Microarray analyses of ESAM positive cells in the CD34(+) CD38(-) fraction of collagenase-treated bones. Homo sapiens

We previously identified endothelial cell-selective adhesion molecule (ESAM) as a novel functional marker of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in mice. To examine ESAM expression in human, we analyzed diverse HSC sources using flow cytometry. From mononuclear cells of collagenase-treated human hip bones, we obtained two ESAM positive populations in CD34(+) CD38(-) fraction, referred to as ESAM(High) and ESAM(Bright). Then we conducted microarray analyses comparing gene expression signatures between these two populations. Overall design: Trabecular tissues of the femora were treated with collagenase IV and DNase. Mononuclear cells were collected, and CD34(+) CD38(-) ESAM(High) or ESAM(Bright) cells were sorted.