Pdgfrα and Flk1 are direct target genes of Mixl1 in differentiating embryonic stem cells

► Compared genes expressed in Mixl1-heterozygous and null mouse embryoid bodies. ► Flk1 and Pdgfrα were differentially expressed cell surface molecules. ► Mixl1 bound to the Pdgfrα and Flk1 promoters in vitro and in vivo using ChIP assays. ► DNA binding of Mixl1 required for transactivation of the Pdgfrα and Flk1 promoters. ► These data indicate that Mixl1 directly regulates Pdgfrα and Flk1 gene expression.