Abstract: Objective To compare the expressions of FGFR2 isoforms and the relevant alternative splicing factors in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and their differentiated embryoid bodies (EBs), and human adult stem cells (ASCs) derived from different tissue sources, including bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), adipose derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADSCs) and hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs). Methods The characteristics of hESCs, EBs and ASCs were confirmed by RT-PCR, immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry analysis. The expressions of FGFR2 isoforms and the relevant splicing factors were quantified by real-time PCR. Results FGFR2 IIIc is the dominant isoform in all tested cells. Upon differentiation, the expressions of FGFR2 isoforms, as well as the IIIb/IIIc ratio in EBs were significantly increased (P<0.05). The expression of splicing factors that inhibited IIIc expression (FOX2) and inhibited IIIb expression (HnRNPA1) in EBs was increased after differentiation for 7 days and 14 days respectively (P<0.05). The expressions of FGFR2 isoforms in hESCs and HFSCs were significantly higher than in BMSCs and ADSCs, and significantly higher in BMSCs than in ADSCs (p<0.05). Expressions of multiple FGFR2 relevant splicing factors were significantly higher in hESCs and HFSCs than in BMSCs and ADSCs. Conclusion The expression profiles of FGFR2 isoforms and the relevant splicing factors in stem cells at different developmental stages and from different tissue sources are different.

Key words: human embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells, FGFR2, alternative splicing