Antibody Panels for Embryonic Stem Cells

Embryonic Stem Cell Antibody Panels

These antibody panels are designed for analyzing the differentiation status of human embryonic stem (ES) cells by evaluating ES cell marker expression. Each panel contains a group of antibodies that are recognized as markers for undifferentiated human ES cells. Panels can be applied to both flow cytometry- and immunohistochemistry-based applications.

While the undifferentiated/pluripotent state of ES cells can be best defined functionally, a number of molecular markers have been used to characterize it. Pluripotent ES cells can be characterized by high level expression of the transcription factors Oct-3/4 (also termed Oct-3 or Oct-4) and Nanog. A critical amount of Oct-3/4 and Nanog expression is required to sustain stem-cell pluripotency. When ES cells are induced to differentiate, Oct-3/4 and Nanog are down-regulated.

The undifferentiated state of ES cells is often characterized by the expression of the cell surface antigens, SSEA-1 and SSEA-4. Undifferentiated primate ES cells, human ES cells, and human Embryonic Carcinoma (EC) cells express SSEA-4, but not SSEA-1. In contrast, undifferentiated mouse ES cells do express SSEA-1 but do not express SSEA-4. Undifferentiated human EC, ES, and embryonic germ cells have also been shown to express a very high level of alkaline phosphatase. Expression levels of alkaline phosphatase decrease following stem cell differentiation.

Human Embryonic Stem Cell Marker Antibody Panel (Catalog # SC008)

Each Kit Contains the following antibodies:

• Anti-Alkaline Phosphatase
• Anti-Nanog
• Anti-Oct-3/4
• Anti-SSEA-1
• Anti-SSEA-4

Human Embryonic Stem Cell Marker Antibody Panel Plus (Catalog # SC009)

Each Kit Contains the following antibodies:

• Anti-CD9
• Anti-E-Cadherin
• Anti-Nanog
• Anti-Oct-3/4
• Anti-Podocalyxin
• Anti-SOX2
• Anti-SSEA-1
• Anti-SSEA-4

A   B   C

An Embryoid Body Derived from Human Embryonic Stem Cells Stained for Pluripotency Markers. Cells were stained using antibodies from the Human Embryonic Stem Cell Marker Antibody Panel (Catalog # SC008) for Nanog (red; A) and the nuclei counterstained with DAPI (blue; A) or for Oct-3/4 (green; B). Merge of images in (A) and (B) shows the overlap of the 3 fluorochromes (white; C). Images courtesy of Dr. Ronald McKay, NINDS.

Flow Cytometry analysis of SSEA-4 expression. Reactivity of human embryonic stem cells stained with mouse anti-SSEA-4 monoclonal antibody (Catalog # MAB1435) (green) or isotype control (black). Cells were stained using a PE-conjugated goat anti-mouse IgG secondary antibody.