Low oxygen environment alters transcripts related to energy metabolism without altering the pluripotency core of bovine embryonic stem cells

Primed bESC established on MEF were adapted to 5% O2 conditions after 5-6 passages. Following culture in low oxygen for 5 passages, bESC were transitioned to feeder-free conditions.

Comparing the transcriptomes of bESC cultured in , we found that adaptation to feeder-free conditions triggered commitment towards cell differentiation. Transition of bESC on MEF to a low oxygen environment did not result in changes in morphology or growth. Furthermore, we noted fewer changes in the transcriptome of cells grown on MEF compared to those grown in feeder-free conditions when maintained in low oxygen, compared to cells maintained in atmospheric oxygen.