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Wang C, Abadpour S, Olsen PA, Wang D, Stokowiec J, Chera S, Ghila L, Ræder H, Krauss S, Aizenshtadt A, Scholz H. Glucose Concentration in Regulating Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Differentiation Toward Insulin-Producing Cells. Transpl Int 2024; 37:11900. [PMID: 38304198 PMCID: PMC10830798 DOI: 10.3389/ti.2024.11900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
The generation of insulin-producing cells from human-induced pluripotent stem cells holds great potential for diabetes modeling and treatment. However, existing protocols typically involve incubating cells with un-physiologically high concentrations of glucose, which often fail to generate fully functional IPCs. Here, we investigated the influence of high (20 mM) versus low (5.5 mM) glucose concentrations on IPCs differentiation in three hiPSC lines. In two hiPSC lines that were unable to differentiate to IPCs sufficiently, we found that high glucose during differentiation leads to a shortage of NKX6.1+ cells that have co-expression with PDX1 due to insufficient NKX6.1 gene activation, thus further reducing differentiation efficiency. Furthermore, high glucose during differentiation weakened mitochondrial respiration ability. In the third iPSC line, which is IPC differentiation amenable, glucose concentrations did not affect the PDX1/NKX6.1 expression and differentiation efficiency. In addition, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was only seen in the differentiation under a high glucose condition. These IPCs have higher KATP channel activity and were linked to sufficient ABCC8 gene expression under a high glucose condition. These data suggest high glucose concentration during IPC differentiation is necessary to generate functional IPCs. However, in cell lines that were IPC differentiation unamenable, high glucose could worsen the situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chencheng Wang
- Department of Transplant Medicine, Institute for Surgical Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Hybrid Technology Hub, Center of Excellence, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Shadab Abadpour
- Department of Transplant Medicine, Institute for Surgical Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Hybrid Technology Hub, Center of Excellence, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Petter Angell Olsen
- Hybrid Technology Hub, Center of Excellence, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Daxin Wang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Justyna Stokowiec
- Hybrid Technology Hub, Center of Excellence, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Simona Chera
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Luiza Ghila
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Helge Ræder
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Pediatrics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Stefan Krauss
- Hybrid Technology Hub, Center of Excellence, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Hanne Scholz
- Department of Transplant Medicine, Institute for Surgical Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Hybrid Technology Hub, Center of Excellence, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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2
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Wildey A, Harrington S, Stehno-Bittel L, Karanu F. Reduction of Activin A gives rise to comparable expression of key definitive endoderm and mature beta cell markers. Regen Med 2024; 19:47-63. [PMID: 38240144 DOI: 10.2217/rme-2023-0187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: Cell therapies for diabetes rely on differentiation of stem cells into insulin-producing cells, which is complex and expensive. Our goal was to evaluate production costs and test ways to reduce it. Methods: Cost of Goods (COGs) analysis for differentiation was completed and the effects of replacement or reduction of the most expensive item was tested using qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry along with glucose-stimulated insulin release. Results: Activin A (AA) was responsible for significant cost. Replacement with small molecules failed to form definitive endoderm (DE). Reducing AA by 50% did not negatively affect expression of beta cell markers. Conclusion: Reduction of AA concentration is feasible without adversely affecting DE and islet-like cell differentiation, leading to significant cost savings in manufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lisa Stehno-Bittel
- Likarda LLC, Kansas City, MO 64137, USA
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
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3
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Kim MH, Thanuthanakhun N, Kino-Oka M. A simple tool for the synchronous differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells into pancreatic progenitors. Biotechnol J 2024; 19:e2300364. [PMID: 37955342 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202300364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Efficient differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into functional pancreatic cells holds great promise for diabetes research and treatment. However, a robust culture strategy for producing pancreatic progenitors with high homogeneity is lacking. Here, we established a simple differentiation strategy for generating synchronous iPSC-derived pancreatic progenitors via a two-step method of sequential cell synchronization using botulinum hemagglutinin (HA), an E-cadherin function-blocking agent. Of the various methods tested, the first-step synchronization method with HA exposure induces a synchronous switch from E- to N-cadherin and N- to E-cadherin expression by spatially controlling heterogeneous cell distribution, subsequently improving their competency for directed differentiation into definitive endodermal cells from iPSCs. The iPSC-derived definitive endodermal cells can efficiently generate PDX1+ and NKX6.1+ pancreatic progenitor cells in high yields. The PDX1+ and PDX1+ /NKX6.1+ cell densities showed 1.6- and 2.2-fold increases, respectively, compared with those from unsynchronized cultures. The intra-run and inter-run coefficient of variation were below 10%, indicating stable and robust differentiation across different cultures and runs. Our approach is a simple and efficient strategy to produce large quantities of differentiated cells with the highest homogeneity during multistage pancreatic progenitor differentiation, providing a potential tool for guided differentiation of iPSCs to functional insulin-producing cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mee-Hae Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Naruchit Thanuthanakhun
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kino-Oka
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Research Base for Cell Manufacturability, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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4
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Sepyani S, Momenzadeh S, Safabakhsh S, Nedaeinia R, Salehi R. Therapeutic approaches for Type 1 Diabetes: Promising cell-based approaches to achieve ultimate success. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2024; 29:23-33. [PMID: 37977308 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2023.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Type 1 Diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by pancreatic β-cells destruction. Despite substantial advances in T1DM treatment, lifelong exogenous insulin administration is the mainstay of treatments, and constant control of glucose levels is still a challenge. Endogenous insulin production by replacing insulin-producing cells is an alternative, but the lack of suitable donors is accounted as one of the main obstacles to its widespread application. The research and trials overview demonstrates that endogenous production of insulin has started to go beyond the deceased-derived to stem cells-derived insulin-producing cells. Several protocols have been developed over the past couple of years for generating insulin-producing cells (IPCs) from various stem cell types and reprogramming fully differentiated cells. A straightforward and quick method for achieving this goal is to investigate and apply the β-cell specific transcription factors as a direct strategy for IPCs generation. In this review, we emphasize the significance of transcription factors in IPCs development from different non-beta cell sources, and pertinent research underlies the marked progress in the methods for generating insulin-producing cells and application for Type 1 Diabetes treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Sepyani
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sedigheh Momenzadeh
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; Pediatric Inherited Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Saied Safabakhsh
- Micronesian Institute for Disease Prevention and Research, 736 Route 4, Suite 103, Sinajana, GU 96910, United States
| | - Reza Nedaeinia
- Pediatric Inherited Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Rasoul Salehi
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; Pediatric Inherited Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
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5
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Liang Y, Widjaja J, Sun J, Li M, Qiao Z, Cao T, Wang Y, Zhang X, Zhang Z, Gu Y, Zhang P, Yang J. Bariatric surgery induces pancreatic cell transdifferentiation as indicated by single-cell transcriptomics in Zucker diabetic rats. J Diabetes 2023. [PMID: 38149757 DOI: 10.1111/1753-0407.13521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Bariatric surgery results in rapid recovery of glucose control in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, the underlying mechanisms are still largely unknown. The present study aims to clarify how bariatric surgery modifies pancreatic cell subgroup differentiation and transformation in the single-cell RNA level. METHODS Male, 8-week-old Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats with obesity and diabetes phenotypes were randomized into sleeve gastrectomy (Sleeve, n = 9), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB, n = 9), and Sham (n = 7) groups. Two weeks after surgery, the pancreas specimen was further analyzed using single-cell RNA-sequencing technique. RESULTS Two weeks after surgery, compared to the Sham group, the metabolic parameters including fasting plasma glucose, plasma insulin, and oral glucose tolerance test values were dramatically improved after RYGB and Sleeve procedures (p < .05) as predicted. In addition, RYGB and Sleeve groups increased the proportion of pancreatic β cells and reduced the ratio of α cells. Two multiple hormone-expressing cells were identified, the Gcg+/Ppy + and Ins+/Gcg+/Ppy + cells. The pancreatic Ins+/Gcg+/Ppy + cells were defined for the first time, and further investigation indicates similarities with α and β cells, with unique gene expression patterns, which implies that pancreatic cell transdifferentiation occurs following bariatric surgery. CONCLUSIONS For the first time, using the single-cell transcriptome map of ZDF rats, we reported a comprehensive characterization of the heterogeneity and differentiation of pancreatic endocrinal cells after bariatric surgery, which may contribute to the underlying mechanisms. Further studies will be needed to elucidate these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjun Liang
- Center for Medical Research and Innovation, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China
- Fudan Zhangjiang Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Vascular Lesions Regulation and Remodeling, Shanghai, China
| | - Jason Widjaja
- Department of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery, Fudan University Affiliated Huadong Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiawei Sun
- Novogene Bioinformatics Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Mengyi Li
- Division of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, General Surgery Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengdong Qiao
- Center for Medical Research and Innovation, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Cao
- Center for Medical Research and Innovation, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Yueqian Wang
- Center for Medical Research and Innovation, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiong Zhang
- Center for Medical Research and Innovation, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongtao Zhang
- Division of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, General Surgery Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Gu
- Department of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery, Fudan University Affiliated Huadong Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Division of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, General Surgery Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Jianjun Yang
- Department of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery, Fudan University Affiliated Huadong Hospital, Shanghai, China
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6
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Aldous N, Moin ASM, Abdelalim EM. Pancreatic β-cell heterogeneity in adult human islets and stem cell-derived islets. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:176. [PMID: 37270452 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04815-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies reported that pancreatic β-cells are heterogeneous in terms of their transcriptional profiles and their abilities for insulin secretion. Sub-populations of pancreatic β-cells have been identified based on the functionality and expression of specific surface markers. Under diabetes condition, β-cell identity is altered leading to different β-cell sub-populations. Furthermore, cell-cell contact between β-cells and other endocrine cells within the islet play an important role in regulating insulin secretion. This highlights the significance of generating a cell product derived from stem cells containing β-cells along with other major islet cells for treating patients with diabetes, instead of transplanting a purified population of β-cells. Another key question is how close in terms of heterogeneity are the islet cells derived from stem cells? In this review, we summarize the heterogeneity in islet cells of the adult pancreas and those generated from stem cells. In addition, we highlight the significance of this heterogeneity in health and disease conditions and how this can be used to design a stem cell-derived product for diabetes cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noura Aldous
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar
- Diabetes Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Education City, PO Box 34110, Doha, Qatar
| | - Abu Saleh Md Moin
- Diabetes Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Education City, PO Box 34110, Doha, Qatar
- Research Department, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Bahrain, Adliya, Kingdom of Bahrain
| | - Essam M Abdelalim
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar.
- Diabetes Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation, Education City, PO Box 34110, Doha, Qatar.
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7
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Ebrahim N, Shakirova K, Dashinimaev E. PDX1 is the cornerstone of pancreatic β-cell functions and identity. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:1091757. [PMID: 36589234 PMCID: PMC9798421 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1091757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes has been a worldwide healthcare problem for many years. Current methods of treating diabetes are still largely directed at symptoms, aiming to control the manifestations of the pathology. This creates an overall need to find alternative measures that can impact on the causes of the disease, reverse diabetes, or make it more manageable. Understanding the role of key players in the pathogenesis of diabetes and the related β-cell functions is of great importance in combating diabetes. PDX1 is a master regulator in pancreas organogenesis, the maturation and identity preservation of β-cells, and of their role in normal insulin function. Mutations in the PDX1 gene are correlated with many pancreatic dysfunctions, including pancreatic agenesis (homozygous mutation) and MODY4 (heterozygous mutation), while in other types of diabetes, PDX1 expression is reduced. Therefore, alternative approaches to treat diabetes largely depend on knowledge of PDX1 regulation, its interaction with other transcription factors, and its role in obtaining β-cells through differentiation and transdifferentiation protocols. In this article, we review the basic functions of PDX1 and its regulation by genetic and epigenetic factors. Lastly, we summarize different variations of the differentiation protocols used to obtain β-cells from alternative cell sources, using PDX1 alone or in combination with various transcription factors and modified culture conditions. This review shows the unique position of PDX1 as a potential target in the genetic and cellular treatment of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nour Ebrahim
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia,Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Ksenia Shakirova
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Erdem Dashinimaev
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia,Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Dolgoprudny, Russia,*Correspondence: Erdem Dashinimaev,
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8
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Loss of FOXA2 induces ER stress and hepatic steatosis and alters developmental gene expression in human iPSC-derived hepatocytes. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:713. [PMID: 35973994 PMCID: PMC9381545 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05158-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
FOXA2 has been known to play important roles in liver functions in rodents. However, its role in human hepatocytes is not fully understood. Recently, we generated FOXA2 mutant induced pluripotent stem cell (FOXA2-/-iPSC) lines and illustrated that loss of FOXA2 results in developmental defects in pancreatic islet cells. Here, we used FOXA2-/-iPSC lines to understand the role of FOXA2 on the development and function of human hepatocytes. Lack of FOXA2 resulted in significant alterations in the expression of key developmental and functional genes in hepatic progenitors (HP) and mature hepatocytes (MH) as well as an increase in the expression of ER stress markers. Functional assays demonstrated an increase in lipid accumulation, bile acid synthesis and glycerol production, while a decrease in glucose uptake, glycogen storage, and Albumin secretion. RNA-sequencing analysis further validated the findings by showing a significant increase in genes associated with lipid metabolism, bile acid secretion, and suggested the activation of hepatic stellate cells and hepatic fibrosis in MH lacking FOXA2. Overexpression of FOXA2 reversed the defective phenotypes and improved hepatocyte functionality in iPSC-derived hepatic cells lacking FOXA2. These results highlight a potential role of FOXA2 in regulating human hepatic development and function and provide a human hepatocyte model, which can be used to identify novel therapeutic targets for FOXA2-associated liver disorders.
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9
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Jin W, Jiang W. Stepwise differentiation of functional pancreatic β cells from human pluripotent stem cells. CELL REGENERATION 2022; 11:24. [PMID: 35909206 PMCID: PMC9339430 DOI: 10.1186/s13619-022-00125-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic β cells differentiated from stem cells provide promise for cell replacement therapy of diabetes. Human pluripotent stem cells could be differentiated into definitive endoderm, followed by pancreatic progenitors, and then subjected to endocrinal differentiation and maturation in a stepwise fashion. Many achievements have been made in making pancreatic β cells from human pluripotent stem cells in last two decades, and a couple of phase I/II clinical trials have just been initiated. Here, we overview the major progresses in differentiating pancreatic β cells from human pluripotent stem cells with the focus on recent technical advances in each differentiation stage, and briefly discuss the current limitations as well.
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10
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Memon B, Abdelalim EM. Highly Efficient Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells into Pancreatic Progenitors Co-expressing PDX1 and NKX6.1. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2454:351-363. [PMID: 33190184 DOI: 10.1007/7651_2020_323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes is a complex metabolic disorder, with no available treatment. Islet transplantation is currently practiced beta cell replacement therapy option, however, with major limitations. Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) can be used as a scalable source for generation of insulin-secreting cells as hPSCs have high proliferative capacity and can differentiate into any tissue type. In vitro stepwise protocols have been designed for differentiating hPSCs into pancreatic lineages that finally give rise to beta cells; however, these hPSC-derived beta cells are dissimilar to adult human beta cells in key aspects of gene expression and functionality. Alternatively, pancreatic progenitors, when transplanted in the body, have been shown to mature into functional insulin-secreting beta cells, capable of reversing hyperglycemia. These pancreatic progenitors require the co-expression of PDX1, a transcription factor (TF) regulating pancreatic development, and NKX6.1, another TF key for beta cell maturation and function, to produce glucose-responsive beta cells. Given the crucial role played by NKX6.1, we optimized an in vitro differentiation protocol to enhance the generation of pancreatic progenitors co-expressing PDX1 and NKX6.1 by modulating cell density, matrix availability, and cellular dissociation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bushra Memon
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar
- Diabetes Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar
| | - Essam M Abdelalim
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar.
- Diabetes Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar.
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11
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Zhang Y, Xu J, Ren Z, Meng Y, Liu W, Lu L, Zhou Z, Chen G. Nicotinamide promotes pancreatic differentiation through the dual inhibition of CK1 and ROCK kinases in human embryonic stem cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:362. [PMID: 34172095 PMCID: PMC8235863 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02426-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) plays important roles in metabolism as well as in SIRT and PARP pathways. It is also recently reported as a novel kinase inhibitor with multiple targets. Nicotinamide promotes pancreatic cell differentiation from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). However, its molecular mechanism is still unclear. In order to understand the molecular mechanism involved in pancreatic cell fate determination, we analyzed the downstream pathways of nicotinamide in the derivation of NKX6.1+ pancreatic progenitors from hESCs. Methods We applied downstream modulators of nicotinamide during the induction from posterior foregut to pancreatic progenitors, including niacin, PARP inhibitor, SIRT inhibitor, CK1 inhibitor and ROCK inhibitor. The impact of those treatments was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR, flow cytometry and immunostaining of pancreatic markers. Furthermore, CK1 isoforms were knocked down to validate CK1 function in the induction of pancreatic progenitors. Finally, RNA-seq was used to demonstrate pancreatic induction on the transcriptomic level. Results First, we demonstrated that nicotinamide promoted pancreatic progenitor differentiation in chemically defined conditions, but it did not act through either niacin-associated metabolism or the inhibition of PARP and SIRT pathways. In contrast, nicotinamide modulated differentiation through CK1 and ROCK inhibition. We demonstrated that CK1 inhibitors promoted the generation of PDX1/NKX6.1 double-positive pancreatic progenitor cells. shRNA knockdown revealed that the inhibition of CK1α and CK1ε promoted pancreatic progenitor differentiation. We then showed that nicotinamide also improved pancreatic progenitor differentiation through ROCK inhibition. Finally, RNA-seq data showed that CK1 and ROCK inhibition led to pancreatic gene expression, similar to nicotinamide treatment. Conclusions In this report, we revealed that nicotinamide promotes generation of pancreatic progenitors from hESCs through CK1 and ROCK inhibition. Furthermore, we discovered the novel role of CK1 in pancreatic cell fate determination. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-021-02426-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumeng Zhang
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China.,Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Jiaqi Xu
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China.,Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Zhili Ren
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China.,Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Ya Meng
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China.,Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China.,Zhuhai Precision Medical Center, Zhuhai People's Hospital, Jinan University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Weiwei Liu
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China.,Bioimaging and Stem Cell Core Facility, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Ligong Lu
- Zhuhai Precision Medical Center, Zhuhai People's Hospital, Jinan University, Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhou Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory for Molecular Diagnostics of Cardiovascular Diseases, Diagnostic Laboratory Service, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Guokai Chen
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China. .,Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China. .,MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China.
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12
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Abdelalim EM. Modeling different types of diabetes using human pluripotent stem cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:2459-2483. [PMID: 33242105 PMCID: PMC11072720 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03710-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by chronic hyperglycemia as a result of progressive loss of pancreatic β cells, which could lead to several debilitating complications. Different paths, triggered by several genetic and environmental factors, lead to the loss of pancreatic β cells and/or function. Understanding these many paths to β cell damage or dysfunction could help in identifying therapeutic approaches specific for each path. Most of our knowledge about diabetes pathophysiology has been obtained from studies on animal models, which do not fully recapitulate human diabetes phenotypes. Currently, human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) technology is a powerful tool for generating in vitro human models, which could provide key information about the disease pathogenesis and provide cells for personalized therapies. The recent progress in generating functional hPSC-derived β cells in combination with the rapid development in genomic and genome-editing technologies offer multiple options to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the development of different types of diabetes. Recently, several in vitro hPSC-based strategies have been used for studying monogenic and polygenic forms of diabetes. This review summarizes the current knowledge about different hPSC-based diabetes models and how these models improved our current understanding of the pathophysiology of distinct forms of diabetes. Also, it highlights the progress in generating functional β cells in vitro, and discusses the current challenges and future perspectives related to the use of the in vitro hPSC-based strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essam M Abdelalim
- Diabetes Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), PO Box 34110, Doha, Qatar.
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Education City, Doha, Qatar.
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Wang KL, Tao M, Wei TJ, Wei R. Pancreatic β cell regeneration induced by clinical and preclinical agents. World J Stem Cells 2021; 13:64-77. [PMID: 33584980 PMCID: PMC7859987 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i1.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes, one of the most common chronic diseases in the modern world, has pancreatic β cell deficiency as a major part of its pathophysiological mechanism. Pancreatic regeneration is a potential therapeutic strategy for the recovery of β cell loss. However, endocrine islets have limited regenerative capacity, especially in adult humans. Almost all hypoglycemic drugs can protect β cells by inhibiting β cell apoptosis and dedifferentiation via correction of hyperglycemia and amelioration of the consequent inflammation and oxidative stress. Several agents, including glucagon-like peptide-1 and γ-aminobutyric acid, have been shown to promote β cell proliferation, which is considered the main source of the regenerated β cells in adult rodents, but with less clarity in humans. Pancreatic progenitor cells might exist and be activated under particular circumstances. Artemisinins and γ-aminobutyric acid can induce α-to-β cell conversion, although some disputes exist. Intestinal endocrine progenitors can transdeterminate into insulin-producing cells in the gut after FoxO1 deletion, and pharmacological research into FoxO1 inhibition is ongoing. Other cells, including pancreatic acinar cells, can transdifferentiate into β cells, and clinical and preclinical strategies are currently underway. In this review, we summarize the clinical and preclinical agents used in different approaches for β cell regeneration and make some suggestions regarding future perspectives for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang-Li Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ming Tao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Tian-Jiao Wei
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Rui Wei
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
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Insulin/Glucose-Responsive Cells Derived from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: Disease Modeling and Treatment of Diabetes. Cells 2020; 9:cells9112465. [PMID: 33198288 PMCID: PMC7696367 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes, characterized by dysfunction of pancreatic β-cells and insulin resistance in peripheral organs, accounts for more than 90% of all diabetes. Despite current developments of new drugs and strategies to prevent/treat diabetes, there is no ideal therapy targeting all aspects of the disease. Restoration, however, of insulin-producing β-cells, as well as insulin-responsive cells, would be a logical strategy for the treatment of diabetes. In recent years, generation of transplantable cells derived from stem cells in vitro has emerged as an important research area. Pluripotent stem cells, either embryonic or induced, are alternative and feasible sources of insulin-secreting and glucose-responsive cells. This notwithstanding, consistent generation of robust glucose/insulin-responsive cells remains challenging. In this review, we describe basic concepts of the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells and subsequent differentiation of these into pancreatic β-like cells, myotubes, as well as adipocyte- and hepatocyte-like cells. Use of these for modeling of human disease is now feasible, while development of replacement therapies requires continued efforts.
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Aigha II, Abdelalim EM. NKX6.1 transcription factor: a crucial regulator of pancreatic β cell development, identity, and proliferation. Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 11:459. [PMID: 33121533 PMCID: PMC7597038 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-01977-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the biology underlying the mechanisms and pathways regulating pancreatic β cell development is necessary to understand the pathology of diabetes mellitus (DM), which is characterized by the progressive reduction in insulin-producing β cell mass. Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) can potentially offer an unlimited supply of functional β cells for cellular therapy and disease modeling of DM. Homeobox protein NKX6.1 is a transcription factor (TF) that plays a critical role in pancreatic β cell function and proliferation. In human pancreatic islet, NKX6.1 expression is exclusive to β cells and is undetectable in other islet cells. Several reports showed that activation of NKX6.1 in PSC-derived pancreatic progenitors (MPCs), expressing PDX1 (PDX1+/NKX6.1+), warrants their future commitment to monohormonal β cells. However, further differentiation of MPCs lacking NKX6.1 expression (PDX1+/NKX6.1−) results in an undesirable generation of non-functional polyhormonal β cells. The importance of NKX6.1 as a crucial regulator in MPC specification into functional β cells directs attentions to further investigating its mechanism and enhancing NKX6.1 expression as a means to increase β cell function and mass. Here, we shed light on the role of NKX6.1 during pancreatic β cell development and in directing the MPCs to functional monohormonal lineage. Furthermore, we address the transcriptional mechanisms and targets of NKX6.1 as well as its association with diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idil I Aigha
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar.,Diabetes Research Center (DRC), Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), PO Box 34110, Doha, Qatar
| | - Essam M Abdelalim
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar. .,Diabetes Research Center (DRC), Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), PO Box 34110, Doha, Qatar.
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