In vitro-and in vivo-induced transgene expression in human embryonic stem cells and derivatives

X Xia, M Ayala, BR Thiede, SC Zhang - Stem Cells, 2008 - academic.oup.com
X Xia, M Ayala, BR Thiede, SC Zhang
Stem Cells, 2008academic.oup.com
The use of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) as a research and therapeutic tool will be
facilitated by conditional gene expression. Here, we report drug-induced transgene
expression, both in vitro and in vivo, from a tet-on hESC line with> 95% purity. Using green
fluorescent protein as an indicator, we demonstrated that the tet-on system allowed a tight
control of the gene expression in both undifferentiated hESCs and differentiated cells of the
three germ layers. More importantly, after the cells were transplanted into animals, the gene …
Abstract
The use of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) as a research and therapeutic tool will be facilitated by conditional gene expression. Here, we report drug-induced transgene expression, both in vitro and in vivo, from a tet-on hESC line with >95% purity. Using green fluorescent protein as an indicator, we demonstrated that the tet-on system allowed a tight control of the gene expression in both undifferentiated hESCs and differentiated cells of the three germ layers. More importantly, after the cells were transplanted into animals, the gene expression remained to be regulated by an orally administered drug. These results provide a technical basis for regulation of gene expression in hESCs and derivatives in vitro and in vivo.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Oxford University Press