1
|
Farag N, Sacharen C, Avni L, Nachman I. Coordination between endoderm progression and mouse gastruloid elongation controls endodermal morphotype choice. Dev Cell 2024; 59:2364-2374.e4. [PMID: 38838673 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Embryonic development is highly robust. Morphogenetic variability between embryos (under ideal conditions) is largely quantitative. This robustness stands in contrast to in vitro embryo-like models, which, like most organoids, can display a high degree of tissue morphogenetic variability. The source of this difference is not fully understood. We use the mouse gastruloid model to study the morphogenetic progression of definitive endoderm (DE) and its divergence. We first catalog the different morphologies and characterize their statistics. We then learn predictive models for DE morphotype based on earlier expression and morphology measurements. Finally, we analyze these models to identify key drivers of morphotype variability and devise gastruloid-specific and global interventions that can lower this variability and steer morphotype choice. In the process, we identify two types of coordination lacking in the in vitro model but required for robust gut-tube formation. This approach can help improve the quality and usability of 3D embryo-like models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naama Farag
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Chen Sacharen
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Lara Avni
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Iftach Nachman
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hamazaki N, Yang W, Kubo CA, Qiu C, Martin BK, Garge RK, Regalado SG, Nichols EK, Pendyala S, Bradley N, Fowler DM, Lee C, Daza RM, Srivatsan S, Shendure J. Retinoic acid induces human gastruloids with posterior embryo-like structures. Nat Cell Biol 2024:10.1038/s41556-024-01487-8. [PMID: 39164488 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-024-01487-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
Gastruloids are a powerful in vitro model of early human development. However, although elongated and composed of all three germ layers, human gastruloids do not morphologically resemble post-implantation human embryos. Here we show that an early pulse of retinoic acid (RA), together with later Matrigel, robustly induces human gastruloids with posterior embryo-like morphological structures, including a neural tube flanked by segmented somites and diverse cell types, including neural crest, neural progenitors, renal progenitors and myocytes. Through in silico staging based on single-cell RNA sequencing, we find that human RA-gastruloids progress further than other human or mouse embryo models, aligning to E9.5 mouse and CS11 cynomolgus monkey embryos. We leverage chemical and genetic perturbations of RA-gastruloids to confirm that WNT and BMP signalling regulate somite formation and neural tube length in the human context, while transcription factors TBX6 and PAX3 underpin presomitic mesoderm and neural crest, respectively. Looking forward, RA-gastruloids are a robust, scalable model for decoding early human embryogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nobuhiko Hamazaki
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Connor A Kubo
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Chengxiang Qiu
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Beth K Martin
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Riddhiman K Garge
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Samuel G Regalado
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Eva K Nichols
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sriram Pendyala
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nicholas Bradley
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Douglas M Fowler
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Choli Lee
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Riza M Daza
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sanjay Srivatsan
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jay Shendure
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Allen Discovery Center for Cell Lineage Tracing, Seattle, WA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Polak R, Zhang ET, Kuo CJ. Cancer organoids 2.0: modelling the complexity of the tumour immune microenvironment. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:523-539. [PMID: 38977835 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-024-00706-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
The development of neoplasia involves a complex and continuous interplay between malignantly transformed cells and the tumour microenvironment (TME). Cancer immunotherapies targeting the immune TME have been increasingly validated in clinical trials but response rates vary substantially between tumour histologies and are often transient, idiosyncratic and confounded by resistance. Faithful experimental models of the patient-specific tumour immune microenvironment, capable of recapitulating tumour biology and immunotherapy effects, would greatly improve patient selection, target identification and definition of resistance mechanisms for immuno-oncology therapeutics. In this Review, we discuss currently available and rapidly evolving 3D tumour organoid models that capture important immune features of the TME. We highlight diverse opportunities for organoid-based investigations of tumour immunity, drug development and precision medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roel Polak
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Elisa T Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Calvin J Kuo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Miao Y, Pourquié O. Modeling human trunk development. Nat Biotechnol 2024; 42:1185-1186. [PMID: 37974011 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-02048-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuchuan Miao
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Olivier Pourquié
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shoji JY, Davis RP, Mummery CL, Krauss S. Global Literature Analysis of Organoid and Organ-on-Chip Research. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2301067. [PMID: 37479227 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Organoids and cells in organ-on-chip platforms replicate higher-level anatomical, physiological, or pathological states of tissues and organs. These technologies are widely regarded by academia, the pharmacological industry and regulators as key biomedical developments. To map advances in this emerging field, a literature analysis of 16,000 article metadata based on a quality-controlled text-mining algorithm is performed. The analysis covers titles, keywords, and abstracts of categorized academic publications in the literature and preprint databases published after 2010. The algorithm identifies and tracks 149 and 107 organs or organ substructures modeled as organoids and organ-on-chip, respectively, stem cell sources, as well as 130 diseases, and 16 groups of organisms other than human and mouse in which organoid/organ-on-chip technology is applied. The analysis illustrates changing diversity and focus in organoid/organ-on-chip research and captures its geographical distribution. The downloadable dataset provided is a robust framework for researchers to interrogate with their own questions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Ya Shoji
- Hybrid Technology Hub, Center of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0372, Norway
| | - Richard P Davis
- Department of Anatomy & Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2300RC, the Netherlands
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2300RC, the Netherlands
| | - Christine L Mummery
- Department of Anatomy & Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2300RC, the Netherlands
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2300RC, the Netherlands
- Department of Applied Stem Cell Technologies, University of Twente, Enschede, 7522NB, the Netherlands
| | - Stefan Krauss
- Hybrid Technology Hub, Center of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, 0372, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gribaudo S, Robert R, van Sambeek B, Mirdass C, Lyubimova A, Bouhali K, Ferent J, Morin X, van Oudenaarden A, Nedelec S. Self-organizing models of human trunk organogenesis recapitulate spinal cord and spine co-morphogenesis. Nat Biotechnol 2024; 42:1243-1253. [PMID: 37709912 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-01956-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Integrated in vitro models of human organogenesis are needed to elucidate the multi-systemic events underlying development and disease. Here we report the generation of human trunk-like structures that model the co-morphogenesis, patterning and differentiation of the human spine and spinal cord. We identified differentiation conditions for human pluripotent stem cells favoring the formation of an embryo-like extending antero-posterior (AP) axis. Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics show that somitic and spinal cord differentiation trajectories organize along this axis and can self-assemble into a neural tube surrounded by somites upon extracellular matrix addition. Morphogenesis is coupled with AP patterning mechanisms, which results, at later stages of organogenesis, in in vivo-like arrays of neural subtypes along a neural tube surrounded by spine and muscle progenitors contacted by neuronal projections. This integrated system of trunk development indicates that in vivo-like multi-tissue co-morphogenesis and topographic organization of terminal cell types can be achieved in human organoids, opening windows for the development of more complex models of organogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simona Gribaudo
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France
- Inserm, UMR-S 1270, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Science and Engineering Faculty, Paris, France
| | - Rémi Robert
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France
- Inserm, UMR-S 1270, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Science and Engineering Faculty, Paris, France
| | - Björn van Sambeek
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Hubrecht Institute-KNAW (Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences) and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Camil Mirdass
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, Paris, France
| | - Anna Lyubimova
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Hubrecht Institute-KNAW (Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences) and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Kamal Bouhali
- Institut de Biologie de l'ENS (IBENS), Ecole Normale Supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - Julien Ferent
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France
- Inserm, UMR-S 1270, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Science and Engineering Faculty, Paris, France
| | - Xavier Morin
- Institut de Biologie de l'ENS (IBENS), Ecole Normale Supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - Alexander van Oudenaarden
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Hubrecht Institute-KNAW (Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences) and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Stéphane Nedelec
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France.
- Inserm, UMR-S 1270, Paris, France.
- Sorbonne Université, Science and Engineering Faculty, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chen W, Choi J, Li X, Nathans JF, Martin B, Yang W, Hamazaki N, Qiu C, Lalanne JB, Regalado S, Kim H, Agarwal V, Nichols E, Leith A, Lee C, Shendure J. Symbolic recording of signalling and cis-regulatory element activity to DNA. Nature 2024; 632:1073-1081. [PMID: 39020177 PMCID: PMC11357993 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07706-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Measurements of gene expression or signal transduction activity are conventionally performed using methods that require either the destruction or live imaging of a biological sample within the timeframe of interest. Here we demonstrate an alternative paradigm in which such biological activities are stably recorded to the genome. Enhancer-driven genomic recording of transcriptional activity in multiplex (ENGRAM) is based on the signal-dependent production of prime editing guide RNAs that mediate the insertion of signal-specific barcodes (symbols) into a genomically encoded recording unit. We show how this strategy can be used for multiplex recording of the cell-type-specific activities of dozens to hundreds of cis-regulatory elements with high fidelity, sensitivity and reproducibility. Leveraging signal transduction pathway-responsive cis-regulatory elements, we also demonstrate time- and concentration-dependent genomic recording of WNT, NF-κB and Tet-On activities. By coupling ENGRAM to sequential genome editing via DNA Typewriter1, we stably record information about the temporal dynamics of two orthogonal signalling pathways to genomic DNA. Finally we apply ENGRAM to integratively record the transient activity of nearly 100 transcription factor consensus motifs across daily windows spanning the differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells into gastruloids, an in vitro model of early mammalian development. Although these are proof-of-concept experiments and much work remains to fully realize the possibilities, the symbolic recording of biological signals or states within cells, to the genome and over time, has broad potential to complement contemporary paradigms for how we make measurements in biological systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Junhong Choi
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
- Developmental Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Xiaoyi Li
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jenny F Nathans
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Beth Martin
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nobuhiko Hamazaki
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Chengxiang Qiu
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Samuel Regalado
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Haedong Kim
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Vikram Agarwal
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Eva Nichols
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Anh Leith
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Choli Lee
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jay Shendure
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Allen Discovery Center for Cell Lineage Tracing, Seattle, WA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rebuzzini P, Rustichelli S, Fassina L, Canobbio I, Zuccotti M, Garagna S. BPA Exposure Affects Mouse Gastruloids Axial Elongation by Perturbing the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7924. [PMID: 39063166 PMCID: PMC11276681 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Mammalian embryos are very vulnerable to environmental toxicants (ETs) exposure. Bisphenol A (BPA), one of the most diffused ETs, exerts endocrine-disrupting effects through estro-gen-mimicking and hormone-like properties, with detrimental health effects, including on reproduction. However, its impact during the peri-implantation stages is still unclear. This study, using gastruloids as a 3D stem cell-based in vitro model of embryonic development, showed that BPA exposure arrests their axial elongation when present during the Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation period by β-catenin protein reduction. Gastruloid reshaping might have been impeded by the downregulation of Snail, Slug and Twist, known to suppress E-cadherin expression and to activate the N-cadherin gene, and by the low expression of the N-cadherin protein. Also, the lack of gastruloids elongation might be related to altered exit of BPA-exposed cells from the pluripotency condition and their following differentiation. In conclusion, here we show that the inhibition of gastruloids' axial elongation by BPA might be the result of the concomitant Wnt/β-catenin perturbation, reduced N-cadherin expression and Oct4, T/Bra and Cdx2 altered patter expression, which all together concur in the impaired development of mouse gastruloids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paola Rebuzzini
- Laboratory of Biology and Biotechnology of Reproduction, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.Z.); (S.G.)
| | - Serena Rustichelli
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Via Bassi 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (S.R.); (I.C.)
- University School for Advanced Studies Pavia (IUSS), 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Fassina
- Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering (DIII), University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 5, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
- Centre for Health Technologies (CHT), University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 5, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Ilaria Canobbio
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Via Bassi 21, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (S.R.); (I.C.)
| | - Maurizio Zuccotti
- Laboratory of Biology and Biotechnology of Reproduction, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.Z.); (S.G.)
- Centre for Health Technologies (CHT), University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 5, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Silvia Garagna
- Laboratory of Biology and Biotechnology of Reproduction, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (M.Z.); (S.G.)
- Centre for Health Technologies (CHT), University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 5, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Stelloo S, Alejo-Vinogradova MT, van Gelder CAGH, Zijlmans DW, van Oostrom MJ, Valverde JM, Lamers LA, Rus T, Sobrevals Alcaraz P, Schäfers T, Furlan C, Jansen PWTC, Baltissen MPA, Sonnen KF, Burgering B, Altelaar MAFM, Vos HR, Vermeulen M. Deciphering lineage specification during early embryogenesis in mouse gastruloids using multilayered proteomics. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:1072-1090.e8. [PMID: 38754429 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Gastrulation is a critical stage in embryonic development during which the germ layers are established. Advances in sequencing technologies led to the identification of gene regulatory programs that control the emergence of the germ layers and their derivatives. However, proteome-based studies of early mammalian development are scarce. To overcome this, we utilized gastruloids and a multilayered mass spectrometry-based proteomics approach to investigate the global dynamics of (phospho) protein expression during gastruloid differentiation. Our findings revealed many proteins with temporal expression and unique expression profiles for each germ layer, which we also validated using single-cell proteomics technology. Additionally, we profiled enhancer interaction landscapes using P300 proximity labeling, which revealed numerous gastruloid-specific transcription factors and chromatin remodelers. Subsequent degron-based perturbations combined with single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) identified a critical role for ZEB2 in mouse and human somitogenesis. Overall, this study provides a rich resource for developmental and synthetic biology communities endeavoring to understand mammalian embryogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suzan Stelloo
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Oncode Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Maria Teresa Alejo-Vinogradova
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Oncode Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Charlotte A G H van Gelder
- Molecular Cancer Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, Oncode Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Dick W Zijlmans
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Oncode Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Marek J van Oostrom
- Hubrecht Institute, KNAW (Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences), University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CT Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Juan Manuel Valverde
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, 3584 CA Utrecht, the Netherlands; Netherlands Proteomics Center, 3584 CH Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lieke A Lamers
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Oncode Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Teja Rus
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Oncode Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Paula Sobrevals Alcaraz
- Molecular Cancer Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, Oncode Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Tilman Schäfers
- Department of Molecular Developmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Cristina Furlan
- Laboratory of Systems and Synthetic Biology, Wageningen University & Research, 6708 WE Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Pascal W T C Jansen
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Oncode Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Marijke P A Baltissen
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Oncode Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Katharina F Sonnen
- Hubrecht Institute, KNAW (Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences), University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CT Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Boudewijn Burgering
- Molecular Cancer Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, Oncode Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Maarten A F M Altelaar
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, 3584 CA Utrecht, the Netherlands; Netherlands Proteomics Center, 3584 CH Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Harmjan R Vos
- Molecular Cancer Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, Oncode Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Michiel Vermeulen
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Oncode Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Division of Molecular Genetics, Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Miao Y, Pourquié O. Cellular and molecular control of vertebrate somitogenesis. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2024; 25:517-533. [PMID: 38418851 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-024-00709-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Segmentation is a fundamental feature of the vertebrate body plan. This metameric organization is first implemented by somitogenesis in the early embryo, when paired epithelial blocks called somites are rhythmically formed to flank the neural tube. Recent advances in in vitro models have offered new opportunities to elucidate the mechanisms that underlie somitogenesis. Notably, models derived from human pluripotent stem cells introduced an efficient proxy for studying this process during human development. In this Review, we summarize the current understanding of somitogenesis gained from both in vivo studies and in vitro studies. We deconstruct the spatiotemporal dynamics of somitogenesis into four distinct modules: dynamic events in the presomitic mesoderm, segmental determination, somite anteroposterior polarity patterning, and epithelial morphogenesis. We first focus on the segmentation clock, as well as signalling and metabolic gradients along the tissue, before discussing the clock and wavefront and other models that account for segmental determination. We then detail the molecular and cellular mechanisms of anteroposterior polarity patterning and somite epithelialization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuchuan Miao
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Olivier Pourquié
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wu J, Fu J. Toward developing human organs via embryo models and chimeras. Cell 2024; 187:3194-3219. [PMID: 38906095 PMCID: PMC11239105 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Developing functional organs from stem cells remains a challenging goal in regenerative medicine. Existing methodologies, such as tissue engineering, bioprinting, and organoids, only offer partial solutions. This perspective focuses on two promising approaches emerging for engineering human organs from stem cells: stem cell-based embryo models and interspecies organogenesis. Both approaches exploit the premise of guiding stem cells to mimic natural development. We begin by summarizing what is known about early human development as a blueprint for recapitulating organogenesis in both embryo models and interspecies chimeras. The latest advances in both fields are discussed before highlighting the technological and knowledge gaps to be addressed before the goal of developing human organs could be achieved using the two approaches. We conclude by discussing challenges facing embryo modeling and interspecies organogenesis and outlining future prospects for advancing both fields toward the generation of human tissues and organs for basic research and translational applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wu
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Jianping Fu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Dingare C, Cao D, Yang JJ, Sozen B, Steventon B. Mannose controls mesoderm specification and symmetry breaking in mouse gastruloids. Dev Cell 2024; 59:1523-1537.e6. [PMID: 38636516 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Patterning and growth are fundamental features of embryonic development that must be tightly coordinated. To understand how metabolism impacts early mesoderm development, we used mouse embryonic stem-cell-derived gastruloids, that co-expressed glucose transporters with the mesodermal marker T/Bra. We found that the glucose mimic, 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), blocked T/Bra expression and abolished axial elongation in gastruloids. However, glucose removal did not phenocopy 2-DG treatment despite a decline in glycolytic intermediates. As 2-DG can also act as a competitive inhibitor of mannose in protein glycosylation, we added mannose together with 2-DG and found that it could rescue the mesoderm specification both in vivo and in vitro. We further showed that blocking production and intracellular recycling of mannose abrogated mesoderm specification. Proteomics analysis demonstrated that mannose reversed glycosylation of the Wnt pathway regulator, secreted frizzled receptor Frzb. Our study showed how mannose controls mesoderm specification in mouse gastruloids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chaitanya Dingare
- Deptartment of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EH, UK.
| | - Dominica Cao
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jenny Jingni Yang
- Deptartment of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EH, UK
| | - Berna Sozen
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Yale Stem Cell Centre, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Benjamin Steventon
- Deptartment of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EH, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Merle M, Friedman L, Chureau C, Shoushtarizadeh A, Gregor T. Precise and scalable self-organization in mammalian pseudo-embryos. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2024; 31:896-902. [PMID: 38491138 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-024-01251-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Gene expression is inherently noisy, posing a challenge to understanding how precise and reproducible patterns of gene expression emerge in mammals. Here we investigate this phenomenon using gastruloids, a three-dimensional in vitro model for early mammalian development. Our study reveals intrinsic reproducibility in the self-organization of gastruloids, encompassing growth dynamics and gene expression patterns. We observe a remarkable degree of control over gene expression along the main body axis, with pattern boundaries positioned with single-cell precision. Furthermore, as gastruloids grow, both their physical proportions and gene expression patterns scale proportionally with system size. Notably, these properties emerge spontaneously in self-organizing cell aggregates, distinct from many in vivo systems constrained by fixed boundary conditions. Our findings shed light on the intricacies of developmental precision, reproducibility and size scaling within a mammalian system, suggesting that these phenomena might constitute fundamental features of multicellularity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mélody Merle
- Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, CNRS UMR3738 Paris Cité, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Leah Friedman
- Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, CNRS UMR3738 Paris Cité, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Corinne Chureau
- Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, CNRS UMR3738 Paris Cité, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Armin Shoushtarizadeh
- Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, CNRS UMR3738 Paris Cité, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Gregor
- Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, CNRS UMR3738 Paris Cité, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
- Joseph Henry Laboratories of Physics & Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Fujiwara N, Kimura G, Nakagawa H. Emerging Roles of Spatial Transcriptomics in Liver Research. Semin Liver Dis 2024; 44:115-132. [PMID: 38574750 DOI: 10.1055/a-2299-7880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Spatial transcriptomics, leveraging sequencing- and imaging-based techniques, has emerged as a groundbreaking technology for mapping gene expression within the complex architectures of tissues. This approach provides an in-depth understanding of cellular and molecular dynamics across various states of healthy and diseased livers. Through the integration of sophisticated bioinformatics strategies, it enables detailed exploration of cellular heterogeneity, transitions in cell states, and intricate cell-cell interactions with remarkable precision. In liver research, spatial transcriptomics has been particularly revelatory, identifying distinct zonated functions of hepatocytes that are crucial for understanding the metabolic and detoxification processes of the liver. Moreover, this technology has unveiled new insights into the pathogenesis of liver diseases, such as the role of lipid-associated macrophages in steatosis and endothelial cell signals in liver regeneration and repair. In the domain of liver cancer, spatial transcriptomics has proven instrumental in delineating intratumor heterogeneity, identifying supportive microenvironmental niches and revealing the complex interplay between tumor cells and the immune system as well as susceptibility to immune checkpoint inhibitors. In conclusion, spatial transcriptomics represents a significant advance in hepatology, promising to enhance our understanding and treatment of liver diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Fujiwara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Mie, Japan
| | - Genki Kimura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Mie, Japan
| | - Hayato Nakagawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Mie, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zhou G, Pang S, Li Y, Gao J. Progress in the generation of spinal cord organoids over the past decade and future perspectives. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1013-1019. [PMID: 37862203 PMCID: PMC10749595 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.385280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord organoids are three-dimensional tissues derived from stem cells that recapitulate the primary morphological and functional characteristics of the spinal cord in vivo. As emerging bioengineering methods have led to the optimization of cell culture protocols, spinal cord organoids technology has made remarkable advancements in the past decade. Our literature search found that current spinal cord organoids do not only dynamically simulate neural tube formation but also exhibit diverse cytoarchitecture along the dorsal-ventral and rostral-caudal axes. Moreover, fused organoids that integrate motor neurons and other regionally specific organoids exhibit intricate neural circuits that allows for functional assessment. These qualities make spinal cord organoids valuable tools for disease modeling, drug screening, and tissue regeneration. By utilizing this emergent technology, researchers have made significant progress in investigating the pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets of spinal cord diseases. However, at present, spinal cord organoid technology remains in its infancy and has not been widely applied in translational medicine. Establishment of the next generation of spinal cord organoids will depend on good manufacturing practice standards and needs to focus on diverse cell phenotypes and electrophysiological functionality evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gang Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Siyuan Pang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yongning Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Department of International Medical Service, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
McMillen P, Levin M. Collective intelligence: A unifying concept for integrating biology across scales and substrates. Commun Biol 2024; 7:378. [PMID: 38548821 PMCID: PMC10978875 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06037-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
A defining feature of biology is the use of a multiscale architecture, ranging from molecular networks to cells, tissues, organs, whole bodies, and swarms. Crucially however, biology is not only nested structurally, but also functionally: each level is able to solve problems in distinct problem spaces, such as physiological, morphological, and behavioral state space. Percolating adaptive functionality from one level of competent subunits to a higher functional level of organization requires collective dynamics: multiple components must work together to achieve specific outcomes. Here we overview a number of biological examples at different scales which highlight the ability of cellular material to make decisions that implement cooperation toward specific homeodynamic endpoints, and implement collective intelligence by solving problems at the cell, tissue, and whole-organism levels. We explore the hypothesis that collective intelligence is not only the province of groups of animals, and that an important symmetry exists between the behavioral science of swarms and the competencies of cells and other biological systems at different scales. We then briefly outline the implications of this approach, and the possible impact of tools from the field of diverse intelligence for regenerative medicine and synthetic bioengineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick McMillen
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
- Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Michael Levin
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA.
- Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA.
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Martins-Costa C, Wilson V, Binagui-Casas A. Neuromesodermal specification during head-to-tail body axis formation. Curr Top Dev Biol 2024; 159:232-271. [PMID: 38729677 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2024.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
The anterior-to-posterior (head-to-tail) body axis is extraordinarily diverse among vertebrates but conserved within species. Body axis development requires a population of axial progenitors that resides at the posterior of the embryo to sustain elongation and is then eliminated once axis extension is complete. These progenitors occupy distinct domains in the posterior (tail-end) of the embryo and contribute to various lineages along the body axis. The subset of axial progenitors with neuromesodermal competency will generate both the neural tube (the precursor of the spinal cord), and the trunk and tail somites (producing the musculoskeleton) during embryo development. These axial progenitors are called Neuromesodermal Competent cells (NMCs) and Neuromesodermal Progenitors (NMPs). NMCs/NMPs have recently attracted interest beyond the field of developmental biology due to their clinical potential. In the mouse, the maintenance of neuromesodermal competency relies on a fine balance between a trio of known signals: Wnt/β-catenin, FGF signalling activity and suppression of retinoic acid signalling. These signals regulate the relative expression levels of the mesodermal transcription factor Brachyury and the neural transcription factor Sox2, permitting the maintenance of progenitor identity when co-expressed, and either mesoderm or neural lineage commitment when the balance is tilted towards either Brachyury or Sox2, respectively. Despite important advances in understanding key genes and cellular behaviours involved in these fate decisions, how the balance between mesodermal and neural fates is achieved remains largely unknown. In this chapter, we provide an overview of signalling and gene regulatory networks in NMCs/NMPs. We discuss mutant phenotypes associated with axial defects, hinting at the potential significant role of lesser studied proteins in the maintenance and differentiation of the progenitors that fuel axial elongation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Martins-Costa
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - V Wilson
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
| | - A Binagui-Casas
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Rodriguez-Polo I, Moris N. Using embryo models to understand the development and progression of embryonic lineages: a focus on primordial germ cell development. Cells Tissues Organs 2024:000538275. [PMID: 38479364 DOI: 10.1159/000538275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recapitulating mammalian cell type differentiation in vitro promises to improve our understanding of how these processes happen in vivo, while bringing additional prospects for biomedical applications. The establishment of stem cell-derived embryo models and embryonic organoids, which have experienced explosive growth over the last few years, open new avenues for research due to their scale, reproducibility, and accessibility. Embryo models mimic various developmental stages, exhibit different degrees of complexity, and can be established across species. Since embryo models exhibit multiple lineages organised spatially and temporally, they are likely to provide cellular niches that, to some degree, recapitulate the embryonic setting and enable "co-development" between cell types and neighbouring populations. One example where this is already apparent is in the case of primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs). SUMMARY While directed differentiation protocols enable the efficient generation of high PGCLC numbers, embryo models provide an attractive alternative as they enable the study of interactions of PGCLCs with neighbouring cells, alongside the regulatory molecular and biophysical mechanisms of PGC competency. Additionally, some embryo models can recapitulate post-specification stages of PGC development (including migration or gametogenesis), mimicking the inductive signals pushing PGCLCs to mature and differentiate, and enabling the study of PGCLC development across stages. Therefore, in vitro models may allow us to address questions of cell type differentiation, and PGC development specifically, that have hitherto been out of reach with existing systems. KEY MESSAGE This review evaluates the current advances in stem cell-based embryo models, with a focus on their potential to model cell type-specific differentiation in general, and in particular to address open questions in PGC development and gametogenesis.
Collapse
|
19
|
Hamazaki N, Yang W, Kubo C, Qiu C, Martin BK, Garge RK, Regalado SG, Nichols E, Lee C, Daza RM, Srivatsan S, Shendure J. Induction and in silico staging of human gastruloids with neural tube, segmented somites & advanced cell types. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.10.579769. [PMID: 38405970 PMCID: PMC10888963 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.10.579769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Embryonic organoids are emerging as powerful models for studying early mammalian development. For example, stem cell-derived 'gastruloids' form elongating structures containing all three germ layers1-4. However, although elongated, human gastruloids do not morphologically resemble post-implantation embryos. Here we show that a specific, discontinuous regimen of retinoic acid (RA) robustly induces human gastruloids with embryo-like morphological structures, including a neural tube and segmented somites. Single cell RNA-seq (sc-RNA-seq) further reveals that these human 'RA-gastruloids' contain more advanced cell types than conventional gastruloids, including neural crest cells, renal progenitor cells, skeletal muscle cells, and, rarely, neural progenitor cells. We apply a new approach to computationally stage human RA-gastruloids relative to somite-resolved mouse embryos, early human embryos and other gastruloid models, and find that the developmental stage of human RA-gastruloids is comparable to that of E9.5 mouse embryos, although some cell types show greater or lesser progression. We chemically perturb WNT and BMP signaling in human RA-gastruloids and find that these signaling pathways regulate somite patterning and neural tube length, respectively, while genetic perturbation of the transcription factors PAX3 and TBX6 markedly compromises the formation of neural crest and somites/renal cells, respectively. Human RA-gastruloids complement other embryonic organoids in serving as a simple, robust and screenable model for decoding early human embryogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nobuhiko Hamazaki
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Connor Kubo
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Chengxiang Qiu
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Beth K. Martin
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Riddhiman K. Garge
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Samuel G. Regalado
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Eva Nichols
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Choli Lee
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Riza M. Daza
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Sanjay Srivatsan
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Jay Shendure
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Allen Discovery Center for Cell Lineage Tracing, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ye F, Wang J, Li J, Mei Y, Guo G. Mapping Cell Atlases at the Single-Cell Level. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2305449. [PMID: 38145338 PMCID: PMC10885669 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Recent advancements in single-cell technologies have led to rapid developments in the construction of cell atlases. These atlases have the potential to provide detailed information about every cell type in different organisms, enabling the characterization of cellular diversity at the single-cell level. Global efforts in developing comprehensive cell atlases have profound implications for both basic research and clinical applications. This review provides a broad overview of the cellular diversity and dynamics across various biological systems. In addition, the incorporation of machine learning techniques into cell atlas analyses opens up exciting prospects for the field of integrative biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Ye
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, and Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310000China
- Liangzhu LaboratoryZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang311121China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, and Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310000China
- Liangzhu LaboratoryZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang311121China
| | - Jiaqi Li
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, and Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310000China
| | - Yuqing Mei
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, and Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310000China
| | - Guoji Guo
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, and Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310000China
- Liangzhu LaboratoryZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang311121China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative MedicineDr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310058China
- Institute of HematologyZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310000China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Yagita K. Emergence of the circadian clock oscillation during the developmental process in mammals. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2024; 84:102152. [PMID: 38266394 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2024.102152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
The circadian clocks are cell-autonomous intrinsic oscillators existing throughout the body to coordinate intracellular and intercellular functions of each organ or tissue. The circadian clock oscillation gradually emerges during mid-to-late gestation in the mammalian developmental process. Recently, it has been revealed that the in vitro differentiation of mouse ES cells recapitulates the circadian clock development. Moreover, reprogramming of the cells results in the redisappearance of the clock, indicating that circadian clocks are tightly coupled with cellular differentiation. Interestingly, before the circadian clock develops, the embryo is governed under ultradian rhythms driven by the segmentation clock. This short review explores these observations, discussing the significance of the emergence of circadian clock oscillation during the mammalian developmental process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Yagita
- Department of Physiology and Systems Bioscience, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Handford CE, Junyent S, Jorgensen V, Zernicka-Goetz M. Topical section: embryonic models (2023) for Current Opinion in Genetics & Development. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2024; 84:102134. [PMID: 38052116 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Stem cell-based mammalian embryo models facilitate the discovery of developmental mechanisms because they are more amenable to genetic and epigenetic perturbations than natural embryos. Here, we highlight exciting recent advances that have yielded a plethora of models of embryonic development. Imperfections in these models highlight gaps in our current understanding and outline future research directions, ushering in an exciting new era for embryology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte E Handford
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA. https://twitter.com/@CEHandford
| | - Sergi Junyent
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA. https://twitter.com/@JunyentSergi
| | - Victoria Jorgensen
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Ramesh PS, Chu LF. Species-specific roles of the Notch ligands, receptors, and targets orchestrating the signaling landscape of the segmentation clock. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 11:1327227. [PMID: 38348091 PMCID: PMC10859470 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1327227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Somitogenesis is a hallmark feature of all vertebrates and some invertebrate species that involves the periodic formation of block-like structures called somites. Somites are transient embryonic segments that eventually establish the entire vertebral column. A highly conserved molecular oscillator called the segmentation clock underlies this periodic event and the pace of this clock regulates the pace of somite formation. Although conserved signaling pathways govern the clock in most vertebrates, the mechanisms underlying the species-specific divergence in various clock characteristics remain elusive. For example, the segmentation clock in classical model species such as zebrafish, chick, and mouse embryos tick with a periodicity of ∼30, ∼90, and ∼120 min respectively. This enables them to form the species-specific number of vertebrae during their overall timespan of somitogenesis. Here, we perform a systematic review of the species-specific features of the segmentation clock with a keen focus on mouse embryos. We perform this review using three different perspectives: Notch-responsive clock genes, ligand-receptor dynamics, and synchronization between neighboring oscillators. We further review reports that use non-classical model organisms and in vitro model systems that complement our current understanding of the segmentation clock. Our review highlights the importance of comparative developmental biology to further our understanding of this essential developmental process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pranav S. Ramesh
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Reproductive Biology and Regenerative Medicine Research Group, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Li-Fang Chu
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Reproductive Biology and Regenerative Medicine Research Group, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Xu H, Fu H, Long Y, Ang KS, Sethi R, Chong K, Li M, Uddamvathanak R, Lee HK, Ling J, Chen A, Shao L, Liu L, Chen J. Unsupervised spatially embedded deep representation of spatial transcriptomics. Genome Med 2024; 16:12. [PMID: 38217035 PMCID: PMC10790257 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-024-01283-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Optimal integration of transcriptomics data and associated spatial information is essential towards fully exploiting spatial transcriptomics to dissect tissue heterogeneity and map out inter-cellular communications. We present SEDR, which uses a deep autoencoder coupled with a masked self-supervised learning mechanism to construct a low-dimensional latent representation of gene expression, which is then simultaneously embedded with the corresponding spatial information through a variational graph autoencoder. SEDR achieved higher clustering performance on manually annotated 10 × Visium datasets and better scalability on high-resolution spatial transcriptomics datasets than existing methods. Additionally, we show SEDR's ability to impute and denoise gene expression (URL: https://github.com/JinmiaoChenLab/SEDR/ ).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hang Xu
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138648, Singapore
| | - Huazhu Fu
- Institute of High-Performance Computing (IHPC), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138632, Singapore
| | - Yahui Long
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138648, Singapore
| | - Kok Siong Ang
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138648, Singapore
| | - Raman Sethi
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138648, Singapore
| | - Kelvin Chong
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138648, Singapore
| | - Mengwei Li
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138648, Singapore
| | - Rom Uddamvathanak
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138648, Singapore
| | - Hong Kai Lee
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138648, Singapore
| | - Jingjing Ling
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138648, Singapore
| | - Ao Chen
- BGI Research-Southwest, BGI, Chongqing, 401329, China
- JFL-BGI STOmics Center, Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
| | - Ling Shao
- UCAS-Terminus AI Lab, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - Jinmiao Chen
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138648, Singapore.
- Immunology Translational Research Program, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), 5 Science Drive 2, BlkMD4, Level 3, Singapore, 117545, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Shankar V, van Blitterswijk C, Vrij E, Giselbrecht S. Automated, High-Throughput Phenotypic Screening and Analysis Platform to Study Pre- and Post-Implantation Morphogenesis in Stem Cell-Derived Embryo-Like Structures. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2304987. [PMID: 37991133 PMCID: PMC10811479 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202304987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Combining high-throughput generation and high-content imaging of embryo models will enable large-scale screening assays in the fields of (embryo) toxicity, drug development, embryogenesis, and reproductive medicine. This study shows the continuous culture and in situ (i.e., in microwell) imaging-based readout of a 3D stem cell-based model of peri-implantation epiblast (Epi)/extraembryonic endoderm (XEn) development with an expanded pro-amniotic cavity (PAC) (E3.5 E5.5), namely XEn/EPiCs. Automated image analysis and supervised machine learning permit the identification of embryonic morphogenesis, tissue compartmentalization, cell differentiation, and consecutive classification. Screens with signaling pathway modulators at different time windows provide spatiotemporal information on their phenotypic effect on developmental processes leading to the formation of XEn/EPiCs. Exposure of the biological model in the microwell platform to pathway modulators at two time windows, namely 0-72 h and 48-120 h, show that Wnt and Fgf/MAPK pathway modulators affect Epi differentiation and its polarization, while modulation of BMP and Tgfβ/Nodal pathway affects XEn specification and epithelialization. Further, their collective role is identified in the timing of the formation and expansion of PAC. The newly developed, scalable culture and analysis platform, thereby, provides a unique opportunity to quantitatively and systematically study effects of pathway modulators on early embryonic development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vinidhra Shankar
- MERLN Institute for Technology‐Inspired Regenerative MedicineDepartment for Instructive Biomaterials Engineering (IBE)Maastricht UniversityMaastricht6229ETThe Netherlands
| | - Clemens van Blitterswijk
- MERLN Institute for Technology‐Inspired Regenerative MedicineDepartment for Instructive Biomaterials Engineering (IBE)Maastricht UniversityMaastricht6229ETThe Netherlands
| | - Erik Vrij
- MERLN Institute for Technology‐Inspired Regenerative MedicineDepartment for Instructive Biomaterials Engineering (IBE)Maastricht UniversityMaastricht6229ETThe Netherlands
| | - Stefan Giselbrecht
- MERLN Institute for Technology‐Inspired Regenerative MedicineDepartment for Instructive Biomaterials Engineering (IBE)Maastricht UniversityMaastricht6229ETThe Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Lenne PF, Tlili S. Learning the mechanobiology of development from gastruloids. Emerg Top Life Sci 2023; 7:417-422. [PMID: 38054574 DOI: 10.1042/etls20230081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Gastruloids acquire their organization and shape through cell biochemical and mechanical activities. Such activities determine the physical forces and changes in material properties that transform simple spherical aggregates into organized tissues. In this Perspective, we discuss why the concepts and approaches of mechanobiology, a discipline that focuses on cell and tissue mechanics and its contribution to the organization and functions of living systems, are essential to the gastruloid field and, in turn, what gastruloids may teach us about mechanobiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-François Lenne
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, IBDM (UMR 7288), Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| | - Sham Tlili
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, IBDM (UMR 7288), Turing Centre for Living Systems, Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Dingare C, Steventon B. Gastruloids - a minimalistic model to study complex developmental metabolism. Emerg Top Life Sci 2023; 7:455-464. [PMID: 38108463 PMCID: PMC10754324 DOI: 10.1042/etls20230082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic networks are well placed to orchestrate the coordination of multiple cellular processes associated with embryonic development such as cell growth, proliferation, differentiation and cell movement. Here, we discuss the advantages that gastruloids, aggregates of mammalian embryonic stem cells that self-assemble a rudimentary body plan, have for uncovering the instructive role of metabolic pathways play in directing developmental processes. We emphasise the importance of using such reductionist systems to link specific pathways to defined events of early mammalian development and their utility for obtaining enough material for metabolomic studies. Finally, we review the ways in which the basic gastruloid protocol can be adapted to obtain specific models of embryonic cell types, tissues and regions. Together, we propose that gastruloids are an ideal system to rapidly uncover new mechanistic links between developmental signalling pathways and metabolic networks, which can then inform precise in vivo studies to confirm their function in the embryo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chaitanya Dingare
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EH, U.K
| | - Ben Steventon
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3EH, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Dijkhuis L, Johns A, Ragusa D, van den Brink SC, Pina C. Haematopoietic development and HSC formation in vitro: promise and limitations of gastruloid models. Emerg Top Life Sci 2023; 7:439-454. [PMID: 38095554 PMCID: PMC10754337 DOI: 10.1042/etls20230091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are the most extensively studied adult stem cells. Yet, six decades after their first description, reproducible and translatable generation of HSC in vitro remains an unmet challenge. HSC production in vitro is confounded by the multi-stage nature of blood production during development. Specification of HSC is a late event in embryonic blood production and depends on physical and chemical cues which remain incompletely characterised. The precise molecular composition of the HSC themselves is incompletely understood, limiting approaches to track their origin in situ in the appropriate cellular, chemical and mechanical context. Embryonic material at the point of HSC emergence is limiting, highlighting the need for an in vitro model of embryonic haematopoietic development in which current knowledge gaps can be addressed and exploited to enable HSC production. Gastruloids are pluripotent stem cell-derived 3-dimensional (3D) cellular aggregates which recapitulate developmental events in gastrulation and early organogenesis with spatial and temporal precision. Gastruloids self-organise multi-tissue structures upon minimal and controlled external cues, and are amenable to live imaging, screening, scaling and physicochemical manipulation to understand and translate tissue formation. In this review, we consider the haematopoietic potential of gastruloids and review early strategies to enhance blood progenitor and HSC production. We highlight possible strategies to achieve HSC production from gastruloids, and discuss the potential of gastruloid systems in illuminating current knowledge gaps in HSC specification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liza Dijkhuis
- Department of Hematopoiesis, Sanquin Research, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ayona Johns
- College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, U.K
- Centre for Genome Engineering and Maintenance, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, U.K
| | - Denise Ragusa
- College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, U.K
- Centre for Genome Engineering and Maintenance, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, U.K
| | | | - Cristina Pina
- College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, U.K
- Centre for Genome Engineering and Maintenance, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Avni L, Farag N, Ghosh B, Nachman I. Gastruloid optimization. Emerg Top Life Sci 2023; 7:409-415. [PMID: 37815089 PMCID: PMC10754328 DOI: 10.1042/etls20230096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
The young field of gastruloids brings promise to modeling and understanding early embryonic development. However, being a complex model, gastruloids are prone to variability at different levels. In this perspective, we define the different levels of gastruloid variability, and parameters over which it can be measured. We discuss potential sources for variability, and then propose methods to better control and reduce it. We provide an example from definitive endoderm progression in gastruloids, where we harness gastruloid-to-gastruloid variation in early parameters to identify key driving factors for endoderm morphology. We then devise interventions that steer morphological outcome. A better control over the developmental progression of gastruloids will enhance their utility in both basic research and biomedical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lara Avni
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Naama Farag
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Binita Ghosh
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Iftach Nachman
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Simpson L, Alberio R. Interspecies control of development during mammalian gastrulation. Emerg Top Life Sci 2023; 7:397-408. [PMID: 37933589 PMCID: PMC10754326 DOI: 10.1042/etls20230083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Gastrulation represents a pivotal phase of development and aberrations during this period can have major consequences, from minor anatomical deviations to severe congenital defects. Animal models are used to study gastrulation, however, there is considerable morphological and molecular diversity of gastrula across mammalian species. Here, we provide an overview of the latest research on interspecies developmental control across mammals. This includes single-cell atlases of several mammalian gastrula which have enabled comparisons of the temporal and molecular dynamics of differentiation. These studies highlight conserved cell differentiation regulators and both absolute and relative differences in differentiation dynamics between species. Recent advances in in vitro culture techniques have facilitated the derivation, maintenance and differentiation of cell lines from a range of species and the creation of multi-species models of gastrulation. Gastruloids are three-dimensional aggregates capable of self-organising and recapitulating aspects of gastrulation. Such models enable species comparisons outside the confines of the embryo. We highlight recent in vitro evidence that differentiation processes such as somitogenesis and neuronal maturation scale with known in vivo differences in developmental tempo across species. This scaling is likely due to intrinsic differences in cell biochemistry. We also highlight several studies which provide examples of cell differentiation dynamics being influenced by extrinsic factors, including culture conditions, chimeric co-culture, and xenotransplantation. These collective studies underscore the complexity of gastrulation across species, highlighting the necessity of additional datasets and studies to decipher the intricate balance between intrinsic cellular programs and extrinsic signals in shaping embryogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luke Simpson
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, U.K
| | - Ramiro Alberio
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Xu J, Zhang L, Ye Z, Chang B, Tu Z, Du X, Wen X, Teng Y. A 3D "sandwich" co-culture system with vascular niche supports mouse embryo development from E3.5 to E7.5 in vitro. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:349. [PMID: 38072932 PMCID: PMC10712047 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03583-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Various methods for ex utero culture systems have been explored. However, limitations remain regarding the in vitro culture platforms used before implanting mouse embryos and the normal development of mouse blastocysts in vitro. Furthermore, vascular niche support during mouse embryo development from embryonic day (E) 3.5 to E7.5 is unknown in vitro. METHODS This study established a three-dimensional (3D) "sandwich" vascular niche culture system with in vitro culture medium (IVCM) using human placenta perivascular stem cells (hPPSCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (hUVECs) as supportive cells (which were seeded into the bottom layer of Matrigel) to test mouse embryos from E3.5 to E7.5 in vitro. The development rates and greatest diameters of mouse embryos from E3.5 to E7.5 were quantitatively determined using SPSS software statistics. Pluripotent markers and embryo transplantation were used to monitor mouse embryo quality and function in vivo. RESULTS Embryos in the IVCM + Cells (hPPSCs + hUVECs) group showed higher development rates and greater diameters at each stage than those in the IVCM group. Embryos in the IVCM + Cells group cultured to E5.5 morphologically resembled natural egg cylinders and expressed specific embryonic cell markers, including Oct4 and Nanog. These features were similar to those of embryos developed in vivo. After transplantation, the embryos were re-implanted in the internal uterus and continued to develop to a particular stage. CONCLUSIONS The 3D in vitro culture system enabled embryo development from E3.5 to E7.5, and the vascularization microenvironment constructed by Matrigel, hPPSCs, and hUVECs significantly promoted the development of implanted embryos. This system allowed us to further study the physical and molecular mechanisms of embryo implantation in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junjun Xu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325015, China.
| | - Linye Zhang
- The First School of Medicine, School of Information and Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325015, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zihui Ye
- The First School of Medicine, School of Information and Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325015, Zhejiang, China
| | - Binwen Chang
- School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325015, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zheng Tu
- Renji College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325015, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xuguang Du
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xi Wen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100053, China.
| | - Yili Teng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325015, Zhejiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Lau KYC, Amadei G, Zernicka-Goetz M. Assembly of complete mouse embryo models from embryonic and induced stem cell types in vitro. Nat Protoc 2023; 18:3662-3689. [PMID: 37821625 PMCID: PMC11293611 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-023-00891-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
The interaction between embryonic and extraembryonic tissues is critical in natural mouse embryogenesis. Here, to enable such interaction in vitro, we describe a protocol to assemble a complete mouse embryo model using mouse embryonic stem cells and induced embryonic stem cells to express Cdx2 (or trophoblast stem cells) and Gata4 to reconstitute the epiblast, extraembryonic ectoderm and visceral endoderm lineages, respectively. The resulting complete embryo models recapitulate development from embryonic day 5.0 to 8.5, generating advanced embryonic and extraembryonic tissues that develop through gastrulation to initiate organogenesis to form a head and a beating heart structure as well as a yolk sac and chorion. Once the required stem cell lines are stably maintained in culture, the protocol requires 1 day to assemble complete embryo models and a further 8 days to culture them until headfold stages, although structures can be collected at earlier developmental stages as required. This protocol can be easily performed by researchers with experience in mouse stem cell culture, although they will benefit from knowledge of natural mouse embryos at early postimplantation stages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kasey Y C Lau
- Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Gianluca Amadei
- Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz
- Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Turner DA, Nichols J. Modifying gastruloids to dissect mechanisms of tissue-specific induction. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2023; 83:102130. [PMID: 37897953 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
How functional organisms arise from a single cell is a fundamental question in biology with direct relevance to understanding developmental defects and diseases. Dissecting developmental processes provides the basic, critical framework for understanding disease progression and treatment. Bottom-up approaches to recapitulate formation of various components of the embryo have been effective to probe symmetry-breaking, self-organisation, tissue patterning and morphogenesis. However, these studies have been mostly concerned with axial patterning, which is essentially longitudinal. Can these models generate the appendicular axes? If so, how far can self-organisation take these? Will experimentally induced organisers be required? This short review explores these questions, highlighting how minimal models are essential for understanding patterning and morphogenetic processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David A Turner
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, William Henry Duncan Building, University of Liverpool, UK.
| | - Jennifer Nichols
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Masak G, Davidson LA. Constructing the pharyngula: Connecting the primary axial tissues of the head with the posterior axial tissues of the tail. Cells Dev 2023; 176:203866. [PMID: 37394035 PMCID: PMC10756936 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdev.2023.203866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
The pharyngula stage of vertebrate development is characterized by stereotypical arrangement of ectoderm, mesoderm, and neural tissues from the anterior spinal cord to the posterior, yet unformed tail. While early embryologists over-emphasized the similarity between vertebrate embryos at the pharyngula stage, there is clearly a common architecture upon which subsequent developmental programs generate diverse cranial structures and epithelial appendages such as fins, limbs, gills, and tails. The pharyngula stage is preceded by two morphogenetic events: gastrulation and neurulation, which establish common shared structures despite the occurrence of cellular processes that are distinct to each of the species. Even along the body axis of a singular organism, structures with seemingly uniform phenotypic characteristics at the pharyngula stage have been established by different processes. We focus our review on the processes underlying integration of posterior axial tissue formation with the primary axial tissues that creates the structures laid out in the pharyngula. Single cell sequencing and novel gene targeting technologies have provided us with new insights into the differences between the processes that form the anterior and posterior axis, but it is still unclear how these processes are integrated to create a seamless body. We suggest that the primary and posterior axial tissues in vertebrates form through distinct mechanisms and that the transition between these mechanisms occur at different locations along the anterior-posterior axis. Filling gaps that remain in our understanding of this transition could resolve ongoing problems in organoid culture and regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geneva Masak
- Integrative Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Lance A Davidson
- Integrative Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA; Department of Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA; Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Martins‐Costa C, Pham VA, Sidhaye J, Novatchkova M, Wiegers A, Peer A, Möseneder P, Corsini NS, Knoblich JA. Morphogenesis and development of human telencephalic organoids in the absence and presence of exogenous extracellular matrix. EMBO J 2023; 42:e113213. [PMID: 37842725 PMCID: PMC10646563 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022113213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The establishment and maintenance of apical-basal polarity is a fundamental step in brain development, instructing the organization of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and the developing cerebral cortex. Particularly, basally located extracellular matrix (ECM) is crucial for this process. In vitro, epithelial polarization can be achieved via endogenous ECM production, or exogenous ECM supplementation. While neuroepithelial development is recapitulated in neural organoids, the effects of different ECM sources in tissue morphogenesis remain underexplored. Here, we show that exposure to a solubilized basement membrane matrix substrate, Matrigel, at early neuroepithelial stages causes rapid tissue polarization and rearrangement of neuroepithelial architecture. In cultures exposed to pure ECM components or unexposed to any exogenous ECM, polarity acquisition is slower and driven by endogenous ECM production. After the onset of neurogenesis, tissue architecture and neuronal differentiation are largely independent of the initial ECM source, but Matrigel exposure has long-lasting effects on tissue patterning. These results advance the knowledge on mechanisms of exogenously and endogenously guided morphogenesis, demonstrating the self-sustainability of neuroepithelial cultures by endogenous processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Martins‐Costa
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenterViennaAustria
- Vienna BioCenter PhD ProgramDoctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Vincent A Pham
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenterViennaAustria
| | - Jaydeep Sidhaye
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenterViennaAustria
| | - Maria Novatchkova
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenterViennaAustria
| | - Andrea Wiegers
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenterViennaAustria
| | - Angela Peer
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenterViennaAustria
| | - Paul Möseneder
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenterViennaAustria
| | - Nina S Corsini
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenterViennaAustria
| | - Jürgen A Knoblich
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenterViennaAustria
- Department of NeurologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Kuroki Y, Agata K. Isolation of planarian viable cells using fluorescence-activated cell sorting for advancing single-cell transcriptome analysis. Genes Cells 2023; 28:800-810. [PMID: 37723830 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.13068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Preparing viable single cells is critical for conducting single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) because the presence of ambient RNA from dead or damaged cells can interfere with data analysis. Here, we developed a method for isolating viable single cells from adult planarian bodies using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). This method was then applied to both adult pluripotent stem cells (aPSCs) and differentiating/differentiated cells. Initially, we employed a violet instead of ultraviolet (UV) laser to excite Hoechst 33342 to reduce cellular damage. After optimization of cell staining conditions and FACS compensation, we generated FACS profiles similar to those created using a previous method that employed a UV laser. Despite successfully obtaining high-quality RNA sequencing data for aPSCs, non-aPSCs produced low-quality RNA reads (i.e., <60% of cells possessing barcoding mRNAs). Subsequently, we identified an effective FACS gating condition that excluded low-quality cells and tissue debris without staining. This non-staining isolation strategy not only reduced post-dissociation time but also enabled high-quality scRNA-seq results for all cell types (i.e., >80%). Taken together, these findings imply that the non-staining FACS strategy may be beneficial for isolating viable cells not only from planarians but also from other organisms and tissues for scRNA-seq studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihito Kuroki
- Laboratory of Regeneration Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan
- Department of Basic Biology, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Kiyokazu Agata
- Laboratory of Regeneration Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan
- Department of Basic Biology, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, Okazaki, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Robles-Remacho A, Sanchez-Martin RM, Diaz-Mochon JJ. Spatial Transcriptomics: Emerging Technologies in Tissue Gene Expression Profiling. Anal Chem 2023; 95:15450-15460. [PMID: 37814884 PMCID: PMC10603609 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c02029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
In this Perspective, we discuss the current status and advances in spatial transcriptomics technologies, which allow high-resolution mapping of gene expression in intact cell and tissue samples. Spatial transcriptomics enables the creation of high-resolution maps of gene expression patterns within their native spatial context, adding an extra layer of information to the bulk sequencing data. Spatial transcriptomics has expanded significantly in recent years and is making a notable impact on a range of fields, including tissue architecture, developmental biology, cancer, and neurodegenerative and infectious diseases. The latest advancements in spatial transcriptomics have resulted in the development of highly multiplexed methods, transcriptomic-wide analysis, and single-cell resolution utilizing diverse technological approaches. In this Perspective, we provide a detailed analysis of the molecular foundations behind the main spatial transcriptomics technologies, including methods based on microdissection, in situ sequencing, single-molecule FISH, spatial capturing, selection of regions of interest, and single-cell or nuclei dissociation. We contextualize the detection and capturing efficiency, strengths, limitations, tissue compatibility, and applications of these techniques as well as provide information on data analysis. In addition, this Perspective discusses future directions and potential applications of spatial transcriptomics, highlighting the importance of the continued development to promote widespread adoption of these techniques within the research community.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Robles-Remacho
- GENYO.
Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, Avenida de la Ilustracion,
114. 18016 Granada, Spain
- Department
of Medicinal and Organic Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Campus Cartuja s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto
de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Rosario M. Sanchez-Martin
- GENYO.
Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, Avenida de la Ilustracion,
114. 18016 Granada, Spain
- Department
of Medicinal and Organic Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Campus Cartuja s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto
de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Juan J. Diaz-Mochon
- GENYO.
Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, Avenida de la Ilustracion,
114. 18016 Granada, Spain
- Department
of Medicinal and Organic Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Campus Cartuja s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Instituto
de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Kemmler CL, Smolikova J, Moran HR, Mannion BJ, Knapp D, Lim F, Czarkwiani A, Hermosilla Aguayo V, Rapp V, Fitch OE, Bötschi S, Selleri L, Farley E, Braasch I, Yun M, Visel A, Osterwalder M, Mosimann C, Kozmik Z, Burger A. Conserved enhancers control notochord expression of vertebrate Brachyury. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6594. [PMID: 37852970 PMCID: PMC10584899 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42151-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The cell type-specific expression of key transcription factors is central to development and disease. Brachyury/T/TBXT is a major transcription factor for gastrulation, tailbud patterning, and notochord formation; however, how its expression is controlled in the mammalian notochord has remained elusive. Here, we identify the complement of notochord-specific enhancers in the mammalian Brachyury/T/TBXT gene. Using transgenic assays in zebrafish, axolotl, and mouse, we discover three conserved Brachyury-controlling notochord enhancers, T3, C, and I, in human, mouse, and marsupial genomes. Acting as Brachyury-responsive, auto-regulatory shadow enhancers, in cis deletion of all three enhancers in mouse abolishes Brachyury/T/Tbxt expression selectively in the notochord, causing specific trunk and neural tube defects without gastrulation or tailbud defects. The three Brachyury-driving notochord enhancers are conserved beyond mammals in the brachyury/tbxtb loci of fishes, dating their origin to the last common ancestor of jawed vertebrates. Our data define the vertebrate enhancers for Brachyury/T/TBXTB notochord expression through an auto-regulatory mechanism that conveys robustness and adaptability as ancient basis for axis development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cassie L Kemmler
- Section of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jana Smolikova
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the ASCR, v. v. i., Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hannah R Moran
- Section of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Brandon J Mannion
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Comparative Biochemistry Program, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Dunja Knapp
- Technische Universität Dresden, CRTD Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Fabian Lim
- Department of Medicine, Health Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Biological Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Anna Czarkwiani
- Technische Universität Dresden, CRTD Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Viviana Hermosilla Aguayo
- Program in Craniofacial Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Orofacial Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Vincent Rapp
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Olivia E Fitch
- Department of Integrative Biology and Ecology, Evolution and Behavior Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Seraina Bötschi
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Licia Selleri
- Program in Craniofacial Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Orofacial Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Emma Farley
- Department of Medicine, Health Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ingo Braasch
- Department of Integrative Biology and Ecology, Evolution and Behavior Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Maximina Yun
- Technische Universität Dresden, CRTD Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Axel Visel
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
- US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
- School of Natural Sciences, University of California Merced, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Marco Osterwalder
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Cardiology, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christian Mosimann
- Section of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Zbynek Kozmik
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the ASCR, v. v. i., Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Alexa Burger
- Section of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Sullivan AE, Santos SD. The ever-growing world of gastruloids: autogenous models of mammalian embryogenesis. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2023; 82:102102. [PMID: 37604096 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
During early development, extrinsic cues prompt a collection of pluripotent cells to begin the extensive process of cellular differentiation that gives rise to all tissues in the mammalian embryo, a process known as gastrulation. Advances in stem cell biology have resulted in the generation of stem cell-based in vitro models of mammalian gastrulation called gastruloids. Gastruloids and subsequent gastruloid-based models are tractable, scalable and more accessible than mammalian embryos. As such, they have opened an unprecedented avenue for modelling in vitro self-organisation, patterning and fate specification. This review focuses on discussing the recent advances of this rapidly moving research area, clarifying what structures they model and the underlying signal hierarchy. We highlight the exciting potential of these models and where the field might be heading.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne E Sullivan
- Quantitative Cell Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1-Midland Road, NW1 1AT London, UK.
| | - Silvia Dm Santos
- Quantitative Cell Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1-Midland Road, NW1 1AT London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Kim Y, Kim I, Shin K. A new era of stem cell and developmental biology: from blastoids to synthetic embryos and beyond. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:2127-2137. [PMID: 37779144 PMCID: PMC10618288 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01097-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent discoveries in stem cell and developmental biology have introduced a new era marked by the generation of in vitro models that recapitulate early mammalian development, providing unprecedented opportunities for extensive research in embryogenesis. Here, we present an overview of current techniques that model early mammalian embryogenesis, specifically noting models created from stem cells derived from two significant species: Homo sapiens, for its high relevance, and Mus musculus, a historically common and technically advanced model organism. We aim to provide a holistic understanding of these in vitro models by tracing the historical background of the progress made in stem cell biology and discussing the fundamental underlying principles. At each developmental stage, we present corresponding in vitro models that recapitulate the in vivo embryo and further discuss how these models may be used to model diseases. Through a discussion of these models as well as their potential applications and future challenges, we hope to demonstrate how these innovative advances in stem cell research may be further developed to actualize a model to be used in clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunhee Kim
- School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Inha Kim
- School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Kunyoo Shin
- School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Schüle KM, Weckerle J, Probst S, Wehmeyer AE, Zissel L, Schröder CM, Tekman M, Kim GJ, Schlägl IM, Sagar, Arnold SJ. Eomes restricts Brachyury functions at the onset of mouse gastrulation. Dev Cell 2023; 58:1627-1642.e7. [PMID: 37633271 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian specification of mesoderm and definitive endoderm (DE) is instructed by the two related Tbx transcription factors (TFs) Eomesodermin (Eomes) and Brachyury sharing partially redundant functions. Gross differences in mutant embryonic phenotypes suggest specific functions of each TF. To date, the molecular details of separated lineage-specific gene regulation by Eomes and Brachyury remain poorly understood. Here, we combine mouse embryonic and stem-cell-based analyses to delineate the non-overlapping, lineage-specific transcriptional activities. On a genome-wide scale, binding of both TFs overlaps at promoters of target genes but shows specificity for distal enhancer regions that is conferred by differences in Tbx DNA-binding motifs. The unique binding to enhancer sites instructs the specification of anterior mesoderm (AM) and DE by Eomes and caudal mesoderm by Brachyury. Remarkably, EOMES antagonizes BRACHYURY gene regulatory functions in coexpressing cells during early gastrulation to ensure the proper sequence of early AM and DE lineage specification followed by posterior mesoderm derivatives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrin M Schüle
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstrasse 25, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Jelena Weckerle
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstrasse 25, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Simone Probst
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstrasse 25, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alexandra E Wehmeyer
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstrasse 25, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lea Zissel
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstrasse 25, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestrasse 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Chiara M Schröder
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstrasse 25, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Albertstrasse 19a, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestrasse 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; Signaling Research Centers BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestrasse18, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Mehmet Tekman
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstrasse 25, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gwang-Jin Kim
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstrasse 25, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Inga-Marie Schlägl
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstrasse 25, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sagar
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian J Arnold
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstrasse 25, 79104 Freiburg, Germany; Signaling Research Centers BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestrasse18, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Amel A, Rabeling A, Rossouw S, Goolam M. Wnt and BMP signalling direct anterior-posterior differentiation in aggregates of mouse embryonic stem cells. Biol Open 2023; 12:bio059981. [PMID: 37622734 PMCID: PMC10508691 DOI: 10.1242/bio.059981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem-cell-based embryo models have allowed greater insight into peri-implantation mammalian developmental events that are otherwise difficult to manipulate due to the inaccessibility of the early embryo. The rapid development of this field has resulted in the precise roles of frequently used supplements such as N2, B27 and Chiron in driving stem cell lineage commitment not being clearly defined. Here, we investigate the effects of these supplements on embryoid bodies to better understand their roles in stem cell differentiation. We show that Wnt signalling has a general posteriorising effect on stem cell aggregates and directs differentiation towards the mesoderm, as confirmed through the upregulation of posterior and mesodermal markers. N2 and B27 can mitigate these effects and upregulate the expression of anterior markers. To control the Wnt gradient and the subsequent anterior versus posterior fate, we make use of a BMP4 signalling centre and show that aggregates in these conditions express cephalic markers. These findings indicate that there is an intricate balance between various culture supplements and their ability to guide differentiation in stem cell embryo models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atoosa Amel
- Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Alexa Rabeling
- Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Simoné Rossouw
- Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Mubeen Goolam
- Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
- UCT Neuroscience Institute, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Oh SY, Na SB, Kang YK, Do JT. In Vitro Embryogenesis and Gastrulation Using Stem Cells in Mice and Humans. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13655. [PMID: 37686459 PMCID: PMC10563085 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
During early mammalian embryonic development, fertilized one-cell embryos develop into pre-implantation blastocysts and subsequently establish three germ layers through gastrulation during post-implantation development. In recent years, stem cells have emerged as a powerful tool to study embryogenesis and gastrulation without the need for eggs, allowing for the generation of embryo-like structures known as synthetic embryos or embryoids. These in vitro models closely resemble early embryos in terms of morphology and gene expression and provide a faithful recapitulation of early pre- and post-implantation embryonic development. Synthetic embryos can be generated through a combinatorial culture of three blastocyst-derived stem cell types, such as embryonic stem cells, trophoblast stem cells, and extraembryonic endoderm cells, or totipotent-like stem cells alone. This review provides an overview of the progress and various approaches in studying in vitro embryogenesis and gastrulation in mice and humans using stem cells. Furthermore, recent findings and breakthroughs in synthetic embryos and gastruloids are outlined. Despite ethical considerations, synthetic embryo models hold promise for understanding mammalian (including humans) embryonic development and have potential implications for regenerative medicine and developmental research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jeong Tae Do
- Department of Stem Cell Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk Institute of Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; (S.Y.O.); (S.B.N.); (Y.K.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Cooke CB, Barrington C, Baillie-Benson P, Nichols J, Moris N. Gastruloid-derived primordial germ cell-like cells develop dynamically within integrated tissues. Development 2023; 150:dev201790. [PMID: 37526602 PMCID: PMC10508693 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the early embryonic precursors of gametes - sperm and egg cells. PGC-like cells (PGCLCs) can currently be derived in vitro from pluripotent cells exposed to signalling cocktails and aggregated into large embryonic bodies, but these do not recapitulate the native embryonic environment during PGC formation. Here, we show that mouse gastruloids, a three-dimensional in vitro model of gastrulation, contain a population of gastruloid-derived PGCLCs (Gld-PGCLCs) that resemble early PGCs in vivo. Importantly, the conserved organisation of mouse gastruloids leads to coordinated spatial and temporal localisation of Gld-PGCLCs relative to surrounding somatic cells, even in the absence of specific exogenous PGC-specific signalling or extra-embryonic tissues. In gastruloids, self-organised interactions between cells and tissues, including the endodermal epithelium, enables the specification and subsequent maturation of a pool of Gld-PGCLCs. As such, mouse gastruloids represent a new source of PGCLCs in vitro and, owing to their inherent co-development, serve as a novel model to study the dynamics of PGC development within integrated tissue environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher B. Cooke
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EH, UK
- Abcam, Discovery Drive, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0AX, UK
| | | | - Peter Baillie-Benson
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
- Wellcome Trust – MRC Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jennifer Nichols
- Wellcome Trust – MRC Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Naomi Moris
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Liu L, Oura S, Markham Z, Hamilton JN, Skory RM, Li L, Sakurai M, Wang L, Pinzon-Arteaga CA, Plachta N, Hon GC, Wu J. Modeling post-implantation stages of human development into early organogenesis with stem-cell-derived peri-gastruloids. Cell 2023; 186:3776-3792.e16. [PMID: 37478861 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
In vitro stem cell models that replicate human gastrulation have been generated, but they lack the essential extraembryonic cells needed for embryonic development, morphogenesis, and patterning. Here, we describe a robust and efficient method that prompts human extended pluripotent stem cells to self-organize into embryo-like structures, termed peri-gastruloids, which encompass both embryonic (epiblast) and extraembryonic (hypoblast) tissues. Although peri-gastruloids are not viable due to the exclusion of trophoblasts, they recapitulate critical stages of human peri-gastrulation development, such as forming amniotic and yolk sac cavities, developing bilaminar and trilaminar embryonic discs, specifying primordial germ cells, initiating gastrulation, and undergoing early neurulation and organogenesis. Single-cell RNA-sequencing unveiled transcriptomic similarities between advanced human peri-gastruloids and primary peri-gastrulation cell types found in humans and non-human primates. This peri-gastruloid platform allows for further exploration beyond gastrulation and may potentially aid in the development of human fetal tissues for use in regenerative medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lizhong Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Seiya Oura
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Zachary Markham
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - James N Hamilton
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Robin M Skory
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Leijie Li
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Masahiro Sakurai
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Lei Wang
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Carlos A Pinzon-Arteaga
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Nicolas Plachta
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gary C Hon
- Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
He T, Guo W, Yang G, Su H, Dou A, Chen L, Ma T, Su J, Liu M, Su B, Qi W, Li H, Mao W, Wang X, Li X, Yang Y, Song Y, Cao G. A Single-Cell Atlas of an Early Mongolian Sheep Embryo. Vet Sci 2023; 10:543. [PMID: 37756065 PMCID: PMC10536297 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10090543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell types have been established during organogenesis based on early mouse embryos. However, our understanding of cell types and molecular mechanisms in the early embryo development of Mongolian sheep has been hampered. This study presents the first comprehensive single-cell transcriptomic characterization at E16 in Ujumqin sheep and Hulunbuir short-tailed sheep. Thirteen major cell types were identified at E16 in Ujumqin sheep, and eight major cell types were identified at E16 in Hulunbuir short-tailed sheep. Function enrichment analysis showed that several pathways were significantly enriched in the TGF-beta signaling pathway, the Hippo signaling pathway, the platelet activation pathway, the riboflavin metabolism pathway, the Wnt signaling pathway, regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, and the insulin signaling pathway in the notochord cluster. Glutathione metabolism, glyoxylate, and dicarboxylate metabolism, the citrate cycle, thyroid hormone synthesis, pyruvate metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism, thermogenesis, and the VEGF signaling pathway were significantly enriched in the spinal cord cluster. Steroid biosynthesis, riboflavin metabolism, the cell cycle, the Hippo signaling pathway, the Hedgehog signaling pathway, the FoxO signaling pathway, the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, and the Wnt signaling pathway were significantly enriched in the paraxial mesoderm cluster. The notochord cluster, spinal cord cluster, and paraxial mesoderm cluster were found to be highly associated with tail development. Pseudo-time analysis demonstrated that the mesenchyme can translate to the notochord in Ujumqin sheep. Molecular assays revealed that the Hippo signaling pathway was enriched in Ujumqin sheep. This comprehensive single-cell map revealed previously unrecognized signaling pathways that will further our understanding of the mechanism of short-tailed sheep formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tingyi He
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo, and Development Engineering Autonomous Region, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (T.H.); (W.G.); (H.S.); (A.D.); (L.C.); (T.M.); (M.L.); (B.S.); (W.Q.); (H.L.); (W.M.); (X.W.)
- Institute of Animal Husbandry, Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Huhhot 010031, China
| | - Wenrui Guo
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo, and Development Engineering Autonomous Region, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (T.H.); (W.G.); (H.S.); (A.D.); (L.C.); (T.M.); (M.L.); (B.S.); (W.Q.); (H.L.); (W.M.); (X.W.)
| | - Guang Yang
- The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010020, China; (G.Y.); (X.L.)
- Research Center for Animal Genetic Resources of Mongolia Plateau, College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010020, China
| | - Hong Su
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo, and Development Engineering Autonomous Region, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (T.H.); (W.G.); (H.S.); (A.D.); (L.C.); (T.M.); (M.L.); (B.S.); (W.Q.); (H.L.); (W.M.); (X.W.)
| | - Aolei Dou
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo, and Development Engineering Autonomous Region, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (T.H.); (W.G.); (H.S.); (A.D.); (L.C.); (T.M.); (M.L.); (B.S.); (W.Q.); (H.L.); (W.M.); (X.W.)
| | - Lu Chen
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo, and Development Engineering Autonomous Region, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (T.H.); (W.G.); (H.S.); (A.D.); (L.C.); (T.M.); (M.L.); (B.S.); (W.Q.); (H.L.); (W.M.); (X.W.)
| | - Teng Ma
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo, and Development Engineering Autonomous Region, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (T.H.); (W.G.); (H.S.); (A.D.); (L.C.); (T.M.); (M.L.); (B.S.); (W.Q.); (H.L.); (W.M.); (X.W.)
| | - Jie Su
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Huhhot 010030, China;
| | - Moning Liu
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo, and Development Engineering Autonomous Region, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (T.H.); (W.G.); (H.S.); (A.D.); (L.C.); (T.M.); (M.L.); (B.S.); (W.Q.); (H.L.); (W.M.); (X.W.)
| | - Budeng Su
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo, and Development Engineering Autonomous Region, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (T.H.); (W.G.); (H.S.); (A.D.); (L.C.); (T.M.); (M.L.); (B.S.); (W.Q.); (H.L.); (W.M.); (X.W.)
| | - Wangmei Qi
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo, and Development Engineering Autonomous Region, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (T.H.); (W.G.); (H.S.); (A.D.); (L.C.); (T.M.); (M.L.); (B.S.); (W.Q.); (H.L.); (W.M.); (X.W.)
| | - Haijun Li
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo, and Development Engineering Autonomous Region, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (T.H.); (W.G.); (H.S.); (A.D.); (L.C.); (T.M.); (M.L.); (B.S.); (W.Q.); (H.L.); (W.M.); (X.W.)
| | - Wei Mao
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo, and Development Engineering Autonomous Region, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (T.H.); (W.G.); (H.S.); (A.D.); (L.C.); (T.M.); (M.L.); (B.S.); (W.Q.); (H.L.); (W.M.); (X.W.)
| | - Xiumei Wang
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo, and Development Engineering Autonomous Region, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (T.H.); (W.G.); (H.S.); (A.D.); (L.C.); (T.M.); (M.L.); (B.S.); (W.Q.); (H.L.); (W.M.); (X.W.)
| | - Xihe Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010020, China; (G.Y.); (X.L.)
- Research Center for Animal Genetic Resources of Mongolia Plateau, College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010020, China
| | - Yanyan Yang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry, Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Sciences, Huhhot 010031, China
| | - Yongli Song
- The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010020, China; (G.Y.); (X.L.)
- Research Center for Animal Genetic Resources of Mongolia Plateau, College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010020, China
| | - Guifang Cao
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Basic Veterinary Medicine, Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo, and Development Engineering Autonomous Region, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; (T.H.); (W.G.); (H.S.); (A.D.); (L.C.); (T.M.); (M.L.); (B.S.); (W.Q.); (H.L.); (W.M.); (X.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Underhill EJ, Toettcher JE. Control of gastruloid patterning and morphogenesis by the Erk and Akt signaling pathways. Development 2023; 150:dev201663. [PMID: 37590131 PMCID: PMC11106667 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Many developmental processes rely on the localized activation of receptor tyrosine kinases and their canonical downstream effectors Erk and Akt, yet the specific roles played by each of these signals is still poorly understood. Gastruloids, 3D cell culture models of mammalian gastrulation and axial elongation, enable quantitative dissection of signaling patterns and cell responses in a simplified, experimentally accessible context. We find that mouse gastruloids contain posterior-to-anterior gradients of Erk and Akt phosphorylation induced by distinct receptor tyrosine kinases, with features of the Erk pattern and expression of its downstream target Snail exhibiting hallmarks of size-invariant scaling. Both Erk and Akt signaling contribute to cell proliferation, whereas Erk activation is also sufficient to induce Snail expression and precipitate profound tissue shape changes. We further uncover that Erk signaling is sufficient to convert the entire gastruloid to one of two mesodermal fates depending on position along the anteroposterior axis. In all, these data demonstrate functional roles for two core signaling gradients in mammalian development and suggest how these modules might be harnessed to engineer user-defined tissues with predictable shapes and cell fates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evan J. Underhill
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Jared E. Toettcher
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Gattiglio M, Protzek M, Schröter C. Population-level antagonism between FGF and BMP signaling steers mesoderm differentiation in embryonic stem cells. Biol Open 2023; 12:bio059941. [PMID: 37530863 PMCID: PMC10445724 DOI: 10.1242/bio.059941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The mesodermal precursor populations for different internal organ systems are specified during gastrulation by the combined activity of extracellular signaling systems such as BMP, Wnt, Nodal and FGF. The BMP, Wnt and Nodal signaling requirements for the differentiation of specific mesoderm subtypes in mammals have been mapped in detail, but how FGF shapes mesodermal cell type diversity is not precisely known. It is also not clear how FGF signaling integrates with the activity of other signaling systems involved in mesoderm differentiation. Here, we address these questions by analyzing the effects of targeted signaling manipulations in differentiating stem cell populations at single-cell resolution. We identify opposing functions of BMP and FGF, and map FGF-dependent and -independent mesodermal lineages. Stimulation with exogenous FGF boosts the expression of endogenous Fgf genes while repressing Bmp ligand genes. This positive autoregulation of FGF signaling, coupled with the repression of BMP signaling, may contribute to the specification of reproducible and coherent cohorts of cells with the same identity via a community effect, both in the embryo and in synthetic embryo-like systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Gattiglio
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Department of Systemic Cell Biology, 44227Dortmund, Germany
| | - Michelle Protzek
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Department of Systemic Cell Biology, 44227Dortmund, Germany
| | - Christian Schröter
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Department of Systemic Cell Biology, 44227Dortmund, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Abel A, Sozen B. Shifting early embryology paradigms: Applications of stem cell-based embryo models in bioengineering. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2023; 81:102069. [PMID: 37392541 PMCID: PMC10530566 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Technologies to reproduce specific aspects of early mammalian embryogenesis in vitro using stem cells have skyrocketed over the last several years. With these advances, we have gained new perspectives on how embryonic and extraembryonic cells self-organize to form the embryo. These reductionist approaches hold promise for the future implementation of precise environmental and genetic controls to understand variables affecting embryo development. Our review discusses recent progress in cellular models of early mammalian embryo development and bioengineering advancements that can be leveraged to study the embryo-maternal interface. We summarize current gaps in the field, emphasizing the importance of understanding how intercellular interactions at this interface contribute to reproductive and developmental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Abel
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA. https://twitter.com/@caitrionacunn
| | - Berna Sozen
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Ayad NM, Lakins JN, Ghagre A, Ehrlicher AJ, Weaver VM. Tissue tension permits β-catenin phosphorylation to drive mesoderm specification in human embryonic stem cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.14.549074. [PMID: 37503095 PMCID: PMC10370032 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.14.549074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The role of morphogenetic forces in cell fate specification is an area of intense interest. Our prior studies suggested that the development of high cell-cell tension in human embryonic stem cells (hESC) colonies permits the Src-mediated phosphorylation of junctional β-catenin that accelerates its release to potentiate Wnt-dependent signaling critical for initiating mesoderm specification. Using an ectopically expressed nonphosphorylatable mutant of β-catenin (Y654F), we now provide direct evidence that impeding tension-dependent Src-mediated β-catenin phosphorylation impedes the expression of Brachyury (T) and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) necessary for mesoderm specification. Addition of exogenous Wnt3a or inhibiting GSK3β activity rescued mesoderm expression, emphasizing the importance of force dependent Wnt signaling in regulating mechanomorphogenesis. Our work provides a framework for understanding tension-dependent β-catenin/Wnt signaling in the self-organization of tissues during developmental processes including gastrulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadia M.E. Ayad
- Graduate Program in Bioengineering, University of California, San Francisco and University of California Berkeley, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Johnathon N. Lakins
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Ajinkya Ghagre
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0E9, Canada
| | - Allen J. Ehrlicher
- Department of Bioengineering, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Centre for Structural Biology, Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Valerie M. Weaver
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; UCSF Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helen Diller Family Cancer Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| |
Collapse
|