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09:03
Profiling Individual Human Embryonic Stem Cells by Quantitative RT-PCR
Published on: May 29, 2014
OCT4 expression in human uterine myometrial stem/progenitor cells
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-88582, Japan.
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|June 26, 2010
Summary
Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) mRNA, specifically OCT4A, is more abundant in human myometrial side population (myoSP) cells, which possess stem cell-like properties. This indicates that the myoSP population is enriched in OCT4 mRNA.
Area of Science:
- Stem cell biology
- Reproductive medicine
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) is a key transcription factor in stem cells.
- Human OCT4 has two isoforms: OCT4A (maintains pluripotency) and OCT4B (does not).
- Human myometrium contains side population (myoSP) cells with stem cell characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the comparative expression of OCT4 in human myometrial stem/progenitor cell populations.
- To determine OCT4 isoform expression in myometrial side population (myoSP) cells.
Main Methods:
- Human myometrial tissue samples were analyzed from 18 patients.
- Semi-quantitative and real-time RT-PCR, immunoblot, and immunohistochemistry were performed.
- OCT4 expression was compared between myoSP and non-myoSP cells.
Main Results:
- OCT4 mRNA and protein were detected in some myometrial samples.
- OCT4 protein was found in the nuclei of a small number of myometrial cells.
- OCT4 and OCT4A transcripts were more abundant in myoSP cells compared to non-myoSP cells; OCT4B was not.
Conclusions:
- Myometrial side population (myoSP) cells show up-regulated OCT4 mRNA, particularly OCT4A.
- The myoSP population is enriched in OCT4 mRNA, supporting their stem cell-like properties.
- Relatively few myometrial cells express OCT4 protein.
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