Modulation of hematopoietic and endothelial cell differentiation from mouse embryonic stem cells by different culture conditions

Embryonic stem (ES) cells can differentiate into many different somatic cells in culture. To better correlate hematopoietic and endothelial cell differentiation of ES cells in currently available protocols, we compared fetal liver kinase-1 (Flk-1)-, stem cell leukemia (Scl)-, and vascular endothelial-cadherin (VE-cadherin)-expressing cells generated in embryoid bodies (EBs) and on OP9 cells. We report that the kinetics of Scl and Flk-1 expression were similar in EBs and OP9 cells, although Flk-1 expression was extended on OP9 cells. CD45⁺ and Ter-119⁺ cells developed more efficiently in EBs, whereas VE-cadherin⁺ cells developed largely on OP9 cells. Cell sorting and replating studies showed that Scl⁺ cells, not Flk-1⁺ or VE-cadherin⁺ cells, were enriched for primitive and definitive hematopoietic progenitors. Our studies indicate that optimal hematopoietic and endothelial cell differentiation occur in EBs and on OP9 cells, respectively. Regardless of the culture systems used, Scl is the most relevant marker for enriching primitive and definitive hematopoietic progenitors.