 1. To examine TBX3 function in hES cell differentiation. NIH approved hES cells will be cultured in a conditioned medium with BMP4 to induce differentiation and TBX3 expression. TBX3 will be knocked down with siRNA technology. The cell morphology and biochemical changes will be examined for the effects of TBX3 knockdown on hES cell differentiation, including testing human ß-CG estradiol and progesterone. The gene expression profile will also be examined with Affymetrix gene expression chip and verified with real-time RT-PCR. 