Expression of podocalyxin separates the hematopoietic and vascular potentials of mouse embryonic stem cell-derived mesoderm

Stem Cells. 2014 Jan;32(1):191-203. doi: 10.1002/stem.1536.

Abstract

In the mouse embryo and differentiating embryonic stem cells, the hematopoietic, endothelial, and cardiomyocyte lineages are derived from Flk1+ mesodermal progenitors. Here, we report that surface expression of Podocalyxin (Podxl), a member of the CD34 family of sialomucins, can be used to subdivide the Flk1+ cells in differentiating embryoid bodies at day 4.75 into populations that develop into distinct mesodermal lineages. Definitive hematopoietic potential was restricted to the Flk1+Podxl+ population, while the Flk1-negative Podxl+ population displayed only primitive erythroid potential. The Flk1+Podxl-negative population contained endothelial cells and cardiomyocyte potential. Podxl expression distinguishes Flk1+ mesoderm populations in mouse embryos at days 7.5, 8.5, and 9.5 and is a marker of progenitor stage primitive erythroblasts. These findings identify Podxl as a useful tool for separating distinct mesodermal lineages.

Keywords: Endothelial cell; Flk1; Gastrulation; Hematopoiesis; Mesoderm induction; Mouse embryonic stem cells; Pluripotent cells; Podocalyxin; Vascular development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation / physiology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Endothelial Cells / cytology
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism*
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / cytology
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Mesoderm / cytology
  • Mesoderm / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Pluripotent Stem Cells / cytology
  • Pluripotent Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Sialoglycoproteins / biosynthesis*
  • Sialoglycoproteins / metabolism
  • Tissue Array Analysis

Substances

  • Sialoglycoproteins
  • podocalyxin