Microarray analysis of LIF/Stat3 transcriptional targets in embryonic stem cells.

Mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells can be propagated in vitro while retaining their properties of pluripotency and self-renewal under the continuous presence of leukemia inhibitor factor (LIF). An essential role has been attributed to subsequent activation of the Stat3 transcription factor in mediating LIF self-renewal response. To date, however, downstream target genes of Stat3 in ES cells are still unknown.