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Ye X, Lin Y, Ying Y, Shen X, Ni F, Wang F, Chen J, Zhao W, Yu X, Zhang D, Liu Y. Human Amniotic Epithelial Stem Cells Alleviate Autoimmune Premature Ovarian Insufficiency in Mice by Targeting Granulosa Cells via AKT/ERK Pathways. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024:10.1007/s12015-024-10745-z. [PMID: 38831179 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10745-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Autoimmune factors play an important role in premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). Human amniotic epithelial stem cells (hAESCs) have recently shown promising treatment effects on chemotherapy-induced POI. However, the therapeutic efficacy and underlying mechanisms of hAESCs in autoimmune POI remain to be investigated. In this study, we showed for the first time that intravenous transplantation of hAESCs could reside in the ovary of zona pellucida 3 peptide (pZP3) induced autoimmune POI mice model for at least 4 weeks. hAESCs could improve ovarian function and fertility, alleviate inflammation and reduce apoptosis of granulosa cells (GCs) in autoimmune POI mice. The transcriptome analysis of mice ovaries and in vitro co-cultivation experiments suggest that activation of the AKT and ERK pathways may be the key mechanism in the therapeutic effect of hAESCs. Our work provides the theoretical and experimental foundation for optimizing the administration of hAESCs, as well as the clinical application of hAESCs in autoimmune POI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohang Ye
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, 310006, China
| | - Yifeng Lin
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, 310006, China
| | - Yanyun Ying
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, 310006, China
| | - Xuezhi Shen
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, 310006, China
| | - Feida Ni
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, 310006, China
| | - Feixia Wang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, 310006, China
| | - Jianpeng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, 310006, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, 310006, China
| | - Xiaoming Yu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, 310006, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, 310006, China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, 310006, China.
| | - Yifeng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, 310006, China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, 310006, China.
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Bhartiya D, Raouf S, Pansare K, Tripathi A, Tripathi A. Initiation of Cancer: The Journey From Mutations in Somatic Cells to Epigenetic Changes in Tissue-resident VSELs. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:857-880. [PMID: 38457060 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10694-7] [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] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Multiple theories exist to explain cancer initiation, although a consensus on this is crucial for developing effective therapies. 'Somatic mutation theory' suggests that mutations in somatic cells during DNA repair initiates cancer but this concept has several attached paradoxes. Research efforts to identify quiescent cancer stem cells (CSCs) that survive therapy and result in metastasis and recurrence have remained futile. In solid cancers, CSCs are suggested to appear during epithelial-mesenchymal transition by the dedifferentiation and reprogramming of epithelial cells. Pluripotent and quiescent very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) exist in multiple tissues but remain elusive owing to their small size and scarce nature. VSELs are developmentally connected to primordial germ cells, undergo rare, asymmetrical cell divisions and are responsible for the regular turnover of cells to maintain tissue homeostasis throughout life. VSELs are directly vulnerable to extrinsic endocrine insults because they express gonadal and gonadotropin hormone receptors. VSELs undergo epigenetic changes due to endocrine insults and transform into CSCs. CSCs exhibit genomic instability and develop mutations due to errors during DNA replication while undergoing excessive proliferation and clonal expansion to form spheroids. Thus tissue-resident VSELs offer a connection between extrinsic insults and variations in cancer incidence reported in various body tissues. To conclude, cancer is indeed a stem cell disease with mutations occurring as a consequence. In addition to immunotherapy, targeting mutations, and Lgr5 + organoids for developing new therapeutics, targeting CSCs (epigenetically altered VSELs) by improving their niche and epigenetic status could serve as a promising strategy to treat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Bhartiya
- Epigeneres Biotech Pvt Ltd, Todi Mill Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, 400013, Mumbai, India.
| | | | - Kshama Pansare
- Epigeneres Biotech Pvt Ltd, Todi Mill Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, 400013, Mumbai, India
| | - Anish Tripathi
- Epigeneres Biotech Pvt Ltd, Todi Mill Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, 400013, Mumbai, India
| | - Ashish Tripathi
- Epigeneres Biotech Pvt Ltd, Todi Mill Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, 400013, Mumbai, India
- 23Ikigai Pte Ltd, 30 Cecil Street, #21-08 Prudentsial Tower, Singapore, 049712, Singapore
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Chesnokov MS, Mamedova AR, Zhivotovsky B, Kopeina GS. A matter of new life and cell death: programmed cell death in the mammalian ovary. J Biomed Sci 2024; 31:31. [PMID: 38509545 PMCID: PMC10956231 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-024-01017-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mammalian ovary is a unique organ that displays a distinctive feature of cyclic changes throughout the entire reproductive period. The estrous/menstrual cycles are associated with drastic functional and morphological rearrangements of ovarian tissue, including follicular development and degeneration, and the formation and subsequent atrophy of the corpus luteum. The flawless execution of these reiterative processes is impossible without the involvement of programmed cell death (PCD). MAIN TEXT PCD is crucial for efficient and careful clearance of excessive, depleted, or obsolete ovarian structures for ovarian cycling. Moreover, PCD facilitates selection of high-quality oocytes and formation of the ovarian reserve during embryonic and juvenile development. Disruption of PCD regulation can heavily impact the ovarian functions and is associated with various pathologies, from a moderate decrease in fertility to severe hormonal disturbance, complete loss of reproductive function, and tumorigenesis. This comprehensive review aims to provide updated information on the role of PCD in various processes occurring in normal and pathologic ovaries. Three major events of PCD in the ovary-progenitor germ cell depletion, follicular atresia, and corpus luteum degradation-are described, alongside the detailed information on molecular regulation of these processes, highlighting the contribution of apoptosis, autophagy, necroptosis, and ferroptosis. Ultimately, the current knowledge of PCD aberrations associated with pathologies, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, premature ovarian insufficiency, and tumors of ovarian origin, is outlined. CONCLUSION PCD is an essential element in ovarian development, functions and pathologies. A thorough understanding of molecular mechanisms regulating PCD events is required for future advances in the diagnosis and management of various disorders of the ovary and the female reproductive system in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail S Chesnokov
- Faculty of Medicine, MV Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Aygun R Mamedova
- Faculty of Medicine, MV Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Boris Zhivotovsky
- Faculty of Medicine, MV Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Gelina S Kopeina
- Faculty of Medicine, MV Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
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Chen J, Wang L, Tian GG, Wang X, Li X, Wu J. Metformin Promotes Proliferation of Mouse Female Germline Stem Cells by Histone Acetylation Modification of Traf2. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023; 19:2329-2340. [PMID: 37354386 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10575-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Female germline stem cells (FGSCs) are adult stem cells that can both self-renew and differentiate into mature oocytes. Although small-molecule compounds are capable of regulating the development of FGSCs, the effects and mechanisms of action of metformin, a commonly used drug for diabetes, on FGSCs are largely unknown. Here, we found that metformin promoted the viability and proliferation of FGSCs through H3K27ac modification. To elucidate the mechanism by which metformin promoted FGSCs proliferation, Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Sequencing of histone 3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) in FGSCs was performed with or without metformin-treatment. The results indicate that metformin modulates FGSCs via the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, and tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor 2 (Traf2) was identified as an important target gene for H3K27ac modification during FGSCs proliferation. Subsequent experiments showed metformin promoted FGSCs proliferation by H3K27ac modification of Traf2 to regulate MAPK signaling. Our findings deepen understanding of how H3K27ac modifications regulate FGSCs development and provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of premature ovarian failure, polycystic ovary syndrome, infertility, and related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, People's Republic of China
| | - Geng G Tian
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental & Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyong Li
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental & Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Ji Wu
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental & Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Bio-X Institutes, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
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Bhartiya D, Sharma D. VSELs and OSCs together sustain oogenesis in adult ovaries and their dysfunction results in age-related senescence, PCOS, POI and cancer. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:29. [PMID: 36726163 PMCID: PMC9890840 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-022-01093-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple studies using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) have failed to detect stem cells in adult ovaries. We have maintained that two populations of ovarian stem cells including pluripotent, very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) and tissue-committed 'progenitors' termed ovarian stem cells (OSCs) can easily be detected in Hematoxylin and Eosin-stained ovary surface epithelial (OSE) cells smears prepared from both mice and human ovaries. Most likely the stem cells never get subjected to scRNAseq since they pellet down only by centrifuging cells suspension at 1000 g while cells for scRNAseq were invariably prepared by centrifuging at 200-400 g. A recent article provided further explanation for the failure of scRNAseq to detect ovarian stem cells. Extensive reanalysis of data (generated by scRNAseq) using an advanced software successfully detected OSCs and meiotic markers supporting neo-oogenesis in adult human ovaries. But this article remained critical on the biological relevance of VSELs and their relationship with OSCs. By carefully studying the OSE cells smears (which hold VSELs, OSCs and germ cell nests GCNs), prepared by partial trypsin digestion of intact mice ovaries during different stages of estrus cycle, we have successfully delineated novel functions of VSELs/OSCs in vivo under physiological conditions. VSELs undergo asymmetrical divisions to self-renew and give rise to slightly bigger OSCs which in turn undergo symmetrical divisions and clonal expansion to form GCNs, regular neo-oogenesis and follicle assembly. GCNs have been earlier described in fetal ovaries and during OSE cells culture (from adult ovaries) in response to FSH treatment. Dysfunction of VSELs/OSCs (which express ERα, ERβ, FSHR) due to neonatal exposure to endocrine disruption results in ovarian insufficiency and polycystic ovaries. VSELs have also been implicated in ovarian cancer. Age-related ovarian senescence/menopause is also due to dysfunction and blocked differentiation of VSELs/OSCs. These novel findings in vivo along with abundant in vitro and lineage tracing studies data in published literature provides huge scope for further research, offers novel avenues to manage ovarian pathologies and calls for re-writing of textbooks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive & Child Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India.
- Present address: Epigeneres Biotech Pvt Ltd, Sun Mill Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, 400 013, India.
| | - Diksha Sharma
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive & Child Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India
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Bhartiya D, Jha N, Tripathi A, Tripathi A. Very small embryonic-like stem cells have the potential to win the three-front war on tissue damage, cancer, and aging. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 10:1061022. [PMID: 36684436 PMCID: PMC9846763 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1061022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The concept of dedifferentiation and reprogramming of mature somatic cells holds much promise for the three-front "war" against tissue damage, cancer, and aging. It was hoped that reprogramming human somatic cells into the induced pluripotent state, along with the use of embryonic stem cells, would transform regenerative medicine. However, despite global efforts, clinical applications remain a distant dream, due to associated factors such as genomic instability, tumorigenicity, immunogenicity, and heterogeneity. Meanwhile, the expression of embryonic (pluripotent) markers in multiple cancers has baffled the scientific community, and it has been suggested that somatic cells dedifferentiate and "reprogram" into the pluripotent state in vivo to initiate cancer. It has also been suggested that aging can be reversed by partial reprogramming in vivo. However, better methods are needed; using vectors or Yamanaka factors in vivo, for example, is dangerous, and many potential anti-aging therapies carry the same risks as those using induced pluripotent cells, as described above. The present perspective examines the potential of endogenous, pluripotent very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs). These cells are naturally present in multiple tissues; they routinely replace diseased tissue and ensure regeneration to maintain life-long homeostasis, and they have the ability to differentiate into adult counterparts. Recent evidence suggests that cancers initiate due to the selective expansion of epigenetically altered VSELs and their blocked differentiation. Furthermore, VSEL numbers have been directly linked to lifespan in studies of long- and short-lived transgenic mice, and VSEL dysfunction has been found in the ovaries of aged mice. To conclude, a greater interest in VSELs, with their potential to address all three fronts of this war, could be the "light at the end of the tunnel."
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Wang J, Fang J, Feng M, Li L, Ma L, Zhao X, Dai Y. Inhibition of EED activity enhances cell survival of female germline stem cell and improves the oocytes production during oogenesis in vitro. Open Biol 2023; 13:220211. [PMID: 36695089 PMCID: PMC9874982 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.220211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian organoids, based on female germline stem cells (FGSCs), are nowadays widely applied for reproductive medicine screening and exploring the potential mechanisms during mammalian oogenesis. However, there are still key issues that urgently need to be resolved in ovarian organoid technology, one of which is to establish a culture system that effectively expands FGSCs in vitro, as well as maintaining the unipotentcy of FGSCs to differentiate into oocytes. Here, FGSCs were EED226 treated and processed for examination of proliferation and differentiation in vitro. According to the results, EED226 specifically increased FGSC survival by decreasing the enrichment of H3K27me3 on Oct4 promoter and exon, as well as enhancing OCT4 expression and inhibiting P53 and P63 expression. Notably, we also found that FGSCs with EED226 treatment differentiated into more oocytes during oogenesis in vitro, and the resultant oocytes maintained a low level of P63 versus control at early stage development. These results demonstrated that inhibition of EED activity appeared to promote the survival of FGSCs and markedly inhibited their apoptosis during in vitro differentiation. As a result of our study, we propose an effective culture strategy to culture FGSCs and obtain oocytes in vitro, which provides a new vision for oogenesis in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiapeng Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Xilingol South Road No. 49, Hohhot 010020, People's Republic of China
| | - Junxian Fang
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Xilingol South Road No. 49, Hohhot 010020, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingqian Feng
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Xilingol South Road No. 49, Hohhot 010020, People's Republic of China
| | - Liping Li
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Xilingol South Road No. 49, Hohhot 010020, People's Republic of China
| | - Lixin Ma
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Xilingol South Road No. 49, Hohhot 010020, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaorong Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Xilingol South Road No. 49, Hohhot 010020, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanfeng Dai
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Xilingol South Road No. 49, Hohhot 010020, People's Republic of China
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Chhabria S, Takle V, Sharma N, Kharkar P, Pansare K, Tripathi A, Tripathi A, Bhartiya D. Extremely Active Nano-formulation of Resveratrol (XAR™) attenuates and reverses chemotherapy-induced damage in mice ovaries and testes. J Ovarian Res 2022; 15:115. [PMID: 36271409 PMCID: PMC9585716 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-022-01043-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fertility preservation and restoration in cancer patients/survivors is the need of present times when increased numbers of patients get cured of cancer but face infertility as a serious side effect. Resveratrol has beneficial effects on chemoablated ovaries and testes in mice but has failed to enter the clinics because of extremely poor bioavailability. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the protective and curative effects of Extremely active Resveratrol (XAR™)- a nano-formulation of resveratrol with significantly improved bioavailability- on mouse ovary and testis after chemotherapy. Effects of XAR™ and FSH were compared on stimulation of follicle growth in adult mice ovaries. XAR™ (25 mg/kg) was administered for two days prior to chemotherapy to study the protective effects on the mouse gonads. XAR™ was also administered for 14 days post chemoablation to study the regenerative effects. Besides effect on numbers of primordial and growing follicles and spermatogenesis, the effect of XAR™ was also evaluated on the transcripts specific for ovarian/testicular stem/progenitor/germ cells, their proliferation, differentiation, meiosis, and the antioxidant indices. RESULTS Similar to FSH, XAR™ increased the numbers of primordial follicles (PF) as well as growing follicles. It protected the gonads from the adverse effects of chemotherapy and showed the ability to regenerate non-functional, chemoablated gonads. Besides stimulating follicle growth in adult ovaries similar to FSH, XAR™ also protected the testes from the adverse effects of chemotherapy and improved spermatogenesis. This was accompanied by improved anti-oxidant indices. CONCLUSIONS The results of the present study potentiate the use of XAR™ in pilot clinical studies to protect gonadal function during oncotherapy and also regenerate non-functional gonads in cancer survivors by improving antioxidant indices and stem cell-based tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagar Chhabria
- Epigeneres Biotech Pvt. Ltd., Sun Mill Compound, Ikon House, B-Block, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400013, India
| | - Vaishnavi Takle
- Epigeneres Biotech Pvt. Ltd., Sun Mill Compound, Ikon House, B-Block, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400013, India
| | - Nripen Sharma
- Epigeneres Biotech Pvt. Ltd., Sun Mill Compound, Ikon House, B-Block, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400013, India
| | - Prashant Kharkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga, Mumbai, 400 019, India
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM's NMIMS, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai, 400 056, India
| | - Kshama Pansare
- Epigeneres Biotech Pvt. Ltd., Sun Mill Compound, Ikon House, B-Block, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400013, India
| | - Anish Tripathi
- Epigeneres Biotech Pvt. Ltd., Sun Mill Compound, Ikon House, B-Block, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400013, India
| | - Ashish Tripathi
- Epigeneres Biotech Pvt. Ltd., Sun Mill Compound, Ikon House, B-Block, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400013, India
| | - Deepa Bhartiya
- Epigeneres Biotech Pvt. Ltd., Sun Mill Compound, Ikon House, B-Block, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400013, India.
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Sharma D, Bhartiya D. Dysfunctional Ovarian Stem Cells Due to Neonatal Endocrine Disruption Result in PCOS and Ovarian Insufficiency in Adult Mice. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 18:2912-2927. [PMID: 35834052 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10414-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common global cause of anovulatory infertility but underlying etiology leading to PCOS still remains elusive. Fetal and perinatal endocrine disruption reportedly affects germ cell nests (GCN) breakdown, meiosis, and primordial follicle (PF) assembly with unassembled oocytes in neonatal ovaries. We recently reported that very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) and ovarian stem cells (OSCs) express ERα, ERβ and FSHR, undergo distinct cyclic changes and neo-oogenesis encompassing GCN formation, meiosis, and primordial follicle (PF) assembly on regular basis in adult mice ovaries and these GCN are arrested in pre-meiotic or early meiotic stage in aged ovaries. Present study was undertaken to evaluate whether neonatal exposure to endocrine disruption (estradiol E2 or diethylstilbestrol DES) affects ovarian stem cells and their differentiation (neo-oogenesis) and PF assembly in adult 100 days old ovaries. Neonatal exposure to E2 resulted in typical features of PCOS including hyperandrogenism, infertility, increased stromal compartment, absent corpus lutea, and cystic follicles whereas DES treated ovaries showed rapid recruitment of follicles in young ovaries and multi-ovular/cystic follicles. Ovary surface epithelial cells smears showed large numbers of growth-arrested GCN in zygotene/pachytene with increased expression of Mlh-1 and Scp-1 suggesting defects at synapsis and recombination stages during prophase-1 of meiosis. Being immortal and expression of ERα and ERβ makes VSELs directly vulnerable to carry developmental endocrine insults to adult life. Dysfunction of VSELs/OSCs possibly results in oocyte defects observed in our study in PCOS/POI besides the widely reported defects in granulosa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diksha Sharma
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, 400 012, Mumbai, India
| | - Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, 400 012, Mumbai, India.
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Hong W, Wang B, Zhu Y, Wu J, Qiu L, Ling S, Zhou Z, Dai Y, Zhong Z, Zheng Y. Female germline stem cells: aging and anti-aging. J Ovarian Res 2022; 15:79. [PMID: 35787298 PMCID: PMC9251950 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-022-01011-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The delay of ovarian aging and the fertility preservation of cancer patients are the eternal themes in the field of reproductive medicine. Acting as the pacemaker of female physiological aging, ovary is also considered as the principle player of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and etc. However, its aging mechanism and preventive measures are still unclear. Some researchers attempt to activate endogenous ovarian female germline stem cells (FGSCs) to restore ovarian function, as the most promising approach. FGSCs are stem cells in the adult ovaries that can be infinitely self-renewing and have the potential of committed differention. This review aims to elucidate FGSCs aging mechanism from multiple perspectives such as niches, immune disorder, chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Therefore, the rebuilding nichs of FGSCs, regulation of immune dysfunction, anti-inflammation and oxidative stress remission are expected to restore or replenish FGSCs, ultimately to delay ovarian aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Hong
- Reproductive Health Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, People's Republic of China.,Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, People's Republic of China
| | - Baofeng Wang
- ARTcenter, Shenzhen Hengsheng Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yasha Zhu
- Reproductive Health Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun'e Wu
- Reproductive Health Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Qiu
- Reproductive Health Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuyi Ling
- Reproductive Health Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziqiong Zhou
- Reproductive Health Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuqing Dai
- Reproductive Health Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhisheng Zhong
- Reproductive Health Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yuehui Zheng
- Reproductive Health Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, the Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, People's Republic of China.
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11
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Bhartiya D, Mohammad SA, Singh P, Sharma D, Kaushik A. GFP Tagged VSELs Help Delineate Novel Stem Cells Biology in Multiple Adult Tissues. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 18:1603-1613. [PMID: 35641711 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10401-4] [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] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Various types of stem cells are being researched upon to exploit their potential for regenerative medicine including pluripotent human embryonic stem (hES) cells derived from spare human embryos, induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells by reprogramming somatic cells to a pluripotent state and multipotent mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) obtained in vitro from multiple tissues. More than 50 independent groups have reported another novel population of pluripotent stem cells in adult tissues termed very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs). VSELs are developmentally linked to primordial germ cells, which rather than giving rise to the germ cells and later ceasing to exist, survive throughout life in multiple organs along with tissue-specific adult stem cells better described as lineage-restricted, tissue-committed progenitors with limited plasticity. VSELs survive total body irradiation in bone marrow, oncotherapy in the gonads, bilateral ovariectomy in the uterus and partial pancreatectomy in the pancreas of mice and participate in the regeneration of multiple organs under normal physiological conditions. VSELs and tissue-specific progenitor cells work together in a subtle manner, maintain life-long tissue homeostasis and their dysfunction leads to various pathologies including cancer. However, due to their quiescent state, VSELs have invariably eluded lineage-tracing studies reported so far. Present article reviews novel insights into VSELs biology and how VSELs enriched from GFP (green fluorescent protein) mice have enabled to delineate their role in various biological processes in vivo. VSELs biology needs to be understood in-depth as this alone will help evolve the field of regenerative medicine and win the war against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India.
- Epigeneres Biotech Pvt Ltd, Lower Parel, Mumbai, 400013, India.
| | - Subhan Ali Mohammad
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Pushpa Singh
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Diksha Sharma
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Ankita Kaushik
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
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12
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Alberico H, Fleischmann Z, Bobbitt T, Takai Y, Ishihara O, Seki H, Anderson RA, Telfer EE, Woods DC, Tilly JL. Workflow Optimization for Identification of Female Germline or Oogonial Stem Cells in Human Ovarian Cortex Using Single-Cell RNA Sequence Analysis. Stem Cells 2022; 40:523-536. [PMID: 35263439 PMCID: PMC9199849 DOI: 10.1093/stmcls/sxac015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In 2004, the identification of female germline or oogonial stem cells (OSCs) that can support post-natal oogenesis in ovaries of adult mice sparked a major paradigm shift in reproductive biology. Although these findings have been independently verified, and further extended to include identification of OSCs in adult ovaries of many species ranging from pigs and cows to non-human primates and humans, a recent study rooted in single-cell RNA sequence analysis (scRNA-seq) of adult human ovarian cortical tissue claimed that OSCs do not exist, and that other groups working with OSCs following isolation by magnetic-assisted or fluorescence-activated cell sorting have mistaken perivascular cells (PVCs) for germ cells. Here we report that rare germ lineage cells with a gene expression profile matched to OSCs but distinct from that of other cells, including oocytes and PVCs, can be identified in adult human ovarian cortical tissue by scRNA-seq after optimization of analytical workflow parameters. Deeper cell-by-cell expression profiling also uncovered evidence of germ cells undergoing meiosis-I in adult human ovaries. Lastly, we show that, if not properly controlled for, PVCs can be inadvertently isolated during flow cytometry protocols designed to sort OSCs because of inherently high cellular autofluorescence. However, human PVCs and human germ cells segregate into distinct clusters following scRNA-seq due to non-overlapping gene expression profiles, which would preclude the mistaken identification and use of PVCs as OSCs during functional characterization studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Alberico
- Laboratory of Aging and Infertility Research, Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Zoë Fleischmann
- Laboratory of Aging and Infertility Research, Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Tyler Bobbitt
- Laboratory of Aging and Infertility Research, Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yasushi Takai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, Saitama 350-0495, Japan
| | - Osamu Ishihara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, Saitama 350-0495, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Seki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, Saitama 350-0495, Japan
| | - Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queens Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH14 1DJ, UK
| | - Evelyn E Telfer
- Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH14 1DJ, UK
| | - Dori C Woods
- Laboratory of Aging and Infertility Research, Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jonathan L Tilly
- Laboratory of Aging and Infertility Research, Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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13
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Bhartiya D, Patel H, Kaushik A, Singh P, Sharma D. Endogenous, tissue-resident stem/progenitor cells in gonads and bone marrow express FSHR and respond to FSH via FSHR-3. J Ovarian Res 2021; 14:145. [PMID: 34717703 PMCID: PMC8556987 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-021-00883-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is secreted by the anterior pituitary and acts on the germ cells indirectly through Granulosa cells in ovaries and Sertoli cells in the testes. Extragonadal action of FSH has been reported but is still debated. Adult tissues harbor two populations of stem cells including a reserve population of primitive, small-sized, pluripotent very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) and slightly bigger, tissue-specific progenitors which include ovarian stem cells (OSCs) in ovaries, spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in testes, endometrial stem cells (EnSCs) in uterus and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the bone marrow. Data has accumulated in animal models showing FSHR expression on both VSELs and progenitors in ovaries, testes, uterus and bone marrow and eventually gets lost as the cells differentiate further. FSH exerts a direct action on the stem/progenitor cells via alternatively spliced FSHR-3 rather than the canonical FSHR-1. FSH stimulates VSELs to undergo asymmetrical cell divisions to self-renew and give rise to the progenitors that in turn undergo symmetrical cell divisions and clonal expansions followed by differentiation into specific cell types. Excessive self-renewal of VSELs results in cancer and this explains ubiquitous expression of embryonic markers including nuclear OCT-4 along with FSHR in cancerous tissues. Focus of this review is to compile published data to support this concept. FSHR expression in stem/progenitor cells was confirmed by immuno-fluorescence, Western blotting, in situ hybridization and by quantitative RT-PCR. Two different commercially available antibodies (Abcam, Santacruz) were used to confirm specificity of FSHR expression along with omission of primary antibody and pre-incubation of antibody with immunizing peptide as negative controls. Western blotting allowed detection of alternatively spliced FSHR isoforms. Oligoprobes and primers specific for Fshr-1 and Fshr-3 were used to study these alternately-sliced isoforms by in situ hybridization and their differential expression upon FSH treatment by qRT-PCR. To conclude, stem/progenitor cells in adult tissues express FSHR and directly respond to FSH via FSHR-3. These findings change the field of FSH-FSHR biology, call for paradigm shift, explain FSHR expression on cancer cells in multiple organs and provide straightforward explanations for various existing conundrums including extragonadal expression of FSHR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Bhartiya
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India.
| | - Hiren Patel
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India
- Present address: Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Ankita Kaushik
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India
| | - Pushpa Singh
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India
| | - Diksha Sharma
- Stem Cell Biology Department, ICMR- National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012, India
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