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Pennarossa G, Gandolfi F, Brevini TAL. "Biomechanical Signaling in Oocytes and Parthenogenetic Cells". Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:646945. [PMID: 33644079 PMCID: PMC7905081 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.646945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocyte-specific competence remains one of the major targets of current research in the field of reproduction. Several mechanisms are involved in meiotic maturation and the molecular signature of an oocyte is considered to reflect its quality and to predict its subsequent developmental and functional capabilities. In the present minireview, we focus on the possible role of mechanotransduction and mechanosensor signaling pathways, namely the Hippo and the RhoGTPase, in the maturing oocyte. Due to the limited access to female gametes, we propose the use of cells isolated from parthenogenetic embryos as a promising model to characterize and dissect the oocyte distinctive molecular signatures, given their exclusive maternal origin. The brief overview here reported suggests a role of the mechanosensing related pathways in oocyte quality and developmental competence and supports the use of uniparental cells as a useful tool for oocyte molecular signature characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Pennarossa
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety and Center for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Fulvio Gandolfi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Production, Landscape, Agroenergy and Center for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana A L Brevini
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety and Center for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Pennarossa G, Manzoni EFM, Ledda S, deEguileor M, Gandolfi F, Brevini TAL. Use of a PTFE Micro-Bioreactor to Promote 3D Cell Rearrangement and Maintain High Plasticity in Epigenetically Erased Fibroblasts. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2020; 15:82-92. [PMID: 30397853 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-018-9862-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Phenotype definition is driven by epigenetic mechanisms as well as directly influenced by the cell microenvironment and by biophysical signals deriving from the extracellular matrix. The possibility to interact with the epigenetic signature of an adult mature cell, reversing its differentiated state and inducing a short transient high plasticity window, was previously demonstrated. In parallel, in vitro studies have shown that 3D culture systems, mimicking cell native tissue, exert significant effects on cell behavior and functions. Here we report the production of "PTFE micro-bioreactors" for long-term culture of epigenetically derived high plasticity cells. The system promotes 3D cell rearrangement, global DNA demethylation and elevated transcription of pluripotency markers, that is dependent on WW domain containing transcription regulator 1 (TAZ) nuclear accumulation and SMAD family member 2 (SMAD2) co-shuttling. Our findings demonstrate that the use of 3D culture strategies greatly improves the induction and maintenance of a high plasticity state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Pennarossa
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena F M Manzoni
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Sergio Ledda
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Magda deEguileor
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, 21100, Varese, Italy
| | - Fulvio Gandolfi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, University of Milan, 20133, Milan, Italy.,Unistem, Centre for Stem Cell Research, Universita' degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana A L Brevini
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy. .,Unistem, Centre for Stem Cell Research, Universita' degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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Pennarossa G, Paffoni A, Ragni G, Gandolfi F, Brevini TAL. Rho Signaling-Directed YAP/TAZ Regulation Encourages 3D Spheroid Colony Formation and Boosts Plasticity of Parthenogenetic Stem Cells. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1237:49-60. [PMID: 31376140 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2019_423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Cell proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation are essential processes from the early phases of embryogenesis to adult tissue formation and maintenance. These mechanisms also play a key role in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) that are able to proliferate maintaining pluripotency and, at the same time, to give rise to all populations belonging to the three germ layers, in response to specific stimuli. ESCs are, therefore, considered a well-established in vitro model to study the complexity of these processes. In this perspective, we previously generated parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells (ParthESC), that showed many features and regulatory pathways common to bi-parental ESCs. However, we observed that mono-parental cells demonstrate a high ability to form outgrowths and generate 3D spheroid colonies, which are distinctive signs of high-plasticity. Furthermore, preliminary evidence obtained by WTA, revealed the presence of several differentially expressed genes belonging to the Rho and Hippo signaling pathways. In the present study, we compare bi-parental ESCs and ParthESC and analyze by Real-Time PCR the differentially expressed genes. We demonstrate up-regulation of the Rho signaling pathway and an increased expression of YAP and TAZ in ParthESC. We also show that YAP remains in a dephosphorylated form. This allows its nuclear translocation and its direct binding to TEADs and SMADs, that are up-regulated in ParthESC. Altogether, these complex regulatory interactions result in overexpression of pluripotency related genes, in a global DNA hypomethylation and a histone-dependent chromatin high permissive state that may account for ParthESC high potency, possibly related to their exclusive maternal origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Pennarossa
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Centre for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety - VESPA, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Paffoni
- Infertility Unit, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Neonatology, Fondazione Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Mangiagalli e Regina Elena, Milan, Italy
- Infertility Unit, ASST Lariana, Cantù, Italy
| | - Guido Ragni
- Infertility Unit, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Neonatology, Fondazione Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Mangiagalli e Regina Elena, Milan, Italy
| | - Fulvio Gandolfi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Centre for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Production, Landscape, Agroenergy, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana A L Brevini
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Centre for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety - VESPA, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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Brevini TAL, Pennarossa G, Gandolfi F. A 3D approach to reproduction. Theriogenology 2020; 150:2-7. [PMID: 31973966 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2020.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
For over a century, 2D cell culture has been extensively used for all the different research fields. However, this in vitro system does not allow to reproduce the natural structures of the original tissue, causing several changes and, in most cases, the loss of cell-to-cell communications and cell-to-extracellular matrix interactions. Based on this, during the last years, novel 3D platforms, able to mimic the in vivo milieu, are being developed. The advantages of the use of 3D models are: the reduction of the gap between cell culture and physiological environment; imitation of the specific architecture; partially maintenance of the mechanical and biochemical cues of the original tissue. Currently, 3D systems are used in a broad range of studies, including the field of reproduction, where they have been applied to promote maturation of follicles and oocytes and embryo culture. Here, we review 2D and 3D cell culture methods, discussing advantages and limitations of these techniques. We report the fundamental mechanisms involved in cell ability to perceive and respond to mechanical cues and their role in transmitting signals to and between cells and in regulating intracellular signaling pathways. In particular, we focus on the main effectors of the Hippo pathway, Yes-associated protein (YAP) and WW domain-containing transcription regulator protein 1 (TAZ), describing their behavior and function in oocytes and embryos. Lastly, we provide an overall perspective of the most recent 3D technologies developed in the field of reproduction, describing how their use may revolutionize the understanding of cellular behavior and provide novel tools, useful in reproductive technologies and livestock production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana A L Brevini
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Georgia Pennarossa
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, University of Milan, Via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Fulvio Gandolfi
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Production, Landscape, Agroenergy University of Milan, Via Celoria 12, 20133, Milan, Italy
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Distinct Imprinting Signatures and Biased Differentiation of Human Androgenetic and Parthenogenetic Embryonic Stem Cells. Cell Stem Cell 2019; 25:419-432.e9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2019.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Safety and Efficacy of Epigenetically Converted Human Fibroblasts Into Insulin-Secreting Cells: A Preclinical Study. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1079:151-162. [PMID: 29500792 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2018_172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic disease that leads to loss of insulin secreting β-cells, causing high levels of blood glucose. Exogenous insulin administration is not sufficient to mimic the normal function of β-cells and, consequently, diabetes mellitus often progresses and can lead to major chronic complications and morbidity. The physiological control of glucose levels can only be restored by replacing the β-cell mass.We recently developed a new strategy that allows for epigenetic conversion of dermal fibroblasts into insulin-secreting cells (EpiCC), using a brief exposure to the demethylating agent 5-aza-cytidine (5-aza-CR), followed by a pancreatic induction protocol. This method has notable advantages compared to the alternative available procedures and may represent a promising tool for clinical translation as a therapy for T1DM. However, a thought evaluation of its therapeutic safety and efficacy is mandatory to support preclinical studies based on EpiCC treatment.We here report the data obtained using human fibroblasts isolated from diabetic and healthy individuals, belonging the two genders. EpiCC were injected into 650 diabetic severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice and demonstrated to be able to restore and maintain glycemic levels within the physiological range. Cells had the ability to self-regulate and not to cause hypoglycemia, when transplanted in healthy animals. Efficacy tests showed that EpiCC successfully re-established normoglycemia in diabetic mice, using a dose range that appeared clinically relevant to the concentration 0.6 × 106 EpiCC. Necropsy and histopathological investigations demonstrated the absence of malignant transformation and cell migration to organs and lymph nodes.The present preclinical study demonstrates safety and efficacy of human EpiCC in diabetic mice and supports the use of epigenetic converted cells for regenerative medicine of diabetes mellitus.
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Renzova T, Bohaciakova D, Esner M, Pospisilova V, Barta T, Hampl A, Cajanek L. Inactivation of PLK4-STIL Module Prevents Self-Renewal and Triggers p53-Dependent Differentiation in Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. Stem Cell Reports 2018; 11:959-972. [PMID: 30197118 PMCID: PMC6178195 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2018.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Centrioles account for centrosomes and cilia formation. Recently, a link between centrosomal components and human developmental disorders has been established. However, the exact mechanisms how centrosome abnormalities influence embryogenesis and cell fate are not understood. PLK4-STIL module represents a key element of centrosome duplication cycle. We analyzed consequences of inactivation of the module for early events of embryogenesis in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). We demonstrate that blocking of PLK4 or STIL functions leads to centrosome loss followed by both p53-dependent and -independent defects, including prolonged cell divisions, upregulation of p53, chromosome instability, and, importantly, reduction of pluripotency markers and induction of differentiation. We show that the observed loss of key stem cells properties is connected to alterations in mitotic timing and protein turnover. In sum, our data define a link between centrosome, its regulators, and the control of pluripotency and differentiation in PSCs. Blocking of PLK4-STIL module in hESCs/hiPSCs leads to: Centrosome loss, prolonged and error-prone mitosis; p53-dependent differentiation; Reduction of pluripotency linked to altered protein turnover
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Renzova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Masaryk University, Faculty of Medicine, Brno 625 00, Czech Republic
| | - Dasa Bohaciakova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Masaryk University, Faculty of Medicine, Brno 625 00, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Esner
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Masaryk University, Faculty of Medicine, Brno 625 00, Czech Republic; Cellular Imaging Core Facility, Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, Brno 625 00, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Pospisilova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Masaryk University, Faculty of Medicine, Brno 625 00, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Barta
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Masaryk University, Faculty of Medicine, Brno 625 00, Czech Republic
| | - Ales Hampl
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Masaryk University, Faculty of Medicine, Brno 625 00, Czech Republic; International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno 656 91, Czech Republic
| | - Lukas Cajanek
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Masaryk University, Faculty of Medicine, Brno 625 00, Czech Republic.
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Nair R, Mutalik S, Dasappa JP, Kalthur G, Adiga SK. Haploid parthenotes express differential response to in vitro exposure of ammonia compared to normally fertilized embryos. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 486:88-93. [PMID: 28267432 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we assessed whether absence of paternal genome imparts any differential response in embryos to chemical stress such as ammonia. Parthenogenesis was induced in MII stage oocytes using 10 mM SrCl2 in M16 medium. Parthenotes and normally fertilized embryos at 2 cell stage were exposed to different concentrations of ammonia and cultured till blastocyst. Exposure of ammonia to normally fertilized embryos resulted in significant decrease in the developmental potential (p < 0.0001) and blastocyst quality (p < 0.001). Whereas, in parthenotes, even though lower concentrations of ammonia did not have any effect, at 200 μM concentration the blastocyst rate was two times higher than control. The baseline apoptotic index was higher in parthenotes compared to normally fertilized embryos, which further increased after ammonium exposure (p < 0.001). Unlike in normally fertilized embryos ammonia exposure altered the mitochondrial distribution pattern and lead to increased expression of Oct4, Nanog and Na+/K+ ion exchange channel, while the cytochrome C expression was downregulated. This indicates that haploidy and/or absence of paternal factors in the embryo results in differential tolerance to stress induced by ammonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramya Nair
- Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Srinivas Mutalik
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal University, Manipal 576104, India
| | | | - Guruprasad Kalthur
- Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal 576104, India.
| | - Satish Kumar Adiga
- Clinical Embryology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal 576104, India
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5-azacytidine affects TET2 and histone transcription and reshapes morphology of human skin fibroblasts. Sci Rep 2016; 6:37017. [PMID: 27841324 PMCID: PMC5107985 DOI: 10.1038/srep37017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenotype definition is controlled by epigenetic regulations that allow cells to acquire their differentiated state. The process is reversible and attractive for therapeutic intervention and for the reactivation of hypermethylated pluripotency genes that facilitate transition to a higher plasticity state. We report the results obtained in human fibroblasts exposed to the epigenetic modifier 5-azacytidine (5-aza-CR), which increases adult cell plasticity and facilitates phenotype change. Although many aspects controlling its demethylating action have been widely investigated, the mechanisms underlying 5-aza-CR effects on cell plasticity are still poorly understood. Our experiments confirm decreased global methylation, but also demonstrate an increase of both Formylcytosine (5fC) and 5-Carboxylcytosine (5caC), indicating 5-aza-CR ability to activate a direct and active demethylating effect, possibly mediated via TET2 protein increased transcription. This was accompanied by transient upregulation of pluripotency markers and incremented histone expression, paralleled by changes in histone acetylating enzymes. Furthermore, adult fibroblasts reshaped into undifferentiated progenitor-like phenotype, with a sparse and open chromatin structure. Our findings indicate that 5-aza-CR induced somatic cell transition to a higher plasticity state is activated by multiple regulations that accompany the demethylating effect exerted by the modifier.
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Gu YF, OuYang Q, Dai C, Lu CF, Lin G, Gong F, Lu GX. Abnormalities in centrosome number in human embryos and embryonic stem cells. Mol Reprod Dev 2016; 83:392-404. [PMID: 26946049 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fan Gu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering; School of Basic Medical Science; Central South University; Changsha China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA; Changsha China
| | - Qi OuYang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering; School of Basic Medical Science; Central South University; Changsha China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell; Changsha China
| | - Can Dai
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering; School of Basic Medical Science; Central South University; Changsha China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell; Changsha China
| | - Chang-Fu Lu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering; School of Basic Medical Science; Central South University; Changsha China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA; Changsha China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering; School of Basic Medical Science; Central South University; Changsha China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA; Changsha China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell; Changsha China
| | - Fei Gong
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering; School of Basic Medical Science; Central South University; Changsha China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA; Changsha China
| | - Guang-Xiu Lu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering; School of Basic Medical Science; Central South University; Changsha China
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-XIANGYA; Changsha China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell; Changsha China
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Avior Y, Sagi I, Benvenisty N. Pluripotent stem cells in disease modelling and drug discovery. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2016; 17:170-82. [DOI: 10.1038/nrm.2015.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 413] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Daughtry BL, Chavez SL. Chromosomal instability in mammalian pre-implantation embryos: potential causes, detection methods, and clinical consequences. Cell Tissue Res 2016; 363:201-225. [PMID: 26590822 PMCID: PMC5621482 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2305-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Formation of a totipotent blastocyst capable of implantation is one of the first major milestones in early mammalian embryogenesis, but less than half of in vitro fertilized embryos from most mammals will progress to this stage of development. Whole chromosomal abnormalities, or aneuploidy, are key determinants of whether human embryos will arrest or reach the blastocyst stage. Depending on the type of chromosomal abnormality, however, certain embryos still form blastocysts and may be morphologically indistinguishable from chromosomally normal embryos. Despite the implementation of pre-implantation genetic screening and other advanced in vitro fertilization (IVF) techniques, the identification of aneuploid embryos remains complicated by high rates of mosaicism, atypical cell division, cellular fragmentation, sub-chromosomal instability, and micro-/multi-nucleation. Moreover, several of these processes occur in vivo following natural human conception, suggesting that they are not simply a consequence of culture conditions. Recent technological achievements in genetic, epigenetic, chromosomal, and non-invasive imaging have provided additional embryo assessment approaches, particularly at the single-cell level, and clinical trials investigating their efficacy are continuing to emerge. In this review, we summarize the potential mechanisms by which aneuploidy may arise, the various detection methods, and the technical advances (such as time-lapse imaging, "-omic" profiling, and next-generation sequencing) that have assisted in obtaining this data. We also discuss the possibility of aneuploidy resolution in embryos via various corrective mechanisms, including multi-polar divisions, fragment resorption, endoreduplication, and blastomere exclusion, and conclude by examining the potential implications of these findings for IVF success and human fecundity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany L Daughtry
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Graduate Program in Molecular & Cellular Biosciences, Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine, Portland, Ore., USA
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Shawn L Chavez
- Division of Reproductive & Developmental Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA.
- Physiology & Pharmacology, Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine, Portland, Ore., USA.
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine, Portland, Ore., USA.
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Rebuzzini P, Zuccotti M, Redi CA, Garagna S. Chromosomal Abnormalities in Embryonic and Somatic Stem Cells. Cytogenet Genome Res 2015; 147:1-9. [PMID: 26583376 DOI: 10.1159/000441645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The potential use of stem cells (SCs) for tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, disease modeling, toxicological studies, drug delivery, and as in vitro model for the study of basic developmental processes implies large-scale in vitro culture. Here, after a brief description of the main techniques used for karyotype analysis, we will give a detailed overview of the chromosome abnormalities described in pluripotent (embryonic and induced pluripotent SCs) and somatic SCs, and the possible causes of their origin during culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Rebuzzini
- Laboratorio di Biologia dello Sviluppo, Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie, Universitx00E0; degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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14
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Brevini TAL, Pennarossa G, Rahman MM, Paffoni A, Antonini S, Ragni G, deEguileor M, Tettamanti G, Gandolfi F. Morphological and molecular changes of human granulosa cells exposed to 5-azacytidine and addressed toward muscular differentiation. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2015; 10:633-42. [PMID: 24858410 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-014-9521-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Converting adult cells from one cell type to another is a particularly interesting idea for regenerative medicine. Terminally differentiated cells can be induced to de-differentiate in vitro to become multipotent progenitors. In mammals these changes do not occur naturally, however exposing differentiated adult cells to synthetic molecules capable of selectively reverting cells from their lineage commitment to a more plastic state makes it possible to re-address their fate. Only scattered information are available on the morphological changes and ultrastructural remodeling taking place when cells convert into a different and specific type. To better clarify these aspects, we derived human granulosa cell (GC) primary cultures and analyzed the morphological changes taking place in response to the exposure to the epigenetic modifier 5-azacytidine (5-aza-CR) and to the treatment with VEGF, as a stimulus for inducing differentiation into muscle cells. Ultrastructural modifications and molecular marker expression were analyzed at different intervals during the treatments. Our results indicate that the temporary up regulation of pluripotency markers is accompanied by the loss of GC-specific ultrastructural features, mainly through autophagocitosis, and is associated with a temporary chromatin decondensation. After exposure to VEGF the induction of muscle specific genes was combined with the appearance of multinucleated cells with a considerable quantity of non-spatially organized filaments. The detailed analysis of the morphological changes occurring in cells undergoing lineage re-addressing allows a better understanding of these process and may prove useful for refining the use of somatic cells in regenerative medicine and tissue replacement therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana A L Brevini
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Centre for Stem Cell Research, University of Milan, via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy,
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15
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Schmitt J, Eckardt S, Schlegel PG, Sirén AL, Bruttel VS, McLaughlin KJ, Wischhusen J, Müller AM. Human Parthenogenetic Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Neural Stem Cells Express HLA-G and Show Unique Resistance to NK Cell-Mediated Killing. Mol Med 2015; 21:185-96. [PMID: 25811991 DOI: 10.2119/molmed.2014.00188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Parent-of-origin imprints have been implicated in the regulation of neural differentiation and brain development. Previously we have shown that, despite the lack of a paternal genome, human parthenogenetic (PG) embryonic stem cells (hESCs) can form proliferating neural stem cells (NSCs) that are capable of differentiation into physiologically functional neurons while maintaining allele-specific expression of imprinted genes. Since biparental ("normal") hESC-derived NSCs (N NSCs) are targeted by immune cells, we characterized the immunogenicity of PG NSCs. Flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry revealed that both N NSCs and PG NSCs exhibited surface expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I but not HLA-DR molecules. Functional analyses using an in vitro mixed lymphocyte reaction assay resulted in less proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with PG compared with N NSCs. In addition, natural killer (NK) cells cytolyzed PG less than N NSCs. At a molecular level, expression analyses of immune regulatory factors revealed higher HLA-G levels in PG compared with N NSCs. In line with this finding, MIR152, which represses HLA-G expression, is less transcribed in PG compared with N cells. Blockage of HLA-G receptors ILT2 and KIR2DL4 on natural killer cell leukemia (NKL) cells increased cytolysis of PG NSCs. Together this indicates that PG NSCs have unique immunological properties due to elevated HLA-G expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Schmitt
- Institute for Medical Radiology and Cell Research (MSZ) in the Center for Experimental Molecular Medicine (ZEMM), University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sigrid Eckardt
- Center for Molecular and Human Genetics, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Paul G Schlegel
- University Children's Hospital Würzburg, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anna-Leena Sirén
- Department of Neurosurgery, Section for Experimental Tumor Immunology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Valentin S Bruttel
- University of Würzburg Medical School, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Section for Experimental Tumor Immunology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - K John McLaughlin
- Center for Molecular and Human Genetics, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Jörg Wischhusen
- University of Würzburg Medical School, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Section for Experimental Tumor Immunology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Albrecht M Müller
- Institute for Medical Radiology and Cell Research (MSZ) in the Center for Experimental Molecular Medicine (ZEMM), University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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16
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Pennarossa G, Maffei S, Tettamanti G, Congiu T, deEguileor M, Gandolfi F, Brevini TAL. Intercellular bridges are essential for human parthenogenetic cell survival. Mech Dev 2015; 136:30-9. [PMID: 25700933 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2015.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Revised: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Parthenogenetic cells, obtained from in vitro activated mammalian oocytes, display multipolar spindles, chromosome malsegregation and a high incidence of aneuploidy, probably due to the lack of paternal contribution. Despite this, parthenogenetic cells do not show high rates of apoptosis and are able to proliferate in a way comparable to their biparental counterpart. We hypothesize that a series of adaptive mechanisms are present in parthenogenetic cells, allowing a continuous proliferation and ordinate cell differentiation both in vitro and in vivo. Here we identify the presence of intercellular bridges that contribute to the establishment of a wide communication network among human parthenogenetic cells, providing a mutual exchange of missing products. Silencing of two molecules essential for intercellular bridge formation and maintenance demonstrates the key function played by these cytoplasmic passageways that ensure normal cell functions and survival, alleviating the unbalance in cellular component composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Pennarossa
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, UniStem, Center For Stem Cell Research, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Maffei
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, UniStem, Center For Stem Cell Research, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluca Tettamanti
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Terenzio Congiu
- Department of Surgical and Morphological Science, Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Magda deEguileor
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Università degli Studi dell'Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Fulvio Gandolfi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, UniStem, Center For Stem Cell Research, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana A L Brevini
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, UniStem, Center For Stem Cell Research, Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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17
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Brief demethylation step allows the conversion of adult human skin fibroblasts into insulin-secreting cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:8948-53. [PMID: 23696663 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1220637110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The differentiated state of mature cells of adult organisms is achieved and maintained through the epigenetic regulation of gene expression, which consists of several mechanisms including DNA methylation. The advent of induced pluripotent stem cell technology enabled the conversion of adult cells into any other cell type passing through a stable pluripotency state. However, indefinite pluripotency is unphysiological, inherently labile, and makes cells prone to culture-induced alterations. The direct conversion of one cell type to another without an intermediate pluripotent stage is also possible but, at present, requires the viral transfection of appropriate transcription factors, limiting its therapeutic potential. The aim of this study was to investigate whether it is possible to achieve the direct conversion of an adult cell by exposing it to a demethylating agent immediately followed by differentiating culture conditions. Adult human skin fibroblasts were exposed for 18 h to the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-azacytidine, followed by a three-step protocol for the induction of endocrine pancreatic differentiation that lasted 36 d. At the end of this treatment, 35 ± 8.9% fibroblasts became pancreatic converted cells that acquired an epithelial morphology, produced insulin, and then released the hormone in response to a physiological glucose challenge in vitro. Furthermore, pancreatic converted cells were able to protect recipient mice against streptozotocin-induced diabetes, restoring a physiological response to glucose tolerance tests. This work shows that it is possible to convert adult fibroblasts into insulin-secreting cells, avoiding both a stable pluripotent stage and any transgenic modification.
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18
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Brevini TAL, Pennarossa G, Maffei S, Tettamanti G, Vanelli A, Isaac S, Eden A, Ledda S, de Eguileor M, Gandolfi F. Centrosome amplification and chromosomal instability in human and animal parthenogenetic cell lines. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2013; 8:1076-87. [PMID: 22661117 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-012-9379-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Parthenotes have been proposed as a source of embryonic stem cells but they lack the centriole which is inherited through the sperm in all mammalian species, except for rodents. We investigated the centrosome of parthenotes and parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells using parthenogenetic and biparental pig pre-implantation embryos, human and pig parthenogenetic and biparental embryonic stem cells, sheep fibroblasts derived from post implantation parthenogenetic and biparental embryos developed in vivo. We also determined the level of aneuploidy in parthenogenetic cells. Oocytes of all species were activated using ionomycin and 6-dimethylaminopurine (6-DMAP). Over 60% of parthenogenetic blastomeres were affected by an excessive number of centrioles. Centrosome amplification, was observed by microscopical and ultrastructural analysis also in parthenogenetic cell lines of all three species. Over expression of PLK2 and down regulation of CCNF, respectively involved in the stimulation and inhibition of centrosome duplication, were present in all species. We also detected down regulation of spindle assembly checkpoint components such as BUB1, CENPE and MAD2. Centrosome amplification was accompanied by multipolar mitotic spindles and all cell lines were affected by a high rate of aneuploidy. These observations indicate a link between centrosome amplification and the high incidence of aneuploidy and suggest that parthenogenetic stem cells may be a useful model to investigate how aneuploidy can be compatible with cell proliferation and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana A L Brevini
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, Centre for Stem Cell Research (UniStem), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 10, 20133 Milan, Italy.
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19
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Biancotti JC, Narwani K, Mandefro B, Golan-Lev T, Buehler N, Hill D, Svendsen CN, Benvenisty N. The in vitro survival of human monosomies and trisomies as embryonic stem cells. Stem Cell Res 2012; 9:218-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2012.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2012] [Revised: 07/11/2012] [Accepted: 07/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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20
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Ahmad R, Wolber W, Eckardt S, Koch P, Schmitt J, Semechkin R, Geis C, Heckmann M, Brüstle O, McLaughlin JK, Sirén AL, Müller AM. Functional neuronal cells generated by human parthenogenetic stem cells. PLoS One 2012; 7:e42800. [PMID: 22880113 PMCID: PMC3412801 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2012] [Accepted: 07/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Parent of origin imprints on the genome have been implicated in the regulation of neural cell type differentiation. The ability of human parthenogenetic (PG) embryonic stem cells (hpESCs) to undergo neural lineage and cell type-specific differentiation is undefined. We determined the potential of hpESCs to differentiate into various neural subtypes. Concurrently, we examined DNA methylation and expression status of imprinted genes. Under culture conditions promoting neural differentiation, hpESC-derived neural stem cells (hpNSCs) gave rise to glia and neuron-like cells that expressed subtype-specific markers and generated action potentials. Analysis of imprinting in hpESCs and in hpNSCs revealed that maternal-specific gene expression patterns and imprinting marks were generally maintained in PG cells upon differentiation. Our results demonstrate that despite the lack of a paternal genome, hpESCs generate proliferating NSCs that are capable of differentiation into physiologically functional neuron-like cells and maintain allele-specific expression of imprinted genes. Thus, hpESCs can serve as a model to study the role of maternal and paternal genomes in neural development and to better understand imprinting-associated brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruhel Ahmad
- Institute for Medical Radiation and Cell Research (MSZ) in the Center for Experimental Molecular Medicine (ZEMM), University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Wanja Wolber
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sigrid Eckardt
- Center for Molecular and Human Genetics, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Philipp Koch
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, Life and Brain Center, University of Bonn and Hertie Foundation, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jessica Schmitt
- Institute for Medical Radiation and Cell Research (MSZ) in the Center for Experimental Molecular Medicine (ZEMM), University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ruslan Semechkin
- International Stem Cell Corporation, Oceanside, California, United States of America
| | - Christian Geis
- Department of Neurology, University of Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Oliver Brüstle
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, Life and Brain Center, University of Bonn and Hertie Foundation, Bonn, Germany
| | - John K. McLaughlin
- Center for Molecular and Human Genetics, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Anna-Leena Sirén
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Albrecht M. Müller
- Institute for Medical Radiation and Cell Research (MSZ) in the Center for Experimental Molecular Medicine (ZEMM), University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- * E-mail:
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21
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Liu W, Guo L, He W, Li Q, Sun X. Higher copy number variation and diverse X chromosome inactivation in parthenote-derived human embryonic stem cells. J Reprod Dev 2012; 58:642-8. [PMID: 22813599 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2012-076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Parthenote-derived human embryonic stem cells (phESCs) have many advantages over conventionally derived human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), but a more thorough investigation of these cells is needed before they can be implemented in cell therapies. In this work, we used a Cytogenetics Whole-Genome Array to study the copy number variation (CNV) status in phESCs and hESCs. We also investigated X chromosome inactivation (XCI) and expression levels of marker genes in these cells. More CNVs were found in phESCs than in hESCs in the present study, and gene expression appeared to be associated with the gain or loss of CNVs. In addition, a variable XCI status and different expression pattern of paternally expressed imprinted gene were also found in phESCs. In conclusion, although phESCs had a similar pluripotent profile to conventionally derived hESCs, these cells differed in imprinted gene expression, XCI status and number of CNVs. Our work highlights the need for a deeper investigation to elucidate the genetic and epigenetic characteristics of these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- WeiQiang Liu
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Experimental Department of Institute of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China.
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22
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Kyurkchiev S, Gandolfi F, Hayrabedyan S, Brevini TAL, Dimitrov R, Fitzgerald JS, Jabeen A, Mourdjeva M, Photini SM, Spencer P, Fernández N, Markert UR. Stem Cells in the Reproductive System. Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 67:445-62. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2012.01140.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2012] [Accepted: 03/16/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Stanimir Kyurkchiev
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences; Sofia; Bulgaria
| | - Fulvio Gandolfi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, UNISTEM; Università degli Studi di Milano; Milan; Italy
| | - Soren Hayrabedyan
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences; Sofia; Bulgaria
| | - Tiziana A. L. Brevini
- Laboratory of Biomedical Embryology, UNISTEM; Università degli Studi di Milano; Milan; Italy
| | - Roumen Dimitrov
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences; Sofia; Bulgaria
| | | | - Asma Jabeen
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Essex; Colchester; Essex; UK
| | | | - Stella M. Photini
- Placenta , Department of Obstetrics; University Hospital Jena; Jena; Germany
| | - Patrick Spencer
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Essex; Colchester; Essex; UK
| | - Nelson Fernández
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Essex; Colchester; Essex; UK
| | - Udo R. Markert
- Placenta , Department of Obstetrics; University Hospital Jena; Jena; Germany
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23
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Brevini T, Pennarossa G, Vanelli A, Maffei S, Gandolfi F. Parthenogenesis in non-rodent species: developmental competence and differentiation plasticity. Theriogenology 2012; 77:766-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2011] [Revised: 10/19/2011] [Accepted: 11/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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24
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The presence of centrioles and centrosomes in ovarian mature cystic teratoma cells suggests human parthenotes developed in vitro can differentiate into mature cells without a sperm centriole. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2011; 415:401-4. [PMID: 22037459 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2011.10.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2011] [Accepted: 10/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In most animals, somatic cell centrosomes are inherited from the centriole of the fertilizing spermatozoa. The oocyte centriole degenerates during oogenesis, and completely disappears in metaphase II. Therefore, the embryos generated by in vitro parthenogenesis are supposed to develop without any centrioles. Exceptional acentriolar and/or acentrosomal developments are possible in mice and in some experimental cells; however, in most animals, the full developmental potential of parthenogenetic cells in vitro and the fate of their centrioles/centrosomes are not clearly understood. To predict the future of in vitro human parthenogenesis, we explored the centrioles/centrosomes in ovarian mature cystic teratoma cells by immunofluorescent staining and transmission electron microscopy. We confirmed the presence of centrioles and centrosomes in these well-known parthenogenetic ovarian tumor cells. Our findings clearly demonstrate that, even without a sperm centriole, parthenotes that develop from activated oocytes can produce their own centrioles/centrosomes, and can even develop into the well-differentiated mature tissue.
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25
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Abstract
AbstractEmbryonic stem cells (ESCs) represent a useful tool for cell therapy studies, however the use of embryos for their derivation give rise to ethical, religious and legal problems when applied to the human. During the last years parthenogenesis has been proposed as an alternative source to obtain ESCs. Based on the fact that parthenotes avoid many concerns surrounding the “ad hoc” in vitro production and following destruction of viable human embryos. Unfortunately many aspects related to parthenogenetic cell biology are not fully understood and still need to be elucidated. In this review we describe advantages and limits of these cells. We discuss their typical ESC morphology and high telomerase activity, which disappears after differentiation. We examine the pluripotency signature that they share with bi-parental ESCs. We review their high differentiation plasticity that allow for the derivation of several mature cell type populations when we expose these cells to adequate conditions. On the other hand, in-depth analysis demonstrated chromosome mal-segregation and altered mechanisms controlling centriole arrangement and mitotic spindle formation in these cells. We hypothesize their monoparental origin as one of the possible cause of these anomalies and suggest a great caution if a therapeutic use is considered.
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26
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Wei Q, Sun Z, He X, Tan T, Lu B, Guo X, Su B, Ji W. Derivation of rhesus monkey parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells and its microRNA signature. PLoS One 2011; 6:e25052. [PMID: 21966410 PMCID: PMC3180378 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0025052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2011] [Accepted: 08/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells are considered as a promising resource for regeneration medicine and powerful tools for developmental biology. A lot of studies have revealed that embryonic stem cells have distinct microRNA expression pattern and these microRNAs play important roles in self-renewal and pluripotency of embryonic stem cells. However, few studies concern about microRNA expression pattern in parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells, especially in non-human primate—the ideal model species for human, largely due to the limited rhesus monkey parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells (rpESCs) available and lack of systematic analysis of the basics of rpESCs. Here, we derived two novel rpESCs lines and characterized their microRNA signature by Solexa deep sequencing. These two novel rpESCs shared many properties with other primate ESCs, including expression of pluripotent markers, capacity to generate derivatives representative of all three germ layers in vivo and in vitro, maintaining of euploid karyotype even after long culture. Additionally, lack of some paternally expressed imprinted genes and identity of Single-nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) compare to their oocyte donors support their parthenogenesis origin. By characterizing their microRNA signature, we identified 91 novel microRNAs, except those are also detected in other primate ESCs. Moreover, these two novel rpESCs display a unique microRNA signature, comparing to their biparental counterpart ESCs. Then we analyzed X chromosome status in these two novel rpESCs; results suggested that one of them possesses two active X chromosomes, the other possesses only one active X chromosome liking biparental female embryonic stem cells. Taken together, our novel rpESCs provide a new alternative to existing rhesus monkey embryonic stem cells, microRNA information expands rhesus monkey microRNA data and may help understanding microRNA roles in pluripotency and parthenogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Wei
- Department of Reproduction and Development, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (QW); (BS); (WJ)
| | - Zhenghua Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiechao He
- Department of Reproduction and Development, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Tao Tan
- Department of Reproduction and Development, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Lu
- Department of Reproduction and Development, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangyu Guo
- Department of Reproduction and Development, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Su
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (QW); (BS); (WJ)
| | - Weizhi Ji
- Department of Reproduction and Development, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (QW); (BS); (WJ)
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27
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Hsieh YC, Intawicha P, Lee KH, Chiu YT, Lo NW, Ju JC. LIF and FGF Cooperatively Support Stemness of Rabbit Embryonic Stem Cells Derived from Parthenogenetically Activated Embryos. Cell Reprogram 2011; 13:241-55. [DOI: 10.1089/cell.2010.0097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Chen Hsieh
- Department of Animal Science, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Payungsuk Intawicha
- Department of Animal Science, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Kun-Hsiung Lee
- Division of Biotechnology, Animal Technology Institute Taiwan, Chunan, Miaoli, Republic of China
| | - Yung-Tsung Chiu
- Department of Education and Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Republic of China
| | - Neng-Wen Lo
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Jyh-Cherng Ju
- Department of Animal Science, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China
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28
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Global analysis of parental imprinting in human parthenogenetic induced pluripotent stem cells. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2011; 18:735-41. [DOI: 10.1038/nsmb.2050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2010] [Accepted: 02/24/2011] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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29
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Paffoni A, Paracchini V, Ferrari S, Scarduelli C, Seia M, Coviello DA, Ragni G. Use of parthenogenetic activation of human oocytes as an experimental model for evaluation of polar body based PGD assay performance. J Assist Reprod Genet 2011; 28:461-70. [PMID: 21360136 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-011-9540-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2010] [Accepted: 01/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To develop an experimental model to assess the feasibility of polar body preimplantation genetic diagnosis without requiring oocyte fertilization. METHODS First polar body was removed from donated oocytes and second polar body was biopsied after parthenogenetic activation. Molecular analysis on both polar bodies involved a fluorescent multiplex polymerase chain reaction of short-tandem repeat markers, closely linked to genes of interest. Main outcome measures were: allele segregation through polar bodies and haploid nucleus, recombination rates between alleles and frequency of Allele Drop Out. RESULTS Twenty-six out of 39 oocytes extruded a second polar body after activation. Ninety-two percent of the first polar bodies and 20 out of 26 (77%) second polar bodies were successfully amplified. Eighty percent of first polar bodies were heterozygous for CFTR and 55% for HBB. Analysis of second polar bodies predicted the genotype of the oocytes in case of heterozygous first polar body, and validated results in homozygous cases. Frequency of allele drop out was 4%. CONCLUSIONS Our model confirms that polar body preimplantation genetic diagnosis for single gene disorders can be evaluated using parthenogenetic oocytes and offers an option to set up procedures without requiring oocyte fertilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Paffoni
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, via M. Fanti 6, 20122 Milan, Italy.
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30
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Higuchi A, Ling QD, Ko YA, Chang Y, Umezawa A. Biomaterials for the feeder-free culture of human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells. Chem Rev 2011; 111:3021-35. [PMID: 21344932 DOI: 10.1021/cr1003612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Akon Higuchi
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, Jhongli, Taoyuan, 32001 Taiwan.
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31
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Combelles CMH, Kearns WG, Fox JH, Racowsky C. Cellular and genetic analysis of oocytes and embryos in a human case of spontaneous oocyte activation. Hum Reprod 2011; 26:545-52. [PMID: 21224285 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deq363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Unusual and consistent defects in infertility patients merit attention as these may indicate an underlying genetic abnormality, in turn necessitating tailored management strategies. We describe a case of repeated early pregnancy loss from in vivo conceptions, followed by cancelled embryo transfers after one IVF and one ICSI/PGD cycle. Following the unexpected presence of cleaved embryos at the fertilization check in the first IVF attempt, oocytes and embryos were subsequently analyzed in an ICSI/PGD case. Part of the oocyte cohort was fixed at retrieval for a cellular evaluation of microtubules, microfilaments and chromatin. The remaining oocytes were injected with sperm, and resultant embryos were biopsied for genetic analysis by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarray for 23 chromosome pairs, as well as with PCR for sex chromosomes. The presence of interphase microtubule networks and pronuclear structures indicated that oocytes were spontaneously activated by the time of retrieval. FISH revealed aneuploidy in all seven blastomeres analyzed, with all but two lacking Y chromosomes. Microarray SNP analysis showed an exclusively maternal origin of all blastomeres analyzed, which was further confirmed by PCR. From our multi-faceted analyses, we conclude that spontaneous activation, or parthenogenesis, was probably the pathology underlying our patient's recurrent inability to maintain a normal pregnancy. Such analyses may prove beneficial not only in diagnosing case-specific aberrations for other patients with similar or related failures, but also for furthering our general understanding of oocyte activation.
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