X-inactivation status varies in human embryonic stem cell lines.
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) derived from human blastocysts have an apparently unlimited proliferative capacity and can differentiate into ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. As such, hESC lines have enormous potential for use in cell replacement therapies. It must first be demonstrated, however, that hESCs maintain a stable karyotype and phenotype and that gene expression is appropriately regulated. To date, different hESC lines exhibit similar patterns of expression of markers associated with pluripotent cells. However, the evaluation of epigenetic status of hESC lines has only recently been initiated. One example of epigenetic gene regulation is dosage compensation of the X chromosome in mammalian females. This is achieved through an epigenetic event referred to as X-chromosome inactivation (XCI), an event initiated upon cellular differentiation. We provide the first evidence that undifferentiated hESC lines exhibit different patterns of XCI.
Hoffman
Lisa M
LM
Robarts Research Institute, Krembil Centre for Stem Cell Biology, London, Ontario, Canada.
Hall
Lisa
L
Batten
Jennifer L
JL
Young
Holly
H
Pardasani
Dheerja
D
Baetge
E Edward
EE
Lawrence
Jeanne
J
Carpenter
Melissa K
MK
D000782:Aneuploidy; D001374:Azacitidine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000494:pharmacology; D002460:Cell Line; D002843:Chromatin / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D000077209:Decitabine; D033041:Embryo Research; D005260:Female; D020869:Gene Expression Profiling; D020868:Gene Silencing; D006801:Humans; D062085:RNA, Long Noncoding; D022661:RNA, Untranslated / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D013723:Teratogens / Q000494:pharmacology; D049951:X Chromosome Inactivation / Q000502:physiology*
D002843:Chromatin; D062085:RNA, Long Noncoding; D022661:RNA, Untranslated; D013723:Teratogens; C077885:XIST non-coding RNA; D000077209:Decitabine; D001374:Azacitidine