Identifying the small molecules that permit precise regulation of embryonic stem (ES) cell proliferation should further support our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of self renewal. In the present study, we showed that PGE(2) increased [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation in a time and dose dependent manner. In addition, PGE(2) increased the expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins, the percentage of cells in S phase and the total number of cells. PGE(2) obviously increased E-type prostaglandin (EP) receptor 1 mRNA expression level compare to 2, 3, 4 subtypes. EP1 antagonist also blocked PGE(2)-induced cell cycle regulatory protein expression and thymidine incorporation. PGE(2) caused phosphorylation of protein kinase C, Src, epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt phosphorylation, and p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), which were blocked by each inhibitors. In conclusion, PGE(2)-stimulated proliferation is mediated by MAPK via EP1 receptor-dependent PKC and EGF receptor-dependent PI3K/Akt signaling pathways in mouse ES cells.