Epigenetic stability, adaptability, and reversibility in human embryonic stem cells.

ABSTRACT: The stability of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) is of critical importance for both experimental and clinical applications. We find that as an initial response to altered culture conditions, hESCs change their transcription profile for hundreds of genes and their DNA methylation profiles for several genes outside the core pluripotency network. After adaption to conditions of feeder-free defined and/or xeno-free culture systems, expression and DNA methylation profiles are quite stable for additional passaging. However, upon reversion to the original feeder-based culture conditions, numerous transcription changes are not reversible. Similarly, although the majority of DNA methylation changes are reversible, highlighting the plasticity of DNA methylation, a few are persistent. Collectively

SUBMITTER: Tompkins JD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3411986 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature