Identification of an ES cell pluripotent state-specific DUSP6 enhancer.

To identify genes with pluripotent state-specific expression in embryonic stem (ES) cells, we compared gene expression profiles between undifferentiated and differentiated mouse ES cells using DNA microarrays. Among the numerous genes identified, we focused on dual specificity phosphatase 6 (DUSP6), which had previously been shown to be expressed in undifferentiated human ES cells. We have identified and characterized a regulatory enhancer that we have termed PEDRE that controls pluripotent state-specific expression of DUSP6. This 82-base pair enhancer overlaps with, but is distinct from, a recently identified regulatory element that is regulated by the FGF-ERK pathway. The sequence of PEDRE is 100% identical between mouse and human DUSP6, suggesting that the molecular basis of DUSP6 gene expression in undifferentiated state of ES cells is highly conserved during evolution.