Forced expression of the Oct-4 gene influences differentiation of embryonic stem cells

By transfecting an Oct-4 expression plasmid Into embryonic stem cells (ES c ells), the ES-O cell line was constructed, which sustained the expression o f Oct-4 gene when induced by retinoic acid. Forced expression of Oct-4 gene could not sustain the stem property of ES-O cells without the differentiat ion inhibiting factor LIF, but if LIF exists, forced expression of Oct-4 ge ne could enhance the ability to sustain the undifferentiation state and Inh ibit cell differentiation induced by retinoic acid. It was Indicated that O ct-4 must cooperate with LIF to sustain the undifferentiation state of ES c ells. During the cell differentiation, ES-O cells tend to differentiate Int o neural cells, suggesting that forced expression of Oct-4 gene may be In r elation with the differentiation of neuroderm.