Figure 2

Distinct gene expression patterns of different EPCs. ( A) A heat map showing genes more abundant in CB-EPCs. Columns represent EPC samples from different donors, while rows represent probe sets. Genes in red: increased expression; in blue: decreased. ( B) A principle component analysis (PCA) plot using genes differentially expressed between different EPCs. Each spot represents a single array sample. ( C) The unique biological functions of CB-EPCs. CB-EPC-enriched genes were subjected to a Gene Ontology (GO) database search. These categories were selected from the “Biological Process” organizing principle in the GO database (http://www.geneontology.org/). The number of genes, gene symbols, and p values for each category that are significantly enriched are listed (p < 0.05). (D) Validation of mRNA array data by qPCR. Mean gene expression levels of EPC genes were compared to the average CT values of GAPDH and beta-actin controls. Results are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. *:P < 0.05 ( E) Canonical pathways enriched in CB-EPCs according to the analysis of the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) web tool. ( F) Schematic representation of the “FLT3 Signaling in Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells” pathway. CB-EPC genes assigned to this pathway are indicated and in red.