101
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Doumpas N, Söderholm S, Narula S, Moreira S, Doble BW, Cantù C, Basler K. TCF/LEF regulation of the topologically associated domain ADI promotes mESCs to exit the pluripotent ground state. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109705. [PMID: 34525377 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109705] [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: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) can be maintained in vitro in defined N2B27 medium supplemented with two chemical inhibitors for GSK3 and MEK (2i) and the cytokine leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), which act synergistically to promote self-renewal and pluripotency. Here, we find that genetic deletion of the four genes encoding the TCF/LEF transcription factors confers mESCs with the ability to self-renew in N2B27 medium alone. TCF/LEF quadruple knockout (qKO) mESCs display dysregulation of several genes, including Aire, Dnmt3l, and IcosL, located adjacent to each other within a topologically associated domain (TAD). Aire, Dnmt3l, and IcosL appear to be regulated by TCF/LEF in a β-catenin independent manner. Moreover, downregulation of Aire and Dnmt3l in wild-type mESCs mimics the loss of TCF/LEF and increases mESC survival in the absence of 2iL. Hence, this study identifies TCF/LEF effectors that mediate exit from the pluripotent state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Doumpas
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Simon Söderholm
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Smarth Narula
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Steven Moreira
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Bradley W Doble
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada; Departments of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics & Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W2, Canada
| | - Claudio Cantù
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Konrad Basler
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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102
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Wei M, Chen Y, Zhao C, Zheng L, Wu B, Chen C, Li X, Bao S. Establishment of Mouse Primed Stem Cells by Combination of Activin and LIF Signaling. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:713503. [PMID: 34422831 PMCID: PMC8375391 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.713503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In mice, embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs) are established from pre- and post-implantation embryos and represent the naive and primed state, respectively. Herein we used mouse leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), which supports ESCs self-renewal and Activin A (Act A), which is the main factor in maintaining EpiSCs in post-implantation epiblast cultures, to derive a primed stem cell line named ALSCs. Like EpiSCs, ALSCs express key pluripotent genes Oct4, Sox2, and Nanog; one X chromosome was inactivated; and the cells failed to contribute to chimera formation in vivo. Notably, compared to EpiSCs, ALSCs efficiently reversed to ESCs (rESCs) on activation of Wnt signaling. Moreover, we also discovered that culturing EpiSCs in AL medium for several passages favored Wnt signaling-driven naive pluripotency. Our results show that ALSCs is a primed state stem cell and represents a simple model to study the control of pluripotency fate and conversion from the primed to the naive state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyi Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China.,Institute of Animal Genetic Research of Mongolia Plateau, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Yanglin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China.,Institute of Animal Genetic Research of Mongolia Plateau, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chaoyue Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China.,Institute of Animal Genetic Research of Mongolia Plateau, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Li Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China.,Institute of Animal Genetic Research of Mongolia Plateau, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Baojiang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China.,Institute of Animal Genetic Research of Mongolia Plateau, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Chen Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China.,Institute of Animal Genetic Research of Mongolia Plateau, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Xihe Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China.,Institute of Animal Genetic Research of Mongolia Plateau, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China.,Inner Mongolia Saikexing Institute of Breeding and Reproductive Biotechnology in Domestic Animal, Hohhot, China
| | - Siqin Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China.,Institute of Animal Genetic Research of Mongolia Plateau, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
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103
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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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104
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Building Pluripotency Identity in the Early Embryo and Derived Stem Cells. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082049. [PMID: 34440818 PMCID: PMC8391114 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The fusion of two highly differentiated cells, an oocyte with a spermatozoon, gives rise to the zygote, a single totipotent cell, which has the capability to develop into a complete, fully functional organism. Then, as development proceeds, a series of programmed cell divisions occur whereby the arising cells progressively acquire their own cellular and molecular identity, and totipotency narrows until when pluripotency is achieved. The path towards pluripotency involves transcriptome modulation, remodeling of the chromatin epigenetic landscape to which external modulators contribute. Both human and mouse embryos are a source of different types of pluripotent stem cells whose characteristics can be captured and maintained in vitro. The main aim of this review is to address the cellular properties and the molecular signature of the emerging cells during mouse and human early development, highlighting similarities and differences between the two species and between the embryos and their cognate stem cells.
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105
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Qin W, Ugur E, Mulholland CB, Bultmann S, Solovei I, Modic M, Smets M, Wierer M, Forné I, Imhof A, Cardoso MC, Leonhardt H. Phosphorylation of the HP1β hinge region sequesters KAP1 in heterochromatin and promotes the exit from naïve pluripotency. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:7406-7423. [PMID: 34214177 PMCID: PMC8287961 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterochromatin binding protein HP1β plays an important role in chromatin organization and cell differentiation, however the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we generated HP1β−/− embryonic stem cells and observed reduced heterochromatin clustering and impaired differentiation. We found that during stem cell differentiation, HP1β is phosphorylated at serine 89 by CK2, which creates a binding site for the pluripotency regulator KAP1. This phosphorylation dependent sequestration of KAP1 in heterochromatin compartments causes a downregulation of pluripotency factors and triggers pluripotency exit. Accordingly, HP1β−/− and phospho-mutant cells exhibited impaired differentiation, while ubiquitination-deficient KAP1−/− cells had the opposite phenotype with enhanced differentiation. These results suggest that KAP1 regulates pluripotency via its ubiquitination activity. We propose that the formation of subnuclear membraneless heterochromatin compartments may serve as a dynamic reservoir to trap or release cellular factors. The sequestration of essential regulators defines a novel and active role of heterochromatin in gene regulation and represents a dynamic mode of remote control to regulate cellular processes like cell fate decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihua Qin
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstraße 1, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Enes Ugur
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstraße 1, D-81377 Munich, Germany.,Department of Proteomics and Signal Transduction, Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Christopher B Mulholland
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstraße 1, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Bultmann
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstraße 1, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Irina Solovei
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstraße 1, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Miha Modic
- The Francis Crick Institute and UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom
| | - Martha Smets
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstraße 1, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Wierer
- Department of Proteomics and Signal Transduction, Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Ignasi Forné
- Biomedical Center Munich, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Großhaderner Str. 9, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Axel Imhof
- Biomedical Center Munich, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Großhaderner Str. 9, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - M Cristina Cardoso
- Cell Biology and Epigenetics, Department of Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Heinrich Leonhardt
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstraße 1, D-81377 Munich, Germany
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106
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Divergent roles for KLF4 and TFCP2L1 in naive ground state pluripotency and human primordial germ cell development. Stem Cell Res 2021; 55:102493. [PMID: 34399163 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2021.102493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
During embryo development, human primordial germ cells (hPGCs) express a naive gene expression program with similarities to pre-implantation naive epiblast (EPI) cells and naive human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). Previous studies have shown that TFAP2C is required for establishing naive gene expression in these cell types, however the role of additional naive transcription factors in hPGC biology is not known. Here, we show that unlike TFAP2C, the naive transcription factors KLF4 and TFCP2L1 are not required for induction of hPGC-like cells (hPGCLCs) from hESCs, and they have no role in establishing and maintaining a naive-like gene expression program in hPGCLCs with extended time in culture. Taken together, our results suggest a model whereby the molecular mechanisms that drive naive gene expression in hPGCs/hPGCLCs are distinct from those in the naive EPI/hESCs.
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107
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Wu J, Barbaric I. Fitness selection in human pluripotent stem cells and interspecies chimeras: Implications for human development and regenerative medicine. Dev Biol 2021; 476:209-217. [PMID: 33891964 PMCID: PMC8209287 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A small number of pluripotent cells within early embryo gives rise to all cells in the adult body, including germ cells. Hence, any mutations occurring in the pluripotent cell population are at risk of being propagated to their daughter cells and could lead to congenital defects or embryonic lethality and pose a risk of being transmitted to future generations. The observation that genetic errors are relatively common in preimplantation embryos, but their levels reduce as development progresses, suggests the existence of mechanisms for clearance of aberrant, unfit or damaged cells. Although early human embryogenesis is largely experimentally inaccessible, pluripotent stem cell (PSC) lines can be derived either from the inner cell mass (ICM) of a blastocyst or by reprogramming somatic cells into an embryonic stem cell-like state. PSCs retain the ability to differentiate into any cell type in vitro and, hence, they represent a unique and powerful tool for studying otherwise intractable stages of human development. The advent of PSCs has also opened up a possibility of developing regenerative medicine therapies, either through PSC differentiation in vitro or by creating interspecies chimeras for organ replacement. Here, we discuss the emerging evidence of cell selection in human PSC populations in vivo and in vitro and we highlight the implications of understanding this phenomenon for human development and regenerative medicine.
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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.
| | - Ivana Barbaric
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, United Kingdom; Neuroscience Institute, The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, United Kingdom.
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108
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van der Weijden VA, Bulut-Karslioglu A. Molecular Regulation of Paused Pluripotency in Early Mammalian Embryos and Stem Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:708318. [PMID: 34386497 PMCID: PMC8353277 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.708318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The energetically costly mammalian investment in gestation and lactation requires plentiful nutritional sources and thus links the environmental conditions to reproductive success. Flexibility in adjusting developmental timing enhances chances of survival in adverse conditions. Over 130 mammalian species can reversibly pause early embryonic development by switching to a near dormant state that can be sustained for months, a phenomenon called embryonic diapause. Lineage-specific cells are retained during diapause, and they proliferate and differentiate upon activation. Studying diapause thus reveals principles of pluripotency and dormancy and is not only relevant for development, but also for regeneration and cancer. In this review, we focus on the molecular regulation of diapause in early mammalian embryos and relate it to maintenance of potency in stem cells in vitro. Diapause is established and maintained by active rewiring of the embryonic metabolome, epigenome, and gene expression in communication with maternal tissues. Herein, we particularly discuss factors required at distinct stages of diapause to induce, maintain, and terminate dormancy.
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109
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Mao Y, Wang L, Zhong B, Yang N, Li Z, Cui T, Feng G, Li W, Zhang Y, Zhou Q. Continuous expression of reprogramming factors induces and maintains mouse pluripotency without specific growth factors and signaling inhibitors. Cell Prolif 2021; 54:e13090. [PMID: 34197016 PMCID: PMC8349648 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Derivation and maintenance of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) generally require optimized and complex culture media, which hinders the derivation of PSCs from various species. Expression of Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c‐Myc (OSKM) can reprogram somatic cells into induced PSCs (iPSCs), even for species possessing no optimal culture condition. Herein, we explored whether expression of OSKM could induce and maintain pluripotency without PSC‐specific growth factors and signaling inhibitors. Methods The culture medium of Tet‐On‐OSKM/Oct4‐GFP mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) was switched from N2B27 with MEK inhibitor, GSK3β inhibitor, and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) (2iL) to N2B27 with doxycycline. Tet‐On‐OSKM mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells were reprogrammed in N2B27 with doxycycline. Cell proliferation was traced. Pluripotency was assessed by expression of ESC marker genes, teratoma, and chimera formation. RNA‐Seq was conducted to analyze gene expression. Results Via continuous expression of OSKM, mouse ESCs (OSKM‐ESCs) and the resulting iPSCs (OSKM‐iPSCs) reprogrammed from MEF cells propagated stably, expressed pluripotency marker genes, and formed three germ layers in teratomas. Transcriptional landscapes of OSKM‐iPSCs resembled those of ESCs cultured in 2iL and were more similar to those of ESCs cultured in serum/LIF. Furthermore, OSKM‐iPSCs contributed to germline transmission. Conclusions Expression of OSKM could induce and maintain mouse pluripotency without specific culturing factors. Importantly, OSKM‐iPSCs could produce gene‐modified animals through germline transmission, with potential applications in other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihuan Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Libin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bei Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University of China, Harbin, China
| | - Ning Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhikun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tongtong Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guihai Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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110
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Ávila-González D, Portillo W, García-López G, Molina-Hernández A, Díaz-Martínez NE, Díaz NF. Unraveling the Spatiotemporal Human Pluripotency in Embryonic Development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:676998. [PMID: 34249929 PMCID: PMC8262797 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.676998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There have been significant advances in understanding human embryogenesis using human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) in conventional monolayer and 3D self-organized cultures. Thus, in vitro models have contributed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms for specification and differentiation during development. However, the molecular and functional spectrum of human pluripotency (i.e., intermediate states, pluripotency subtypes and regionalization) is still not fully understood. This review describes the mechanisms that establish and maintain pluripotency in human embryos and their differences with mouse embryos. Further, it describes a new pluripotent state representing a transition between naïve and primed pluripotency. This review also presents the data that divide pluripotency into substates expressing epiblast regionalization and amnion specification as well as primordial germ cells in primates. Finally, this work analyzes the amnion's relevance as an "signaling center" for regionalization before the onset of gastrulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Ávila-González
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla, Mexico
- Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Wendy Portillo
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla, Mexico
| | | | | | - Néstor E. Díaz-Martínez
- Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Néstor F. Díaz
- Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Mexico City, Mexico
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111
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Molè MA, Coorens THH, Shahbazi MN, Weberling A, Weatherbee BAT, Gantner CW, Sancho-Serra C, Richardson L, Drinkwater A, Syed N, Engley S, Snell P, Christie L, Elder K, Campbell A, Fishel S, Behjati S, Vento-Tormo R, Zernicka-Goetz M. A single cell characterisation of human embryogenesis identifies pluripotency transitions and putative anterior hypoblast centre. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3679. [PMID: 34140473 PMCID: PMC8211662 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23758-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Following implantation, the human embryo undergoes major morphogenetic transformations that establish the future body plan. While the molecular events underpinning this process are established in mice, they remain unknown in humans. Here we characterise key events of human embryo morphogenesis, in the period between implantation and gastrulation, using single-cell analyses and functional studies. First, the embryonic epiblast cells transition through different pluripotent states and act as a source of FGF signals that ensure proliferation of both embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues. In a subset of embryos, we identify a group of asymmetrically positioned extra-embryonic hypoblast cells expressing inhibitors of BMP, NODAL and WNT signalling pathways. We suggest that this group of cells can act as the anterior singalling centre to pattern the epiblast. These results provide insights into pluripotency state transitions, the role of FGF signalling and the specification of anterior-posterior axis during human embryo development. Single cell analysis of early human embryos identifies key changes in pluripotency, the requirement of FGF signalling for embryo survival, and defines a putative anterior-like region of hypoblast cells, providing insights into how early human development is regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo A Molè
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Marta N Shahbazi
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Antonia Weberling
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Bailey A T Weatherbee
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Carlos W Gantner
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Lucy Richardson
- Herts & Essex Fertility Centre, Bishops College, Cheshunt, Herts, UK
| | - Abbie Drinkwater
- Herts & Essex Fertility Centre, Bishops College, Cheshunt, Herts, UK
| | - Najma Syed
- Herts & Essex Fertility Centre, Bishops College, Cheshunt, Herts, UK
| | - Stephanie Engley
- Herts & Essex Fertility Centre, Bishops College, Cheshunt, Herts, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Simon Fishel
- CARE Fertility Group, Nottingham, UK.,School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sam Behjati
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK. .,Cambridge University Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK. .,Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | | | - Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. .,Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.
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112
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Zheng C, Ballard EB, Wu J. The road to generating transplantable organs: from blastocyst complementation to interspecies chimeras. Development 2021; 148:dev195792. [PMID: 34132325 PMCID: PMC10656466 DOI: 10.1242/dev.195792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Growing human organs in animals sounds like something from the realm of science fiction, but it may one day become a reality through a technique known as interspecies blastocyst complementation. This technique, which was originally developed to study gene function in development, involves injecting donor pluripotent stem cells into an organogenesis-disabled host embryo, allowing the donor cells to compensate for missing organs or tissues. Although interspecies blastocyst complementation has been achieved between closely related species, such as mice and rats, the situation becomes much more difficult for species that are far apart on the evolutionary tree. This is presumably because of layers of xenogeneic barriers that are a result of divergent evolution. In this Review, we discuss the current status of blastocyst complementation approaches and, in light of recent progress, elaborate on the keys to success for interspecies blastocyst complementation and organ generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Canbin Zheng
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Microsurgery, Orthopaedic Trauma and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Emily B. Ballard
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - 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
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113
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Shyh-Chang N, Li L. Stabilizing Formative Pluripotent States with Germ Cell Competency. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 28:361-363. [PMID: 33667353 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Previous work demonstrating the existence of intermediate pluripotency states in post-implantation embryos had ignited a debate on whether "formative" pluripotency can be stabilized in pluripotent stem cell (PSC) lines. In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, two papers show that polarized epithelial and germ cell-competent formative PSCs can be maintained in modified activin-dependent conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ng Shyh-Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District 100101, Beijing, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District 100101, Beijing, China; Beijing Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China.
| | - Lei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District 100101, Beijing, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District 100101, Beijing, China; Beijing Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China.
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114
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Alberio R, Kobayashi T, Surani MA. Conserved features of non-primate bilaminar disc embryos and the germline. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:1078-1092. [PMID: 33979595 PMCID: PMC8185373 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-implantation embryo development commences with a bilaminar disc in most mammals, including humans. Whereas access to early human embryos is limited and subject to greater ethical scrutiny, studies on non-primate embryos developing as bilaminar discs offer exceptional opportunities for advances in gastrulation, the germline, and the basis for evolutionary divergence applicable to human development. Here, we discuss the advantages of investigations in the pig embryo as an exemplar of development of a bilaminar disc embryo with relevance to early human development. Besides, the pig has the potential for the creation of humanized organs for xenotransplantation. Precise genetic engineering approaches, imaging, and single-cell analysis are cost effective and efficient, enabling research into some outstanding questions on human development and for developing authentic models of early human development with stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramiro Alberio
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK.
| | - Toshihiro Kobayashi
- Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan; The Graduate University of Advanced Studies, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
| | - M Azim Surani
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK; Wellcome Trust/Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK.
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115
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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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116
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Liu L, Warmflash A. Self-organized signaling in stem cell models of embryos. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:1065-1077. [PMID: 33979594 PMCID: PMC8185436 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian embryonic development is a complex process driven by self-organization. Understanding how a fertilized egg develops into an embryo composed of more than 200 cell types in precise spatial patterns remains one of the fundamental challenges in biology. Pluripotent stem cells have been used as in vitro models for investigating mammalian development, and represent promising building blocks for regenerative therapies. Recently, sophisticated stem cell-based models that recapitulate early embryonic fate patterning and morphogenesis have been developed. In this article, we review recent advances in stem cell models of embryos in particular focusing on signaling activities underpinning cell fate decisions in space and time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizhong Liu
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Aryeh Warmflash
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA.
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117
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Wang X, Xiang Y, Yu Y, Wang R, Zhang Y, Xu Q, Sun H, Zhao ZA, Jiang X, Wang X, Lu X, Qin D, Quan Y, Zhang J, Shyh-Chang N, Wang H, Jing N, Xie W, Li L. Formative pluripotent stem cells show features of epiblast cells poised for gastrulation. Cell Res 2021; 31:526-541. [PMID: 33608671 PMCID: PMC8089102 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-021-00477-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The pluripotency of mammalian early and late epiblast could be recapitulated by naïve embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and primed epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs), respectively. However, these two states of pluripotency may not be sufficient to reflect the full complexity and developmental potency of the epiblast during mammalian early development. Here we report the establishment of self-renewing formative pluripotent stem cells (fPSCs) which manifest features of epiblast cells poised for gastrulation. fPSCs can be established from different mouse ESCs, pre-/early-gastrula epiblasts and induced PSCs. Similar to pre-/early-gastrula epiblasts, fPSCs show the transcriptomic features of formative pluripotency, which are distinct from naïve ESCs and primed EpiSCs. fPSCs show the unique epigenetic states of E6.5 epiblast, including the super-bivalency of a large set of developmental genes. Just like epiblast cells immediately before gastrulation, fPSCs can efficiently differentiate into three germ layers and primordial germ cells (PGCs) in vitro. Thus, fPSCs highlight the feasibility of using PSCs to explore the development of mammalian epiblast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Wang
- grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Innovation Academy for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Zoology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Yunlong Xiang
- grid.203458.80000 0000 8653 0555Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 China
| | - Yang Yu
- grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Innovation Academy for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Zoology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Ran Wang
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031 China
| | - Yu Zhang
- grid.12527.330000 0001 0662 3178Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, THU-PKU Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084 China
| | - Qianhua Xu
- grid.12527.330000 0001 0662 3178Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, THU-PKU Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084 China
| | - Hao Sun
- grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Innovation Academy for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Zoology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Zhen-Ao Zhao
- grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Innovation Academy for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Zoology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Xiangxiang Jiang
- grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Innovation Academy for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Zoology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Xiaoqing Wang
- grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Innovation Academy for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Zoology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Xukun Lu
- grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Innovation Academy for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Zoology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Dandan Qin
- grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Innovation Academy for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Zoology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Yujun Quan
- grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Innovation Academy for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Zoology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Innovation Academy for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Zoology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Ng Shyh-Chang
- grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Innovation Academy for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Zoology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Hongmei Wang
- grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Innovation Academy for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Zoology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Naihe Jing
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031 China ,grid.9227.e0000000119573309Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory (GRMH-GDL), Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510530 China
| | - Wei Xie
- grid.12527.330000 0001 0662 3178Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, THU-PKU Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084 China
| | - Lei Li
- grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Innovation Academy for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Zoology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
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118
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan H. A. Hoogland
- Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University, Nijmegen, 6525GA The Netherlands
| | - Hendrik Marks
- Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University, Nijmegen, 6525GA The Netherlands
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119
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Junyent S, Reeves J, Gentleman E, Habib SJ. Pluripotency state regulates cytoneme selectivity and self-organization of embryonic stem cells. J Cell Biol 2021; 220:e202005095. [PMID: 33606876 PMCID: PMC7903188 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202005095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
To coordinate cell fate with changes in spatial organization, stem cells (SCs) require specific and adaptable systems of signal exchange and cell-to-cell communication. Pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs) use cytonemes to pair with trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) and form synthetic embryonic structures in a Wnt-dependent manner. How these interactions vary with pluripotency states remains elusive. Here we show that ESC transition to an early primed ESC (pESC) state reduces their pairing with TSCs and impairs synthetic embryogenesis. pESCs can activate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in response to soluble Wnt ligands, but their cytonemes form unspecific and unstable interactions with localized Wnt sources. This is due to an impaired crosstalk between Wnt and glutamate receptor activity and reduced generation of Ca2+ transients on the cytonemes upon Wnt source contact. Induced iGluR activation can partially restore cytoneme function in pESCs, while transient overexpression of E-cadherin improves pESC-TSC pairing. Our results illustrate how changes in pluripotency state alter the mechanisms SCs use to self-organize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergi Junyent
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Joshua Reeves
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Eileen Gentleman
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Shukry J. Habib
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
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120
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Molè MA, Weberling A, Fässler R, Campbell A, Fishel S, Zernicka-Goetz M. Integrin β1 coordinates survival and morphogenesis of the embryonic lineage upon implantation and pluripotency transition. Cell Rep 2021; 34:108834. [PMID: 33691117 PMCID: PMC7966855 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
At implantation, the embryo establishes contacts with the maternal endometrium. This stage is associated with a high incidence of preclinical pregnancy losses. While the maternal factors underlying uterine receptivity have been investigated, the signals required by the embryo for successful peri-implantation development remain elusive. To explore these, we studied integrin β1 signaling, as embryos deficient for this receptor degenerate at implantation. We demonstrate that the coordinated action of pro-survival signals and localized actomyosin suppression via integrin β1 permits the development of the embryo beyond implantation. Failure of either process leads to developmental arrest and apoptosis. Pharmacological stimulation through fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), coupled with ROCK-mediated actomyosin inhibition, rescues the deficiency of integrin β1, promoting progression to post-implantation stages. Mutual exclusion between integrin β1 and actomyosin seems to be conserved in the human embryo, suggesting the possibility that these mechanisms could also underlie the transition of the human epiblast from pre- to post-implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Amitaba Molè
- Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Antonia Weberling
- Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Reinhard Fässler
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Alison Campbell
- CARE Fertility Group, John Webster House, 6 Lawrence Drive, Nottingham Business Park, Nottingham NG8 6PZ, UK
| | - Simon Fishel
- CARE Fertility Group, John Webster House, 6 Lawrence Drive, Nottingham Business Park, Nottingham NG8 6PZ, UK; School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK
| | - Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz
- Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Plasticity and Self-Organization Group, Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.
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121
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Wu B, Li Y, Li B, Zhang B, Wang Y, Li L, Gao J, Fu Y, Li S, Chen C, Surani MA, Tang F, Li X, Bao S. DNMTs Play an Important Role in Maintaining the Pluripotency of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor-Dependent Embryonic Stem Cells. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:582-596. [PMID: 33636115 PMCID: PMC7940253 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Naive pluripotency can be maintained in medium with two inhibitors plus leukemia inhibitory factor (2i/LIF) supplementation, which primarily affects canonical WNT, FGF/ERK, and JAK/STAT3 signaling. However, whether one of these three supplements alone is sufficient to maintain naive self-renewal remains unclear. Here we show that LIF alone in medium is sufficient for adaptation of 2i/L-ESCs to embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in a hypermethylated state (L-ESCs). Global transcriptomic analysis shows that L-ESCs are close to 2i/L-ESCs and in a stable state between naive and primed pluripotency. Notably, our results demonstrate that DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) play an important role in LIF-dependent mouse ESC adaptation and self-renewal. LIF-dependent ESC adaptation efficiency is significantly increased in serum treatment and reduced in Dnmt3a or Dnmt3l knockout ESCs. Importantly, unlike epiblast stem cells, L-ESCs contribute to somatic tissues and germ cells in chimeras. L-ESCs cultured under such simple conditions as in this study would provide a more conducive platform to clarify the molecular mechanism of ESCs in in vitro culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baojiang Wu
- The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010020, China; Research Center for Animal Genetic Resources of Mongolia Plateau, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010020, China
| | - Yunxia Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010020, China; Research Center for Animal Genetic Resources of Mongolia Plateau, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010020, China; Inner Mongolia Saikexing Institute of Breeding and Reproductive Biotechnology in Domestic Animals, Huhhot 011517, China
| | - Bojiang Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Baojing Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010020, China; Research Center for Animal Genetic Resources of Mongolia Plateau, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010020, China
| | - Yanqiu Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010020, China; Research Center for Animal Genetic Resources of Mongolia Plateau, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010020, China
| | - Lin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics and Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Junpeng Gao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics and Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yuting Fu
- The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010020, China; Research Center for Animal Genetic Resources of Mongolia Plateau, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010020, China
| | - Shudong Li
- Cancer Research UK and Medical Research Council Oxford Institute for Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Chen Chen
- The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010020, China; Research Center for Animal Genetic Resources of Mongolia Plateau, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010020, China
| | - M Azim Surani
- Wellcome Trust Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, Tennis Court Road, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK
| | - Fuchou Tang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics and Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xihe Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010020, China; Research Center for Animal Genetic Resources of Mongolia Plateau, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010020, China; Inner Mongolia Saikexing Institute of Breeding and Reproductive Biotechnology in Domestic Animals, Huhhot 011517, China.
| | - Siqin Bao
- The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010020, China; Research Center for Animal Genetic Resources of Mongolia Plateau, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010020, China.
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122
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Sun L, Fu X, Ma G, Hutchins AP. Chromatin and Epigenetic Rearrangements in Embryonic Stem Cell Fate Transitions. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:637309. [PMID: 33681220 PMCID: PMC7930395 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.637309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A major event in embryonic development is the rearrangement of epigenetic information as the somatic genome is reprogrammed for a new round of organismal development. Epigenetic data are held in chemical modifications on DNA and histones, and there are dramatic and dynamic changes in these marks during embryogenesis. However, the mechanisms behind this intricate process and how it is regulating and responding to embryonic development remain unclear. As embryos develop from totipotency to pluripotency, they pass through several distinct stages that can be captured permanently or transiently in vitro. Pluripotent naïve cells resemble the early epiblast, primed cells resemble the late epiblast, and blastomere-like cells have been isolated, although fully totipotent cells remain elusive. Experiments using these in vitro model systems have led to insights into chromatin changes in embryonic development, which has informed exploration of pre-implantation embryos. Intriguingly, human and mouse cells rely on different signaling and epigenetic pathways, and it remains a mystery why this variation exists. In this review, we will summarize the chromatin rearrangements in early embryonic development, drawing from genomic data from in vitro cell lines, and human and mouse embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Andrew P. Hutchins
- Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
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Semi K, Takashima Y. Pluripotent stem cells for the study of early human embryology. Dev Growth Differ 2021; 63:104-115. [PMID: 33570781 PMCID: PMC8251740 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Forty years have passed since the first pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs), were established. Since then, several PSCs have been reported, including human ESCs in 1998, mouse epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs) in 2007, induced PSCs (iPSCs) in 2006 and 2007, and naïve human PSCs in 2014. Naïve PSCs are thought to correspond to pre-implantation epiblast cells, whereas conventional (or primed) human PSCs correspond to post-implantation epiblast cells. Thus, naïve and primed PSCs are classified by their developmental stages and have stage-specific characteristics, despite sharing the common feature of pluripotency. In this review, we discuss the current status of PSCs and their use to model human peri-implantation development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsunori Semi
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Takashima
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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Ismagulov G, Hamidi S, Sheng G. Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Drives Three-Dimensional Morphogenesis in Mammalian Early Development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:639244. [PMID: 33644076 PMCID: PMC7905045 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.639244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
From fertilization to onset of gastrulation, a mammalian embryo goes through several rounds of cellular morphogenesis resembling phenomena of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET), collectively referred to as EMTs. How these EMT events play a role in shaping the three-dimensional (3-D) architecture of the developing embryo is not well-understood. In this review, we present a model in which cellular morphogenesis, represented primarily by dynamic changes in its epithelialization status, is the driving force of embryonic 3-D organization. This is achieved through the integration of three key components of mammalian early development, the pluripotency regulation, morphogenetic signaling, and biomechanical force anisotropy. Although cells in an early embryo do not exhibit full mesenchymal characteristics, our model underscores the importance of investigating molecular regulation of epithelial cell polarity and partial EMT/MET in understanding mammalian early development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Guojun Sheng
- International Research Center for Medical Sciences (IRCMS), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
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