Bipolar (neural and myoblastic) phenotype in cell lines derived from human germ cell tumours of testis

BMP-2-dependent integration of adult mouse subventricular stem cells into the neural crest of chick and quail embryos

Central nervous system (CNS) stem cells isolated from the subventricular zone (SVZ) show a remarkable differentiation potential into neural derivatives. Surprisingly adult SVZ cells can also be induced in vitro to differentiate into neural crest cell fates. This fate switch is dependent on the combination of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). Here we transplanted adult SVZ stem cells from GFP mice as neurospheres into the trunk neural tube of chick and quail embryos. Only neurospheres pre-exposed to BMP-2 and FGF2 formed close contacts with the dorsal neuroepithelium corresponding to the neural crest area. GFP-positive cells emigrated from the neurosphere and were identified in the roof plate, the dorsal neuroepithelium and among emigrating neural crest cells adjacent to the neural tube. Neurospheres not treated with BMP-2 did not integrate into the neuroepithelium. Our data demonstrate that adult CNS stem cells can be efficiently prepared in vitro for integration into the embryonic neural crest. BMP-2 treatment conveys the necessary morphogenetic capabilities to adult stem cells for future clinical transplantation strategies.

Human embryonic germ cells for future neuronal replacement therapy

Stem cell therapy offers exciting potential for ambitious cellular replacement to treat human (h) disease, such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease or even replacement of the cell death that follows thromboembolic stroke. The realisation of these treatments requires cellular resources possessing three essential characteristics: (i) self-renewal, (ii) the ability to differentiate to physiologically normal cell types and (iii) lack of tumourigenicity. Here, we describe work on human embryonic germ cells (hEGCs), a population of cells alongside human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) with the potential to address these issues.

Near-haploidy in a malignant sacrococcygeal teratoma

Cytogenetic analysis of a malignant sacrococcygeal teratoma in an adult patient revealed near-haploid (77%), near-diploid (19%), and polyploid (4%) cells. The near-haploid cells had a karyotype of 25,XX,der(5)t(5;7)(p15;p13),+7,der(9)t(6;9)(p21;q34),r(17)(p13q25) . In the near-diploid and polyploid cells identical copies of the structural chromosomal changes were found. Although some of the anomalies observed appear unique to this case, a common breakpoint in chromosome 6 was previously reported as specific in a subgroup of extragonadal germ cell tumors of adults.

Translocation (X;18) in a biphasic synovial sarcoma with morphologic features of neural differentiation

The authors report a recurred neoplasm showing distinctive histologic, immunophenotypic, and ultrastructural features characteristic of biphasic synovial sarcoma with neural differentiation. The features include areas with a growth pattern of densely packed spindle cells in irregularly intersecting, broad fascicles, diffuse vimentin and HBA 71 immunoreactivity, expression of S-100 protein, and other neural markers. Moreover, areas with glandular structures and cellular expression of cytokeratin and epithelial membrane antigen were noted. Additionally, areas of neural-like growth pattern were positive for neuron-specific enolase, HNK-1, and protein gene product 9.5. Furthermore, cytogenetic analysis, two-color interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction demonstrated the reciprocal translocation between chromosomes X and 18 associated with the different subtypes of tumor cells. The establishment and characterization of the tumor cell line are detailed. This cell line retains the distinct morphologic and genetic characteristics of the original biphasic synovial sarcoma with neural differentiation.