A hierarchical order of factors in the generation of FLK1- and SCL-expressing hematopoietic and endothelial progenitors from embryonic stem cells.

The receptor tyrosine kinase FLK1 and the transcription factor SCL play crucial roles in the establishment of hematopoietic and endothelial cell lineages in mice. We have previously used an in vitro differentiation model of embryonic stem (ES) cells and demonstrated that hematopoietic and endothelial cells develop via sequentially generated FLK1(+) and SCL(+) cells. To gain a better understanding of cellular and molecular events leading to hematopoietic specification, we examined factors necessary for FLK1(+) and SCL(+) cell induction in serum-free conditions.