Abstract
Self-renewal of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) is maintained by a complex regulatory mechanism involving transcription factors Oct3/4 (Pou5f1), Nanog and Sox2. Here, we report that Klf5, a Zn-finger transcription factor of the Kruppel-like family, is involved in ESC self-renewal. Klf5 is expressed in mouse ESCs, blastocysts and primordial germ cells, and its knockdown by RNA interference alters the molecular phenotype of ESCs, thereby preventing their correct differentiation. The ability of Klf5 to maintain ESCs in the undifferentiated state is supported by the finding that differentiation of ESCs is prevented when Klf5 is constitutively expressed. Maintenance of the undifferentiated state by Klf5 is, at least in part, due to the control of Nanog and Oct3/4 transcription, because Klf5 directly binds to the promoters of these genes and regulates their transcription.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Cell Differentiation / genetics
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Cell Proliferation* / drug effects
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Cells, Cultured
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Embryonic Stem Cells / drug effects
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Embryonic Stem Cells / metabolism
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Embryonic Stem Cells / physiology*
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Gene Expression Regulation / physiology
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Homeodomain Proteins / genetics
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Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors / antagonists & inhibitors
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Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors / genetics
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Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors / metabolism
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Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors / physiology*
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Mice
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Nanog Homeobox Protein
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Octamer Transcription Factor-3 / genetics
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Promoter Regions, Genetic
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Protein Binding
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RNA, Small Interfering / pharmacology
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Transfection
Substances
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Homeodomain Proteins
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Klf5 protein, mouse
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Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors
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Nanog Homeobox Protein
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Nanog protein, mouse
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Octamer Transcription Factor-3
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Pou5f1 protein, mouse
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RNA, Small Interfering