151
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Gene pathway analysis of hepatocellular carcinoma genomic expression datasets. J Surg Res 2011; 170:e85-92. [PMID: 21601879 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2011.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2011] [Revised: 03/30/2011] [Accepted: 04/05/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genomic analyses of cancer rarely show significant overlap in reported significant genes from one study to the next. We posit that viewing transcriptomic data from the broader view of gene pathways and biologic processes will yield a more coherent and meaningful understanding compared with analyzing lists of individual genes. MATERIALS AND METHODS To this end, we collected publicly available data from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) gene expression studies and collectively analyzed them using ANOVA, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis, and gene pathway analyses. RESULTS The degree of pathway and function overlap was very high between datasets compared with individual gene overlap. Analysis of pathways shared among all the datasets showed that processes such as cell proliferation, cell cycle control, and apoptosis were highly represented in the HCC samples, and liver-specific processes such as lipid synthesis, coagulation protein synthesis, and drug metabolism were present in normal liver cells. Specific gene networks known to be important in HCC, such as WNT, PCNA, TGF, and TP53, are present in the study. CONCLUSIONS We describe a generalizable method to combine multiple genomic datasets generated from diverse experimental platforms and study populations into an intuitive and biologically meaningful format. This approach allows the delineation of biologic processes of clinical significance that can predict important endpoints such as survival and tumor recurrence.
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152
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Chu AS, Diaz R, Hui JJ, Yanger K, Zong Y, Alpini G, Stanger BZ, Wells RG. Lineage tracing demonstrates no evidence of cholangiocyte epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in murine models of hepatic fibrosis. Hepatology 2011; 53:1685-95. [PMID: 21520179 PMCID: PMC3082729 DOI: 10.1002/hep.24206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Whether or not cholangiocytes or their hepatic progenitors undergo an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to become matrix-producing myofibroblasts during biliary fibrosis is a significant ongoing controversy. To assess whether EMT is active during biliary fibrosis, we used Alfp-Cre × Rosa26-YFP mice, in which the epithelial cells of the liver (hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, and their bipotential progenitors) are heritably labeled at high efficiency with yellow fluorescent protein (YFP). Primary cholangiocytes isolated from our reporter strain were able to undergo EMT in vitro when treated with transforming growth factor-β1 alone or in combination with tumor necrosis factor-α, as indicated by adoption of fibroblastoid morphology, intracellular relocalization of E-cadherin, and expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). To determine whether EMT occurs in vivo, we induced liver fibrosis in Alfp-Cre × Rosa26-YFP mice using the bile duct ligation (BDL) (2, 4, and 8 weeks), carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4) ) (3 weeks), and 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC; 2 and 3 weeks) models. In no case did we find evidence of colocalization of YFP with the mesenchymal markers S100A4, vimentin, α-SMA, or procollagen 1α2, although these proteins were abundant in the peribiliary regions. CONCLUSION Hepatocytes and cholangiocytes do not undergo EMT in murine models of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S. Chu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Rosalyn Diaz
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Jia-Ji Hui
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Kilangsungla Yanger
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Yiwei Zong
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Digestive Disease Research Center, Scott & White; Department of Medicine, Scott & White and Texas A&M HSC COM; Central Texas Veterans HCS, Temple, Texas
| | - Ben Z. Stanger
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Rebecca G. Wells
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
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153
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Katsumoto K, Kume S. Endoderm and mesoderm reciprocal signaling mediated by CXCL12 and CXCR4 regulates the migration of angioblasts and establishes the pancreatic fate. Development 2011; 138:1947-55. [PMID: 21490062 DOI: 10.1242/dev.058719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
We have discovered that angioblasts trigger an early inductive event in pancreatic differentiation. This event occurs soon after gastrulation, before the formation of blood vessels. Morphological studies revealed that Lmo2-expressing angioblasts reside in proximity to the somitic mesoderm and the gut endoderm from which pancreatic progenitors arise. The chemokine ligand CXCL12 expressed in the gut endoderm functions to attract the angioblasts that express its receptor CXCR4. Angioblasts then signal back to the gut endoderm to induce Pdx1 expression. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments for CXCL12 and CXCR4 were performed to test their function in blood vessel formation and pancreatic differentiation. The ectopic expression of Cxcl12 in the endoderm attracted the angioblasts and induced ectopic Pdx1 expression, resulting in an expanded pancreatic bud and an increased area of insulin-expressing cells. By contrast, in chick embryos treated with beads soaked in AMD3100, an inhibitor of CXCR4, the migration of angioblasts towards the Cxcl12-expressing gut endoderm was arrested, causing a malformation of blood vessels. This led to the generation of a smaller pancreatic bud and a reduced area of insulin-expressing cells. Taken together, these results indicate that the gut endoderm and angioblasts attract each other through reciprocal CXCL12 and CXCR4 signaling. This has a pivotal role in the fate establishment of the pancreatic progenitor cells and in the potentiation of further differentiation into endocrine β-cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiichi Katsumoto
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, Honjo 2-2-1 Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
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154
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Touboul T, Vallier L, Weber A. [Robust differentiation of fetal hepatocytes from human embryonic stem cells and iPS]. Med Sci (Paris) 2011; 26:1061-6. [PMID: 21187045 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/201026121061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocyte transplantation is considered as an alternative to organ transplantation in particular for the treatment of liver metabolic diseases. However, due to the difficulties to obtain a large number of hepatocytes, new sources of cells are needed. These cells could be either of hepatic origin (hepatic stem cells) or extrahepatic such as mesenchymal stem cells or pluripotent stem cells (human embryonic stem cells [hESC] or iPS). We developed a new method to differentiate hESCs into fetal hepatocytes. These conditions recapitulate the main liver developmental stages, using fully defined medium devoid of animal products or unknown factors. The differentiated cells express many fetal hepatocytes markers (cytochrome P450 3A7, albumin, alpha-1-antitrypsin, etc.). The cells display specific hepatic functions (ammonia metabolism, excretion of indocyanin green) and are capable to engraft and express hepatic proteins two months after transplantation into newborn uPAxrag2gc-/- mouse liver. We have also showed that this approach is transposable to human iPS, and further studies on animal models will allow us to compare the in vivo potential of these two sources of pluripotent cells. Finally, only studies on large animals such as nonhuman primates will validate an eventual clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Touboul
- Inserm U972, IFR 93, Hôpital du Kremlin-Bicêtre, 78, rue du Général Leclerc, 94270 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
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155
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Gefen-Halevi S, Rachmut IH, Molakandov K, Berneman D, Mor E, Meivar-Levy I, Ferber S. NKX6.1 promotes PDX-1-induced liver to pancreatic β-cells reprogramming. Cell Reprogram 2011; 12:655-64. [PMID: 21108535 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2010.0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Reprogramming adult mammalian cells is an attractive approach for generating cell-based therapies for degenerative diseases, such as diabetes. Adult human liver cells exhibit a high level of developmental plasticity and have been suggested as a potential source of pancreatic progenitor tissue. An instructive role for dominant pancreatic transcription factors in altering the hepatic developmental fate along the pancreatic lineage and function has been demonstrated. Here we analyze whether transcription factors expressed in mature pancreatic β-cells preferentially activate β-cell lineage differentiation in liver. NKX6.1 is a transcription factor uniquely expressed in β-cells of the adult pancreas, its potential role in reprogramming liver cells to pancreatic lineages has never been analyzed. Our results suggest that NKX6.1 activates immature pancreatic markers such as NGN-3 and ISL-1 but not pancreatic hormones gene expression in human liver cells. We hypothesized that its restricted capacity to activate a wide pancreatic repertoire in liver could be related to its incapacity to activate endogenous PDX-1 expression in liver cells. Indeed, the complementation of NKX6.1 by ectopic PDX-1 expression substantially and specifically promoted insulin expression and glucose regulated processed hormone secretion to a higher extent than that of PDX-1 alone, without increasing the reprogrammed cells. This may suggest a potential role for NKX6.1 in promoting PDX-1 reprogrammed cells maturation along the β-cell-like lineage. By contrast, NKX6.1 repressed PDX-1 induced proglucagon gene expression. The individual and concerted effects of pancreatic transcription factors in adult extra-pancreatic cells, is expected to facilitate developing regenerative medicine approaches for cell replacement therapy in diabetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiraz Gefen-Halevi
- Sheba Regenerative Medicine, Stem cells and Tissue engineering Center , Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
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156
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Yanger K, Stanger BZ. Facultative stem cells in liver and pancreas: fact and fancy. Dev Dyn 2011; 240:521-9. [PMID: 21312313 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.22561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/08/2010] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue turnover is a regular feature of higher eukaryotes, either as part of normal wear and tear (homeostasis) or in response to injury (regeneration). Cell replacement is achieved either through replication of existing cells or differentiation from a self-renewing pool of stem cells. The major distinction regards cellular potential, because stem cells by definition have a capacity to differentiate, while replication implies that cells adopt a single fate under physiologic conditions. A hybrid model, the facultative stem cell (FSC) model, posits that tissues contain cells that normally exhibit unipotency but have the capacity to function as stem cells upon injury. The FSC paradigm is well established in urodele amphibians, but the nature and role of FSCs in mammals is less defined. Here, we review the evidence for FSCs in two mammalian organs, the liver and the pancreas, and discuss alternative models that could account for regeneration in these organs.
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157
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Sand FW, Hörnblad A, Johansson JK, Lorén C, Edsbagge J, Ståhlberg A, Magenheim J, Ilovich O, Mishani E, Dor Y, Ahlgren U, Semb H. Growth-limiting role of endothelial cells in endoderm development. Dev Biol 2011; 352:267-77. [PMID: 21281624 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2011.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2010] [Revised: 01/21/2011] [Accepted: 01/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Endoderm development is dependent on inductive signals from different structures in close vicinity, including the notochord, lateral plate mesoderm and endothelial cells. Recently, we demonstrated that a functional vascular system is necessary for proper pancreas development, and that sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) exhibits the traits of a blood vessel-derived molecule involved in early pancreas morphogenesis. To examine whether S1P(1)-signaling plays a more general role in endoderm development, S1P(1)-deficient mice were analyzed. S1P(1) ablation results in compromised growth of several foregut-derived organs, including the stomach, dorsal and ventral pancreas and liver. Within the developing pancreas the reduction in organ size was due to deficient proliferation of Pdx1(+) pancreatic progenitors, whereas endocrine cell differentiation was unaffected. Ablation of endothelial cells in vitro did not mimic the S1P(1) phenotype, instead, increased organ size and hyperbranching were observed. Consistent with a negative role for endothelial cells in endoderm organ expansion, excessive vasculature was discovered in S1P(1)-deficient embryos. Altogether, our results show that endothelial cell hyperplasia negatively influences organ development in several foregut-derived organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrik Wolfhagen Sand
- Stem Cell and Pancreas Developmental Biology, Stem Cell Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund, Lund University, BMC B10 Klinikgatan 26, SE-221 84 Lund, Sweden
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158
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Neurogenin3 inhibits proliferation in endocrine progenitors by inducing Cdkn1a. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2010; 108:185-90. [PMID: 21173230 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1004842108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
During organogenesis, the final size of mature cell populations depends on their rates of differentiation and expansion. Because transient expression of Neurogenin3 (Neurog3) in progenitor cells in the developing pancreas initiates their differentiation to mature islet cells, we examined the role of Neurog3 in cell cycle control during this process. We found that mitotically active pancreatic progenitor cells in mouse embryos exited the cell cycle after the initiation of Neurog3 expression. Transcriptome analysis demonstrated that the Neurog3-expressing cells dramatically up-regulated the mRNA encoding cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1a (Cdkn1a). In Neurog3 null mice, the islet progenitor cells failed to activate Cdkn1a expression and continued to proliferate, showing that their exit from the cell cycle requires Neurog3. Furthermore, induced transgenic expression of Neurog3 in mouse β-cells in vivo markedly decreased their proliferation, increased Cdkn1a levels, and eventually caused profound hyperglycemia. In contrast, in Cdkn1a null mice, proliferation was incompletely suppressed in the Neurog3-expressing cells. These studies reveal a crucial role for Neurog3 in regulating the cell cycle during the differentiation of islet cells and demonstrate that the subsequent down-regulation of Neurog3 allows the mature islet cell population to expand.
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159
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Li F, Liu P, Liu C, Xiang D, Deng L, Li W, Wangensteen K, Song J, Ma Y, Hui L, Wei L, Li L, Ding X, Hu Y, He Z, Wang X. Hepatoblast-like progenitor cells derived from embryonic stem cells can repopulate livers of mice. Gastroenterology 2010; 139:2158-2169.e8. [PMID: 20801124 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2010.08.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2010] [Revised: 08/10/2010] [Accepted: 08/19/2010] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatocyte-like cells can be derived from pluripotent stem cells such as embryonic stem (ES) cells, but ES cell-derived hepatic cells with extensive capacity to repopulate liver have not been identified. We aimed to identify and purify ES cell-derived hepatoblast-like progenitor cells and to explore their capacity for liver repopulation in mice after in vitro expansion. METHODS Unmanipulated mouse ES cells were cultured under defined conditions and allowed to undergo stepwise hepatic differentiation. The derived hepatic cells were examined by morphologic, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, gene expression, and clonal expansion analyses. The capacities of ES cell-derived hepatic progenitor cells to repopulate liver were investigated in mice that were deficient in fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (Fah) (a model of liver injury). RESULTS Mouse ES cells were induced to differentiate into a population that contained hepatic progenitor cells; this population included cells that expressed epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) but did not express c-Kit. Clonal hepatic progenitors that arose from single c-Kit(-)EpCAM(+) cells could undergo long-term expansion and maintain hepatoblast-like characteristics. Enriched c-Kit(-)EpCAM(+) cells and clonally expanded hepatic progenitor cells repopulated the livers of Fah-deficient mice without inducing tumorigenesis. CONCLUSIONS ES cell-derived c-Kit(-)EpCAM(+) cells contain a population of hepatoblast-like progenitor cells that can repopulate livers of mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuming Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Shanghai, China
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160
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Furuyama K, Kawaguchi Y, Akiyama H, Horiguchi M, Kodama S, Kuhara T, Hosokawa S, Elbahrawy A, Soeda T, Koizumi M, Masui T, Kawaguchi M, Takaori K, Doi R, Nishi E, Kakinoki R, Deng JM, Behringer RR, Nakamura T, Uemoto S. Continuous cell supply from a Sox9-expressing progenitor zone in adult liver, exocrine pancreas and intestine. Nat Genet 2010; 43:34-41. [PMID: 21113154 DOI: 10.1038/ng.722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 632] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2010] [Accepted: 11/03/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The liver and exocrine pancreas share a common structure, with functioning units (hepatic plates and pancreatic acini) connected to the ductal tree. Here we show that Sox9 is expressed throughout the biliary and pancreatic ductal epithelia, which are connected to the intestinal stem-cell zone. Cre-based lineage tracing showed that adult intestinal cells, hepatocytes and pancreatic acinar cells are supplied physiologically from Sox9-expressing progenitors. Combination of lineage analysis and hepatic injury experiments showed involvement of Sox9-positive precursors in liver regeneration. Embryonic pancreatic Sox9-expressing cells differentiate into all types of mature cells, but their capacity for endocrine differentiation diminishes shortly after birth, when endocrine cells detach from the epithelial lining of the ducts and form the islets of Langerhans. We observed a developmental switch in the hepatic progenitor cell type from Sox9-negative to Sox9-positive progenitors as the biliary tree develops. These results suggest interdependence between the structure and homeostasis of endodermal organs, with Sox9 expression being linked to progenitor status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichiro Furuyama
- Department of Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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161
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Jozefczuk J, Stachelscheid H, Chavez L, Herwig R, Lehrach H, Zeilinger K, Gerlach JC, Adjaye J. Molecular Characterization of Cultured Adult Human Liver Progenitor Cells. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2010; 16:821-34. [DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2009.0578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Jozefczuk
- Molecular Embryology and Aging Group, Department of Vertebrate Genomics, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Harald Stachelscheid
- Division of Experimental Surgery, Berlin Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lukas Chavez
- Molecular Embryology and Aging Group, Department of Vertebrate Genomics, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralf Herwig
- Molecular Embryology and Aging Group, Department of Vertebrate Genomics, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans Lehrach
- Molecular Embryology and Aging Group, Department of Vertebrate Genomics, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katrin Zeilinger
- Division of Experimental Surgery, Berlin Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Joerg C. Gerlach
- Division of Experimental Surgery, Berlin Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - James Adjaye
- Molecular Embryology and Aging Group, Department of Vertebrate Genomics, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
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162
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Epigenetic regulation of cancer stem cells in liver cancer: current concepts and clinical implications. J Hepatol 2010; 53:568-77. [PMID: 20646772 PMCID: PMC3492877 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2010.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2010] [Revised: 05/04/2010] [Accepted: 05/05/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The two dominant models of carcinogenesis postulate stochastic (clonal evolution) or hierarchic organization of tumor (cancer stem cell model). According to the latter, at the germinal center of tumor evolution is a cancer stem cell (CSC) which, similar to normal adult stem cells, possesses the capacity of self-renewal and a differentiation potential. Over the past few years, compelling evidence has emerged in support of the hierarchic cancer model for many solid tumors including hepatocellular cancers. The CSCs are posited to be responsible not only for tumor initiation but also for the generation of distant metastasis and relapse after therapy. These characteristics are particularly relevant for a multi-resistant tumor entity like human hepatocellular carcinoma and may herald a paradigm shift in the management of this deadly disease. Identification and detailed characterization of liver CSCs is therefore imperative for improving prevention approaches, enhancing early detection, and extending the limited treatment options. Despite the current progress in understanding the contribution of CSCs to the generation of heterogeneity of tumors, the molecular complexity and exact regulation of CSCs is poorly understood. This review focuses on the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that regulate and define the unique CSC properties with an emphasis on key regulatory pathways of liver CSCs and their clinical significance.
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163
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Huang HP, Yu CY, Chen HF, Chen PH, Chuang CY, Lin SJ, Huang ST, Chan WH, Ueng TH, Ho HN, Kuo HC. Factors from human embryonic stem cell-derived fibroblast-like cells promote topology-dependent hepatic differentiation in primate embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:33510-33519. [PMID: 20720011 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.122093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The future clinical use of embryonic stem cell (ESC)-based hepatocyte replacement therapy depends on the development of an efficient procedure for differentiation of hepatocytes from ESCs. Here we report that a high density of human ESC-derived fibroblast-like cells (hESdFs) supported the efficient generation of hepatocyte-like cells with functional and mature hepatic phenotypes from primate ESCs and human induced pluripotent stem cells. Molecular and immunocytochemistry analyses revealed that hESdFs caused a rapid loss of pluripotency and induced a sequential endoderm-to-hepatocyte differentiation in the central area of ESC colonies. Knockdown experiments demonstrated that pluripotent stem cells were directed toward endodermal and hepatic lineages by FGF2 and activin A secreted from hESdFs. Furthermore, we found that the central region of ESC colonies was essential for the hepatic endoderm-specific differentiation, because its removal caused a complete disruption of endodermal differentiation. In conclusion, we describe a novel in vitro differentiation model and show that hESdF-secreted factors act in concert with regional features of ESC colonies to induce robust hepatic endoderm differentiation in primate pluripotent stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiang-Po Huang
- From the Divisions of Medical Research, Taipei 10002, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Ying Yu
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Taipei 10002, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Fu Chen
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical Genomics, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Pin-Hsun Chen
- From the Divisions of Medical Research, Taipei 10002, Taiwan
| | | | - Sung-Jan Lin
- Departments of Dermatology, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; Biomedical Engineering, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Tsung Huang
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11574, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hung Chan
- Anesthesiology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10002, Taiwan
| | - Tzuu-Huei Ueng
- Institute of Toxicology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Nerng Ho
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Taipei 10002, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical Genomics, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chih Kuo
- Genomics Research Center, Taipei 11574, Taiwan; Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11574, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
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164
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Abstract
Patients with type 1 diabetes, and most patients with type 2 diabetes, have associated hyperglycemia due to the absence or reduction of insulin production by pancreatic β-cells. Surgical resection of the pancreas may also cause insulin-dependent diabetes depending on the size of the remaining pancreas. Insulin therapy has greatly improved the quality of life of diabetic patients, but this method is inaccurate and requires lifelong treatment that only mitigates the symptoms. The successes achieved over the last few decades by the transplantation of whole pancreas and isolated islets suggest that diabetes can be cured by the replenishment of deficient β-cells. These observations are proof-of-principle and have intensified interest in treating diabetes by cell transplantation, and by the use of stem cells. Pancreatic stem/progenitor cells could be one of the sources for the treatment of diabetes. Islet neogenesis, the budding of new islets from pancreatic stem/progenitor cells located in or near pancreatic ducts, has long been assumed to be an active process in the postnatal pancreas. Several in vitro studies have shown that insulin-producing cells can be generated from adult pancreatic ductal tissues. Acinar cells may also be a potential source for differentiation into insulin-producing cells. This review describes recent progress on pancreatic stem/progenitor cell research for the treatment of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirofumi Noguchi
- Regenerative Research Islet Transplant Program, Baylor Research Institute, 1400 8th Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76104, USA.
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165
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Rojas A, Schachterle W, Xu SM, Martín F, Black BL. Direct transcriptional regulation of Gata4 during early endoderm specification is controlled by FoxA2 binding to an intronic enhancer. Dev Biol 2010; 346:346-55. [PMID: 20692247 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2010.07.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2010] [Revised: 07/22/2010] [Accepted: 07/27/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The embryonic endoderm is a multipotent progenitor cell population that gives rise to the epithelia of the digestive and respiratory tracts, the liver and the pancreas. Among the transcription factors that have been shown to be important for endoderm development and gut morphogenesis is GATA4. Despite the important role of GATA4 in endoderm development, its transcriptional regulation is not well understood. In this study, we identified an intronic enhancer from the mouse Gata4 gene that directs expression to the definitive endoderm in the early embryo. The activity of this enhancer is initially broad in all endodermal progenitors, as demonstrated by fate mapping analysis using the Cre/loxP system, but becomes restricted to the dorsal foregut and midgut, and associated organs such as dorsal pancreas and stomach. The function of the intronic Gata4 enhancer is dependent upon a conserved Forkhead transcription factor-binding site, which is bound by recombinant FoxA2 in vitro. These studies identify Gata4 as a direct transcriptional target of FoxA2 in the hierarchy of the transcriptional regulatory network that controls the development of the definitive endoderm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anabel Rojas
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa-CIBERDEM, Sevilla, Spain.
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166
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Zhang W, Deng ZL, Chen L, Zuo GW, Luo Q, Shi Q, Zhang BQ, Wagner ER, Rastegar F, Kim SH, Jiang W, Shen J, Huang E, Gao Y, Gao JL, Zhou JZ, Luo J, Huang J, Luo X, Bi Y, Su Y, Yang K, Liu H, Luu HH, Haydon RC, He TC, He BC. Retinoic acids potentiate BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal progenitor cells. PLoS One 2010; 5:e11917. [PMID: 20689834 PMCID: PMC2912873 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0011917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2010] [Accepted: 07/08/2010] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background As one of the least studied bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), BMP9 is one of the most osteogenic BMPs. Retinoic acid (RA) signaling is known to play an important role in development, differentiation and bone metabolism. In this study, we investigate the effect of RA signaling on BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs). Methodology/Principal Findings Both primary MPCs and MPC line are used for BMP9 and RA stimulation. Recombinant adenoviruses are used to deliver BMP9, RARα and RXRα into MPCs. The in vitro osteogenic differentiation is monitored by determining the early and late osteogenic markers and matrix mineralization. Mouse perinatal limb explants and in vivo MPC implantation experiments are carried out to assess bone formation. We find that both 9CRA and ATRA effectively induce early osteogenic marker, such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and late osteogenic markers, such as osteopontin (OPN) and osteocalcin (OC). BMP9-induced osteogenic differentiation and mineralization is synergistically enhanced by 9CRA and ATRA in vitro. 9CRA and ATRA are shown to induce BMP9 expression and activate BMPR Smad-mediated transcription activity. Using mouse perinatal limb explants, we find that BMP9 and RAs act together to promote the expansion of hypertrophic chondrocyte zone at growth plate. Progenitor cell implantation studies reveal that co-expression of BMP9 and RXRα or RARα significantly increases trabecular bone and osteoid matrix formation. Conclusion/Significance Our results strongly suggest that retinoid signaling may synergize with BMP9 activity in promoting osteogenic differentiation of MPCs. This knowledge should expand our understanding about how BMP9 cross-talks with other signaling pathways. Furthermore, a combination of BMP9 and retinoic acid (or its agonists) may be explored as effective bone regeneration therapeutics to treat large segmental bony defects, non-union fracture, and/or osteoporotic fracture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Zhong-Liang Deng
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education and the Affiliated Hospitals, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education and the Affiliated Hospitals, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guo-Wei Zuo
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education and the Affiliated Hospitals, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qing Luo
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Stem Cell Biology and Therapy Laboratory, The Pediatric Research Institute, the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiong Shi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Bing-Qiang Zhang
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education and the Affiliated Hospitals, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Eric R. Wagner
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Farbod Rastegar
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Stephanie H. Kim
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Wei Jiang
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Jikun Shen
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Enyi Huang
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- School of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yanhong Gao
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Geriatrics, Xinhua Hospital of Shanghai Jiatong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Li Gao
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Jian-Zhong Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Jinyong Luo
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education and the Affiliated Hospitals, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiayi Huang
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education and the Affiliated Hospitals, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoji Luo
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education and the Affiliated Hospitals, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yang Bi
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Stem Cell Biology and Therapy Laboratory, The Pediatric Research Institute, the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuxi Su
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Stem Cell Biology and Therapy Laboratory, The Pediatric Research Institute, the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ke Yang
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Cell Biology, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hao Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hue H. Luu
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Rex C. Haydon
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Tong-Chuan He
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education and the Affiliated Hospitals, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Stem Cell Biology and Therapy Laboratory, The Pediatric Research Institute, the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- * E-mail: (TCH); (BCH)
| | - Bai-Cheng He
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Pharmacology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- * E-mail: (TCH); (BCH)
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Hoffman BG, Robertson G, Zavaglia B, Beach M, Cullum R, Lee S, Soukhatcheva G, Li L, Wederell ED, Thiessen N, Bilenky M, Cezard T, Tam A, Kamoh B, Birol I, Dai D, Zhao Y, Hirst M, Verchere CB, Helgason CD, Marra MA, Jones SJM, Hoodless PA. Locus co-occupancy, nucleosome positioning, and H3K4me1 regulate the functionality of FOXA2-, HNF4A-, and PDX1-bound loci in islets and liver. Genome Res 2010; 20:1037-51. [PMID: 20551221 DOI: 10.1101/gr.104356.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The liver and pancreas share a common origin and coexpress several transcription factors. To gain insight into the transcriptional networks regulating the function of these tissues, we globally identify binding sites for FOXA2 in adult mouse islets and liver, PDX1 in islets, and HNF4A in liver. Because most eukaryotic transcription factors bind thousands of loci, many of which are thought to be inactive, methods that can discriminate functionally active binding events are essential for the interpretation of genome-wide transcription factor binding data. To develop such a method, we also generated genome-wide H3K4me1 and H3K4me3 localization data in these tissues. By analyzing our binding and histone methylation data in combination with comprehensive gene expression data, we show that H3K4me1 enrichment profiles discriminate transcription factor occupied loci into three classes: those that are functionally active, those that are poised for activation, and those that reflect pioneer-like transcription factor activity. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the regulated presence of H3K4me1-marked nucleosomes at transcription factor occupied promoters and enhancers controls their activity, implicating both tissue-specific transcription factor binding and nucleosome remodeling complex recruitment in determining tissue-specific gene expression. Finally, we apply these approaches to generate novel insights into how FOXA2, PDX1, and HNF4A cooperate to drive islet- and liver-specific gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brad G Hoffman
- Department of Cancer Endocrinology, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1L3, Canada.
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168
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Zender L, Villanueva A, Tovar V, Sia D, Chiang DY, Llovet JM. Cancer gene discovery in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2010; 52:921-9. [PMID: 20385424 PMCID: PMC2905725 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2009.12.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2009] [Revised: 11/30/2009] [Accepted: 12/31/2009] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a deadly cancer, whose incidence is increasing worldwide. Albeit the main risk factors for HCC development have been clearly identified, such as hepatitis B and C virus infection and alcohol abuse, there is still preliminary understanding of the key drivers of this malignancy. Recent data suggest that genomic analysis of cirrhotic tissue - the pre-neoplastic carcinogenic field - may provide a read-out to identify at risk populations for cancer development. Given this contextual complexity, it is of utmost importance to characterize the molecular pathogenesis of this disease, and pinpoint the dominant pathways/drivers by integrative oncogenomic approaches and/or sophisticated experimental models. Identification of the dominant proliferative signals and key aberrations will allow for a more personalized therapy. Pathway-based approaches and functional experimental studies have aided in identifying the activation of different signaling cascades in HCC (e.g. epidermal growth factor, insulin-like growth factor, RAS, MTOR, WNT-betacatenin, etc.). However, the introduction of new high-throughput genomic technologies (e.g. microarrays, deep sequencing, etc.), and increased sophistication of computational biology (e.g. bioinformatics, biomodeling, etc.), opens the field to new strategies in oncogene and tumor suppressor discovery. These oncogenomic approaches are framed within emerging new disciplines such as systems biology, which integrates multiple inputs to explain cancer onset and progression. In addition, the consolidation of sophisticated animal models, such as mosaic cancer mouse models or the use of transposons for mutagenesis screens, have been instrumental for the identification of novel tumor drivers. We herein review some classical as well as some recent fast track approaches for oncogene discovery in HCC, and provide a comprehensive landscape of the currently known spectrum of molecular aberrations involved in hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Zender
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig 38124, Germany
- Dept. of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Augusto Villanueva
- HCC Translational Research Laboratory, Barcelona-Clinic Liver Cancer Group, Liver Unit. Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques Agusto Pi i Sunyer [IDIBAPS], Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enferme dades Hepáticas y Digestivas [CIBEREHD], Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, 08036, Spain
| | - Victoria Tovar
- HCC Translational Research Laboratory, Barcelona-Clinic Liver Cancer Group, Liver Unit. Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques Agusto Pi i Sunyer [IDIBAPS], Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enferme dades Hepáticas y Digestivas [CIBEREHD], Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, 08036, Spain
| | - Daniela Sia
- HCC Translational Research Laboratory, Barcelona-Clinic Liver Cancer Group, Liver Unit. Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques Agusto Pi i Sunyer [IDIBAPS], Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enferme dades Hepáticas y Digestivas [CIBEREHD], Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, 08036, Spain
| | - Derek Y. Chiang
- Department of Medical Oncology and Center for Cancer Genome Discovery, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Cancer Program, The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Josep M. Llovet
- HCC Translational Research Laboratory, Barcelona-Clinic Liver Cancer Group, Liver Unit. Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques Agusto Pi i Sunyer [IDIBAPS], Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enferme dades Hepáticas y Digestivas [CIBEREHD], Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, 08036, Spain
- Division of Liver Diseases, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Catalonia, Spain
- Corresponding author Josep M Llovet, MD Professor of Research HCC Translational Research Lab BCLC Group, Liver Unit. CIBERehd Hospital Clínic Barcelona, IDIBAPS Villarroel 170 08036 Barcelona Catalonia, Spain Phone: +34-93.2279156 / Lab: +34-93.2279155
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169
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Touboul T, Hannan NRF, Corbineau S, Martinez A, Martinet C, Branchereau S, Mainot S, Strick-Marchand H, Pedersen R, Di Santo J, Weber A, Vallier L. Generation of functional hepatocytes from human embryonic stem cells under chemically defined conditions that recapitulate liver development. Hepatology 2010; 51:1754-65. [PMID: 20301097 DOI: 10.1002/hep.23506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 360] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Generation of hepatocytes from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) could represent an advantageous source of cells for cell therapy approaches as an alternative to orthotopic liver transplantation. However, the generation of differentiated hepatocytes from hESCs remains a major challenge, especially using a method compatible with clinical applications. We report a novel approach to differentiate hESCs into functional hepatic cells using fully defined culture conditions, which recapitulate essential stages of liver development. hESCs were first differentiated into a homogenous population of endoderm cells using a combination of activin, fibroblast growth factor 2, and bone morphogenetic protein 4 together with phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibition. The endoderm cells were then induced to differentiate further into hepatic progenitors using fibroblast growth factor 10, retinoic acid, and an inhibitor of activin/nodal receptor. After further maturation, these cells expressed markers of mature hepatocytes, including asialoglycoprotein receptor, tyrosine aminotransferase, alpha1-antitrypsin, Cyp7A1, and hepatic transcription factors such as hepatocyte nuclear factors 4alpha and 6. Furthermore, the cells generated under these conditions exhibited hepatic functions in vitro, including glycogen storage, cytochrome activity, and low-density lipoprotein uptake. After transduction with a green fluorescent protein-expressing lentivector and transplantation into immunodeficient uPA transgenic mice, differentiated cells engrafted into the liver, grew, and expressed human albumin and alpha1-antitrypsin as well as green fluorescent protein for at least 8 weeks. In addition, we showed that hepatic cells could be generated from human-induced pluripotent cells derived from reprogrammed fibroblasts, demonstrating the efficacy of this approach with pluripotent stem cells of diverse origins. CONCLUSION We have developed a robust and efficient method to differentiate pluripotent stem cells into hepatic cells, which exhibit characteristics of human hepatocytes. Our approach should facilitate the development of clinical grade hepatocytes for transplantation and for research on drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Touboul
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, INSERM, Unite 972, IFR 93, Bicêtre Hospital, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France. [corrected]
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170
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Katsumoto K, Shiraki N, Miki R, Kume S. Embryonic and adult stem cell systems in mammals: ontology and regulation. Dev Growth Differ 2010; 52:115-29. [PMID: 20078654 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-169x.2009.01160.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Stem cells are defined as having the ability to self-renew and to generate differentiated cells. During embryogenesis, cells are initially proliferative and pluripotent and then they gradually become restricted to different cell fates. In the adult, tissue stem cells are normally quiescent, but become proliferative upon injury. Knowledge from developmental biology and insights into the properties of stem cells are keys to further understanding and successful manipulation. Here, we first focus on ES cells, then on embryonic development, and then on tissue stem cells of endodermally derived tissues, particularly the liver and pancreas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiichi Katsumoto
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG), Kumamoto University, Honjo 2-2-1, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
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171
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van Arensbergen J, García-Hurtado J, Moran I, Maestro MA, Xu X, Van de Casteele M, Skoudy AL, Palassini M, Heimberg H, Ferrer J. Derepression of Polycomb targets during pancreatic organogenesis allows insulin-producing beta-cells to adopt a neural gene activity program. Genome Res 2010; 20:722-32. [PMID: 20395405 DOI: 10.1101/gr.101709.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The epigenome changes that underlie cellular differentiation in developing organisms are poorly understood. To gain insights into how pancreatic beta-cells are programmed, we profiled key histone methylations and transcripts in embryonic stem cells, multipotent progenitors of the nascent embryonic pancreas, purified beta-cells, and 10 differentiated tissues. We report that despite their endodermal origin, beta-cells show a transcriptional and active chromatin signature that is most similar to ectoderm-derived neural tissues. In contrast, the beta-cell signature of trimethylated H3K27, a mark of Polycomb-mediated repression, clusters with pancreatic progenitors, acinar cells and liver, consistent with the epigenetic transmission of this mark from endoderm progenitors to their differentiated cellular progeny. We also identified two H3K27 methylation events that arise in the beta-cell lineage after the pancreatic progenitor stage. One is a wave of cell-selective de novo H3K27 trimethylation in non-CpG island genes. Another is the loss of bivalent and H3K27me3-repressed chromatin in a core program of neural developmental regulators that enables a convergence of the gene activity state of beta-cells with that of neural cells. These findings reveal a dynamic regulation of Polycomb repression programs that shape the identity of differentiated beta-cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joris van Arensbergen
- Genomic Programming of Beta Cells Laboratory, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona 08036, Spain
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172
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Thenappan A, Li Y, Kitisin K, Rashid A, Shetty K, Johnson L, Mishra L. Role of transforming growth factor beta signaling and expansion of progenitor cells in regenerating liver. Hepatology 2010; 51:1373-82. [PMID: 20131405 PMCID: PMC3001243 DOI: 10.1002/hep.23449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Adult hepatic progenitor cells are activated during regeneration when hepatocytes and bile duct epithelium are damaged or unable to proliferate. On the basis of its role as a tumor suppressor and in the potential malignant transformation of stem cells in hepatocellular carcinoma, we investigated the role of key transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) signaling components, including the Smad3 adaptor protein beta2-Spectrin (beta2SP), in liver regeneration. We demonstrate a streaming hepatocyte-specific dedifferentiation process in regenerating adult human liver less than 6 weeks following living donor transplantation. We then demonstrate a spatial and temporal expansion of TGF-beta signaling components, especially beta2SP, from the periportal to the pericentral zone as regeneration nears termination via immunohistochemical analysis. This expansion is associated with an expanded remaining pool of octamer 3/4 (Oct3/4)-positive progenitor cells localized to the portal tract in adult human liver from more than 6 weeks posttransplant. Furthermore, disruption of TGF-beta signaling as in the beta2SP (beta2SP+/-) knockout mouse demonstrated a striking 2 to 4-fold (P < 0.05) expanded population of Oct3/4-positive cells with activated Wnt signaling occupying an alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)+/cytokeratin-19 (CK-19)-positive progenitor cell niche following two-thirds partial hepatectomy. CONCLUSION TGF-beta signaling, particularly beta2SP, plays a critical role in hepatocyte proliferation and transitional phenotype and its loss is associated with activation of hepatic progenitor cells secondary to delayed mitogenesis and activated Wnt signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Thenappan
- Cancer Genetics, Digestive Diseases, and Developmental Molecular Biology, Department of Surgery, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| | - Ying Li
- Cancer Genetics, Digestive Diseases, and Developmental Molecular Biology, Department of Surgery, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| | - Krit Kitisin
- Cancer Genetics, Digestive Diseases, and Developmental Molecular Biology, Department of Surgery, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| | - Asif Rashid
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Kirti Shetty
- Institute of Transplantation, Hepatobiliary Diseases and Surgery, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC
| | - Lynt Johnson
- Cancer Genetics, Digestive Diseases, and Developmental Molecular Biology, Department of Surgery, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC,Institute of Transplantation, Hepatobiliary Diseases and Surgery, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC
| | - Lopa Mishra
- Cancer Genetics, Digestive Diseases, and Developmental Molecular Biology, Department of Surgery, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC,Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington DC
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Abstract
Embryonic development of the liver has been studied intensely, yielding insights that impact diverse areas of developmental and cell biology. Understanding the fundamental mechanisms that control hepatogenesis has also laid the basis for the rational differentiation of stem cells into cells that display many hepatic functions. Here, we review the basic molecular mechanisms that control the formation of the liver as an organ.
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174
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Cheng K, Follenzi A, Surana M, Fleischer N, Gupta S. Switching of mesodermal and endodermal properties in hTERT-modified and expanded fetal human pancreatic progenitor cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2010; 1:6. [PMID: 20504287 PMCID: PMC2873697 DOI: 10.1186/scrt6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2009] [Revised: 09/14/2009] [Accepted: 03/15/2010] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The ability to expand organ-specific stem/progenitor cells is critical for translational applications, although uncertainties often arise in identifying the lineage of expanded cells. Therefore, superior insights into lineage maintenance mechanisms will be helpful for cell/gene therapy. Methods We studied epithelial cells isolated from fetal human pancreas to assess their proliferation potential, changes in lineage markers during culture, and capacity for generating insulin-expressing beta cells. Cells were isolated by immunomagnetic sorting for epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), and characterized for islet-associated transcription factors, hormones, and ductal markers. Further studies were performed after modification of cells with the catalytic subunit of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT). Results Fetal pancreatic progenitor cells efficiently formed primary cultures, although their replication capacity was limited. This was overcome by introduction and expression of hTERT with a retroviral vector, which greatly enhanced cellular replication in vitro. However, we found that during culture hTERT-modified pancreatic progenitor cells switched their phenotype with gain of additional mesodermal properties. This phenotypic switching was inhibited when a pancreas-duodenal homeobox (Pdx)-1 transgene was expressed in hTERT-modified cells with a lentiviral vector, along with inductive signaling through activin A and serum deprivation. This restored endocrine properties of hTERT-modified cells in vitro. Moreover, transplantation studies in immunodeficient mice verified the capacity of these cells for expressing insulin in vivo. Conclusions Limited replication capacity of pancreatic endocrine progenitor cells was overcome by the hTERT mechanism, which should facilitate further studies of such cells, although mechanisms regulating switches between meso-endodermal fates of expanded cells will need to be controlled for developing specific applications. The availability of hTERT-expanded fetal pancreatic endocrine progenitor cells will be helpful for studying and recapitulating stage-specific beta lineage advancement in pluripotent stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Cheng
- Hepatology Division, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Ullmann Bldg, Rm 625, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
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175
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Li F, Huang Q, Chen J, Peng Y, Roop DR, Bedford JS, Li CY. Apoptotic cells activate the "phoenix rising" pathway to promote wound healing and tissue regeneration. Sci Signal 2010; 3:ra13. [PMID: 20179271 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.2000634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 348] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The ability to regenerate damaged tissues is a common characteristic of multicellular organisms. We report a role for apoptotic cell death in promoting wound healing and tissue regeneration in mice. Apoptotic cells released growth signals that stimulated the proliferation of progenitor or stem cells. Key players in this process were caspases 3 and 7, proteases activated during the execution phase of apoptosis that contribute to cell death. Mice lacking either of these caspases were deficient in skin wound healing and in liver regeneration. Prostaglandin E(2), a promoter of stem or progenitor cell proliferation and tissue regeneration, acted downstream of the caspases. We propose to call the pathway by which executioner caspases in apoptotic cells promote wound healing and tissue regeneration in multicellular organisms the "phoenix rising" pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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176
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Liver development, regeneration, and carcinogenesis. J Biomed Biotechnol 2010; 2010:984248. [PMID: 20169172 PMCID: PMC2821627 DOI: 10.1155/2010/984248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2009] [Accepted: 11/12/2009] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The identification of putative liver stem cells has brought closer the previously separate fields of liver development, regeneration, and carcinogenesis. Significant overlaps in the regulation of these processes are now being described. For example, studies in embryonic liver development have already provided the basis for directed differentiation of human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells into hepatocyte-like cells. As a result, the understanding of the cell biology of proliferation and differentiation in the liver has been improved. This knowledge can be used to improve the function of hepatocyte-like cells for drug testing, bioartificial livers, and transplantation. In parallel, the mechanisms regulating cancer cell biology are now clearer, providing fertile soil for novel therapeutic approaches. Recognition of the relationships between development, regeneration, and carcinogenesis, and the increasing evidence for the role of stem cells in all of these areas, has sparked fresh enthusiasm in understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms and has led to new targeted therapies for liver cirrhosis and primary liver cancers.
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177
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Le Lay J, Kaestner KH. The Fox genes in the liver: from organogenesis to functional integration. Physiol Rev 2010; 90:1-22. [PMID: 20086072 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00018.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Formation and function of the liver are highly controlled, essential processes. Multiple signaling pathways and transcriptional regulatory networks cooperate in this complex system. The evolutionarily conserved FOX, for Forkhead bOX, class of transcriptional regulators is critical to many aspects of liver development and function. The FOX proteins are small, mostly monomeric DNA binding factors containing the so-called winged helix DNA binding motif that distinguishes them from other classes of transcription factors. We discuss the biochemical and genetic roles of Foxa, Foxl1, Foxm1, and Foxo, as these have been shown to regulate many processes throughout the life of the organ, controlling both formation and function of the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Le Lay
- Department of Genetics and Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6145, USA
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178
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Ungefroren H, Fändrich F. The Programmable Cell of Monocytic Origin (PCMO): A Potential Adult Stem/Progenitor Cell Source for the Generation of Islet Cells. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2010; 654:667-82. [DOI: 10.1007/978-90-481-3271-3_29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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179
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Rojas A, Schachterle W, Xu SM, Black BL. An endoderm-specific transcriptional enhancer from the mouse Gata4 gene requires GATA and homeodomain protein-binding sites for function in vivo. Dev Dyn 2010; 238:2588-98. [PMID: 19777593 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.22091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Several transcription factors function in the specification and differentiation of the endoderm, including the zinc finger transcription factor GATA4. Despite its essential role in endoderm development, the transcriptional control of the Gata4 gene in the developing endoderm and its derivatives remains incompletely understood. Here, we identify a distal enhancer from the Gata4 gene, which directs expression exclusively to the visceral and definitive endoderm of transgenic mouse embryos. The activity of this enhancer is initially broad within the definitive endoderm but later restricts to developing endoderm-derived tissues, including pancreas, glandular stomach, and duodenum. The activity of this enhancer in vivo is dependent on evolutionarily-conserved HOX- and GATA-binding sites, which are bound by PDX-1 and GATA4, respectively. These studies establish Gata4 as a direct transcriptional target of homeodomain and GATA transcription factors in the endoderm and support a model in which GATA4 functions in the transcriptional network for pancreas formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anabel Rojas
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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180
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Abstract
The endoderm germ layer contributes to the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts and to all of their associated organs. Over the past decade, studies in vertebrate model organisms, including frog, fish, chick, and mouse, have greatly enhanced our understanding of the molecular basis of endoderm organ development. We review this progress with a focus on early stages of endoderm organogenesis including endoderm formation, gut tube morphogenesis and patterning, and organ specification. Lastly, we discuss how developmental mechanisms that regulate endoderm organogenesis are used to direct differentiation of embryonic stem cells into specific adult cell types, which function to alleviate disease symptoms in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M Zorn
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation and Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA.
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181
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Abstract
Over the last years, there has been great success in driving stem cells toward insulin-expressing cells. However, the protocols developed to date have some limitations, such as low reliability and low insulin production. The most successful protocols used for generation of insulin-producing cells from stem cells mimic in vitro pancreatic organogenesis by directing the stem cells through stages that resemble several pancreatic developmental stages. Islet cell fate is coordinated by a complex network of inductive signals and regulatory transcription factors that, in a combinatorial way, determine pancreatic organ specification, differentiation, growth, and lineage. Together, these signals and factors direct the progression from multipotent progenitor cells to mature pancreatic cells. Later in development and adult life, several of these factors also contribute to maintain the differentiated phenotype of islet cells. A detailed understanding of the processes that operate in the pancreas during embryogenesis will help us to develop a suitable source of cells for diabetes therapy. In this chapter, we will discuss the main transcription factors involved in pancreas specification and beta-cell formation.
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182
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Lemaigre F. Markers and signaling factors for stem cell differentiation to hepatocytes: lessons from developmental studies. Methods Mol Biol 2010; 640:157-66. [PMID: 20645051 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-60761-688-7_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Liver transplantation is the preferred option to treat a number of hepatic diseases in adults and children, but the number of patients on the waiting list is exceeding the number of available livers for transplantation. Hepatocytes differentiated in vitro from stem cells are a promising and renewable source of tissue for transplantation. The principles guiding programmed differentiation of stem cells to hepatocytes are largely based on knowledge gained from studies on embryonic development of the liver. How key findings in developmental biology are translated into cell culture protocols driving stepwise differentiation of hepatocytes is illustrated in this chapter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Lemaigre
- de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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183
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Noguchi H. Recent advances in stem cell research for the treatment of diabetes. World J Stem Cells 2009; 1:36-42. [PMID: 21607105 PMCID: PMC3097914 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v1.i1.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2009] [Revised: 10/15/2009] [Accepted: 10/22/2009] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The success achieved over the last decade with islet transplantation has intensified interest in treating diabetes, not only by cell transplantation, but also by stem cells. The formation of insulin-producing cells from pancreatic duct, acinar, and liver cells is an active area of investigation. Protocols for the in vitro differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells based on normal developmental processes, have generated insulin-producing cells, though at low efficiency and without full responsiveness to extracellular levels of glucose. Induced pluripotent stem cells, which have been generated from somatic cells by introducing Oct3/4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc, and which are similar to ES cells in morphology, gene expression, epigenetic status and differentiation, can also differentiate into insulin-producing cells. Overexpression of embryonic transcription factors in stem cells could efficiently induce their differentiation into insulin-expressing cells. The purpose of this review is to demonstrate recent progress in the research for new sources of β-cells, and to discuss strategies for the treatment of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirofumi Noguchi
- Hirofumi Noguchi, Regenerative Research Islet Cell Transplant Program, Baylor All Saints Medical Center, Baylor Research Institute, Fort Worth, TX 76104, United States
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184
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Uemura M, Hara K, Shitara H, Ishii R, Tsunekawa N, Miura Y, Kurohmaru M, Taya C, Yonekawa H, Kanai-Azuma M, Kanai Y. Expression and function of mouse Sox17 gene in the specification of gallbladder/bile-duct progenitors during early foregut morphogenesis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2009; 391:357-63. [PMID: 19913509 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2009.11.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2009] [Accepted: 11/09/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
In early-organogenesis-stage mouse embryos, the posteroventral foregut endoderm adjacent to the heart tube gives rise to liver, ventral pancreas and gallbladder. Hepatic and pancreatic primordia become specified in the posterior segment of the ventral foregut endoderm at early somite stages. The mechanisms for demarcating gallbladder and bile duct primordium, however, are poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that the gallbladder and bile duct progenitors are specified in the paired lateral endoderm domains outside the heart field at almost the same timing as hepatic and pancreatic induction. In the anterior definitive endoderm, Sox17 reactivation occurs in a certain population within the most lateral domains posterolateral to the anterior intestinal portal (AIP) lip on both the left and right sides. During foregut formation, the paired Sox17-positive domains expand ventromedially to merge in the midline of the AIP lip and become localized between the liver and pancreatic primordia. In Sox17-null embryos, these lateral domains are missing, resulting in a complete loss of the gallbladder/bile-duct structure. Chimera analyses revealed that Sox17-null endoderm cells in the posteroventral foregut do not display any gallbladder/bile-duct molecular characters. Our findings show that Sox17 functions cell-autonomously to specify gallbladder/bile-duct in the mouse embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mami Uemura
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
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185
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Aravalli RN, Behnan Sahin M, Cressman ENK, Steer CJ. Establishment and characterization of a unique 1 microm diameter liver-derived progenitor cell line. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2009; 391:56-62. [PMID: 19896459 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2009.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2009] [Accepted: 11/02/2009] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver-derived progenitor cells (LDPCs) are recently identified novel stem/progenitor cells from healthy, unmanipulated adult rat livers. They are distinct from other known liver stem/progenitor cells such as the oval cells. In this study, we have generated a LDPC cell line RA1 by overexpressing the simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen (TAg) in primary LDPCs. This cell line was propagated continuously for 55 passages in culture, after which it became senescent. Interestingly, following transformation with SV40 TAg, LDPCs decreased in size significantly and the propagating cells measured 1 microm in diameter. RA1 cells proliferated in vitro with a doubling time of 5-7 days, and expressed cell surface markers of LDPCs. In this report, we describe the characterization of this novel progenitor cell line that might serve as a valuable model to study liver cell functions and stem cell origin of liver cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajagopal N Aravalli
- Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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186
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Huang J, Bi Y, Zhu GH, He Y, Su Y, He BC, Wang Y, Kang Q, Chen L, Zuo GW, Luo Q, Shi Q, Zhang BQ, Huang A, Zhou L, Feng T, Luu HH, Haydon RC, He TC, Tang N. Retinoic acid signalling induces the differentiation of mouse fetal liver-derived hepatic progenitor cells. Liver Int 2009; 29:1569-81. [PMID: 19737349 DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2009.02111.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) can be isolated from fetal liver and extrahepatic tissues. Retinoic acid (RA) signalling plays an important role in development, although the role of RA signalling in liver-specific progenitors is poorly understood. AIMS We sought to determine the role of RA in regulating hepatic differentiation. METHODS RNA was isolated from liver tissues of various developmental stages. Liver marker expression was assessed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence staining. Reversibly immortalized HPCs derived from mouse embryonic day 14.5 (E14.5) liver (aka, HP14.5) were established. Albumin promoter-driven reporter (Alb-GLuc) was used to monitor hepatic differentiation. Glycogen synthesis was assayed as a marker for terminal hepatic differentiation. RESULTS Retinoic acid receptor (RAR)-alpha, retinoid X receptor (RXR)-alpha and RXR-gamma expressed in E12.5 to postnatal day 28 liver samples. Expression of RAR-beta and RXR-beta was low perinatally, whereas RAR-gamma was undetectable in prenatal tissues and increased postnatally. Retinal dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (Raldh1 and Raldh2) were expressed in all tissues, while Raldh3 was weakly expressed in prenatal samples but was readily detected postnatally. Nuclear receptor corepressors were highly expressed in all tissues, while expression of nuclear co-activators decreased in perinatal tissues and increased after birth. HP14.5 cells expressed high levels of early liver stem cell markers. Expression of RA signalling components and coregulators was readily detected in HP14.5. RA was shown to induce Alb-GLuc activity and late hepatocyte markers. RA was further shown to induce glycogen synthesis in HP14.5 cells, an important function of mature hepatocytes. CONCLUSIONS Our results strongly suggest that RA signalling may play an important role in regulating hepatic differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Huang
- Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine designated by the Ministry of Education of China, The Affiliated Hospitals of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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187
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Bi Y, Huang J, He Y, Zhu GH, Su Y, He BC, Luo J, Wang Y, Kang Q, Luo Q, Chen L, Zuo GW, Jiang W, Liu B, Shi Q, Tang M, Zhang BQ, Weng Y, Huang A, Zhou L, Feng T, Luu HH, Haydon RC, He TC, Tang N. Wnt antagonist SFRP3 inhibits the differentiation of mouse hepatic progenitor cells. J Cell Biochem 2009; 108:295-303. [DOI: 10.1002/jcb.22254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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188
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neurogenin 3 plays a pivotal role in pancreatic endocrine differentiation. Whereas mouse models expressing reporters such as eGFP or LacZ under the control of the Neurog3 gene enable us to label cells in the pancreatic endocrine lineage, the long half-life of most reporter proteins makes it difficult to distinguish cells actively expressing neurogenin 3 from differentiated cells that have stopped transcribing the gene. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In order to separate the transient neurogenin 3 -expressing endocrine progenitor cells from the differentiating endocrine cells, we developed a mouse model (Ngn3-Timer) in which DsRed-E5, a fluorescent protein that shifts its emission spectrum from green to red over time, was expressed transgenically from the NEUROG3 locus. RESULTS In the Ngn3-Timer embryos, green-dominant cells could be readily detected by microscopy or flow cytometry and distinguished from green/red double-positive cells. When fluorescent cells were sorted into three different populations by a fluorescence-activated cell sorter, placed in culture, and then reanalyzed by flow cytometry, green-dominant cells converted to green/red double-positive cells within 6 h. The sorted cell populations were then used to determine the temporal patterns of expression for 145 transcriptional regulators in the developing pancreas. CONCLUSIONS The precise temporal resolution of this model defines the narrow window of neurogenin 3 expression in islet progenitor cells and permits sequential analyses of sorted cells as well as the testing of gene regulatory models for the differentiation of pancreatic islet cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Miyatsuka
- From the Diabetes Center and Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Zhongmei Li
- From the Diabetes Center and Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Michael S. German
- From the Diabetes Center and Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Corresponding author: Michael S. German,
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189
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Zhao D, Chen S, Cai J, Guo Y, Song Z, Che J, Liu C, Wu C, Ding M, Deng H. Derivation and characterization of hepatic progenitor cells from human embryonic stem cells. PLoS One 2009; 4:e6468. [PMID: 19649295 PMCID: PMC2714184 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0006468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2009] [Accepted: 07/03/2009] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The derivation of hepatic progenitor cells from human embryonic stem (hES) cells is of value both in the study of early human liver organogenesis and in the creation of an unlimited source of donor cells for hepatocyte transplantation therapy. Here, we report for the first time the generation of hepatic progenitor cells derived from hES cells. Hepatic endoderm cells were generated by activating FGF and BMP pathways and were then purified by fluorescence activated cell sorting using a newly identified surface marker, N-cadherin. After co-culture with STO feeder cells, these purified hepatic endoderm cells yielded hepatic progenitor colonies, which possessed the proliferation potential to be cultured for an extended period of more than 100 days. With extensive expansion, they co-expressed the hepatic marker AFP and the biliary lineage marker KRT7 and maintained bipotential differentiation capacity. They were able to differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells, which expressed ALB and AAT, and into cholangiocyte-like cells, which formed duct-like cyst structures, expressed KRT19 and KRT7, and acquired epithelial polarity. In conclusion, this is the first report of the generation of proliferative and bipotential hepatic progenitor cells from hES cells. These hES cell–derived hepatic progenitor cells could be effectively used as an in vitro model for studying the mechanisms of hepatic stem/progenitor cell origin, self-renewal and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongxin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Song Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Cai
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yushan Guo
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Shenzhen Graduate School of Peking University, The University Town, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhihua Song
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Shenzhen Graduate School of Peking University, The University Town, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jie Che
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Chun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Shenzhen Graduate School of Peking University, The University Town, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chen Wu
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Shenzhen Graduate School of Peking University, The University Town, Shenzhen, China
| | - Mingxiao Ding
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongkui Deng
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Shenzhen Graduate School of Peking University, The University Town, Shenzhen, China
- * E-mail:
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190
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Lemaigre FP. Mechanisms of liver development: concepts for understanding liver disorders and design of novel therapies. Gastroenterology 2009; 137:62-79. [PMID: 19328801 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2009.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2009] [Revised: 03/15/2009] [Accepted: 03/18/2009] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The study of liver development has significantly contributed to developmental concepts about morphogenesis and differentiation of other organs. Knowledge of the mechanisms that regulate hepatic epithelial cell differentiation has been essential in creating efficient cell culture protocols for programmed differentiation of stem cells to hepatocytes as well as developing cell transplantation therapies. Such knowledge also provides a basis for the understanding of human congenital diseases. Importantly, much of our understanding of organ development has arisen from analyses of patients with liver deficiencies. We review how the liver develops in the embryo and discuss the concepts that operate during this process. We focus on the mechanisms that control the differentiation and organization of the hepatocytes and cholangiocytes and refer to other reviews for the development of nonepithelial tissue in the liver. Much progress in the characterization of liver development has been the result of genetic studies of human diseases; gaining a better understanding of these mechanisms could lead to new therapeutic approaches for patients with liver disorders.
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191
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Abstract
The liver is an organ with vital functions, including the processing and storage of nutrients, maintenance of serum composition, detoxification and bile production. Over the last 10 years, there have been major advances in our understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying liver development. These advances have been achieved through the use of knockout mice as well as through forward-genetics studies employing mutant fish. The examination of many such murine and piscine mutants with defects in liver formation and/or function have pinpointed numerous factors crucial for hepatic cell differentiation and growth. In addition, these studies have permitted the identification of several important liver-specific markers that allow the contributions of variouscell types to hepatogenesis to be monitored. This review summarizes our current state of knowledge of the shared molecular mechanisms that underlie liver development in species as diverse as fish and mice. A better molecular understanding of liver formation may provide new insights into both normal liver biology and liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Nakamura
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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192
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Watanabe N, Hiramatsu K, Miyamoto R, Yasuda K, Suzuki N, Oshima N, Kiyonari H, Shiba D, Nishio S, Mochizuki T, Yokoyama T, Maruyama S, Matsuo S, Wakamatsu Y, Hashimoto H. A murine model of neonatal diabetes mellitus in Glis3-deficient mice. FEBS Lett 2009; 583:2108-13. [PMID: 19481545 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2009.05.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2009] [Revised: 05/21/2009] [Accepted: 05/21/2009] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Glis3 is a member of the Gli-similar subfamily. GLIS3 mutations in humans lead to neonatal diabetes, hypothyroidism, and cystic kidney disease. We generated Glis3-deficient mice by gene-targeting. The Glis3(-/-) mice had significant increases in the basal blood sugar level during the first few days after birth. The high levels of blood sugar are attributed to a decrease in the Insulin mRNA level in the pancreas that is caused by impaired islet development and the subsequent impairment of Insulin-producing cell formation. The pancreatic phenotypes indicate that the Glis3-deficient mice are a model for GLIS3 mutation and diabetes mellitus in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Watanabe
- Bioscience and Biotechnology Center, Nagoya University, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Japan
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193
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Epigenetic gene regulation in stem cells and correlation to cancer. Differentiation 2009; 78:1-17. [PMID: 19443100 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2009.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2008] [Revised: 04/03/2009] [Accepted: 04/06/2009] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Through the classic study of genetics, much has been learned about the regulation and progression of human disease. Specifically, cancer has been defined as a disease driven by genetic alterations, including mutations in tumor-suppressor genes and oncogenes, as well as chromosomal abnormalities. However, the study of normal human development has identified that in addition to classical genetics, regulation of gene expression is also modified by 'epigenetic' alterations including chromatin remodeling and histone variants, DNA methylation, the regulation of polycomb group proteins, and the epigenetic function of non-coding RNA. These changes are modifications inherited during both meiosis and mitosis, yet they do not result in alterations of the actual DNA sequence. A number of biological questions are directly influenced by epigenetics, such as how does a cell know when to divide, differentiate or remain quiescent, and more importantly, what happens when these pathways become altered? Do these alterations lead to the development and/or progression of cancer? This review will focus on summarizing the limited current literature involving epigenetic alterations in the context of human cancer stems cells (CSCs). The extent to which epigenetic changes define cell fate, identity, and phenotype are still under intense investigation, and many questions remain largely unanswered. Before discussing epigenetic gene silencing in CSCs, the different classifications of stem cells and their properties will be introduced. This will be followed by an introduction to the different epigenetic mechanisms. Finally, there will be a discussion of the current knowledge of epigenetic modifications in stem cells, specifically what is known from rodent systems and established cancer cell lines, and how they are leading us to understand human stem cells.
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194
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Johnson NC, Dillard ME, Baluk P, McDonald DM, Harvey NL, Frase SL, Oliver G. Lymphatic endothelial cell identity is reversible and its maintenance requires Prox1 activity. Genes Dev 2009; 22:3282-91. [PMID: 19056883 DOI: 10.1101/gad.1727208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 263] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The activity of the homeobox gene Prox1 is necessary and sufficient for venous blood endothelial cells (BECs) to acquire a lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) fate. We determined that the differentiated LEC phenotype is a plastic, reprogrammable condition that depends on constant Prox1 activity for its maintenance. We show that conditional down-regulation of Prox1 during embryonic, postnatal, or adult stages is sufficient to reprogram LECs into BECs. Consequently, the identity of the mutant lymphatic vessels is also partially reprogrammed as they acquire some features typical of the blood vasculature. siRNA-mediated down-regulation of Prox1 in LECs in culture demonstrates that reprogramming of LECs into BECs is a Prox1-dependent, cell-autonomous process. We propose that Prox1 acts as a binary switch that suppresses BEC identity and promotes and maintains LEC identity; switching off Prox1 activity is sufficient to initiate a reprogramming cascade leading to the dedifferentiation of LECs into BECs. Therefore, LECs are one of the few differentiated cell types that require constant expression of a certain gene to maintain their phenotypic identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole C Johnson
- Department of Genetics and Tumor Cell Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, USA
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195
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Mishra L, Banker T, Murray J, Byers S, Thenappan A, He AR, Shetty K, Johnson L, Reddy EP. Liver stem cells and hepatocellular carcinoma. HEPATOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD.) 2009. [PMID: 19111019 DOI: 10.1002/hep.22704.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Although the existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) was first proposed over 40 years ago, only in the past decade have these cells been identified in hematological malignancies, and more recently in solid tumors that include liver, breast, prostate, brain, and colon. Constant proliferation of stem cells is a vital component in liver tissues. In these renewing tissues, mutations will most likely result in expansion of the altered stem cells, perpetuating and increasing the chances of additional mutations and tumor progression. However, many details about hepatocellular cancer stem cells that are important for early detection remain poorly understood, including the precise cell(s) of origin, molecular genetics, and the mechanisms responsible for the highly aggressive clinical picture of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Exploration of the difference between CSCs from normal stem cells is crucial not only for the understanding of tumor biology but also for the development of specific therapies that effectively target these cells in patients. These ideas have drawn attention to control of stem cell proliferation by the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), Notch, Wnt, and Hedgehog pathways. Recent evidence also suggests a key role for the TGF-beta signaling pathway in both hepatocellular cancer suppression and endoderm formation, suggesting a dual role for this pathway in tumor suppression as well as progression of differentiation from a stem or progenitor stage. This review provides a rationale for detecting and analyzing tumor stem cells as one of the most effective ways to treat cancers such as HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lopa Mishra
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics, Digestive Diseases, and Developmental Molecular Biology, Department of Surgery, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA.
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196
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Miyatsuka T, Matsuoka TA, Kaneto H. Transcription factors as therapeutic targets for diabetes. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2009; 12:1431-42. [PMID: 18851698 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.12.11.1431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Islet cell implantation and pancreas transplantation have been used as treatments for diabetes but are limited by the shortage of donors and the requirement for lifelong immunosuppression. As an alternative, the generation of surrogate insulin-producing cells has been an area of interest for many researchers. Understanding how pancreatic beta-cells are generated during pancreas development will provide information that can be applied to generating surrogate beta-cells. OBJECTIVE To outline the current knowledge of pancreas development and differentiation, with a focus on the regulatory network of pancreas-enriched transcription factors and their targets. METHODS A review of relevant literature. CONCLUSIONS Pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (Pdx1), Neurogenin 3 (Ngn3), and musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog A (MafA) have been shown to play essential roles in pancreas development and beta-cell differentiation, and gain-of-function approaches indicate the potency of these factors for inducing differentiation of non-beta-cells into insulin-producing cells, which could lead to a novel therapy to cure diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Miyatsuka
- Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
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197
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Abstract
The digestive tracts of many animals are epithelial tubes with specialized compartments to break down food, remove wastes, combat infection, and signal nutrient availability. C. elegans possesses a linear, epithelial gut tube with foregut, midgut, and hindgut sections. The simple anatomy belies the developmental complexity that is involved in forming the gut from a pool of heterogeneous precursor cells. Here, I focus on the processes that specify cell fates and control morphogenesis within the embryonic foregut (pharynx) and the developmental roles of the pharynx after birth. Maternally donated factors in the pregastrula embryo converge on pha-4, a FoxA transcription factor that specifies organ identity for pharyngeal precursors. Positive feedback loops between PHA-4 and other transcription factors ensure commitment to pharyngeal fate. Binding-site affinity of PHA-4 for its target promoters contributes to the progression of the pharyngeal precursors towards differentiation. During morphogenesis, the pharyngeal precursors form an epithelial tube in a process that is independent of cadherins, catenins, and integrins but requires the kinesin zen-4/MKLP1. After birth, the pharynx and/or pha-4 are involved in repelling pathogens and controlling aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E Mango
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
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198
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Mishra L, Banker T, Murray J, Byers S, Thenappan A, He AR, Shetty K, Johnson L, Reddy EP. Liver stem cells and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatology 2009; 49:318-29. [PMID: 19111019 PMCID: PMC2726720 DOI: 10.1002/hep.22704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 261] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Although the existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) was first proposed over 40 years ago, only in the past decade have these cells been identified in hematological malignancies, and more recently in solid tumors that include liver, breast, prostate, brain, and colon. Constant proliferation of stem cells is a vital component in liver tissues. In these renewing tissues, mutations will most likely result in expansion of the altered stem cells, perpetuating and increasing the chances of additional mutations and tumor progression. However, many details about hepatocellular cancer stem cells that are important for early detection remain poorly understood, including the precise cell(s) of origin, molecular genetics, and the mechanisms responsible for the highly aggressive clinical picture of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Exploration of the difference between CSCs from normal stem cells is crucial not only for the understanding of tumor biology but also for the development of specific therapies that effectively target these cells in patients. These ideas have drawn attention to control of stem cell proliferation by the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), Notch, Wnt, and Hedgehog pathways. Recent evidence also suggests a key role for the TGF-beta signaling pathway in both hepatocellular cancer suppression and endoderm formation, suggesting a dual role for this pathway in tumor suppression as well as progression of differentiation from a stem or progenitor stage. This review provides a rationale for detecting and analyzing tumor stem cells as one of the most effective ways to treat cancers such as HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lopa Mishra
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics, Digestive Diseases, and Developmental Molecular Biology, Department of Surgery, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA.
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199
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Heimberg
- Diabetes Research Center, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels
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200
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Abstract
Liver and pancreas progenitors develop from endoderm cells in the embryonic foregut. Shortly after their specification, liver and pancreas progenitors rapidly acquire markedly different cellular functions and regenerative capacities. These changes are elicited by inductive signals and genetic regulatory factors that are highly conserved among vertebrates. Interest in the development and regeneration of the organs has been fueled by the intense need for hepatocytes and pancreatic beta cells in the therapeutic treatment of liver failure and type I diabetes. Studies in diverse model organisms have revealed evolutionarily conserved inductive signals and transcription factor networks that elicit the differentiation of liver and pancreatic cells and provide guidance for how to promote hepatocyte and beta cell differentiation from diverse stem and progenitor cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth S Zaret
- Epigenetics and Progenitor Cells Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA.
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