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Abstract
Embryonic cells grow in environments that provide a plethora of physical cues, including mechanical forces that shape the development of the entire embryo. Despite their prevalence, the role of these forces in embryonic development and their integration with chemical signals have been mostly neglected, and scrutiny in modern molecular embryology tilted, instead, towards the dissection of molecular pathways involved in cell fate determination and patterning. It is now possible to investigate how mechanical signals induce downstream genetic regulatory networks to regulate key developmental processes in the embryo. Here, we review the insights into mechanical control of early vertebrate development, including the role of forces in tissue patterning and embryonic axis formation. We also highlight recent in vitro approaches using individual embryonic stem cells and self-organizing multicellular models of human embryos, which have been instrumental in expanding our understanding of how mechanics tune cell fate and cellular rearrangements during human embryonic development.
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52
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He JP, Tian Q, Zhu QY, Liu JL. Single-cell analysis of mouse uterus at the invasion phase of embryo implantation. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:13. [PMID: 35123575 PMCID: PMC8817544 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00749-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Embryo implantation into the uterus is a crucial step for human reproduction. A hypothesis has been proposed that the molecular circuit invented by trophoblasts for invasive embryo implantation during evolution might be misused by cancer cells to promote malignancy. Unfortunately, our current understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying embryo implantation is far from complete. Results Here we used the mouse as an animal model and generated a single-cell transcriptomic atlas of the embryo implantation site of mouse uterus at the invasion phase of embryo implantation on gestational day 6. We revealed 23 distinct cell clusters, including 5 stromal cell clusters, 2 epithelial cell clusters, 1 smooth muscle cell cluster, 2 pericyte clusters, 4 endothelial cell clusters, and 9 immune cell clusters. Through data analysis, we identified differentially expression changes in all uterine cell types upon embryo implantation. By integrated with single-cell RNA-seq data from E5.5 embryos, we predicted cell–cell crosstalk between trophoblasts and uterine cell types. Conclusions Our study provides a valuable resource for understanding of the molecular mechanism of embryo implantation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13578-022-00749-y.
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53
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Bérenger-Currias NM, Mircea M, Adegeest E, van den Berg PR, Feliksik M, Hochane M, Idema T, Tans SJ, Semrau S. A gastruloid model of the interaction between embryonic and extra-embryonic cell types. J Tissue Eng 2022; 13:20417314221103042. [PMID: 35707767 PMCID: PMC9189523 DOI: 10.1177/20417314221103042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem-cell derived in vitro systems, such as organoids or embryoids, hold great
potential for modeling in vivo development. Full control over their initial
composition, scalability, and easily measurable dynamics make those systems
useful for studying specific developmental processes in isolation. Here we
report the formation of gastruloids consisting of mouse embryonic stem cells
(mESCs) and extraembryonic endoderm (XEN) cells. These XEN-enhanced gastruloids
(XEGs) exhibit the formation of neural epithelia, which are absent in
gastruloids derived from mESCs only. By single-cell RNA-seq, imaging, and
differentiation experiments, we demonstrate the neural characteristics of the
epithelial tissue. We further show that the mESCs induce the differentiation of
the XEN cells to a visceral endoderm-like state. Finally, we demonstrate that
local inhibition of WNT signaling and production of a basement membrane by the
XEN cells underlie the formation of the neuroepithelial tissue. In summary, we
establish XEGs to explore heterotypic cellular interactions and their
developmental consequences in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noémie Mlp Bérenger-Currias
- Department of Physics, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Delft University of Technology, Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Mircea
- Department of Physics, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Esmée Adegeest
- Department of Physics, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Marleen Feliksik
- Department of Physics, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mazène Hochane
- Department of Physics, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Timon Idema
- Delft University of Technology, Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Sander J Tans
- Delft University of Technology, Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft, The Netherlands.,AMOLF, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan Semrau
- Department of Physics, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
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54
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Induction of Rosette-to-Lumen stage embryoids using reprogramming paradigms in ESCs. Nat Commun 2021; 12:7322. [PMID: 34916498 PMCID: PMC8677818 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27586-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Blastocyst-derived stem cell lines were shown to self-organize into embryo-like structures in 3D cell culture environments. Here, we provide evidence that embryo-like structures can be generated solely based on transcription factor-mediated reprogramming of embryonic stem cells in a simple 3D co-culture system. Embryonic stem cells in these cultures self-organize into elongated, compartmentalized embryo-like structures reflecting aspects of the inner regions of the early post-implantation embryo. Single-cell RNA-sequencing reveals transcriptional profiles resembling epiblast, primitive-/visceral endoderm, and extraembryonic ectoderm of early murine embryos around E4.5-E5.5. In this stem cell-based embryo model, progression from rosette formation to lumenogenesis accompanied by progression from naïve- to primed pluripotency was observed within Epi-like cells. Additionally, lineage specification of primordial germ cells and distal/anterior visceral endoderm-like cells was observed in epiblast- or visceral endoderm-like compartments, respectively. The system presented in this study allows for fast and reproducible generation of embryo-like structures, providing an additional tool to study aspects of early embryogenesis.
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55
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Veenvliet JV, Lenne PF, Turner DA, Nachman I, Trivedi V. Sculpting with stem cells: how models of embryo development take shape. Development 2021; 148:dev192914. [PMID: 34908102 PMCID: PMC8722391 DOI: 10.1242/dev.192914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
During embryogenesis, organisms acquire their shape given boundary conditions that impose geometrical, mechanical and biochemical constraints. A detailed integrative understanding how these morphogenetic information modules pattern and shape the mammalian embryo is still lacking, mostly owing to the inaccessibility of the embryo in vivo for direct observation and manipulation. These impediments are circumvented by the developmental engineering of embryo-like structures (stembryos) from pluripotent stem cells that are easy to access, track, manipulate and scale. Here, we explain how unlocking distinct levels of embryo-like architecture through controlled modulations of the cellular environment enables the identification of minimal sets of mechanical and biochemical inputs necessary to pattern and shape the mammalian embryo. We detail how this can be complemented with precise measurements and manipulations of tissue biochemistry, mechanics and geometry across spatial and temporal scales to provide insights into the mechanochemical feedback loops governing embryo morphogenesis. Finally, we discuss how, even in the absence of active manipulations, stembryos display intrinsic phenotypic variability that can be leveraged to define the constraints that ensure reproducible morphogenesis in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse V. Veenvliet
- Stembryogenesis Lab, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Ihnestrasse 63-73, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Pierre-François Lenne
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, IBDM, Turing Center for Living Systems, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - David A. Turner
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, William Henry Duncan Building, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK
| | - Iftach Nachman
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Vikas Trivedi
- European Molecular Biology Laboratories (EMBL), Barcelona, 08003, Spain
- EMBL Heidelberg, Developmental Biology Unit, 69117, Heidelberg, Germany
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56
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Sheng G, Martinez Arias A, Sutherland A. The primitive streak and cellular principles of building an amniote body through gastrulation. Science 2021; 374:abg1727. [PMID: 34855481 DOI: 10.1126/science.abg1727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Guojun Sheng
- International Research Center for Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Alfonso Martinez Arias
- Systems Bioengineering, DCEXS, Universidad Pompeu Fabra, Doctor Aiguader, 88 ICREA, Pag Lluis Companys 23, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ann Sutherland
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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57
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Sozen B, Jorgensen V, Weatherbee BAT, Chen S, Zhu M, Zernicka-Goetz M. Reconstructing aspects of human embryogenesis with pluripotent stem cells. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5550. [PMID: 34548496 PMCID: PMC8455697 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25853-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding human development is of fundamental biological and clinical importance. Despite its significance, mechanisms behind human embryogenesis remain largely unknown. Here, we attempt to model human early embryo development with expanded pluripotent stem cells (EPSCs) in 3-dimensions. We define a protocol that allows us to generate self-organizing cystic structures from human EPSCs that display some hallmarks of human early embryogenesis. These structures mimic polarization and cavitation characteristic of pre-implantation development leading to blastocyst morphology formation and the transition to post-implantation-like organization upon extended culture. Single-cell RNA sequencing of these structures reveals subsets of cells bearing some resemblance to epiblast, hypoblast and trophectoderm lineages. Nevertheless, significant divergences from natural blastocysts persist in some key markers, and signalling pathways point towards ways in which morphology and transcriptional-level cell identities may diverge in stem cell models of the embryo. Thus, this stem cell platform provides insights into the design of stem cell models of embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berna Sozen
- Plasticity and Self-Organization Group, Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, Caltech, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Victoria Jorgensen
- Plasticity and Self-Organization Group, Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, Caltech, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Bailey A T Weatherbee
- Mammalian Development and Stem Cell Group, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Sisi Chen
- Plasticity and Self-Organization Group, Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, Caltech, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Meng Zhu
- Mammalian Development and Stem Cell Group, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
- Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Department of Genetics, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz
- Plasticity and Self-Organization Group, Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, Caltech, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA.
- Mammalian Development and Stem Cell Group, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK.
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58
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Steventon B, Busby L, Arias AM. Establishment of the vertebrate body plan: Rethinking gastrulation through stem cell models of early embryogenesis. Dev Cell 2021; 56:2405-2418. [PMID: 34520764 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
A striking property of vertebrate embryos is the emergence of a conserved body plan across a wide range of organisms through the process of gastrulation. As the body plan unfolds, gene regulatory networks (GRNs) and multicellular interactions (cell regulatory networks, CRNs) combine to generate a conserved set of morphogenetic events that lead to the phylotypic stage. Interrogation of these multilevel interactions requires manipulation of the mechanical environment, which is difficult in vivo. We review recent studies of stem cell models of early embryogenesis from different species showing that, independent of species origin, cells in culture form similar structures. The main difference between embryos and in vitro models is the boundary conditions of the multicellular ensembles. We discuss these observations and suggest that the mechanical and geometric boundary conditions of different embryos before gastrulation hide a morphogenetic ground state that is revealed in the stem-cell-based models of embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lara Busby
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EH, UK
| | - Alfonso Martinez Arias
- Systems Bioengineering, DCEXS, Universidad Pompeu Fabra, Doctor Aiguader, 88 ICREA, Pag Lluis Companys 23, Barcelona, Spain.
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59
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Anlas K, Trivedi V. Studying evolution of the primary body axis in vivo and in vitro. eLife 2021; 10:e69066. [PMID: 34463611 PMCID: PMC8456739 DOI: 10.7554/elife.69066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The metazoan body plan is established during early embryogenesis via collective cell rearrangements and evolutionarily conserved gene networks, as part of a process commonly referred to as gastrulation. While substantial progress has been achieved in terms of characterizing the embryonic development of several model organisms, underlying principles of many early patterning processes nevertheless remain enigmatic. Despite the diversity of (pre-)gastrulating embryo and adult body shapes across the animal kingdom, the body axes, which are arguably the most fundamental features, generally remain identical between phyla. Recently there has been a renewed appreciation of ex vivo and in vitro embryo-like systems to model early embryonic patterning events. Here, we briefly review key examples and propose that similarities in morphogenesis and associated gene expression dynamics may reveal an evolutionarily conserved developmental mode as well as provide further insights into the role of external or extraembryonic cues in shaping the early embryo. In summary, we argue that embryo-like systems can be employed to inform previously uncharted aspects of animal body plan evolution as well as associated patterning rules.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vikas Trivedi
- EMBL BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
- EMBL Heidelberg, Developmental BiologyHeidelbergGermany
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60
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Zhai J, Xiao Z, Wang Y, Wang H. Human embryonic development: from peri-implantation to gastrulation. Trends Cell Biol 2021; 32:18-29. [PMID: 34417090 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2021.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The basic body plan of the mammalian embryo is established through gastrulation, a pivotal early postimplantation event during which the three major germ layers (endoderm, ectoderm, and mesoderm) are specified with cellular and spatial diversity. Despite its basic and clinical importance, human embryo development from peri-implantation to gastrulation remains shrouded in mystery. Recent advances in the elongated in vitro culture of rodent and non-primate embryos and the construction of embryo-like structures have helped to improve understanding of the mechanisms of human early embryonic development. Here, we review the recent advances and possible future directions in the development of in vitro models to better understand human embryogenesis from peri-implantation to gastrulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinglei Zhai
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, P. R. China
| | - Zhenyu Xiao
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, P. R. China
| | - Yiming Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Hongmei Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, P. R. China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China.
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61
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Hong TK, Song JH, Lee SB, Do JT. Germ Cell Derivation from Pluripotent Stem Cells for Understanding In Vitro Gametogenesis. Cells 2021; 10:cells10081889. [PMID: 34440657 PMCID: PMC8394365 DOI: 10.3390/cells10081889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) have developed considerably in recent years; however, they cannot rectify germ cell aplasia, such as non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and oocyte maturation failure syndrome. In vitro gametogenesis is a promising technology to overcome infertility, particularly germ cell aplasia. Early germ cells, such as primordial germ cells, can be relatively easily derived from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs); however, further progression to post-meiotic germ cells usually requires a gonadal niche and signals from gonadal somatic cells. Here, we review the recent advances in in vitro male and female germ cell derivation from PSCs and discuss how this technique is used to understand the biological mechanism of gamete development and gain insight into its application in infertility.
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62
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van den Brink SC, van Oudenaarden A. 3D gastruloids: a novel frontier in stem cell-based in vitro modeling of mammalian gastrulation. Trends Cell Biol 2021; 31:747-759. [PMID: 34304959 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2021.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
3D gastruloids, aggregates of embryonic stem cells that recapitulate key aspects of gastrula-stage embryos, have emerged as a powerful tool to study the early stages of mammalian post-implantation development in vitro. Owing to their tractable nature and the relative ease by which they can be generated in large numbers, 3D gastruloids provide an unparalleled opportunity to study normal and pathological embryogenesis from a bottom-up perspective and in a high-throughput manner. Here, we review how gastruloid models can be exploited to deepen our understanding of mammalian development. In addition, we discuss current limitations, potential clinical applications, and ethical implications of this emerging model system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne C van den Brink
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute-KNAW (Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences) and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Alexander van Oudenaarden
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute-KNAW (Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences) and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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63
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Glykofrydis F, Cachat E, Berzanskyte I, Dzierzak E, Davies JA. Bioengineering Self-Organizing Signaling Centers to Control Embryoid Body Pattern Elaboration. ACS Synth Biol 2021; 10:1465-1480. [PMID: 34019395 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Multicellular systems possess an intrinsic capacity to autonomously generate nonrandom state distributions or morphologies in a process termed self-organization. Facets of self-organization, such as pattern formation, pattern elaboration, and symmetry breaking, are frequently observed in developing embryos. Artificial stem cell-derived structures including embryoid bodies (EBs), gastruloids, and organoids also demonstrate self-organization, but with a limited capacity compared to their in vivo developmental counterparts. There is a pressing need for better tools to allow user-defined control over self-organization in these stem cell-derived structures. Here, we employ synthetic biology to establish an efficient platform for the generation of self-organizing coaggregates, in which HEK-293 cells overexpressing P-cadherin (Cdh3) spontaneously form cell clusters attached mostly to one or two locations on the exterior of EBs. These Cdh3-expressing HEK cells, when further engineered to produce functional mouse WNT3A, evoke polarized and gradual Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation in EBs during coaggregation cultures. The localized WNT3A provision induces nascent mesoderm specification within regions of the EB close to the Cdh3-Wnt3a-expressing HEK source, resulting in pattern elaboration and symmetry breaking within EBs. This synthetic biology-based approach puts us closer toward engineering synthetic organizers to improve the realism in stem cell-derived structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fokion Glykofrydis
- UK Centre for Mammalian Synthetic Biology, Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Elise Cachat
- UK Centre for Mammalian Synthetic Biology, Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry, and Biotechnology, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
| | - Ieva Berzanskyte
- UK Centre for Mammalian Synthetic Biology, Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, United Kingdom
| | - Elaine Dzierzak
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Jamie A. Davies
- UK Centre for Mammalian Synthetic Biology, Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, United Kingdom
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64
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake Cornwall-Scoones
- California Institute of Technology, Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, 1200 E. California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz
- California Institute of Technology, Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, 1200 E. California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA; Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK.
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65
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Ho C, Morsut L. Novel synthetic biology approaches for developmental systems. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:1051-1064. [PMID: 33979593 PMCID: PMC8185972 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, developmental systems are investigated with increasing technological power. Still, open questions remain, especially concerning self-organization capacity and its control. Here, we present three areas where synthetic biology tools are used in top-down and bottom-up approaches for studying and constructing developmental systems. First, we discuss how synthetic biology tools can improve stem cell-based organoid models. Second, we discuss recent studies employing user-defined perturbations to study embryonic patterning in model species. Third, we present "toy models" of patterning and morphogenesis using synthetic genetic circuits in non-developmental systems. Finally, we discuss how these tools and approaches can specifically benefit the field of embryo models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Ho
- Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Leonardo Morsut
- Eli and Edythe Broad CIRM Center, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
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66
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Posfai E, Lanner F, Mulas C, Leitch HG. All models are wrong, but some are useful: Establishing standards for stem cell-based embryo models. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:1117-1141. [PMID: 33979598 PMCID: PMC8185978 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Detailed studies of the embryo allow an increasingly mechanistic understanding of development, which has proved of profound relevance to human disease. The last decade has seen in vitro cultured stem cell-based models of embryo development flourish, which provide an alternative to the embryo for accessible experimentation. However, the usefulness of any stem cell-based embryo model will be determined by how accurately it reflects in vivo embryonic development, and/or the extent to which it facilitates new discoveries. Stringent benchmarking of embryo models is thus an important consideration for this growing field. Here we provide an overview of means to evaluate both the properties of stem cells, the building blocks of most embryo models, as well as the usefulness of current and future in vitro embryo models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eszter Posfai
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
| | - Fredrik Lanner
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden; Ming Wai Lau Center for Reparative Medicine, Stockholm node, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carla Mulas
- Wellcome - MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Harry G Leitch
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; Centre for Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W2 1PG, UK
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67
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Morales JS, Raspopovic J, Marcon L. From embryos to embryoids: How external signals and self-organization drive embryonic development. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:1039-1050. [PMID: 33979592 PMCID: PMC8185431 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic development has been traditionally seen as an inductive process directed by exogenous maternal inputs and extra-embryonic signals. Increasing evidence, however, is showing that, in addition to exogenous signals, the development of the embryo involves endogenous self-organization. Recently, this self-organizing potential has been highlighted by a number of stem cell models known as embryoids that can recapitulate different aspects of embryogenesis in vitro. Here, we review the self-organizing behaviors observed in different embryoid models and seek to reconcile this new evidence with classical knowledge of developmental biology. This analysis leads to reexamine embryonic development as a guided self-organizing process, where patterning and morphogenesis are controlled by a combination of exogenous signals and endogenous self-organization. Finally, we discuss the multidisciplinary approach required to investigate the genetic and cellular basis of self-organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Serrano Morales
- Andalusian Center for Developmental Biology (CABD), CSIC - UPO - JA, Seville, Spain
| | - Jelena Raspopovic
- Andalusian Center for Developmental Biology (CABD), CSIC - UPO - JA, Seville, Spain.
| | - Luciano Marcon
- Andalusian Center for Developmental Biology (CABD), CSIC - UPO - JA, Seville, Spain.
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