

High expression levels of Kruppel-like factor (KLF) family members: Klf2, Klf4, Klf5 and Klf9 was detected in undifferentiated ES cells, and confirmed by quantitative real time RT-PCR, indirect immuno-fluorescence and DNA-binding assays. Expression was down regulated rapidly upon differentiation and a different set of Klfs: Klf3, Klf16 and Klf1/Eklf, were activated upon ES cell differentiation. Also, KLF-binding sites were markedly over represented in the proximal promoters of most stem cell specific genes, suggesting possible direct regulation by KLFs. We suggest a model in which the balance between self-renewal and differentiation is regulated by competitive occupancy of the proximal promoters of key stem cell genes such as Zfp42/Rex-1, Nanog, Pou5f1(Oct4), Lefty1 and Lefty2, and others such as the Klf genes themselves.

Results

Differentiation of ES cells in serum and serum-freeB4L culture

The directed differentiation of embryonic stem cells into desirable cell types will depend upon the addition of specific growth factors to defined media and reproducible physical conditions of culture. To establish a baseline for such studies, we undertook a comparison of murine ES cell differentiation using an embryoid body (EB) methylcellulose culture system containing either 10% FBS 2 or a chemically defined BSA-based media containing 2 ng/ml of BMP4, termed serum-freeB4L 17. Triplicate experiments were performed in which ES cells were harvested after feeder depletion, and set up in parallel EB cultures in serum versus serum-freeB4L. RNA was collected at regular intervals up to 16 days, quantitative RT-PCR was performed on a panel of genes representing defined stages of development to establish the robustness of the culture system (Figure 1), and expression profiling was performed using Illumina® Sentrix Mouse-6 bead arrays (see Methods and 13).

<p>Figure 1</p>

Dynamic gene expression during EB differentiation in serum and serum-free media containing BMP4 [2 ng/ml]

Dynamic gene expression during EB differentiation in serum and serum-free media containing BMP4 [2 ng/ml]. Expression of stem cell, primitive streak and late mesoderm genes were analysed by quantitative RT-PCR in undifferentiated ES cells (0, grey bar) and in EBs collected for up to 16 days in serum (white bars) or defined media (black bars) from the same starting ES cell populations. Bars represent the means of three (serum) or two (serum-freeB4L) biological replicates. The Y-axis represents a log scale normalized relative to the housekeeping gene HPRT. Error bars indicate standard deviation.

Changes in gene expression were extremely reproducible across ES differentiation experiments with overall correlation of global gene expression for biological replicates in the order or 0.95–0.96. Approximately 30% of the probes were differentially expressed at one or more stages of EB differentiation as determined by one-way Welch ANOVA with multiple testing corrections using the Benjamini and Hochberg False Discovery Rate algorithm (7,967 probes with a p-value of < 0.01 by Welch t-test) (Figure 2A).

<p>Figure 2</p>

Gene expression profiles during 16 days of EB differentiation in serum and serum-free media containing BMP4 [2 ng/ml]

Gene expression profiles during 16 days of EB differentiation in serum and serum-free media containing BMP4 [2 ng/ml]. (A) GeneSpring representation of the subset of genes from the 48 K Illumina array that showed significant differences in gene expression at 2 or more time points. Each line represents the mean normalised expression of an individual Illumina probe. Colours represent relative expression (red 4× increased; green 0.25× reduced) compared to a gene mean of 1 (black) with expression in undifferentiated ES cells (day 0) as the decision point for colour coding. The expression profiles of T (brachyury), Hba (α-globin), and Igf2 are indicated for reference. (B) Clustering (tree) of the genes that showed significant (p < 0.01) changes in gene expression upon differentiation by One-way Welch ANOVA. Expression levels are heat map colour coded (inset) with high expression at Day 0 coloured red and low expression coloured green.

To mine for genes with similar patterns of expression across the time course, hierarchical clustering was performed on the 7,967 probes and represented graphically. A large percentage of these (~30%) displayed highest expression in undifferentiated ES cells and subsequent reduced expression over time (labeled stem in Figure 2B). A second major cluster showed marked induction after ~day 4–6 of differentiation (labeled mesoderm in Figure 2B).

Putative stem cell genes sets

Previous studies have identified genes important to the stem cell state by comparing expression profiling data from different stem cell populations such as ES cells, haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and neural stem cells 618. We used two alternative approaches to identify specific stem cell specific gene expression. Firstly, genes with dynamic expression patterns which correlated closely with Oct4, Sox2 or Nanog expression profiles (Pearson correlation > 0.9) were determined as previously described 67. Second, genes rapidly down regulated ≥3 fold by day 3 of differentiation, a time point where ES cell clonogenicity decreases dramatically, were determined. Not surprisingly there was very little overlap between these gene lists, primarily because Oct4 and Nanog expression persists during EB differentiation longer than many other stem cell genes (Figure 1). Full lists of genes ranked according to similarity of expression (Pearson correlation >0.9) with expression patterns for Oct4, Nanog or Sox2 are provided in Additional files 1, 2, 3, respectively.

<p>Additional file 1</p>

Oct4 gene list. The data provided lists all genes expressed during 16 days of embryoid body differentiation with similarity to Oct4 (Pearson correlation >0.9).

Click here for file

 <p>Additional file 2</p>

Nanog gene list. The data provided lists all genes expressed during 16 days of embryoid body differentiation with similarity to Nanog (Pearson correlation >0.9).

Click here for file

 <p>Additional file 3</p>

Sox2 gene list. The data provided lists all genes expressed during 16 days of embryoid body differentiation with similarity to Sox2 (Pearson correlation >0.9).

Click here for file

Only fifty-nine genes were down regulated ≥3 fold by day 3 of EB differentiation (Table 1). Many of these have been identified as stem cell markers by other groups using alternative strategies 6719. Information was compiled on their known expression patterns and/or gene knockout phenotypes via literature searches as referenced in Table 1. Insufficient space exists to discuss every gene and most have been previously identified as ES cell enriched transcripts. Osteopontin is secreted by osteoblasts in the bone marrow niche where it is thought to play an important role in the maintenance of HSC quiescence and maintenance of 'stemness' 20. It has also been discovered by other groups as a strong marker of ES cells and is regulated directly by the key stem cell transcription factors, Oct4 and Sox2 21. Thus, osteopontin is likely to be a useful marker of ES cell pluripotency and may play autocrine or paracrine roles in maintenance of stemness. The second most rapidly down regulated gene was estrogen related receptor β, Esrrb, which had previously been identified as a stem cell specific gene and shown to be critical for maintenance of the stem cell state 19. F-box 15 (Fbxo15), a member of the large F-box family of genes 22 was also rapidly down regulated. Fbxo15 is known to be highly expressed in ES cells, is regulated by Oct4 and Sox2, but is dispensable for ES cell self-renewal 23. Recently, the stem cell specificity of this locus was used to screen for cDNAs capable of transforming mouse fibroblasts into ES cell populations 24. Other notable rapidly down regulated genes included the nodal inhibitors Lefty-1 and Lefty-2, and Zfp42/Rex-1, which are also well established as stem cell markers 19.

<p>Table 1</p>

Genes rapidly down regulated (>3 fold in 3 days) upon ES cell differentiation

Gene Name

Synonyms

Genbank ID

Fold ↓ D0 → D3

Raw D0

Function

Refs

Secreted phosphoprotein 1

Osteopontin; Spp1

NM_009263

26.8

3588

Reg. by Oct4 and Sox2

[21, 96]

Estrogen related receptor, beta

Err2; Estrrb; Nr3b2

NM_011934

24.0

4238

ES cell renewal, placenta

[97]

F-box 15

Fbx15

NM_015798

21.8

4487

Stem cell specific locus

[23]

RIKEN cDNA 2200001I15

2200001I15Rik

NM_183278

18.3

2780

Kruppel-like factor 2

Klf2; Lklf

NM_008452

17.0

2639

Vascular defect

[49]

Left-right determination, factor B

Leftb; Stra3; Tgfb4; Lefty 1

NM_010094

14.4

2537

Nodal signalling inhibitor

[87]

Transcription factor CP2-like 1

Crtr-1; LBP-9

NM_023755

13.8

2237

ES cells, repressor

[98]

Zinc finger protein 42

Rex-1; Rex1; Zfp-42

NM_009556

13.4

2108

Nanog-Sox2 induced

[99, 100]

L-threonine dehydrogenase

Tdh

NM_021480

10.9

1764

L-threonine degradation

[101]

DNA (cytosine-5-)-methyltransferase 3-like

D6Ertd14e, Dnmt3l

NM_019448

10.8

5226

Maternal imprinting

[102]

Transcription elongation factor A, 3

S-II, Tcea3

NM_011542

8.6

3874

ICM Expression

[103]

Myosin light chain, skeletal muscle

MLC-2; Mlc2, Mylpf

NM_016754

8.6

1560

Cardiac muscle

[104]

S100 calcium binding protein A6

Cacy, S100a6, calcyclin

NM_011313

8.2

9086

Cell cycle regulation

[105]

Testis expressed gene 19

Tex19, 2410081M02Rik

NM_028602

8.1

1963

Spermatogonia

[106]

Epithelial membrane protein 1

TMP, Emp1

NM_010128

7.9

1030

Neuronal differentiation

[107]

DNA segment, Chr 11, ERATO Doi 636

D11Ertd636e

NM_029794

7.9

1278

Expressed in Morula

[108]

Similar to solute carrier family 7, member 3

Slc7a3

. NM_001004153

7.3

1036

Left-right determination, factor 2

Lefta; Ebaf; Lefty 2

NM_177099

7.2

1903

Inhibitor of Nodal

[109]

Junction adhesion molecule 2

Jcam2; VE-JAM, Jam2

NM_023844

6.5

713

KO normal

[110]

Lysosomal-associated protein, transmembrane 5

E3, Laptm5

NM_010686

6.5

1539

haematopoiesis

[111]

Discoidin domain receptor 1

Drr1, MCK10, EDDR1

. NM_007584

6.4

5451

Collagen response receptor

[112]

Aminoadipate-semialdehyde synthase

Aass, LKR/SDH; Lorsdh

NM_013930

6.2

1094

Mitochondria

[113]

RIKEN cDNA 2410039E07

2410039E07Rik

NM_212483

6.2

737

RIKEN cDNA 2410004A20

2410004A20Rik

NM_025890

5.7

644

Gastrulation brain homeobox 2

Gbx2, MMoxA;Stra7

NM_010262

5.6

1204

Midbrain/hindbrain organiser

[114]

cDNA sequence BC050188

4933403D14

NM_177742

5.6

497

Cordon-bleu

Cobl, C530045F18Rik

NM_172496

5.1

619

Similar to EF 1A

eIF-1A, eIF-4C

XM_181357

5.0

538

Regulatory factor X, 2

Rfx2

NM_009056

4.9

796

ICM expression

[103]

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1

Clgi;Timp;TIMP-1

NM_011593

4.6

1732

Metalloproteinase inhibitor matrix

[115]

Kruppel-like factor 4

Klf4, Gklf; Zie

NM_010637

4.5

597

Epidermal, gut defect

[116]

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7

Igfbp7, Fstl2, mac25

NM_008048

4.4

813

latent transforming growth factor BP4

Ltbp4, 2310046A13Rik

NM_175641

4.4

481

DnaJ (Hsp40) homolog, subfamily C, 6

Dnajc6, 2810027M23Rik

NM_198412

4.3

490

Kruppel-like factor 5

Klf5, Bteb2, IKLF

NM_009769

4.3

1797

Cardiovascular remodelling

[117]

Nuclear receptor subfamily 5, group A, 2

Nr5a2, Ftf;LRH-1

NM_030676

4.2

494

Ovary granulosa cells

[118]

RIKEN cDNA D230005D02

B230207J08

NM_172813

4.2

433

Nuclear protein 1

Nupr1, Com1;p8

NM_019738

4.1

388

KO normal

[119]

Intercellular adhesion molecule

Icam1, CD54, Icam-1

NM_010493

4.1

716

KO normal, inflammation

[120]

Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 3

Irak3, IRAK-M

NM_028679

3.9

409

Immune homeostasis

[121]

Keratin complex 1, acidic, gene 17

Krt1-17, K17

NM_010663

3.9

368

Embryonic ectoderm

[122]

Stathmin-like 2

Stmn2, Scgn10, Stmb2

NM_025285

3.9

712

KO normal, cell cycle

[123]

Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3

Socs3, CIS3, SSI-3

NM_007707

3.8

1081

LIF singalling

[124]

Lipase, member H

Lpdlr; PLA1B Liph

NM_153404

3.8

446

Lipid metabolism

[125]

RIKEN cDNA 4933405K07

4930427I11Rik

NM_028913

3.8

573

Erythrocyte protein band 4.1-like 4a

Epb4.1l4, NBL4

NM_013512

3.8

809

beta-catenin/Tcf pathway

[126]

Polo-like kinase 3 (Drosophila) (Plk3)

Cnk, Fnk, PRK

NM_013807

3.7

567

Mitosis regulator

[127]

Heat shock protein 1 (Hspb1)

27 kDa, Hsp25

NM_013560

3.7

3731

Blastocyst expression

[128]

RIKEN cDNA 1700061G19

1700061G19Rik

XM_140052

3.7

425

Mannosidase, beta A, lysosomal

Bmn, Manba

NM_027288

3.7

484

Glycoprotein cleavage, KO normal

[129]

Developmental pluripotency-associated 3

PCG7, Stella, Dppa3

NM_139218

3.6

450

Expressed in preimplantation embryos

[130]

Lysyl oxidase

TSC-160, Lox

NM_010728

3.6

644

KO cardiovascular defects

[131]

RIKEN cDNA E130014J05

Tet2

NM_145989

3.5

866

Myeloblastosis oncogene-like 2

B-myb, Mybl2

NM_008652

3.3

718

Cell proliferation G1/S transition

[132]

Pleckstrin homology domain containing, A4

PEPP1, Plekha4

NM_148927

3.3

532

Preimplantation embryo expression

[108]

Aurora kinase C (Aurkc)

AIK3, Stk13

NM_020572

3.3

305

Chromosome segregation

[133]

Fibroblast growth factor binding protein 1

FGF-BP, Fgfbp1

NM_008009

3.1

312

Enhances FGF activity

[134]

Caveolin, caveolae protein 1

Cav1

NM_007616

3.1

438

KO viable, vascular defects

[135]

Oct4, Nanog and Sox2 are not included in Table 1, even though each is required for the maintenance of ES cell pluripotency 252627 due to their persistent expression during the first 3 days of EB differentiation (Figure 1 and 5A, and Additional file 1). Indeed, Oct4 expression is known to persist beyond the inner cell mass stage of development in vivo, with transcripts detected in the epiblast and later in the primitive streak, before it becomes further restricted to primordial germ cells 1028. 779 genes with a similar pattern of expression to Oct4 (Pearson correlation of > 0.9) were identified (Additional file 1). As expected this list also includes many well known stem cell genes such as Sal-like 1, nodal, chromobox homolog 7 (Cbx7), Dnmt3b and Sprouty homolog 4 19. We also mined for stem cell genes by looking for similarity (Pearson correlation of > 0.9) with Nanog and Sox2 gene expression profiles. These provided overlapping but not identical sets of putative stem cell specific genes (Additional files 2, 3). Full data for the 16 days of differentiation can be interrogated and mined for specific differentiation outcomes via Signet (Login_Bruce) (see Methods).

Tightly co-ordinated waves of gene expression suggest sequential activation of epiblast, primitive streak and mesoderm differentiation programs

Many alternative differentiation programs occur simultaneously during ES cell differentiation. Therefore, it is difficult to find gene syn-expression patterns that identify specific programs using standard clustering methods. An alternative approach is to search for expression patterns that closely resemble genes of known function. For example, the T box gene, brachyury, is a well characterized specific marker of the primitive streak 29. Brachyury expression is transient in vivo, a feature recapitulated during ES cell differentiation 2. Using qRT-PCR, brachyury was induced ~1000 fold from D0 to day 4 and then rapidly silenced to baseline levels by D6 (Figure 1). The dynamics of brachyury expression were similar between serum and serum-freeB4L media (Figure 1 and 3A), but serum-free media was unable to support brachyury induction in the absence of BMP-4 (data not shown). Thus, BMP4 (or related factors in serum such as activin) is essential for mesoderm generation. Thirty genes were identified with a similar expression pattern to brachyury (Pearson correlation >0.9) (Table 2) including many genes with established expression or critical functions during primitive streak formation, such as Mix1 30, Lim1 31, Sp5 32 and eomesodermin 33. Transient expression of many of these 'streak-specific' genes was validated by qRT-PCR (Figure 3B and data not shown). In all cases there was a close correlation between the qRT-PCR results and the profiling data (Figure 3A).

<p>Figure 3</p>

Mining for genes expressed in patterns consistent with primitive streak, and epiblast differentiation programs

Mining for genes expressed in patterns consistent with primitive streak, and epiblast differentiation programs. (A) GeneSpring representation of epiblast and streak gene expression profiles during EB differentiation in 10% serum or serum-freeB4L culture. The up-regulation of genes between days 2–4 were similar under both conditions. (B) qRT-PCR analysis of Mixl, Lim1, Cdx4 and Riken clone 8430415E04Rik. The Y-axis represents expression relative to the housekeeping gene HPRT. Error bars indicate ± SD from three biological replicates. (C) 102 genes transiently up regulated during the first 4 days of ES cell differentiation were clustered using a tree algorithm and Pearson correlation of > 0.9. The 'Brief' group represents gene with very transient expression at day 3. (D) Coding region for 8430415E04Rik. The shaded areas represent the three Heat domains.

 <p>Table 2</p>

Brachyury-like (Primitive Streak) gene list (Pearson correlation >0.9 with brachyury)

Description

Symbol

Corr.

Synonyms

Genbank ID

Expression/Function

Brachyury (T)

T

1.00

cou;Low;Lr;;T1

NM_009309.1

[33, 136] Primitive streak

Eomesodermin *

Eomes

0.98

Tbr2

NM_010136.1

[33] Primitive streak

Fibroblast growth factor 8

Fgf8

0.97

Aigf;Fgf-8

NM_010205.1

[137] primitive streak expression

Mix1

Mixl1

0.97

Mm1;Mml

NM_013729.2

[30] KO primitive streak abnormal

Lysophospholipase isoform 1

A530050D06Rik

0.97

XM_203596

LIM homeobox protein 1 *

Lhx1

0.96

Lim1; Lhx1

NM_008498

[31] Primitive streak expression

Mesoderm posterior 1

Mesp1

0.95

NM_008588.1

[138] nascent mesodermal cells

Sp5

Sp5

0.94

NM_022435.2

[32] Primitive streak expression

8430415E04Rik *

8430415E04Rik

0.94

unknown

NM_028980.1

Axin2

Axin2

0.94

Axi1;Axil;Conductin

NM_015732.3

[139] Wnt signalling inhibitor

Ninein

Nin

0.93

mKIAA1565

NM_008697

[140] Centrosome anchoring

E330009J07Rik

E330009J07Rik

0.93

mKIAA1147

NM_175528

Proteosome subunit, beta 8 *

Psmb8

0.93

Lmp-7;Lmp7

NM_010724.1

[141] reduced MHC class I

Solute carrier family 30 member 3

Slc30a3

0.93

Znt3

NM_011773

[142] KO no phenotype

DHHC-type Zn-finger containing protein

2400007G07Rik

0.92

AK010296

Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 20

Ccl20

0.92

NM_016960

[143] T and B cell regulation

Protease 28 subunit, beta *

Psme2b

0.92

PA28b-p;Psme2-like

NM_011191.1

[144] MHC Class I regulation

D130029J02Rik

D130029J02Rik

0.92

XM_150103

F-box and leucine-rich repeat protein 14

Fbxl14

0.92

Fbx14l

NM_133940

WD repeat & FYVE domain containing 1

Wdfy1

0.92

FENS-1;Jr1;WDF1

NM_027057

[145] Endosome and Golgi regulation

ADP-ribosylation factor-like 6 int. protein 2

Arl6ip2

0.92

Aip-2;AV334690

NM_019717.1

Protease 28 subunit, alpha

Psme1

0.92

PA28a

NM_011189.1

[146] Proteasome activator MHC Class I

TAF10

Taf10

0.92

30 kDa;Taf2h;TAFII30

NM_020024.3

[147] KO ICM phenotype

Helicase with zinc finger domain

Helz

0.91

NM_198298

[148] Primitive streak expression

Transmembrane 4 superfamily member 10

Tm4sf10

0.91

BCMP1

NM_175771.2

1190004M23Rik

1190004M23Rik

0.90

Carbonic anhydrase 14

Car14

0.90

NM_011797.1

[149] KO no phenotype

Male enhanced antigen 1

Mea1

0.90

Mea-1

NM_010787.1

[150] Testis development

Delta-like 3, transcript variant 1

Dll3

0.90

pu;pudgy

NM_007866.1

[151] primitive streak expression

Ring finger protein 30

Rnf30

0.90

MURF;MURF-3

NM_021447.1

[152] Myogenic regulator

* More than one independent illumina probe for these genes were identified

Interestingly, four novel transcripts were identified in this list (Table 2). One of these, 8430415E04Rik, was detected by two independent probes, strongly supporting its 'streak-specific' expression; by qRT-PCR there was ~50 fold induction from day 2 to day 3 of differentiation and a decrease to near baseline levels by day 6 (Figure 3B). The gene contains 24 exons, and the full length cDNA encodes for a protein of 868 amino acids (Figure 3D) which is highly conserved in vertebrates (Additional file 4). It has little homology to other proteins apart from three predicted HEAT domains or armadillo domains (grey shading in Figure 3D). Drosophila armadillo interacts with β-catenin via its HEAT/armadillo repeat 34, which suggests the protein encoded by 8430415E04Rik may also be involved in protein-protein interactions.

<p>Additional file 4</p>

Sequence alignment of RIKEN clone 8430415E04RIK. The data provides an alignment of RIKEN clone 8430415E04RIK using human, mouse, chick and zebrafish sequences.

Click here for file

The list of primitive streak genes in table 2 is smaller than that previously published 10 due to the very stringent criteria used to determine brachyury-like patterns of expression. Thus, to find further genes characteristic of epiblast, early and late primitive streak programs, probes were identified which were transiently up and down regulated at least two fold with peak expression at day 2, 3 or 4 of EB differentiation. Gene lists were combined (102 Illumina probes) and clustered into epiblast, early, mid and late streak groups plus a unique group in which expression was very transient at day 3 of differentiation (designated 'brief' at the bottom of Figure 3C). Also, lists were generated by searching for similarity of dynamic expression profiles to known genes which are accepted specific markers of specific stages of mouse development. For example, Fgf5 is specifically expressed in the epiblast 35, and Wnt5a is expressed in the late primitive streak 36. The Fgf5-like (epiblast) list includes the methyltransferase, Dnmt3b, which was massively up-regulated in the first 2 days of EB differentiation (Additional file 5) and is known to be essential for mesoderm differentiation 37. This list also includes Pim2, Zic2, Wnt8a, the SP1 (and possibly SP5) cofactor Crsp2, and Irf1. The Wnt5a-like (late primitive streak) list contains 76 genes including many homeobox genes (Hoxb2, Hoxd1, Hoxb6 and Hox8/Msx2), Cdx2, Hand1, Tbx3, Bmp4 and the VEGF receptor Flt1 (Additional file 6). Many are expressed at E10 of mouse development in the remnants of the primitive streak 36, suggesting the Wnt5a-like list includes many genes known to pattern the embryo following formation of the germ layers. There is a significant overlap between the genes we identified as being epiblast-, early and late streak-specific and those recently identified using a similar EB differentiation system and Affymetrix arrays 10, and by other groups 238. In addition, there are addition novel RIKEN cDNAs in these lists, which are likely to encode for interesting proteins worthy of further study (Additional files 5, 6).

<p>Additional file 5</p>

FGF5 gene list. The data provided lists all genes expressed during 16 days of embryoid body differentiation with similarity to FGF5 (Pearson correlation >0.9).

Click here for file

 <p>Additional file 6</p>

Wnt5a gene list. The data provided lists all genes expressed during 16 days of embryoid body differentiation with similarity to Wnt5 (Pearson correlation >0.9).

Click here for file

Following the primitive streak wave of gene expression there was a dramatic activation of many genes (Figure 2A). Many of the most highly induced genes, such as globin genes, heme synthesis enzymes and haematopoietic transcription factors, are known to be expressed in the blood. qRT-PCR for globin genes confirmed > 10,000 fold induction between days 3 and 8 with a steady decline thereafter (Figure 1). Other mesoderm and endoderm programs are also activated at this stage, so it is difficult to mine for these different outcomes.

Enhanced cardiac gene expression and reduced erythropoiesis in serum-freeB4L EB culture

Overall there were very strong similarities between ES cell differentiation in serum and serum-free cultures supplemented with 2 ng/ml BMP4. For example, all 29 of the primitive streak gene set, as defined from serum-containing cultures, were also expressed transiently and to a similar level in serum-freeB4L media (Figure 3A). Genes differentially expressed at each EB time point (Day 1–16) were pooled and subjected to QT clustering to find sets differentially expressed between serum and serum-freeB4L EB culture. Using a minimal cut-off of five genes per group, nine gene sets were identified; seven showed higher expression in serum and two showed higher expression in serum-freeB4L (Table 3 and Figure 4).

<p>Table 3</p>

Genes differentially expressed during ES cell differentiation in serum versus serum-free defined media (BMP4 2 ng/ml)

Set 1 – Chemokine ligands (Day 8)

Symbol

Synonyms

Genbank ID

BMP4

Serum

Hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase 15

Hpgd

NM_008278.1

2.22

4.4

Src-like adaptor

Sla

Slap

NM_009192

1.29

.90

Pleckstrin

Plek

NM_019549.1

1.31

4.9

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-like 1

Treml1

XM_128641.3

1.67

12.6

Glycoprotein 5 (platelet)

Gp5

GPV

NM_008148.2

1.52

8.9

2810484G07Rik

2.07

13.5

Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 7

Cxcl7

b-TG1; CTAP3; LDGF; MDGF;NAP-2

NM_023785.1

1.07

4.8

Angiotensin receptor 1

Agtr1

AT1;AT1a;AT2R1

NM_177322.2

1.58

5.8

Arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase

Alox12

Alox12p;P-12LO

NM_007440.2

1.29

9.2

Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 4

Ccl4

Act-2; MIP-1B

NM_013652

1.81

19.5

Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 4

Cxcl4

Pf4;Scyb4

NM_019932.1

3.85

29.0

ATPase, Ca2+ transporting, ubiquitous

Atp2a3

Serca3

NM_016745.2

1.30

6.1

Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 3

Ccl3

Mip1a;Scya3

NM_011337.1

1.75

11.8

Set 2 – Globins (Day 6)

Symbol

Synonyms

Genbank ID

BMP4

Serum

β-major globin

Hbb-b1

AK002258

2.15

21.7

ζ-globin

Hba-x

NM_010405.2

4.30

128.3

ε-y globin

Hbb-y

E-y

NM_008221.2

1.80

38.1

Nuclear factor erythroid-2 (p45)

Nfe2

p45NFE2

NM_008685.2

1.32

10.4

α-globin

Hba-a1

Hba1

NM_008218.1

3.21

89.7

Band-3/anion exchanger 1

Slc4a1

Ae1;CD233;Band 3

NM_011403.1

1.19

26.2

Rik2510042H12

AK011092

1.01

4.1

Aminolevulinic acid synthase 2

Alas2

Alas-2

NM_009653.1

1.14

13.2

β h1-globin

Hbb-bh1

betaH1

NM_008219.2

3.65

61.2

Set 3 – Blood (Day 8)

Symbol

Synonyms

Genbank ID

BMP4

Serum

Alpha hemoglobin stabilising protein

AHSP

AHSP;EDRF

NM_133245.1

1.7

3.4

Myeloperoxidase

Mpo

NM_010824

1.1

3.6

Slc38a5

SN2; JM24

NM_172479.1

1.3

2.5

Glycophorin A

Gypa

CD235a;GPA

NM_010369.2

2.1

5.2

Cbp/p300-interacting transactivator, with Glu/Asp-rich carboxy-terminal domain, 4

Cited4

Mrg2

NM_019563

1.3

2.5

Mitoferrin

Mscp

Slc25a37

NM_030054.2

1.5

2.4

Kruppel-like factor 1

Klf1

Eklf

NM_010635

1.8

3.6

Set 4 – Various (Day 16)

Symbol

Synonyms

Genbank ID

BMP4

Serum

FXYD domain-containing ion transport regulator 2

Fxyd2

Atp1g1

NM_007503

1.38

6.7

Thioether S-methyltransferase

Temt

NM_009349

0.97

6.0

Mus musculus FXYD domain-containing ion transport regulator 2, transcript variant a

Fxyd2

Atp1g1

NM_052824.1

1.16

5.7

Fibrinogen, alpha

Fga

Fib

NM_010196.1

2.06

11.8

Kininogen-1

Kng1

NM_023125.2

6.25

37.3

Serum amyloid A 3

Saa3

Saa-3

NM_011315

1.04

4.5

Deleted in azoospermia-like

Dazl

Dazla;Tpx-2;Tpx2

NM_010021.2

0.91

3.8

Fibrinogen, alpha

Fga

Fib

NM_010196.1

2.57

14.3

Chitinase 3-like 1

Chi3l1

brp-39;Brp39;Gp39

NM_007695.1

1.75

7.3

Kininogen II

NM_201375.1

1.73

7.9

Set 5 – Macrophage (Day 16)

Symbol

Synonyms

Genbank ID

BMP4

Serum

Neutrophil cytosolic factor 2

Ncf2

Ncf-2; p67phox

NM_010877

2.05

3.56

Complement component 1q beta

C1qb

NM_009777.1

1.13

4.63

Matrix metalloproteinase 12

Mmp12

Mmel

NM_008605.1

3.17

8.53

Complement component 3

C3

ASP;Plp

NM_009778.1

2.17

10.46

CD68 antigen

Cd68

gp110;Scard1

NM_009853

1.84

5.58

Macrophage expressed gene 1

Mpeg1

XM_129176

3.08

6.74

TYRO protein tyrosine kinase binding protein

Tyrobp

DAP12;KARAP;Ly83

NM_011662.2

2.80

4.81

Myosin IF

Myo1f

NM_053214.1

1.64

3.33

Hematopoietic protein 1

Hemp1

NM_153505.2

1.41

4.22

Glutathione S-transferase, alpha 3

Gsta3

Gst2-3

NM_010356.2

1.73

8.67

Glycoprotein (transmembrane) nmb

Gpnmb

Dchil;ipd

NM_053110

1.55

6.63

Pleckstrin homology, Sec7 and coiled/coil domains 4

Pscd4

2510004M07Rik

NM_028195

1.54

3.83

B-cell leukaemia/lymphoma-2 related protein A1b

Bcl2a1b

A1-b

NM_007534

2.49

6.35

Complement component 1q, gamma

C1qg

C1qc

NM_007574.1

1.26

5.27

Fc receptor, IgG, low affinity III

Fcgr3

CD16

NM_010188.2

2.10

5.84

Lysozyme

Lyzs

Lys;Lzm;;Lzp

NM_017372.2

5.80

21.72

Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 9

Ccl9

CCF18;MRP-2;

NM_011338

2.26

3.85

B-cell leukemia 2 related protein A1d

Bcl2a1d

A1-d

NM_007536

2.51

4.49

EGF-like module containing, mucin-like, hormone receptor-like 1

Emr1

F4/80; Ly71;TM7LN3

NM_010130.1

1.54

3.44

Set 6 – Day 16

Symobol

Synonyms

Genebank ID

BMP4

Serum

Insulin-like growth factor 1

Igf1

C730016P09Rik;Igf-1;Igf-I

NM_010512.2

1.6

4.8

Prss35

NM_178738.1

4.7

5.9

Protein tyrosine phosphatase, non-receptor type substrate 1

Ptpns1

CD172a; SHP-1;SHPS-1;

XM_149178.1

2.2

3.7

Apolipoprotein A-II

Apoa2

Alp-2;Apoa-2;ApoA-II;Hdl-1

NM_013474.1

9.8

57.4

Spondin 2, extracellular matrix protein

Spon2

;M-spondin;Mindin

NM_133903.2

2.0

12.0

Set 7 – Stem and late Day 16

Symbol

Synonyms

Genbank ID

BMP4

Serum

Fbox 15

Fbxo15

0.96

4.4

Aurora kinase C

Aurkc

AIE1;AIK3;Stk13

NM_020572.1

0.94

4.1

2200001I15Rik

NM_183278.1

0.94

6.4

Hypothetical protein LOC236546

AF067061

NM_199060.1

0.85

3.8

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 1A

LOC195150

XM_111306.1

0.80

9.3

Similar to Pro-Pol-dUTPase polyprotein; RNaseH

LOC386244

XM_359136.1

0.88

5.2

Similar to hypothetical protein FLJ35105

LOC245109

XM_142517.3

0.89

3.7

Down regulated in renal cell carcinoma

Drr1

TU3A

AK044219

0.57

9.3

Set 8 – Cardiac Day 16

Symbol

Synonyms

Genbank ID

BMP4

Serum

ATPase, Ca++ transporting, cardiac muscle, fast twitch 1

Atp2a1

SERCA1

NM_007504.2

6.9

1.1

Cholinergic receptor, nicotinic, gamma

Chrng

Achr-3;Acrg

NM_009604.2

4.5

1.0

Myosin, light polypeptide 1

BC059087.1

8.0

1.1

Alpha actin, skeletal muscle

Acta1

Acta-2;Acts;Actsk-1

NM_009606.1

25.3

1.2

Tropomyosin 2 beta

Tpm2

Tpm-2;Trop-2

NM_009416.2

11.6

1.3

Cholinergic receptor, nicotinic, alpha

Chrna1

Achr-1;Acra

NM_007389.2

4.1

1.0

Troponin C2, fast

Tnnc2

Tncs

NM_009394.2

5.7

0.9

Neurofilament 3, medium

Nef3

NF-M;NF160;Nfm

NM_008691.1

4.5

1.1

Myosin heavy chain

Myh8

XM_354617

6.7

1.1

Cholinergic receptor, nicotinic, alpha 1

Chrna1

Achr-1;Acra

NM_007389.2

5.4

1.1

Set 9 – Cardiac 2 Day 6

Symbol

Synonyms

Genbank ID

BMP4

Serum

a-Actin, cardiac

Actc1

Actc-1

NM_009608.1

31.2

3.6

Somatostatin

Sst

Smst;SOM;SRIF;SS

NM_009215.1

10.8

2.2

Myosin, light polypeptide 7, regulatory

Myl7

MLC2a;MYL2A;;RLC-A

NM_022879.1

14.3

4.7

Myosin, heavy polypeptide 7, cardiac muscle, beta

Myh7

Myhc-b;Myhcb

NM_080728.1

8.2

2.4

a-Actin, cardiac

Actc1

Actc-1

NM_009608.1

26.3

3.5

 <p>Figure 4</p>

QT clustering revealed sets of genes differentially expressed between serum and serum-freeB4L EB culture

QT clustering revealed sets of genes differentially expressed between serum and serum-freeB4L EB culture. QT clustering revealed nine sets of genes with similar dynamic expression profiles (Pearson Correlation coefficient of > 0.9). In sets 1–7, expression is higher in serum (black sets). In sets 8–9, expression is greater in serum-freeB4L EB culture (red sets). Some sets have been named based on the similarity of overall gene function during differentiation pathways (see Table 3).

The genes in set 9 were expressed more highly in serum-freeB4L media from day 6, and genes in set 8 showed up-regulation at day 12 and 16 in the absence of serum (Figure 4). Both sets are comprised almost exclusively of cardiac-specific genes such as myosin heavy chain 7 (Myh7), myosin light chain 7 (Myl7), the cardiac isoform of α-actin (Actc1), troponin (Tnnc2), tropomysin (Tpm2), the nicotinic cholinergic receptor (Chrng), and cardiac muscle fast twitch 1 specific ATPase (Atp2a1) (Table 3). Further interrogation of the array data revealed a cohort of cardiac transcription factors, including ISL1, MEF2C, Bop/Smyd1 and Hand2 39, which were transiently up regulated 1.4 to 3.5 fold in serum-freeB4L media compared to serum at day 6 (Signet Login_Bruce). Importantly, this elevated cardiac gene expression program correlated with increased numbers of spontaneously beating EBs in serum-freeB4L media (data not shown). Enhanced expression (~100 fold) of Actc1, Myl4 and Myl7 in serum-freeB4L media compared with serum-containing media was confirmed by qRT-PCR (Figure 1). Taken together, this data strongly suggests cardiac muscle cell differentiation is either inhibited in serum or enhanced by the addition of BMP4 to serum-free culture.

The genes in set 2 were expressed in both serum and serum-freeB4L conditions immediately following primitive streak formation, but expressed to higher levels and slightly earlier in serum (Table 3 and Figure 4). Many of these genes are globins (both embryonic and definitive) suggesting erythropoiesis is activated more robustly in the presence of serum (See Discussion). Alas2, a gene encoding the erythroid specific isoform of the first and rate limiting enzyme in the heme biosynthesis pathway, and the erythroid specific transcription factor, p45-NF-E2 are also in set 2 40. qRT-PCR for α- and βh1-globin confirmed more rapid expression in serum versus SFB4L media (Figure 1), suggesting factors in addition to BMP4 enhance activation of the blood program from a similar primitive streak platform.

The genes in set 3 were expressed at a similar time in serum but expressed at very low levels or not at all in serum-freeB4L media. Again, this set is highly enriched for erythroid specific genes such as alpha hemoglobin stabilising protein (Ahsp) 41, Glycophorin A, erythroid Kruppel-like factor (EKLF/Klf1) 42 and mitochondrial solute carrier protein (mitoferrin) 43 (Figure 4 and Table 3). Genes in sets 1 and 5 are activated more robustly at late time points in serum cultures. Most of these are specifically expressed in macrophages. Together, these results suggest delayed and less robust primitive haematopoiesis occurs in SFB4L culture compared with serum, an observation confirmed by less robust erythroid cell generation and 'redness' of the EBs from day 6–10 of differentiation (data not shown).

Rapid changes in Kruppel-like factor gene expression upon ES cell differentiation

Three Kruppel-like factor genes, Klf2, Klf4 and Klf5, were rapidly down regulated during the first few days of EB development (bold type in Table 1). All are members of the KLF family of transcription factors which are characterized by a similar C-terminal domain of three C2H2 zinc fingers which confers binding to CACC box elements in promoters and more distant regulatory elements 4445. Klf2 and Klf4 have N-terminal transcriptional action domains and act primarily as transcriptional activators, whereas Klf5 is best known as a transcriptional repressor 46. Until recently, Klf2 and Klf4 were considered to have restricted expression patterns 4748 with gene knockout animals showing late developmental defects in vasculogenesis and skin differentiation, respectively 4950. Recently however, Klf4 expression was noted in ES cells 1951, and forced expression was shown to enhance Oct4 expression and promote self-renewal 51.

qRT-PCR confirmed the rapid down regulation of Klf2, Klf4 and Klf5 in both serum and serum-freeB4L differentiation conditions, although Klf5 expression was down regulated more slowly (Figure 5A and 5B, and Table 4). Klf2, Klf4 and Klf5 were all re-induced from day 3–5 of differentiation as mesoderm and endoderm developmental pathways are activated (Figure 5A and 5B). Sixteen of the 17 known KLFs were examined in detail throughout the entire differentiation time course (Table 4). Klf9 was also steadily down regulated (>10 fold) between ES cells and day 5 EBs in serum and serum-freeB4L media (Figure 5B). Klf3, a well characterized transcriptional repressor 52 via its ability to recruit the co-repressor, CtBP 53, displayed an interesting biphasic expression pattern with initial rapid down regulation then re-induction from days 5–6 (Figure 5B). In contrast, Klf16 displayed little change in expression levels over the 16 days of EB maturation (Figure 5B).

<p>Table 4</p>

Kruppel-like factor gene expression during ES cell differentiation

Symbol

Synonyms

Genbank ID

Illumina® Probe ID

Absolute Expression Level

ES Cell

EB (Day)

Serum-free

10% Serum

Day 0

3

6

3

6

Klf1

Eklf

NM_010635

scl33570.4.1_25-S

110

105

125

114

2138

Klf2a

Lklf

NM_008452

scl016598.3_26-S

2275

269

157

272

248

Klf3b

Bklf;Tef-2

AK046659

NM_008453

ri|B430304G02| 3393-S

112

92

80

102

99

scl0016599.2_295-S

894

406

733

374

881

scl27779.8_253-S

638

182

422

251

442

Klf4a

Gklf; Zie

NM_010637

scl0016600.2_155-S

149

85

86

104

102

scl0016600.2_249-S

575

89

109

112

127

scl016600.7_29-S

101

69

64

86

83

Klf5a

Bteb2;IKLF

NM_009769

scl0012224.2_233-S

1981

699

232

699

274

scl45215.1.1_294-S

79

91

83

112

105

scl46026.3_338-S

183

91

78

112

99

Klf6

BCD1;CPBP;Klf6;Zf9

NM_011803

scl023849.4_8-S

1107

1697

1540

1996

1457

scl45096.3_115-S

177

251

221

307

232

Klf7

9830124P08Rik

AK086122;

NM_033563

ri|D930007C01| 2481-S

319

243

207

270

227

scl0093691.2_69-S

334

281

202

345

231

scl16685.5_486-S

439

398

305

440

309

Klf8

Klf8

NM_173780

scl0245671.1_6-S

136

113

116

139

120

Klf9a

BTEB-1;Klf9

NM_010638

scl53274.2_128-S

2035

910

205

1120

394

Klf10

Tieg1; Egra; Tieg

NM_013692

AK043433

scl47275.9_20-S

84

83

70

96

92

ri|A730095A08| 2144-S

71

65

64

93

81

Klf11

Tieg3; Tieg2b; FKLF

NM_178357

scl0194655.4_70-S

71

68

67

86

78

Klf12

AP-2rep;B130052C06Rik

NM_010636

scl000297.1_3-S

75

70

70

104

93

scl0016597.1_0-S

79

81

70

104

93

scl016597.1_75-S

92

102

86

122

121

scl45206.9.1_30-S

79

81

85

101

92

scl45212.1.365_19-S

62

61

56

75

73

Klf13

Bteb3;FKLF2; RFLAT-1

NM_021366

scl31250.6.4_21-S

291

284

245

332

308

Klf14

1110025J03Rik;Epfn;Klf14

NM_031183

scl0083395.1_307-S

109

141

103

168

140

scl13960.1.1_83-S

167

193

166

237

183

scl13961.1.1_105-S

83

75

73

104

87

Klf15

1810013I09Rik;CKLF;KKLF

NM_023184

scl29751.3_94-S

118

125

101

156

120

Klf16a

BTEB4;DRRF

NM_078477

scl37728.2_209-S

355

181

177

249

167

a. Enriched in undifferentiated ES cells

b. Biphasic expression pattern (See Figure 5)

 <p>Figure 5</p>

Kruppel like factors (Klfs) are dynamically expressed during the first few days of ES cell differentiation

Kruppel like factors (Klfs) are dynamically expressed during the first few days of ES cell differentiation. (A) GeneSpring plot of normalized gene expression for all KLFs detected during ES cell differentiation in serum or serum-freeB4L culture. Most of the genes are listed on the y-axis in order from their highest relative expression in ES cells. There is dramatic up regulation of Klf1 (Eklf) only in serum following day 6 of differentiation. Plots representing Nanog (red), Sox2 (red) and Pou5f1(Oct4) (green) are shown for comparison. Pou5f1 and Nanog gene expression persists at high levels for 2–3 days after Klf2, Klf4 and Klf5 are down regulated. (B) Validation of changes in gene expression of six members of the KLF family by quantitative real time RT-PCR. Scheme as described for Figure 2B.

Klf2 and Klf4 co-localize with OCT4 in the nuclei of ES cells (Figure 6A). Interestingly, all three proteins were found to preferentially reside in a nuclear sub-compartment (possibly nucleoli for transcription factories), suggesting possible co-involvement in a protein complex or network. Also, endogenous KLF2 was detected by specific CACC box DNA-binding activity in undifferentiated ES cells, which was lost upon EB differentiation (Figure 6B). In contrast, endogenous ES cell KLF4 DNA binding activity was not detected using the p18INK4c promoter CACC box sequence, although recombinant KLF4 was shown to bind to this probe (data not shown). SP1 and SP3 are ubiquitously expressed CACC-box binding proteins, which are dominant in ES cell nuclear extracts (Figure 6B). We hypothesize KLF2, KLF3, KLF4, KLF5 and KLF6 compete with SP1 family members for DNA binding to key cis elements in various stem cell genes to regulate expression in positive and negative fashions (see Discussion).

<p>Figure 6</p>

Kruppel like factor expression and DNA binding activity during ES cell differentiation

Kruppel like factor expression and DNA binding activity during ES cell differentiation. (A) Co-expression of Oct4 with KLF2 or KLF4 in ES cells. Indirect immuno-fluorescence shows co-localization of KLF2 and KLF4 with Oct4 in sub-nuclear compartments (possibly nucleoli). Individual confocal images for OCT4, KLF2, KLF4, and DAPI are shown with the corresponding composite image. Scale bar 40 μm. (B) Electro-mobility gel shift assay showing changes in DNA binding activities at a conserved CACC box site in the p18-INK4c gene promoter. Nuclear extracts were generated from ES cells or EBs differentiated for four days in serum. Super-shifts were performed with specific antisera for SP1, SP3, KLF2, KLF3, and KLF4 (See Methods). There is strong binding of endogenous Sp1 to the CACC element in ES cells and EB cells. KLF2 DNA-binding activity is present in ES cells as determined by a specific inhibition of binding of the indicated DNA complex with a KLF2 antibody. This activity is lost upon differentiation into EBs. The identity of the CACC box binding activity in EBs denoted CAC-X, and the binding activity in ES cells denoted CAC-Y, was not definitively identified using this panel of antibodies.

Enrichment of KLF-binding cis elements in the proximal promoters of stem cell specific genes

To investigate whether Kruppel-like factors might directly regulate stem cell gene expression, and therefore play a role in the maintenance or loss of 'stemness', the presence of KLF transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) within the proximal promoters of all genes in Table 1 was determined. Although a position weighted matrix (PWM) for KLF4 binding site specificity has been published 54, this site does not resemble the CACC box sequences known to bind other KLFs. Since KLF4 has identical DNA-binding residues in each of its three C-terminal C2H2 zinc fingers to other members of the Kruppel-like factor family 45, it should bind to similar sequences. Based on the crystal structure of the zinc fingers of Zif268 and SP1 bound to DNA 5556, and testing of specific binding of CACC box variants to recombinant KLF1, KLF3 and KLF17 45525758, a generic KLF TFBS has been proposed. Although a SELEX experiment for KLF1 binding has not been published, experiments from our group suggest a C at position 1, an A or C at position 3, an A at position 5, and an A, T or C at position 9 of the 9 bp consensus provides enhanced affinity for KLF1 binding. Taken together, these studies have enabled the development of a PWM (called here KLF-A) that should predict KLF4, KLF2 and other KLF TFBSs (see Methods and Additional file 7).

<p>Additional file 7</p>

Position Weighted Matrices. Provides published data on position weighted matrices for Oct, Sox, KLF-A, KLF4, Nanog, E-box, Gata-1 and their variants.

Click here for file

Clover 59 was used to determine if defined TFBSs were statistically over-represented in the stem cell lists. We searched for PWMs for KLF-A, KLF4 54, octamer, extended octamer, nanog, and Oct-Sox binary sites as well as negative control sites (gata-1 and E-box) in sequences 2 kb upstream of the TSSs of stem cell genes (Table 1), versus 2 kb of sequences upstream of the entire murine transcriptome (See Additional file 7 for details of PWMs). There was significant over-representation of KLF-A TFBS within the first 2 kb of promoter sequences from the stem list gene list (p value of < 0.01) (Figure 7A), as well as over-representation of octamer sites and extended Oct4-binding sites as defined from ChIP-PET data 60. No statistically significant over-representation of KLF4 54, NANOG, GATA1 or E-box TFBSs were identified. All genes in the rapidly down regulated gene list have at least one KLF-A type CACC site, or octamer or Oct4 60 TFBS. A full list of the promoters with highlighted sites is available on request. Together, this data strongly suggests direct transcriptional regulation of many stem cell genes by KLFs.

<p>Figure 7</p>

KLF and octamer binding sites are highly enriched in stem cell gene promoters

KLF and octamer binding sites are highly enriched in stem cell gene promoters. (A) A Clover analysis was used to identify over-represented transcription factor binding sites within the promoter sequences of all stem cell genes identified in Table 1. Representative gene promoters are shown, indicating KLF-A binding sites (pink), octamer sites (ATGCWAAT) (green) and extended Oct4 binding sites (Oct4-Loh)(cyan) [60]. (B) Clover output for 2 kb of promoter sequence of murine Zfp42/Rex1. The positions and sequences corresponding to PWMs for KLF-A, octamer and Oct4 occupancy sites are indicated in the table and colour coded in the sequence. The positions are relative to the transcriptional start site. (C) ECR Browser output of conserved sequence identity between mouse and rat in the promoter and part of the first intron of the Zfp42 gene. The blue arrows indicate the direction of transcription. Yellow indicates the extent of the first (non-coding) exon, pink indicates regions of sequence conservation in the first intron and red indicates regions of sequence conservation in the 5' upstream region. rVISTA was used to find all of the KLF-A and octamer sites in the murine gene (Murine only) and conserved sites between mouse and rat (Conserved mouse, rat).

The Zfp42/Rex1 gene promoter is presented as an example of output from the Clover program (Figure 7B). It contains five KLF-A, one octamer and three OCT4 TFBS. The two CACC box elements within the first 250 base pairs of the TSS represent classical extended KLF-binding sites 4261. These regions are the same as previously reported 62 although their functional importance has not been determined. Interestingly, two of the three KLF-A TFBS were evolutionarily conserved between the mouse and rat gene promoters (Figure 7C). Also, two further conserved CACC sites at -1.4 and -1.5 kb were identified within 500 bp of extended evolutionary conservation (>70% identity) (Figure 7C). This might act as a KLF dependent enhancer. Most of the stem cell genes in list 1 have conserved CACC box elements in their promoters 63646566. In some cases these have been reported to bind the ubiquitous SP1, but our Clover analysis suggests they are also likely to bind KLFs (see Discussion).

Discussion

Expression profiling of murine ES cell differentiation was undertaken over a 16-day time course. We compared gene expression in methylcellulose cultures containing serum versus chemically defined media containing LIF (1 U/ml) and low concentrations of BMP4 (2 ng/ml) 67. The Illumina® Sentrix Mouse 6 bead array provided a sensitive and detailed platform for analysis of dynamic gene expression. Using various data mining approaches, lists of stem cell-enriched genes and genes that are induced during the in vitro equivalent of epiblast and primitive streak stages of differentiation were generated. In combination with other ES cell profiling studies 7, our detailed expression data provides a useful resource for future reverse genetic approaches (i.e. siRNA knockdown) to study the function of these genes during ES cell differentiation and in vivo development. We also found a number of previously uncharacterized cDNAs (RIKEN clones) which could play important roles during development.

Importantly, the loss of pluripotency, measured by Oct4 gene expression, was comparable between serum and serum-freeB4L EB culture, following a predicted decrease over the first 6 days. Surprisingly, Oct4 gene expression gradually increased following day 6, an observation independent of the cell lines used (data not shown). It remains undetermined if expansion of Oct4 positive ES cells persists as undifferentiated populations within our EB culture system. Previous studies have identified the development of Oct4 positive primordial germ cells (PGC) following 12 days of ES cell differentiation 686970, suggesting the Oct4 profile may alternatively represent the expansion of non-ES cell populations. Although the expansion of some undifferentiated ES cells is possible, the array profile does not suggest global persistence or up-regulation of ES gene expression late in the EB program. Also, markers of mesoderm induction such as brachyury and Mixl, do not show persistent up-regulation following peak expression at day 4, suggesting EBs are unlikely to harbour cells which are delayed or arrested from entering the differentiation program.

We found significant differences in cardiac gene expression during EB differentiation in serum and serum-freeB4L culture. Our current understanding of cardiac development provides possible insights into this observation. Briefly, in vivo studies have revealed BMPs secreted from the anterior lateral plate, and ill-defined signals from anterior primitive endoderm, are key inducers of cardiac development 717273. The administration of recombinant BMP2 or BMP4 to chick explant cultures induces cardiac differentiation in non-cardiogenic mesoderm 71 and Bmp2 knockout animals develop cardiac abnormalities 74. Conversely, Wnts secreted by the neural tube are strong suppressors of cardiogenesis. Together, these opposing signals act to establish the borders of the heart field 7175. By mimicking the environment that establishes cardiogenesis in vivo, assays capable of directing cardiomyocyte production from ES cells have been established. BMPs can efficiently enhance the cardiac program when added to EB culture 7677, whereas BMP inhibition drastically suppresses this outcome. In our hands cultures supplemented with BMP4 (2 ng/ml) supported cardiomyocyte maturation (as determined by expression of cardiac specific genes) with greatest expression detected at Day 8–10. This correlated with increased numbers of spontaneously beating EBs, and the timing of initial spontaneous contractions during murine embryogenesis 78. The cardiac program was significantly reduced in culture containing 10% serum, an observation supported by a number of other studies 7980. This suggests the constituents of serum are inhibitory to cardiomyocyte development. Although a detailed assessment of cardiomyocyte differentiation was not the focus of this analysis, the array output, qRT-PCR profiles and morphological observations described supports the usefulness of this assay in future investigations. In addition, the defined constituents of serum-freeB4L media provides an excellent opportunity to identify additional recombinant factors required to further expand cardiac progenitor cell production from EBs.

In contrast, the hematopoietic program was more pronounced within EBs grown in 10% serum than BMP4 alone (Figure 1 and 4). In particular, EKLF (Klf1) expression was significantly reduced in serum-free media supplemented with BMP4 (2 ng/ml) compared with serum (Figure 5A and Table 4). EKLF is essential for regulation of a large cohort of erythroid specific genes 8182, many of which were identified in sets 2 and 3 (Figure 4). Thus, it is likely that reduced EKLF expression in SFB4L media directly results in inhibition of a cascade of erythroid gene expression. Previous work showed the addition of BMP (at 5 ng/ml) to serum-free ES cell culture induces EKLF expression and restores hematopoietic cell differentiation 83. Although a weak hematopoietic program was observed in SFB4L culture, the concentration of BMP4 used was less than that used by Adelman et al. Thus, we suggest a robust cardiac (anterior-ventral mesoderm) gene expression program is induced by low conentrations of BMP4 (or other BMPs), whereas a robust blood gene expression program (posterior-ventral mesoderm) requires >2 ng/ml of BMP4 or additional growth factors. Recently, mesoderm derived progenitor cell populations for hematopoietic and cardiac lineages were studied during EB development using ES cells in which GFP is targeted to the brachyury locus 80. Within day 3.25 EBs, GFP+Flk1+ cells were shown to represent hematopoietic precursors, whereas GFP+Flk1- cells were significantly enriched for cardiac progenitor populations. It would be interesting to determine if the ratio of Flk1+/Flk1- within the brachyury positive population is altered between our two culture conditions.

A number of the Kruppel-like factor family of transcription factors were dynamically expressed in the first few days of ES cell differentiation. It was initially surprising to find highly enriched Klf2 and Klf4 expression in ES cells, since both are considered markers of terminally differentiated cell types such as skin 50, gut 84, vascular smooth muscle 4985 and lymphocytes 86. However, recent evidence suggests KLFs may regulate stem cell function, since Klf4 is enriched in ES cells 19 and forced over-expression within these cells can maintain pluripotency in the absence of LIF 51. Furthermore, Klf4 can bind the Lefty1 gene core promoter co-operatively with Oct4 and Sox2 65. Although Lefty 1 and 2 are best characterized as repressors of nodal, acting to regulate left-right patterning 87, our results and those of others, suggest a possible redundant role for lefty proteins during the maintenance of ES cell pluripotency 65. Similarly to the Oct4 expression profile, many of the KLF family members also increased in expression late in the differentiation program. As mentioned, the KLFs are expressed in diverse tissues during development. It is therefore expected that the profiles obtained reflect the generation and early specification of mesoderm and endoderm cells following primitive streak gene activation at day 4.

Based on the likely identical binding specificity of the KLF family, established transcriptional activation and repression roles of certain family members 44, and bioinformatic evidence of a high prevalence of KLF TFBSs in many stem cell genes, we propose KLF competition for occupancy of these CACC box elements might determine self-renewal versus differentiation of ES cells. According to this model, high levels of KLF2 and KLF4 expression in undifferentiated ES cells would lead to occupancy of CACC box elements in promoters of stem cell genes such as Pou5f1/Oct4, Nanog, Esrrb, Zfp42/Rex1, Lefty1 and Lefty2. Furthermore, the Klf2 and Klf4 genes themselves have CACC box elements in their proximal promoters (Figure 7A), suggesting a positive feedback loop within ES cells is likely. Interestingly, gene knockout and lentiviral shRNA gene knockdown of Klf2 or Klf4, does not lead to an obvious stem cell defect 19495085, suggesting these two KLFs may have functionally redundant roles during the maintenance of pluripotency. Future analysis of KLF2/KLF4 double knockout ES lines or the knockdown of both proteins using RNAi technologies will be necessary to validate this hypothesis. Upon ES cell differentiation, down regulation of Klf2 and Klf4 was very rapid, whereas down regulation of Oct4 and Nanog was delayed for one to two days. We suggest loss of KLF2 and KLF4 binding to Pouf1/Oct4, Nanog, Esrrb and perhaps other stem cell promoters, could be directly responsible for their down regulation. Moreover, Klf5 was down regulated more slowly, and Klf3 was up-regulated in the first two days of differentiation, suggesting these KLFs may function primarily as transcriptional repressors at the Pouf1/Oct4, nanog, Zfp42 and Esrrb gene promoters. Once this differentiation driving transcription network is activated we suggest KLF3, KLF5 and KLF9 can accelerate loss of the stem cell state by directly repressing expression of the Klf2 and Klf4 genes themselves. Therefore, a combination of cross regulation of transcriptional outputs, and competition for occupancy of key stem cell promoters by KLF proteins with differing biochemical properties but identical DNA-binding capacities, may determine self-renewal versus differentiation outcomes. Again validation of this model requires functional analysis. It is important to note we have not proven occupancy of stem cell gene promoters by the KLFs in vivo. Chromatin immuno-precipitation (ChIP) experiments in ES cells and differentiated populations are essential to validate this model, however ChiP grade antibodies are not currently available.

This scenario is not necessarily limited to ES cell differentiation. A similar program may take place in many adult stem and progenitor cells populations. Certainly competition between Klf4 and Klf5 has been suggested to regulate cell growth 88, and Klf1 and Klf3 compete for binding and have opposing effects in blood cells 89. Furthermore, an imbalance between occupancy of key stem cell or proliferation gene promoters by KLFs, with differing activating and repressing functions, could be responsible for the development or progression of many common forms of cancer. For example, loss of hetero-zygosity for Klf4 and Klf5 has been found in colon, stomach, breast, prostate and liver cancers 9091.

In addition to the proposed complex transcriptional interplay between KLFs and stem cell gene promoters, direct protein-protein interactions and protein networks involving KLFs are possible. We showed sub-nuclear localization of KLF2 and KLF4 with OCT4 in ES cells (Figure 6A), and KLF4 can co-operate with OCT4 and SOX2 to drive expression of the Lefty1 core promoter 65. Also, very recent biochemical purification of NANOG-interacting proteins discovered KLF4 as part of a NANOG-OCT4 network in ES cells (Stuart Orkin, personal communication). This is also consistent with the ability of KLF4 to co-operate with OCT4, SOX2 and c-MYC to drive de-differentiation of fibroblasts into ES-like cells 24.

Conclusion

Defining the genetic regulation of ES cell self renewal and differentiation will be instrumental for the development of future cell based therapies. Using 47 K Illumina® Sentrix bead arrays, the differential expression of genes during 16 days of ES cell differentiation was determined. Hierarchical gene clustering and correlation statistical analyses lead to the identification of a small cohort of genes which define the stem cell state. Historically, ES cell differentiation is achieved in culture media containing 10–15% FBS. A direct comparison between ES cell differentiation in serum and a serum-free media was undertaken. Surprisingly, global gene expression profiles were comparable between culture conditions, with the exception of mesoderm derived cardiac and haematopoietic transcripts. These results support the use of defined serum-free approaches for the directed differentiation of ES cell commitment. Expression of many KLF family members were enriched in ES cells and rapidly down regulated upon differentiation. KLF2 and KLF4 were co-localisation with OCT4 in ES cell nuclei and KLF transcription factor binding sites were over-represented within the promoters of the putative ES cell gene list (p < 0.01). Taken together, this data strongly suggests KLF family members regulate the maintenance of ES cell pluripotency.

Methods

ES cell culture, embryoid body formation and immunohistochemistry

W9.5 ES cell differentiation was performed as described (Bruce et al., Differentiation, in press). For immuno-fluorescence, feeder depleted W9.5 ES cells were seeded onto sterile gelatin-coated glass cover slips in ES cell media, fixed in 4% PFA for 10 min then washed in PBS. Cover slips were boiled in 10 mM citric acid (pH 6.4) for 10 min, washed in PBS and permeabilized in 0.18% triton X-100 in PBS for 10 mins. For OCT4/KLF4 detection, the cover slips were blocked in 1% BSA then incubated with rabbit polyclonal antibody raised against OCT4 (Abcam #ab19857) and goat Anti-mouse KLF4 (R&D Systems #AF3158) overnight at 4°C, then incubated in goat anti-rabbit Alexa-488 (1:400) (Molecular Probes #A11008) and donkey anti-goat Alexa-647 (1:400) for 1 hour. For co-detection of OCT4/KLF2, the Zenon Rabbit IgG labelling kit was used (Molecular Probes #Z-25308). 1 μg of KLF2 rabbit polyclonal antibody (Santa Cruz SC-28675) was labeled with Alexa647 Fab fragment following the manufacturer's instructions. Cover slips already stained for OCT4 (Alexa488) were incubated with labeled KLF2 for 1 hr then washed and post-fixed in 4% PFA to ensure strong signal detection. DAPI 1:5000 (Molecular Probes #D3571) was used to detect nuclear localization. Cover slips were mounted on SuperFrost® Plus slides (Menzel-Glaser) with VectaShield mounting media (Vector Laboratories H-1000). Confocal microscopy was performed on LSM 510 META Carl Zeiss microscope system.

RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis and real-time RT-PCR data analysis

Total RNA was made using TRIzol (Invitrogen), and cDNA was synthesized from 2 μg of DNase1-treated total RNA using Superscript III (Invitrogen) and oligo-DT12–15 (Promega) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) was carried out using the Applied Biosystems SYBR-green dye system and 7500 Real Time Cycler in 96-well plates. Cycling variables were as follows: 50°C for 2 minutes, 95°C for 10 minutes, then 40 cycles of 15-second denaturation at 95°C and 1-minute at appropriate annealing temperatures, optimized for each set of primers based on dissociation curves (Additional file 8). Expression levels were normalized to HPRT as determined from the ratio of delta CT values. Mean of relative expression ± SD was determined from three biological replicates. Sequencing of gel-purified amplicons was performed to ensure correct product amplification.

<p>Additional file 8</p>

Oligonucleotide sequences used for qRT-PCR analysis. Lists the oligonucleotide sequences and cycling conditions used for the qRT-PCR analysis.

Click here for file

Micro-array hybridization and analysis

Expression profiling was performed using Sentrix Mouse-6 Expression BeadChip arrays from Illumina®. RNA was assessed for integrity using the Agilent Bioanalyzer 2100 and RNA integrity (RIN) scores above 9.5 were present in all samples. Amplification was performed with 500 ng of total RNA using the Illumina TotalPrep RNA Amplification kit (Ambion) with a 12 hour in vitro transcription reaction period. The quantity and quality of biotin-UTP incorporated cRNA was also assessed on the Agilent Bioanalyzer 2100. Amplified cRNA (1500 ng per array) was hybridized to Mouse-6.v1 BeadChip arrays according to the manufacturer guidelines and detected with Fluorolink Streptavidin-Cy3 (Amersham Biosciences). Arrays were scanned using the Illumina BeadStation Scanner. The raw intensity values obtained for the scanned array images were compiled using the proprietary BeadStudio v1.5.1.3 software and imported into GeneSpring GX v7.3.1 (Agilent). A mouse Illumina probe set was defined in the GeneSpring Workgroup using the Illumina targetIDs as the unique identifiers and annotated according to array content files supplied by illumina®. Data normalization was performed by first setting all measurements less than 0.01 to 0.01, then applying per chip normalization to the 50th percentile, and per gene normalization to the median.

From an interpretation which included the three FBS experiments, a non-parametric Welch ANOVA (where variances were not assumed equal) was performed on all 46,120 probes to find a subset of genes whose expression varied significantly throughout the differentiation time course. A Benjamini and Hochberg False Discovery Rate multiple testing correction was applied to reduce the number of false positives. This yielded a set of 7,967 probes that showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) differences in expression by Welch t-test. This approach simplified running the data mining algorithms to find syn-expression patterns by removing genes such as housekeeping genes which did not display differential expression, or genes which did not reach a threshold of expression at any time points.

Genome interpretations were generated in GeneSpring GXv7.3.1 (Agilent) in which the mean relative expression level for each gene was represented at each time point relative to the average of all time points. A number of statistical approaches were used to find syn-expression patterns. A Pearson correlation (between 0.9 and 1.0) was performed to find genes with similar expression profiles to Pouf1/Oct4, nanog, sox2, fgf5, wnt5 and brachyury. Hierarchical clustering was performed using the gene by gene and group by group 'tree' algorithm within the GeneSpring (Agilent) program. This compares each probe with every other in the lists to generate similarity statistics and a tree representation of similarity based on a Pearson correlation. Also, quality threshold (QT) clustering 92 was used to define distinct subsets of co-expressed genes. The entire data set for the experiments is available via GEO as well as via our instance of Genespring (contact corresponding author).

Electro-mobility gel shift assays (EMSA)

Nuclear extracts were made from undifferentiated ES cells and embryoid bodies grown for four days in 10% serum. Electromobility gel shift assays (EMSA) were performed as previously described 61 using double stranded oligonucleotide probes corresponding to an extended CACC site in the p18INK4c promoter (sense strand 5'-gttgggcggggcgtgggcggggcc-3') (Tallack, et al., submitted). Supershifts were performed with specific antibodies raised against SP1 (Santa Cruz SC-059x), SP3 (Santa Cruz SC-644x), KLF2 (Santa Cruz SC-28675), KLF3 52 and KLF4 (Santa Cruz SC-12538x).

Bioinformatic searches for CACC sites and other over represented elements in promoters of stem cell genes

The data-mining tool Biomart (accessed via Ensembl release 36 of the mouse genome), was used to collate 2 kb of sequences upstream of the transcriptional start sites (TSSs) of all genes listed in Table 1. The Clover program, run via the MotifViz web interface 59, was used to search for over-representation of position weighted matrices (PWMs) for octamer 93, Oct4 60, Oct-Sox 60, KLF4 54, E-box, GATA-1 94 and CACC (KLF-A) elements in these promoter sets. The PWMs are listed in Additional file 7. The ECR Browser 95 was used to determine phylogenetic conservation of cis elements between mouse, rat and human genomes.

Abbreviations

BSA, bovine serum albumin; EB, embryoid body; EMSA, electromobility gel shift assay; ES, embryonic stem; FBS, fetal bovine serum; KL, Fkruppel-like factor; LIF, leukemia inhibitory factor; MEF, mouse embryonic fibroblasts; PFA, paraformaldehyde; PWM, position weighted matrix; TFBS, transcription factor binding sites.

Competing interests

The author(s) declares that there are no competing interests.

Authors' contributions

SB established the EB differentiation assay, collected and purified RNA samples, designed and carried out the quantitative RT-PCR studies and drafted the manuscript. BG carried out the micro array protocol. LB Carried out experimentation of mesoderm specific gene expression. MG performed the array statistical analysis and annotation. SG participated in the design of the study and performed the statistical analysis. AP conceived the study, and participated in its design and coordination and helped to draft the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Acknowledgements

We acknowledge funding from Australian Stem Cell Centre (P021), Wesley Research Institute (2006_04), and scholarship support from Kidney Health Australia.

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