Furthermore, expression of mRNAs encoding MnSOD, catalase and Gpx1 was induced by glucose in MEM cells derived from wild type embryos, but not in those derived from Alx3-deficient embryos (Fig. 5D). Taken together, these experiments support the notion that high glucose concentrations induce the expression of Alx3, which in turn stimulates expression of Foxo1, and this subsequently that of genes encoding oxidative stress detoxifying enzymes.