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Villalba A, Gitton Y, Inoue M, Aiello V, Blain R, Toupin M, Mazaud-Guittot S, Rachdi L, Semb H, Chédotal A, Scharfmann R. A 3D atlas of the human developing pancreas to explore progenitor proliferation and differentiation. Diabetologia 2024; 67:1066-1078. [PMID: 38630142 PMCID: PMC11058870 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-024-06143-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/30/2024]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Rodent pancreas development has been described in great detail. On the other hand, there are still gaps in our understanding of the developmental trajectories of pancreatic cells during human ontogenesis. Here, our aim was to map the spatial and chronological dynamics of human pancreatic cell differentiation and proliferation by using 3D imaging of cleared human embryonic and fetal pancreases. METHODS We combined tissue clearing with light-sheet fluorescence imaging in human embryonic and fetal pancreases during the first trimester of pregnancy. In addition, we validated an explant culture system enabling in vitro proliferation of pancreatic progenitors to determine the mitogenic effect of candidate molecules. RESULTS We detected the first insulin-positive cells as early as five post-conceptional weeks, two weeks earlier than previously observed. We observed few insulin-positive clusters at five post-conceptional weeks (mean ± SD 9.25±5.65) with a sharp increase to 11 post-conceptional weeks (4307±152.34). We identified a central niche as the location of onset of the earliest insulin cell production and detected extra-pancreatic loci within the adjacent developing gut. Conversely, proliferating pancreatic progenitors were located in the periphery of the epithelium, suggesting the existence of two separated pancreatic niches for differentiation and proliferation. Additionally, we observed that the proliferation ratio of progenitors ranged between 20% and 30%, while for insulin-positive cells it was 1%. We next unveiled a mitogenic effect of the platelet-derived growth factor AA isoform (PDGFAA) in progenitors acting through the pancreatic mesenchyme by increasing threefold the number of proliferating progenitors. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION This work presents a first 3D atlas of the human developing pancreas, charting both endocrine and proliferating cells across early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Villalba
- Institut Cochin, CNRS, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Yorick Gitton
- Inserm, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Megumi Inoue
- Inserm, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Virginie Aiello
- Institut Cochin, CNRS, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Raphaël Blain
- Inserm, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Maryne Toupin
- Inserm, EHESP, IRSET (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), UMR_S 1085, Université Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Séverine Mazaud-Guittot
- Inserm, EHESP, IRSET (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), UMR_S 1085, Université Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Latif Rachdi
- Institut Cochin, CNRS, Inserm, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Henrik Semb
- Institute of Translational Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, München, Germany
| | - Alain Chédotal
- Inserm, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.
- Institut de pathologie, groupe hospitalier Est, hospices civils de Lyon, Lyon, France.
- MeLiS, CNRS UMR5284, Inserm U1314, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France.
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2
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Melau C, Gayete Mor B, Lundgaard Riis M, Nielsen JE, Dreisler E, Aaboe K, Tutein Brenøe P, Langhoff Thuesen L, Juul Hare K, Mitchell RT, Frederiksen H, Juul A, Jørgensen A. Dexamethasone affects human fetal adrenal steroidogenesis and subsequent ACTH response in an ex vivo culture model. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1114211. [PMID: 37484942 PMCID: PMC10358843 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1114211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Administration of dexamethasone (DEX) has been used experimentally to suppress androgenization of external genitalia in 46,XX fetuses with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Despite this, the prenatal biological mechanism-of-action of DEX on fetal development is not known. This study aimed to examine direct effects of DEX on human fetal adrenal (HFA) steroidogenic activity including possible effects on the subsequent response to ACTH-stimulation. Methods Human fetal adrenal (HFA) tissue from 30 fetuses (1st trimester) were cultured ex vivo with A) DEX (10 µm) for 14 days, or B) DEX (10 µm) for 10 days followed by ACTH (1 nM) for 4 days. DEX-mediated effects on HFA morphology, viability, and apoptosis (immunohistochemistry), gene expression (quantitative PCR), and steroid hormone secretion (LC-MS/MS) were investigated. Results DEX-treatment caused decreased androstenedione (p<0.05) and increased cortisol (p<0.01) secretion suggesting that direct effects on the adrenal gland may contribute to the negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in vivo. An altered response to ACTH stimulation in HFA pre-treated with DEX included increased androgen (p<0.05) and reduced cortisol production (p<0.05), supporting clinical observations of a temporary decreased ACTH-response following prenatal DEX-treatment. Additionally, the secretion of corticosterone was decreased (p<0.0001) following ACTH-stimulation in the initially DEX-treated HFAs. Discussion The observed effects suggest that prenatal DEX-treatment can cause direct effects on HFA steroidogenesis and in the subsequent response to ACTH-stimulation. This may indicate a requirement for careful monitoring of adrenal function in prenatally DEX-treated neonates, with particular focus on their mineralocorticoid levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie Melau
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Berta Gayete Mor
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Malene Lundgaard Riis
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John E. Nielsen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Eva Dreisler
- Department of Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kasper Aaboe
- Department of Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pia Tutein Brenøe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Lea Langhoff Thuesen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre and Amager Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Kristine Juul Hare
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre and Amager Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Rod T. Mitchell
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Hanne Frederiksen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Ghezelayagh Z, Zabihi M, Zarkesh I, Gonçalves CAC, Larsen M, Hagh-Parast N, Pakzad M, Vosough M, Arjmand B, Baharvand H, Larijani B, Grapin-Botton A, Aghayan HR, Tahamtani Y. Improved Differentiation of hESC-Derived Pancreatic Progenitors by Using Human Fetal Pancreatic Mesenchymal Cells in a Micro-scalable Three-Dimensional Co-culture System. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 18:360-377. [PMID: 34586606 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-021-10266-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Mesenchymal cells of diverse origins differ in gene and protein expression besides producing varying effects on their organ-matched epithelial cells' maintenance and differentiation capacity. Co-culture with rodent's tissue-specific pancreatic mesenchyme accelerates proliferation, self-renewal, and differentiation of pancreatic epithelial progenitors. Therefore, in our study, the impact of three-dimensional (3D) co-culture of human fetal pancreatic-derived mesenchymal cells (hFP-MCs) with human embryonic stem cell-derived pancreatic progenitors (hESC-PPs) development towards endocrine and beta cells was assessed. Besides, the ability to maintain scalable cultures combining hFP-MCs and hESC-PPs was investigated. hFP-MCs expressed many markers in common with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs). However, they showed higher expression of DESMIN compared to BM-MSCs. After co-culture of hESC-PPs with hFP-MCs, the pancreatic progenitor (PP) spheroids generated in Matrigel had higher expression of NGN3 and INSULIN than BM-MSCs co-culture group, which shows an inductive impact of pancreatic mesenchyme on hESC-PPs beta-cells maturation. Pancreatic aggregates generated by forced aggregation through scalable AggreWell system showed similar features compared to the spheroids. These aggregates, a combination of hFP-MCs and hESC-PPs, can be applied as an appropriate tool for assessing endocrine-niche interactions and developmental processes by mimicking the pancreatic tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Ghezelayagh
- Department of Developmental Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences and Advanced Technologies in Biology, University of Science and Culture, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Zabihi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Genetics, Faculty of Basic Sciences and Advanced Technologies in Biology, University of Science and Culture, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ibrahim Zarkesh
- Department of Cell Engineering, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Carla A C Gonçalves
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology (DanStem), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Larsen
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology (DanStem), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Newsha Hagh-Parast
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Pakzad
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Babak Arjmand
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Baharvand
- Department of Developmental Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences and Advanced Technologies in Biology, University of Science and Culture, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bagher Larijani
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Anne Grapin-Botton
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology (DanStem), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Hamid Reza Aghayan
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Yaser Tahamtani
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran. .,Reproductive Epidemiology Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
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Melau C, Riis ML, Nielsen JE, Perlman S, Lundvall L, Thuesen LL, Hare KJ, Hammerum MS, Mitchell RT, Frederiksen H, Juul A, Jørgensen A. The effects of selected inhibitors on human fetal adrenal steroidogenesis differs under basal and ACTH-stimulated conditions. BMC Med 2021; 19:204. [PMID: 34493283 PMCID: PMC8425147 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-021-02080-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disordered fetal adrenal steroidogenesis can cause marked clinical effects including virilization of female fetuses. In postnatal life, adrenal disorders can be life-threatening due to the risk of adrenal crisis and must be carefully managed. However, testing explicit adrenal steroidogenic inhibitory effects of therapeutic drugs is challenging due to species-specific characteristics, and particularly the impact of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation on drugs targeting steroidogenesis has not previously been examined in human adrenal tissue. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of selected steroidogenic inhibitors on human fetal adrenal (HFA) steroid hormone production under basal and ACTH-stimulated conditions. METHODS This study used an established HFA ex vivo culture model to examine treatment effects in 78 adrenals from 50 human fetuses (gestational weeks 8-12). Inhibitors were selected to affect enzymes critical for different steps in classic adrenal steroidogenic pathways, including CYP17A1 (Abiraterone acetate), CYP11B1/2 (Osilodrostat), and a suggested CYP21A2 inhibitor (Efavirenz). Treatment effects were examined under basal and ACTH-stimulated conditions in tissue from the same fetus and determined by quantifying the secretion of adrenal steroids in the culture media using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Statistical analysis was performed on ln-transformed data using one-way ANOVA for repeated measures followed by Tukey's multiple comparisons test. RESULTS Treatment with Abiraterone acetate and Osilodrostat resulted in potent inhibition of CYP17A1 and CYP11B1/2, respectively, while treatment with Efavirenz reduced testosterone secretion under basal conditions. ACTH-stimulation affected the inhibitory effects of all investigated drugs. Thus, treatment effects of Abiraterone acetate were more pronounced under stimulated conditions, while Efavirenz treatment caused a non-specific inhibition on steroidogenesis. ACTH-stimulation prevented the Osilodrostat-mediated CYP11B1 inhibition observed under basal conditions. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that the effects of steroidogenic inhibitors differ under basal and ACTH-stimulated conditions in the HFA ex vivo culture model. This could suggest that in vivo effects of therapeutic drugs targeting steroidogenesis may vary in conditions where patients have suppressed or high ACTH levels, respectively. This study further demonstrates that ex vivo cultured HFAs can be used to evaluate steroidogenic inhibitors and thereby provide novel information about the local effects of existing and emerging drugs that targets steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie Melau
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Malene Lundgaard Riis
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John E Nielsen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Signe Perlman
- Department of Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lene Lundvall
- Department of Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lea Langhoff Thuesen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Hvidovre and Amager Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Kristine Juul Hare
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Hvidovre and Amager Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Mette Schou Hammerum
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Hanne Frederiksen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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A 3D system to model human pancreas development and its reference single-cell transcriptome atlas identify signaling pathways required for progenitor expansion. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3144. [PMID: 34035279 PMCID: PMC8149728 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23295-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Human organogenesis remains relatively unexplored for ethical and practical reasons. Here, we report the establishment of a single-cell transcriptome atlas of the human fetal pancreas between 7 and 10 post-conceptional weeks of development. To interrogate cell–cell interactions, we describe InterCom, an R-Package we developed for identifying receptor–ligand pairs and their downstream effects. We further report the establishment of a human pancreas culture system starting from fetal tissue or human pluripotent stem cells, enabling the long-term maintenance of pancreas progenitors in a minimal, defined medium in three-dimensions. Benchmarking the cells produced in 2-dimensions and those expanded in 3-dimensions to fetal tissue identifies that progenitors expanded in 3-dimensions are transcriptionally closer to the fetal pancreas. We further demonstrate the potential of this system as a screening platform and identify the importance of the EGF and FGF pathways controlling human pancreas progenitor expansion. From single-cell transcriptome analyses to defining culture media for spheroids, the authors provide a census of information to understand the development of human pancreatic progenitors. This approach identifies signalling pathways (EGF and FGF) regulating progenitor proliferation.
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Mouilleau V, Vaslin C, Robert R, Gribaudo S, Nicolas N, Jarrige M, Terray A, Lesueur L, Mathis MW, Croft G, Daynac M, Rouiller-Fabre V, Wichterle H, Ribes V, Martinat C, Nedelec S. Dynamic extrinsic pacing of the HOX clock in human axial progenitors controls motor neuron subtype specification. Development 2021; 148:148/6/dev194514. [PMID: 33782043 DOI: 10.1242/dev.194514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Rostro-caudal patterning of vertebrates depends on the temporally progressive activation of HOX genes within axial stem cells that fuel axial embryo elongation. Whether the pace of sequential activation of HOX genes, the 'HOX clock', is controlled by intrinsic chromatin-based timing mechanisms or by temporal changes in extrinsic cues remains unclear. Here, we studied HOX clock pacing in human pluripotent stem cell-derived axial progenitors differentiating into diverse spinal cord motor neuron subtypes. We show that the progressive activation of caudal HOX genes is controlled by a dynamic increase in FGF signaling. Blocking the FGF pathway stalled induction of HOX genes, while a precocious increase of FGF, alone or with GDF11 ligand, accelerated the HOX clock. Cells differentiated under accelerated HOX induction generated appropriate posterior motor neuron subtypes found along the human embryonic spinal cord. The pacing of the HOX clock is thus dynamically regulated by exposure to secreted cues. Its manipulation by extrinsic factors provides synchronized access to multiple human neuronal subtypes of distinct rostro-caudal identities for basic and translational applications.This article has an associated 'The people behind the papers' interview.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Mouilleau
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, 75005 Paris, France.,Inserm, UMR-S 1270, 75005 Paris, France.,Sorbonne Université, Science and Engineering Faculty, 75005 Paris, France.,I-STEM, UMR 861, Inserm, UEPS, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - Célia Vaslin
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, 75005 Paris, France.,Inserm, UMR-S 1270, 75005 Paris, France.,Sorbonne Université, Science and Engineering Faculty, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Rémi Robert
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, 75005 Paris, France.,Inserm, UMR-S 1270, 75005 Paris, France.,Sorbonne Université, Science and Engineering Faculty, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Simona Gribaudo
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, 75005 Paris, France.,Inserm, UMR-S 1270, 75005 Paris, France.,Sorbonne Université, Science and Engineering Faculty, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Nour Nicolas
- Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, UMR 967, INSERM, CEA/DSV/iRCM/SCSR, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France
| | - Margot Jarrige
- I-STEM, UMR 861, Inserm, UEPS, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - Angélique Terray
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, 75005 Paris, France.,Inserm, UMR-S 1270, 75005 Paris, France.,Sorbonne Université, Science and Engineering Faculty, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Léa Lesueur
- I-STEM, UMR 861, Inserm, UEPS, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - Mackenzie W Mathis
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Neuroscience, and Neurology, Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Gist Croft
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Neuroscience, and Neurology, Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Mathieu Daynac
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, 75005 Paris, France.,Inserm, UMR-S 1270, 75005 Paris, France.,Sorbonne Université, Science and Engineering Faculty, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Virginie Rouiller-Fabre
- Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, UMR 967, INSERM, CEA/DSV/iRCM/SCSR, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France
| | - Hynek Wichterle
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Neuroscience, and Neurology, Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Vanessa Ribes
- Université de Paris, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, 15 rue Hélène Brion, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Cécile Martinat
- I-STEM, UMR 861, Inserm, UEPS, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - Stéphane Nedelec
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, 75005 Paris, France .,Inserm, UMR-S 1270, 75005 Paris, France.,Sorbonne Université, Science and Engineering Faculty, 75005 Paris, France
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An In Vitro Differentiation Protocol for Human Embryonic Bipotential Gonad and Testis Cell Development. Stem Cell Reports 2020; 15:1377-1391. [PMID: 33217324 PMCID: PMC7724470 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2020.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently an in vitro model that fully recapitulates the human embryonic gonad is lacking. Here we describe a fully defined feeder-free protocol to generate early testis-like cells with the ability to be cultured as an organoid, from human induced pluripotent stem cells. This stepwise approach uses small molecules to mimic embryonic development, with upregulation of bipotential gonad markers (LHX9, EMX2, GATA4, and WT1) at day 10 of culture, followed by induction of testis Sertoli cell markers (SOX9, WT1, and AMH) by day 15. Aggregation into 3D structures and extended culture on Transwell filters yielded organoids with defined tissue structures and distinct Sertoli cell marker expression. These studies provide insight into human gonadal development, suggesting that a population of precursor cells may originate from a more lateral region of the mesoderm. Our protocol represents a significant advance toward generating a much-needed human gonad organoid for studying disorders/differences of sex development.
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8
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Harpelunde Poulsen K, Nielsen JE, Frederiksen H, Melau C, Juul Hare K, Langhoff Thuesen L, Perlman S, Lundvall L, Mitchell RT, Juul A, Rajpert-De Meyts E, Jørgensen A. Dysregulation of FGFR signalling by a selective inhibitor reduces germ cell survival in human fetal gonads of both sexes and alters the somatic niche in fetal testes. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:2228-2243. [PMID: 31734698 PMCID: PMC6994936 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does experimental manipulation of fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9)-signalling in human fetal gonads alter sex-specific gonadal differentiation? SUMMARY ANSWER Inhibition of FGFR signalling following SU5402 treatment impaired germ cell survival in both sexes and severely altered the developing somatic niche in testes, while stimulation of FGF9 signalling promoted Sertoli cell proliferation in testes and inhibited meiotic entry of germ cells in ovaries. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Sex-specific differentiation of bipotential gonads involves a complex signalling cascade that includes a combination of factors promoting either testicular or ovarian differentiation and inhibition of the opposing pathway. In mice, FGF9/FGFR2 signalling has been shown to promote testicular differentiation and antagonize the female developmental pathway through inhibition of WNT4. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION FGF signalling was manipulated in human fetal gonads in an established ex vivo culture model by treatments with recombinant FGF9 (25 ng/ml) and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor SU5402 (10 μM) that was used to inhibit FGFR signalling. Human fetal testis and ovary tissues were cultured for 14 days and effects on gonadal development and expression of cell lineage markers were determined. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Gonadal tissues from 44 male and 33 female embryos/fetuses from first trimester were used for ex vivo culture experiments. Tissues were analyzed by evaluation of histology and immunohistochemical analysis of markers for germ cells, somatic cells, proliferation and apoptosis. Culture media were collected throughout the experimental period and production of steroid hormone metabolites was analyzed in media from fetal testis cultures by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Treatment with SU5402 resulted in near complete loss of gonocytes (224 vs. 14 OCT4+ cells per mm2, P < 0.05) and oogonia (1456 vs. 28 OCT4+ cells per mm2, P < 0.001) in human fetal testes and ovaries, respectively. This was a result of both increased apoptosis and reduced proliferation in the germ cells. Addition of exogenous FGF9 to the culture media resulted in a reduced number of germ cells entering meiosis in fetal ovaries (102 vs. 60 γH2AX+ germ cells per mm2, P < 0.05), while in fetal testes FGF9 stimulation resulted in an increased number of Sertoli cells (2503 vs. 3872 SOX9+ cells per mm2, P < 0.05). In fetal testes, inhibition of FGFR signalling by SU5402 treatment altered seminiferous cord morphology and reduced the AMH expression as well as the number of SOX9-positive Sertoli cells (2503 vs. 1561 SOX9+ cells per mm2, P < 0.05). In interstitial cells, reduced expression of COUP-TFII and increased expression of CYP11A1 and CYP17A1 in fetal Leydig cells was observed, although there were no subsequent changes in steroidogenesis. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Ex vivo culture may not replicate all aspects of fetal gonadal development and function in vivo. Although the effects of FGF9 were studied in ex vivo culture experiments, there is no direct evidence that FGF9 acts in vivo during human fetal gonadogenesis. The FGFR inhibitor (SU5402) used in this study is not specific to FGFR2 but inhibits all FGF receptors and off-target effects on unrelated tyrosine kinases should be considered. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The findings of this study suggest that dysregulation of FGFR-mediated signalling may affect both testicular and ovarian development, in particular impacting the fetal germ cell populations in both sexes. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported in part by an ESPE Research Fellowship, sponsored by Novo Nordisk A/S to A.JØ. Additional funding was obtained from the Erichsen Family Fund (A.JØ.), the Aase and Ejnar Danielsens Fund (A.JØ.), the Danish Government's support for the EDMaRC programme (A.JU.) and a Wellcome Trust Intermediate Clinical Fellowship (R.T.M., Grant no. 098522). The Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Reproductive Health (R.T.M.) is supported by an MRC Centre Grant (MR/N022556/1). The authors have no conflict of interest to disclose.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Harpelunde Poulsen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - J E Nielsen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - H Frederiksen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - C Melau
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - K Juul Hare
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hvidovre University Hospital, Kettegård Alle 30, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - L Langhoff Thuesen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hvidovre University Hospital, Kettegård Alle 30, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - S Perlman
- Department of Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | - L Lundvall
- Department of Gynaecology, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | - R T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - A Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - E Rajpert-De Meyts
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - A Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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9
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Melau C, Nielsen JE, Frederiksen H, Kilcoyne K, Perlman S, Lundvall L, Langhoff Thuesen L, Juul Hare K, Andersson AM, Mitchell RT, Juul A, Jørgensen A. Characterization of Human Adrenal Steroidogenesis During Fetal Development. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 104:1802-1812. [PMID: 30590593 PMCID: PMC6456011 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2018-01759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT The endocrine function of human fetal adrenals (HFAs) is activated already during first trimester, but adrenal steroidogenesis during fetal life is not well characterized. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate HFA steroidogenesis by analyzing adrenal glands from first and second trimesters. DESIGN AND SETTING Male and female HFA from gestational weeks (GWs) 8 to 19 were examined, including a total of 101 samples from 83 fetuses. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Expression level of steroidogenic genes and protein expression/localization were determined by quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively, and intra-adrenal steroid levels were quantified by LC-MS/MS. RESULTS Transcriptional levels of StAR, CYP11A1, CYP17A1, CYP21A2, CYP11B1/2, and SULT2A1 were significantly higher in second trimester compared to first trimester (P < 0.05), whereas expression levels of 3β-HSD2 and ARK1C3 were unaltered between GWs 8 and 19. All investigated steroidogenic proteins were expressed in a distinct pattern throughout the investigated period, with most enzymes expressed primarily in the fetal zone, except 3β-HSD1/2, which was expressed mainly in the definitive zone. Abundant steroidogenic enzyme expression was reflected in overall high intra-adrenal tissue concentrations of mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and androgens; cortisol was the most abundant (1071 to 2723 ng/g tissue), and testosterone levels were the lowest (2 to 14 ng/g tissue). CONCLUSIONS The expression profiles of HFA steroidogenic enzymes are distinct from first to second trimester, with no major differences between male and female samples. Intra-adrenal steroid hormone concentrations confirm that cortisol is produced throughout first and second trimesters, suggesting continued regulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis during this entire period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilie Melau
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John Erik Nielsen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hanne Frederiksen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karen Kilcoyne
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Signe Perlman
- Department of Gynaecology, University Hospital of Copenhagen (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lene Lundvall
- Department of Gynaecology, University Hospital of Copenhagen (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lea Langhoff Thuesen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hvidovre University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Kristine Juul Hare
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hvidovre University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Anna-Maria Andersson
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Anne Jørgensen, PhD, Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark. E-mail:
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10
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Molecular characterization and prospective isolation of human fetal cochlear hair cell progenitors. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4027. [PMID: 30279445 PMCID: PMC6168603 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06334-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensory hair cells located in the organ of Corti are essential for cochlear mechanosensation. Their loss is irreversible in humans resulting in permanent hearing loss. The development of therapeutic interventions for hearing loss requires fundamental knowledge about similarities and potential differences between animal models and human development as well as the establishment of human cell based-assays. Here we analyze gene and protein expression of the developing human inner ear in a temporal window spanning from week 8 to 12 post conception, when cochlear hair cells become specified. Utilizing surface markers for the cochlear prosensory domain, namely EPCAM and CD271, we purify postmitotic hair cell progenitors that, when placed in culture in three-dimensional organoids, regain proliferative potential and eventually differentiate to hair cell-like cells in vitro. These results provide a foundation for comparative studies with otic cells generated from human pluripotent stem cells and for establishing novel platforms for drug validation. Hearing requires mechanosensitive hair cells in the organ of Corti, which derive from progenitors of the cochlear duct. Here the authors examine human inner ear development by studying key developmental markers and describe organoid cultures from human cochlear duct progenitors for in vitro hair cell differentiation.
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11
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Di Santo S, Meyer M, Ducray AD, Andereggen L, Widmer HR. A Combination of NT-4/5 and GDNF Is Favorable for Cultured Human Nigral Neural Progenitor Cells. Cell Transplant 2018; 27:648-653. [PMID: 29701077 PMCID: PMC6041882 DOI: 10.1177/0963689717753188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder,
clinically manifested by cardinal motor symptoms including tremor at rest, bradykinesia,
and muscle rigidity. Transplantation of dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons is an experimental
therapy for PD, however, it is limited by suboptimal integration and low survival of
grafts. Pretreatment of donor tissue may offer a strategy to improve properties of
transplanted DAergic neurons and thereby clinical outcome. We have previously shown that a
combination of neurotrophin-4/5 (NT-4/5) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor
(GDNF) demonstrated additive effects on rat ventral mesencephalic (VM) tissue. The present
study investigated the effects of NT-4/5 and GDNF as single factors, or in combination on
DAergic neurons, in organotypic explant cultures of fetal human ventral mesencephalon. For
that purpose, free-floating roller-tube cultures were prepared from VM and the equally
sized pieces grown for 1 week in the presence or absence of neurotrophic factors. Both
neurotrophic factors increased dopamine content in the culture medium and in the number of
tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive neurons, most prominently after combined GDNF + NT-4/5
treatment. Culture volumes did not differ between groups while content of lactate
dehydrogenase in the culture medium was moderately reduced in all treated groups. In
conclusion, we identified that a combination of GDNF and NT-4/5 robustly promoted
differentiation and survival of human fetal VM DAergic neurons, an observation with
potential promising impact for cell replacement approaches in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Di Santo
- 1 Department of Neurosurgery, Neurocenter and Regenerative Neuroscience Cluster, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Morten Meyer
- 2 Department of Neurobiology Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,3 Department of Neurology, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Angélique D Ducray
- 1 Department of Neurosurgery, Neurocenter and Regenerative Neuroscience Cluster, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,4 Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lukas Andereggen
- 1 Department of Neurosurgery, Neurocenter and Regenerative Neuroscience Cluster, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hans R Widmer
- 1 Department of Neurosurgery, Neurocenter and Regenerative Neuroscience Cluster, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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12
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Bashamboo A, Eozenou C, Jorgensen A, Bignon-Topalovic J, Siffroi JP, Hyon C, Tar A, Nagy P, Sólyom J, Halász Z, Paye-Jaouen A, Lambert S, Rodriguez-Buritica D, Bertalan R, Martinerie L, Rajpert-De Meyts E, Achermann JC, McElreavey K. Loss of Function of the Nuclear Receptor NR2F2, Encoding COUP-TF2, Causes Testis Development and Cardiac Defects in 46,XX Children. Am J Hum Genet 2018; 102:487-493. [PMID: 29478779 PMCID: PMC5985285 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2018.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence from murine studies suggests that mammalian sex determination is the outcome of an imbalance between mutually antagonistic male and female regulatory networks that canalize development down one pathway while actively repressing the other. However, in contrast to testis formation, the gene regulatory pathways governing mammalian ovary development have remained elusive. We performed exome or Sanger sequencing on 79 46,XX SRY-negative individuals with either unexplained virilization or with testicular/ovotesticular disorders/differences of sex development (TDSD/OTDSD). We identified heterozygous frameshift mutations in NR2F2, encoding COUP-TF2, in three children. One carried a c.103_109delGGCGCCC (p.Gly35Argfs∗75) mutation, while two others carried a c.97_103delCCGCCCG (p.Pro33Alafs∗77) mutation. In two of three children the mutation was de novo. All three children presented with congenital heart disease (CHD), one child with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), and two children with blepharophimosis-ptosis-epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES). The three children had androgen production, virilization of external genitalia, and biochemical or histological evidence of testicular tissue. We demonstrate a highly significant association between the NR2F2 loss-of-function mutations and this syndromic form of DSD (p = 2.44 × 10−8). We show that COUP-TF2 is highly abundant in a FOXL2-negative stromal cell population of the fetal human ovary. In contrast to the mouse, these data establish COUP-TF2 as a human “pro-ovary” and “anti-testis” sex-determining factor in female gonads. Furthermore, the data presented here provide additional evidence of the emerging importance of nuclear receptors in establishing human ovarian identity and indicate that nuclear receptors may have divergent functions in mouse and human biology.
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13
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Frydman N, Poulain M, Arkoun B, Duquenne C, Tourpin S, Messiaen S, Habert R, Rouiller-Fabre V, Benachi A, Livera G. Human foetal ovary shares meiotic preventing factors with the developing testis. Hum Reprod 2018; 32:631-642. [PMID: 28073973 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION How can pre-meiotic germ cells persist in the human foetal ovary? SUMMARY ANSWER Numerous oogonia escaping meiotic entry were retrieved throughout human ovarian development simultaneously with the expression of signalling pathways preventing meiosis, typically described in the rodent embryonic testis. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The transition from mitosis to meiosis is a key event in female germ cells that remains poorly documented in research on the human ovary. Previous reports described a strikingly asynchronous differentiation in the human female germ line during development, with the persistence of oogonia among oocytes and follicles during the second and third trimesters. The possible mechanisms allowing some cells to escape meiosis remain elusive. STUDY DESIGN SIZE, DURATION In order to document the extent of this phenomenon, we detailed the expression profile of germ cell differentiation markers using 73 ovaries ranging from 6.4 to 35 weeks post-fertilization. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING, METHODS Pre-meiotic markers were detected by immunohistochemistry or qRT-PCR. The expression of the main meiosis-preventing factors identified in mice was analysed, and their functionality assessed using organ cultures. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Oogonia stained for AP2γ could be traced from the first trimester until the end of the third trimester. Female germ cell differentiation is organized both in time and space in a centripetal manner in the foetal human ovary. Unexpectedly, some features usually ascribed to rodent pre-spermatogonia could be observed in human foetal ovaries, such as NANOS2 expression and quiescence in some germ cells. The two main somatic signals known to inhibit meiosis in the mouse embryonic testis, CYP26B1 and FGF9, were detected in the human ovary and act simultaneously to repress STRA8 and meiosis in human foetal female germ cells. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS REASON FOR CAUTION Our conclusions relied partly on in vitro experiments. Germ cells were not systematically identified with immunostaining and some may have thus escaped analysis. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS We found evidence that a robust repression of meiotic entry is taking place in the human foetal ovary, possibly explaining the exceptional long-lasting presence of pre-meiotic germ cells until late gestational age. This result calls for a redefinition of the markers known as classical male markers, which may in fact characterize mammalian developing gonads irrespectively of their sex. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This research was supported by the Université Paris Diderot-Paris 7 and Université Paris-Sud, CEA, INSERM, and Agence de la Biomédecine. The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelly Frydman
- Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, UMR 967, INSERM, CEA/DSV/iRCM/SCSR, Univ. Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France.,AP-HP, Reproductive Biology Unit, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Clamart F-92140, France
| | - Marine Poulain
- Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, UMR 967, INSERM, CEA/DSV/iRCM/SCSR, Univ. Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Fontenay aux RosesF-92265, France
| | - Brahim Arkoun
- Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, UMR 967, INSERM, CEA/DSV/iRCM/SCSR, Univ. Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Fontenay aux RosesF-92265, France
| | - Clotilde Duquenne
- Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, UMR 967, INSERM, CEA/DSV/iRCM/SCSR, Univ. Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Fontenay aux RosesF-92265, France
| | - Sophie Tourpin
- Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, UMR 967, INSERM, CEA/DSV/iRCM/SCSR, Univ. Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Fontenay aux RosesF-92265, France
| | - Sébastien Messiaen
- Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, UMR 967, INSERM, CEA/DSV/iRCM/SCSR, Univ. Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Fontenay aux RosesF-92265, France
| | - René Habert
- Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, UMR 967, INSERM, CEA/DSV/iRCM/SCSR, Univ. Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Fontenay aux RosesF-92265, France
| | - Virginie Rouiller-Fabre
- Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, UMR 967, INSERM, CEA/DSV/iRCM/SCSR, Univ. Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Fontenay aux RosesF-92265, France
| | - Alexandra Benachi
- AP-HP, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, ClamartF-92140, France
| | - Gabriel Livera
- Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, UMR 967, INSERM, CEA/DSV/iRCM/SCSR, Univ. Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Fontenay aux RosesF-92265, France
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14
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Eladak S, Moison D, Guerquin MJ, Matilionyte G, Kilcoyne K, N’Tumba-Byn T, Messiaen S, Deceuninck Y, Pozzi-Gaudin S, Benachi A, Livera G, Antignac JP, Mitchell R, Rouiller-Fabre V, Habert R. Effects of environmental Bisphenol A exposures on germ cell development and Leydig cell function in the human fetal testis. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0191934. [PMID: 29385186 PMCID: PMC5791995 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Using an organotypic culture system termed human Fetal Testis Assay (hFeTA) we previously showed that 0.01 μM BPA decreases basal, but not LH-stimulated, testosterone secreted by the first trimester human fetal testis. The present study was conducted to determine the potential for a long-term antiandrogenic effect of BPA using a xenograft model, and also to study the effect of BPA on germ cell development using both the hFETA and xenograft models. METHODS Using the hFeTA system, first trimester testes were cultured for 3 days with 0.01 to 10 μM BPA. For xenografts, adult castrate male nude mice were injected with hCG and grafted with first trimester testes. Host mice received 10 μM BPA (~ 500 μg/kg/day) in their drinking water for 5 weeks. Plasma levels of total and unconjugated BPA were 0.10 μM and 0.038 μM respectively. Mice grafted with second trimester testes received 0.5 and 50 μg/kg/day BPA by oral gavage for 5 weeks. RESULTS With first trimester human testes, using the hFeTA model, 10 μM BPA increased germ cell apoptosis. In xenografts, germ cell density was also reduced by BPA exposure. Importantly, BPA exposure significantly decreased the percentage of germ cells expressing the pluripotency marker AP-2γ, whilst the percentage of those expressing the pre-spermatogonial marker MAGE-A4 significantly increased. BPA exposure did not affect hCG-stimulated androgen production in first and second trimester xenografts as evaluated by both plasma testosterone level and seminal vesicle weight in host mice. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to BPA at environmentally relevant concentrations impairs germ cell development in first trimester human fetal testis, whilst gonadotrophin-stimulated testosterone production was unaffected in both first and second trimester testis. Studies using first trimester human fetal testis demonstrate the complementarity of the FeTA and xenograft models for determining the respective short-term and long term effects of environmental exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soria Eladak
- Univ. Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Delphine Moison
- Univ. Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Marie-Justine Guerquin
- Univ. Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Gabriele Matilionyte
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Karen Kilcoyne
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Thierry N’Tumba-Byn
- Univ. Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Sébastien Messiaen
- Univ. Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Yoann Deceuninck
- Laboratoire d’Etude des Résidus et Contaminants dans les Aliments (LABERCA), Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire Agroalimentaire et de l’Alimentation Nantes Atlantique (ONIRIS), Nantes, France
| | - Stéphanie Pozzi-Gaudin
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique et Médecine de la Reproduction, Hôpital A. Béclère, Université Paris Sud, Clamart, France
| | - Alexandra Benachi
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique et Médecine de la Reproduction, Hôpital A. Béclère, Université Paris Sud, Clamart, France
| | - Gabriel Livera
- Univ. Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Antignac
- Laboratoire d’Etude des Résidus et Contaminants dans les Aliments (LABERCA), Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire Agroalimentaire et de l’Alimentation Nantes Atlantique (ONIRIS), Nantes, France
| | - Rod Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Virginie Rouiller-Fabre
- Univ. Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - René Habert
- Univ. Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay aux Roses, France
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15
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Fouquet B, Pawlikowska P, Caburet S, Guigon C, Mäkinen M, Tanner L, Hietala M, Urbanska K, Bellutti L, Legois B, Bessieres B, Gougeon A, Benachi A, Livera G, Rosselli F, Veitia RA, Misrahi M. A homozygous FANCM mutation underlies a familial case of non-syndromic primary ovarian insufficiency. eLife 2017; 6:30490. [PMID: 29231814 PMCID: PMC5764568 DOI: 10.7554/elife.30490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) affects ~1% of women under forty. Exome sequencing of two Finnish sisters with non-syndromic POI revealed a homozygous mutation in FANCM, leading to a truncated protein (p.Gln1701*). FANCM is a DNA-damage response gene whose heterozygous mutations predispose to breast cancer. Compared to the mother's cells, the patients' lymphocytes displayed higher levels of basal and mitomycin C (MMC)-induced chromosomal abnormalities. Their lymphoblasts were hypersensitive to MMC and MMC-induced monoubiquitination of FANCD2 was impaired. Genetic complementation of patient's cells with wild-type FANCM improved their resistance to MMC re-establishing FANCD2 monoubiquitination. FANCM was more strongly expressed in human fetal germ cells than in somatic cells. FANCM protein was preferentially expressed along the chromosomes in pachytene cells, which undergo meiotic recombination. This mutation may provoke meiotic defects leading to a depleted follicular stock, as in Fancm-/- mice. Our findings document the first Mendelian phenotype due to a biallelic FANCM mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baptiste Fouquet
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Sud, Université Paris Saclay, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Patrycja Pawlikowska
- CNRS UMR8200,Equipe labellisée La Ligue Contre Le Cancer, Université Paris Sud, Université Paris Saclay, Gustave Roussy, Vilejuif, France
| | | | - Celine Guigon
- Université Paris-Diderot, CNRS, UMR 8251, INSERM, U1133, Paris, France
| | - Marika Mäkinen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Laura Tanner
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Marja Hietala
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Kaja Urbanska
- CNRS UMR8200, Université Paris Sud, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Laura Bellutti
- UMR967 INSERM, CEA/DRF/iRCM/SCSR/LDG, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | | | - Bettina Bessieres
- Department of Histology, Embryology and Cytogenetics, Hôpital Necker-enfants malades, Paris, France
| | - Alain Gougeon
- UMR Inserm 1052, CNRS 5286, Faculté de Médecine Laennec, Lyon, France
| | - Alexandra Benachi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, AP-HP, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Clamart, France
| | - Gabriel Livera
- UMR967 INSERM, CEA/DRF/iRCM/SCSR/LDG, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Filippo Rosselli
- CNRS UMR8200,Equipe labellisée La Ligue Contre Le Cancer, Université Paris Sud, Université Paris Saclay, Gustave Roussy, Vilejuif, France
| | - Reiner A Veitia
- Institut Jacques Monod, Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Micheline Misrahi
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Sud, Université Paris Saclay, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
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16
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Savchuk I, Morvan ML, Antignac JP, Gemzell-Danielsson K, Le Bizec B, Söder O, Svechnikov K. Androgenic potential of human fetal adrenals at the end of the first trimester. Endocr Connect 2017; 6:348-359. [PMID: 28592511 PMCID: PMC5516548 DOI: 10.1530/ec-17-0085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The onset of steroidogenesis in human fetal adrenal glands (HFA) during the first trimester is poorly investigated. An unresolved question is the capacity of the HFA to produce potent androgen DHT via conventional and/or the backdoor pathway(s) at the end of first trimester, when androgen-responsive organs are developed. Our aim was to explore steroidogenesis and the expression of steroidogenic enzymes and transcription factors in HFA at gestational weeks (GW) 9-12 with focus on their androgenic potential. Steroids in the HFA were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The expression of steroidogenic enzymes and transcription factors in the HFA at GW9-12 was investigated by qPCR, automated Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. We demonstrated that during GW9-12 HFA produced steroids of the ∆5, ∆4 and the backdoor pathways of the biosynthesis of DHT, though the latter was limited to production of 17α-OH-dihydroprogesterone, androsterone and androstanedione without further conversion to DHT. The only androgens identified in the HFA were testosterone and androsterone, a precursor in the biosynthesis of DHT. We also observed higher levels of CYP17A1 but low expression of 3βHSD2 at GW11-12 in the HFA. Elevated levels of CYP17A1 were associated with an increased expression of SF-1 and GATA-6. Altogether, our data demonstrate that of those steroids analyzed, the only potent androgen directly produced by the HFA at GW9-12 was testosterone. The onset of steroidogenesis in the HFA is a complex process that is regulated by the coordinated action of related transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Savchuk
- Department of Women's and Children's HealthPediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska Institute & University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M L Morvan
- LUNAM UniversitéÉcole Nationale Vétérinaire, Agroalimentaire et de l'Alimentation, Nantes-Atlantique (Oniris), Laboratoire d'Étude des Résidus et Contaminants dans les Aliments (LABERCA), USC INRA 1329, Nantes, France
| | - J P Antignac
- LUNAM UniversitéÉcole Nationale Vétérinaire, Agroalimentaire et de l'Alimentation, Nantes-Atlantique (Oniris), Laboratoire d'Étude des Résidus et Contaminants dans les Aliments (LABERCA), USC INRA 1329, Nantes, France
| | - K Gemzell-Danielsson
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyKarolinska Institute & University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - B Le Bizec
- LUNAM UniversitéÉcole Nationale Vétérinaire, Agroalimentaire et de l'Alimentation, Nantes-Atlantique (Oniris), Laboratoire d'Étude des Résidus et Contaminants dans les Aliments (LABERCA), USC INRA 1329, Nantes, France
| | - O Söder
- Department of Women's and Children's HealthPediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska Institute & University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - K Svechnikov
- Department of Women's and Children's HealthPediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska Institute & University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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17
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Martín-Ibáñez R, Guardia I, Pardo M, Herranz C, Zietlow R, Vinh NN, Rosser A, Canals JM. Insights in spatio-temporal characterization of human fetal neural stem cells. Exp Neurol 2017; 291:20-35. [PMID: 28131724 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2017.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2016] [Revised: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Primary human fetal cells have been used in clinical trials of cell replacement therapy for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington's disease (HD). However, human fetal primary cells are scarce and difficult to work with and so a renewable source of cells is sought. Human fetal neural stem cells (hfNSCs) can be generated from human fetal tissue, but little is known about the differences between hfNSCs obtained from different developmental stages and brain areas. In the present work we characterized hfNSCs, grown as neurospheres, obtained from three developmental stages: 4-5, 6-7 and 8-9weeks post conception (wpc) and four brain areas: forebrain, cortex, whole ganglionic eminence (WGE) and cerebellum. We observed that, as fetal brain development proceeds, the number of neural precursors is diminished and post-mitotic cells are increased. In turn, primary cells obtained from older embryos are more sensitive to the dissociation process, their viability is diminished and they present lower proliferation ratios compared to younger embryos. However, independently of the developmental stage of derivation proliferation ratios were very low in all cases. Improvements in the expansion rates were achieved by mechanical, instead of enzymatic, dissociation of neurospheres but not by changes in the seeding densities. Regardless of the developmental stage, neurosphere cultures presented large variability in the viability and proliferation rates during the initial 3-4 passages, but stabilized achieving significant expansion rates at passage 5 to 6. This was true also for all brain regions except cerebellar derived cultures that did not expand. Interestingly, the brain region of hfNSC derivation influences the expansion potential, being forebrain, cortex and WGE derived cells the most expandable compared to cerebellar. Short term expansion partially compromised the regional identity of cortical but not WGE cultures. Nevertheless, both expanded cultures were multipotent and kept the ability to differentiate to region specific mature neuronal phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Martín-Ibáñez
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Casanova 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Rosselló 149-153, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Networked Biomedical Research Centre for NeuroDegenerative Disorders (CIBERNED), Spain; Research and Development Unit, Cell Therapy Program, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Casanova 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Inés Guardia
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Casanova 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Rosselló 149-153, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Networked Biomedical Research Centre for NeuroDegenerative Disorders (CIBERNED), Spain.
| | - Mónica Pardo
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Casanova 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Rosselló 149-153, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Networked Biomedical Research Centre for NeuroDegenerative Disorders (CIBERNED), Spain.
| | - Cristina Herranz
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Casanova 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Rosselló 149-153, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Networked Biomedical Research Centre for NeuroDegenerative Disorders (CIBERNED), Spain; Research and Development Unit, Cell Therapy Program, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Casanova 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Rike Zietlow
- Cardiff University Brain Repair Group, Schools of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Cardiff, UK.
| | - Ngoc-Nga Vinh
- Cardiff University Brain Repair Group, Schools of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Cardiff, UK.
| | - Anne Rosser
- Cardiff University Brain Repair Group, Schools of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Cardiff, UK.
| | - Josep M Canals
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Casanova 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Rosselló 149-153, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Networked Biomedical Research Centre for NeuroDegenerative Disorders (CIBERNED), Spain; Research and Development Unit, Cell Therapy Program, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Casanova 143, 08036 Barcelona, Spain.
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18
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Di Santo S, Seiler S, Ducray AD, Meyer M, Widmer HR. A Subpopulation of Dopaminergic Neurons Coexpresses Serotonin in Ventral Mesencephalic Cultures But Not After Intrastriatal Transplantation in a Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease. Cell Transplant 2016; 26:679-691. [PMID: 27938488 DOI: 10.3727/096368916x693707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell replacement therapy is a promising avenue into the investigation and treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD), and in some cases, significant long-term motor improvements have been demonstrated. The main source of donor tissue is the human fetal ventral mesencephalon (FVM), which consists of a mixed neuronal population, and its heterogeneity likely contributes to the inconsistent outcome observed in clinical trials. Therefore, detailed knowledge about the neuronal subpopulations in the VM seems essential for successful cell transplantation. Interestingly, it has been reported that some tyrosine hydroxylase-positive (TH+) neurons in the VM of adult rats and in cultured midbrain-derived neuroblasts coexpress additional neurotransmitters. Thus, the present study investigated, by means of colocalization analyses, the possible expression of GABA or serotonin in TH+ neurons. For that purpose, both fetal rat and human dissociated, organotypic and neurosphere FVM cultures as well as an animal model of PD were investigated. In dissociated rat FVM cultures, approximately 30% of the TH+ neurons coexpressed serotonin, while no colocalization with GABA was observed. Interestingly, coexpression of TH and serotonin was found to be dependent on the time in culture, the plating density, and the exposure to neurotrophic factors, that is, higher cell densities and treatment with brain-derived neurotrophic factor resulted in a significantly reduced coexpression rate. Notably, even though approximately 30% of the dopaminergic neurons in the donor tissue coexpressed serotonin, no colocalization could be detected in grafts 1 month after intrastriatal transplantation into hemiparkinsonian rats. In conclusion, a significant and susceptible subpopulation of dopaminergic neurons in FVM tissues coexpresses serotonin. This might have potential implications for the future selection and handling of cells prior to transplantation in PD.
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19
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Savchuk I, Morvan ML, Søeborg T, Antignac JP, Gemzell-Danielsson K, Le Bizec B, Söder O, Svechnikov K. Resveratrol inhibits steroidogenesis in human fetal adrenocortical cells at the end of first trimester. Mol Nutr Food Res 2016; 61. [DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201600522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Revised: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Iuliia Savchuk
- Department of Women's and Children's Health; Pediatric Endocrinology Unit; Karolinska Institutet & Karolinska University Hospital; Stockholm Sweden
| | - Marie-Line Morvan
- LUNAM Université; École nationale vétérinaire; agroalimentaire et de l'alimentation Nantes-Atlantique (Oniris); Laboratoire d’Étude des Résidus et Contaminants dans les aliments (LABERCA); USC INRA; Nantes France
| | - Tue Søeborg
- Department of Growth and Reproduction; Rigshospitalet; Copenhagen University Hospital; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences; University of Copenhagen; Novo Nordisk A/S Måløv Denmark
| | - Jean-Philippe Antignac
- LUNAM Université; École nationale vétérinaire; agroalimentaire et de l'alimentation Nantes-Atlantique (Oniris); Laboratoire d’Étude des Résidus et Contaminants dans les aliments (LABERCA); USC INRA; Nantes France
| | | | - Bruno Le Bizec
- LUNAM Université; École nationale vétérinaire; agroalimentaire et de l'alimentation Nantes-Atlantique (Oniris); Laboratoire d’Étude des Résidus et Contaminants dans les aliments (LABERCA); USC INRA; Nantes France
| | - Olle Söder
- Department of Women's and Children's Health; Pediatric Endocrinology Unit; Karolinska Institutet & Karolinska University Hospital; Stockholm Sweden
| | - Konstantin Svechnikov
- Department of Women's and Children's Health; Pediatric Endocrinology Unit; Karolinska Institutet & Karolinska University Hospital; Stockholm Sweden
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20
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Lelos MJ, Morgan RJ, Kelly CM, Torres EM, Rosser AE, Dunnett SB. Amelioration of non-motor dysfunctions after transplantation of human dopamine neurons in a model of Parkinson's disease. Exp Neurol 2016; 278:54-61. [PMID: 26851542 PMCID: PMC4801014 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2016.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2015] [Revised: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Patients suffering from Parkinson's disease (PD) display cognitive and neuropsychiatric dysfunctions, especially with disease progression. Although these impairments have been reported to impact more heavily upon a patient's quality of life than any motor dysfunctions, there are currently no interventions capable of adequately targeting these non-motor deficits. Objectives Utilizing a rodent model of PD, we investigated whether cell replacement therapy, using intrastriatal transplants of human-derived ventral mesencephalic (hVM) grafts, could alleviate cognitive and neuropsychiatric, as well as motor, dysfunctions. Methods Rats with unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesions to the medial forebrain bundle were tested on a complex operant task that dissociates motivational, visuospatial and motor impairments sensitive to the loss of dopamine. A subset of lesioned rats received intrastriatal hVM grafts of ~ 9 weeks gestation. Post-graft, rats underwent repeated drug-induced rotation tests and were tested on two versions of the complex operant task, before post-mortem analysis of the hVM tissue grafts. Results Post-graft behavioural testing revealed that hVM grafts improved non-motor aspects of task performance, specifically visuospatial function and motivational processing, as well as alleviating motor dysfunctions. Conclusions We report the first evidence of human VM cell grafts alleviating both non-motor and motor dysfunctions in an animal model of PD. This intervention, therefore, is the first to improve cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms long-term in a model of PD. Non-motor dysfunctions affect quality of life in Parkinson's disease. We tested whether human-derived foetal dopamine cells could improve these deficits. Human dopamine cells improved rotational bias and movement impairments in a rat model. Non-motor dysfunctions, specifically visuospatial and motivational deficits, improved. This is the first evidence of improved non-motor deficits from human dopamine cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Lelos
- Brain Repair Group, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales CF10 3AX, UK.
| | - R J Morgan
- Brain Repair Group, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales CF10 3AX, UK
| | - C M Kelly
- Brain Repair Group, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales CF10 3AX, UK
| | - E M Torres
- Brain Repair Group, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales CF10 3AX, UK
| | - A E Rosser
- Brain Repair Group, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales CF10 3AX, UK
| | - S B Dunnett
- Brain Repair Group, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales CF10 3AX, UK
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21
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Abby E, Tourpin S, Ribeiro J, Daniel K, Messiaen S, Moison D, Guerquin J, Gaillard JC, Armengaud J, Langa F, Toth A, Martini E, Livera G. Implementation of meiosis prophase I programme requires a conserved retinoid-independent stabilizer of meiotic transcripts. Nat Commun 2016; 7:10324. [PMID: 26742488 PMCID: PMC4729902 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms10324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual reproduction is crucially dependent on meiosis, a conserved, specialized cell division programme that is essential for the production of haploid gametes. Here we demonstrate that fertility and the implementation of the meiotic programme require a previously uncharacterized meiosis-specific protein, MEIOC. Meioc invalidation in mice induces early and pleiotropic meiotic defects in males and females. MEIOC prevents meiotic transcript degradation and interacts with an RNA helicase that binds numerous meiotic mRNAs. Our results indicate that proper engagement into meiosis necessitates the specific stabilization of meiotic transcripts, a previously little-appreciated feature in mammals. Remarkably, the upregulation of MEIOC at the onset of meiosis does not require retinoic acid and STRA8 signalling. Thus, we propose that the complete induction of the meiotic programme requires both retinoic acid-dependent and -independent mechanisms. The latter process involving post-transcriptional regulation likely represents an ancestral mechanism, given that MEIOC homologues are conserved throughout multicellular animals. Meiosis is a cell division program that produces haploid gametes and is initiated by a retinoic acid-dependent process. Here the authors report that a meiosis-specific protein, MEIOC, is upregulated in a retinoic acid-independent manner and is required to stabilise meiosis-specific transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Abby
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Stem Cells and Radiation, UMR-967, BP 6, Fontenay-aux-Roses 92265, France.,CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses 92265, France.,INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay-aux-Roses F-92265, France.,Université Paris-Sud, UMR-967, Fontenay-aux-Roses F-92265, France
| | - Sophie Tourpin
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Stem Cells and Radiation, UMR-967, BP 6, Fontenay-aux-Roses 92265, France.,CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses 92265, France.,INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay-aux-Roses F-92265, France.,Université Paris-Sud, UMR-967, Fontenay-aux-Roses F-92265, France
| | - Jonathan Ribeiro
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Stem Cells and Radiation, UMR-967, BP 6, Fontenay-aux-Roses 92265, France.,CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses 92265, France.,INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay-aux-Roses F-92265, France.,Université Paris-Sud, UMR-967, Fontenay-aux-Roses F-92265, France
| | - Katrin Daniel
- Molecular Cell Biology Group/Experimental Center, Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Medical School, MTZ, Dresden University of Technology, Fiedlerstrasse 42, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Sébastien Messiaen
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Stem Cells and Radiation, UMR-967, BP 6, Fontenay-aux-Roses 92265, France.,CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses 92265, France.,INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay-aux-Roses F-92265, France.,Université Paris-Sud, UMR-967, Fontenay-aux-Roses F-92265, France
| | - Delphine Moison
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Stem Cells and Radiation, UMR-967, BP 6, Fontenay-aux-Roses 92265, France.,CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses 92265, France.,INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay-aux-Roses F-92265, France.,Université Paris-Sud, UMR-967, Fontenay-aux-Roses F-92265, France
| | - Justine Guerquin
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Stem Cells and Radiation, UMR-967, BP 6, Fontenay-aux-Roses 92265, France.,CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses 92265, France.,INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay-aux-Roses F-92265, France.,Université Paris-Sud, UMR-967, Fontenay-aux-Roses F-92265, France
| | - Jean-Charles Gaillard
- CEA, DSV/IBITEC-S/SPI/Li2D, Laboratory 'Innovative Technologies for Detection and Diagnostic', CEA-Marcoule, BP 17171, Bagnols-sur-Cèze F-30200, France
| | - Jean Armengaud
- CEA, DSV/IBITEC-S/SPI/Li2D, Laboratory 'Innovative Technologies for Detection and Diagnostic', CEA-Marcoule, BP 17171, Bagnols-sur-Cèze F-30200, France
| | - Francina Langa
- Centre d'Ingénierie Génétique Murine, Institut Pasteur, Paris 75015, France
| | - Attila Toth
- Molecular Cell Biology Group/Experimental Center, Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Medical School, MTZ, Dresden University of Technology, Fiedlerstrasse 42, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Emmanuelle Martini
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Stem Cells and Radiation, UMR-967, BP 6, Fontenay-aux-Roses 92265, France.,CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses 92265, France.,INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay-aux-Roses F-92265, France.,Université Paris-Sud, UMR-967, Fontenay-aux-Roses F-92265, France
| | - Gabriel Livera
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Stem Cells and Radiation, UMR-967, BP 6, Fontenay-aux-Roses 92265, France.,CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay-aux-Roses 92265, France.,INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay-aux-Roses F-92265, France.,Université Paris-Sud, UMR-967, Fontenay-aux-Roses F-92265, France
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Jørgensen A, Nielsen JE, Perlman S, Lundvall L, Mitchell RT, Juul A, Rajpert-De Meyts E. Ex vivo culture of human fetal gonads: manipulation of meiosis signalling by retinoic acid treatment disrupts testis development. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:2351-63. [PMID: 26251460 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are the effects of experimentally manipulating meiosis signalling by addition of retinoic acid (RA) in cultured human fetal gonads? SUMMARY ANSWER RA-treatment accelerated meiotic entry in cultured fetal ovary samples, while addition of RA resulted in a dysgenetic gonadal phenotype in fetal testis cultures. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY One of the first manifestations of sex differentiation is the initiation of meiosis in fetal ovaries. In contrast, meiotic entry is actively prevented in the fetal testis at this developmental time-point. It has previously been shown that RA-treatment mediates initiation of meiosis in human fetal ovary ex vivo. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a controlled ex vivo study of human fetal gonads treated with RA in 'hanging-drop' tissue cultures. The applied experimental set-up preserves germ cell-somatic niche interactions and the investigated outcomes included tissue integrity and morphology, cell proliferation and survival and the expression of markers of meiosis and sex differentiation. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Tissue from 24 first trimester human fetuses was included in this study, all from elective terminations at gestational week (GW) 7-12. Gonads were cultured for 2 weeks with and without addition of 1 µM RA. Samples were subsequently formalin-fixed and investigated by immunohistochemistry and cell counting. Proteins investigated and quantified included; octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4), transcription factor AP-2 gamma (AP2γ) (embryonic germ cell markers), SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 9 (SOX9), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) (immature Sertoli cell markers), COUP transcription factor 2 (COUP-TFII) (marker of interstitial cells), forkhead box L2 (FOXL2) (granulosa cell marker), H2A histone family, member X (γH2AX) (meiosis marker), doublesex and mab-3 related transcription factor 1 (DMRT1) (meiosis regulator), cleaved poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP), cleaved Caspase 3 (apoptosis markers) and Ki-67 antigen (Ki-67) (proliferation marker). Also, proliferation was determined using a 5'-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation assay. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE A novel ex vivo 'hanging-drop' culture model for human fetal gonads was successfully established. Continued proliferation of cells without signs of increased apoptosis was observed after 2 weeks of culture. In cultured fetal ovaries treated with RA, an increased number of meiotic germ cells (P < 0.05) and DMRT1-positive oogonia initiating meiosis (P < 0.05) was observed, which is in agreement with a previous study. In fetal testes, RA-treatment resulted in a decreased number of gonocytes (P < 0.05), a reduced percentage of proliferating gonocytes (P < 0.05), altered expression pattern of the somatic cell markers AMH and COUP-TFII, as well as disrupted seminiferous cord structure and testis morphology. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The number of samples included in this study was relatively small due to the limited availability of human fetal tissue. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The hanging-drop culture, similarly to other organ culture approaches, allows studies of germ cell-somatic niche interactions and determination of effects after manipulating specific signalling pathways. Our novel finding of disrupted fetal testis development after treatment with RA indicates that abnormal meiosis regulation can potentially cause gonadal dysgenesis. Further studies will elucidate the exact mechanisms and timing of observed effects. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This work was supported in part by an ESPE Research Fellowship, sponsored by Novo Nordisk A/S to A.Jø. Additional funding for this project was obtained from The Research Council of the Capital Region of Denmark (E.R.-D.M.), The Research Fund at Rigshospitalet (A.Ju. and J.E.N.), Familien Erichssens Fund (A.Jø.), Dagmar Marshalls Fund (A.Jø.) and Aase & Ejnar Danielsens Fund (A.Jø.). The authors have no conflicts of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Jørgensen
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - J E Nielsen
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - S Perlman
- Department of Gynaecology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
| | - L Lundvall
- Department of Gynaecology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
| | - R T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK Edinburgh Royal Hospital for Sick Children, 9 Sciennes Road, Edinburgh EH9 1LF, UK
| | - A Juul
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - E Rajpert-De Meyts
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Poulain M, Frydman N, Tourpin S, Muczynski V, Mucsynski V, Souquet B, Benachi A, Habert R, Rouiller-Fabre V, Livera G. Involvement of doublesex and mab-3-related transcription factors in human female germ cell development demonstrated by xenograft and interference RNA strategies. Mol Hum Reprod 2014; 20:960-71. [PMID: 25082981 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gau058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We identified three doublesex and mab-3-related transcription factors (DMRT) that were sexually differentially expressed in human fetal gonads and present in the ovaries at the time of meiotic initiation. These were also identified in murine embryonic female germ cells. Among these, we focused on DMRTA2 (DMRT5), whose function is unknown in the developing gonads, and clarified its role in human female fetal germ cells, using an original xenograft model. Early human fetal ovaries (8-11 weeks post-fertilization) were grafted into nude mice. Grafted ovaries developed normally, with no apparent overt changes, when compared with ungrafted ovaries at equivalent developmental stages. Appropriate germ cell density, mitotic/meiotic transition, markers of meiotic progression and follicle formation were evident. Four weeks after grafting, mice were treated with siRNA, specifically targeting human DMRTA2 mRNA. DMRTA2 inhibition triggered an increase in undifferentiated FUT4-positive germ cells and a decrease in the percentage of meiotic γH2AX-positive germ cells, when compared with mice that were injected with control siRNA. Interestingly, the expression of markers associated with pre-meiotic germ cell differentiation was also impaired, as was the expression of DMRTB1 (DMRT6) and DMRTC2 (DMRT7). This study reveals, for the first time, the requirement of DMRTA2 for normal human female embryonic germ cell development. DMRTA2 appears to be necessary for proper differentiation of oogonia, prior to entry into meiosis, in the human species. Additionally, we developed a new model of organ xenografting, coupled with RNA interference, which provides a useful tool for genetic investigations of human germline development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Poulain
- University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Stem Cells and Radiation, UMR 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France University Paris-Sud, UMR 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France AP-HP, University Paris-Sud, Reproductive Biology Unit, Clamart F-92140, France
| | - Nelly Frydman
- University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Stem Cells and Radiation, UMR 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France University Paris-Sud, UMR 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France AP-HP, University Paris-Sud, Reproductive Biology Unit, Clamart F-92140, France
| | - Sophie Tourpin
- University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Stem Cells and Radiation, UMR 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France University Paris-Sud, UMR 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France
| | - Vincent Muczynski
- University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Stem Cells and Radiation, UMR 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France University Paris-Sud, UMR 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France
| | - Vincent Mucsynski
- University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Stem Cells and Radiation, UMR 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France University Paris-Sud, UMR 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France
| | - Benoit Souquet
- University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Stem Cells and Radiation, UMR 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France University Paris-Sud, UMR 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France
| | - Alexandra Benachi
- AP-HP, University Paris-Sud, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clamart F-92140, France
| | - René Habert
- University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Stem Cells and Radiation, UMR 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France University Paris-Sud, UMR 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France
| | - Virginie Rouiller-Fabre
- University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Stem Cells and Radiation, UMR 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France University Paris-Sud, UMR 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France
| | - Gabriel Livera
- University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Stem Cells and Radiation, UMR 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France CEA, DSV, iRCM, SCSR, LDG, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France INSERM, Unité 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France University Paris-Sud, UMR 967, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France
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Pauly MC, Döbrössy MD, Nikkhah G, Winkler C, Piroth T. Organization of the human fetal subpallium. Front Neuroanat 2014; 7:54. [PMID: 24474906 PMCID: PMC3893616 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2013.00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 12/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The subpallium comprises large parts of the basal ganglia including striatum and globus pallidus. Genes and factors involved in the development of the subpallium have been extensively studied in most vertebrates, including amphibians, birds, and rodents. However, our knowledge on patterning of the human subpallium remains insufficient. Using double fluorescent immunohistochemistry, we investigated the protein distribution of transcription factors involved in patterning of the subventricular zone (SVZ) in the human forebrain at late embryonic development. Furthermore, we compared the development of cortical and striatal precursors between human fetal brain and E14 and E16 fetal rat brains. Our results reveal that DLX2 marks SVZ precursors in the entire subpallium. Individual subpallial subdomains can be identified based on co-expression of DLX2 with either PAX6 or NKX2-1. SVZ precursors in the dorsal LGE and preopto-hypothalamic boundary are characterized by DLX2/PAX6 co-expression, while precursors in the MGE and preoptic region co-express DLX2/NKX2-1. SVZ precursors in the ventral LGE are DLX2(+)/PAX6(-)/NKX2-1(-). In terms of staging comparisons, the development of the corpus striatum in the human fetal brain during late embryonic stages corresponds well with the development of the striatum observed in E14 fetal rat brains. Our study demonstrates that the pattern underlying the development of the subpallium is highly conserved between rodents and humans and suggests a similar function for these factors in human brain development. Moreover, our data directly influence the application of ganglionic eminence derived human tissue for cell therapeutic approaches in neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Christin Pauly
- Department of Neurology, University Freiburg - Medical Center Freiburg, Germany ; Department of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, University Freiburg - Medical Center Freiburg, Germany
| | - Máté D Döbrössy
- Department of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, University Freiburg - Medical Center Freiburg, Germany
| | - Guido Nikkhah
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Clinic Erlangen Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christian Winkler
- Department of Neurology, University Freiburg - Medical Center Freiburg, Germany ; Department of Neurology, Lindenbrunn Hospital Coppenbrügge, Germany
| | - Tobias Piroth
- Department of Neurology, University Freiburg - Medical Center Freiburg, Germany
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25
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N'Tumba-Byn T, Moison D, Lacroix M, Lecureuil C, Lesage L, Prud'homme SM, Pozzi-Gaudin S, Frydman R, Benachi A, Livera G, Rouiller-Fabre V, Habert R. Differential effects of bisphenol A and diethylstilbestrol on human, rat and mouse fetal leydig cell function. PLoS One 2012; 7:e51579. [PMID: 23284716 PMCID: PMC3524173 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0051579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2012] [Accepted: 11/01/2012] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Endocrine disruptors (ED) have been incriminated in the current increase of male reproductive alterations. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely used weak estrogenic environmental ED and it is debated whether BPA concentrations within the average internal exposure are toxic. In the present study we investigated the effects of 10(-12) to 10(-5) M BPA concentrations on fetal Leydig cell function, as fetal life is a critical period of sensitivity to ED effects on male reproductive function. To this aim, fetal testes from human at 6.5-10.5 gestational weeks (GW) or from rat and mouse at a comparable critical period of development (14.5 days post-coitum (dpc) for rat and 12.5 dpc for mouse) were explanted and cultured using our validated organotypic culture system in the presence or absence of BPA for 1-3 days. BPA concentrations as low as 10(-8) M reduced testosterone secretion by human testes from day 1 of culture onwards, but not by mouse and rat testes where concentrations equal to 10(-5) M BPA were required. Similarly, 10(-8) M BPA reduced INSL3 mRNA levels only in human cultured testes. On the contrary, 10(-5) and 10(-6) M diethylstilbestrol (DES), a classical estrogenic compound, affected testosterone secretion only in rat and mouse testis cultures, but not in human testis cultures. Lastly, contrarily to the DES effect, the negative effect of BPA on testosterone produced by the mouse fetal testis was maintained after invalidation of estrogen receptor α (ERα). In conclusion, these results evidenced i) a deleterious effect of BPA on fetal Leydig cells function in human for concentrations from 10(-8) M upwards, ii) species-specific differences raising concerns about extrapolation of data from rodent studies to human risk assessment, iii) a specific signaling pathway for BPA which differs from the DES one and which does not involve ERα.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry N'Tumba-Byn
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Stem Cells and Radiation, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
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26
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Effect of mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate on human and mouse fetal testis: In vitro and in vivo approaches. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2012; 261:97-104. [PMID: 22484159 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2012.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2012] [Revised: 03/20/2012] [Accepted: 03/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The present study was conducted to determine whether exposure to the mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) represents a genuine threat to male human reproductive function. To this aim, we investigated the effects on human male fetal germ cells of a 10⁻⁵ M exposure. This dose is slightly above the mean concentrations found in human fetal cord blood samples by biomonitoring studies. The in vitro experimental approach was further validated for phthalate toxicity assessment by comparing the effects of in vitro and in vivo exposure in mouse testes. Human fetal testes were recovered during the first trimester (7-12 weeks) of gestation and cultured in the presence or not of 10⁻⁵ M MEHP for three days. Apoptosis was quantified by measuring the percentage of Caspase-3 positive germ cells. The concentration of phthalate reaching the fetal gonads was determined by radioactivity measurements, after incubations with ¹⁴C-MEHP. A 10⁻⁵ M exposure significantly increased the rate of apoptosis in human male fetal germ cells. The intratesticular MEHP concentration measured corresponded to the concentration added in vitro to the culture medium. Furthermore, a comparable effect on germ cell apoptosis in mouse fetal testes was induced both in vitro and in vivo. This study suggests that this 10⁻⁵ M exposure is sufficient to induce changes to the in vivo development of the human fetal male germ cells.
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27
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Long-term expansion of human foetal neural progenitors leads to reduced graft viability in the neonatal rat brain. Exp Neurol 2012; 235:563-73. [PMID: 22475737 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2012.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2011] [Revised: 02/27/2012] [Accepted: 03/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported that early passage human foetal neural progenitors (hFNPs) survive long-term in the rodent host brain whereas late passage cells disappear at later post-graft survival times. The extent to which this finding is related to changes in the expanded FNPs or in the adult host brain environment was not determined. Here we report the effect of expanding hFNPs for different periods of time in vitro on their ability to survive transplantation into the neonatal rat hippocampus, a generally more permissive environment than the adult rat brain. After 2 and 8 weeks in vitro, transplanted hFNPs formed large grafts, most of which survived well until at least 12 weeks. However, following continued expansion, hFNPs formed smaller grafts, and cells transplanted after 20 weeks expansion produced no surviving grafts, even at early survival times. To determine whether this could be due to a dilution of "true" neural stem cells through more differentiated progeny over time in culture, we derived homogeneous neural stem (NS) cells grown as a monolayer from the 8 week expanded hFNPs. These cells homogeneously expressed the neural stem cell markers sox-2, 3CB2 and nestin and were expanded for 5 months before transplantation into the neonatal rat brain. However, these cells exhibited a similar survival profile to the long-term expanded FNPs. These results indicate that, while the cellular phenotype of neural stem cells may appear to be stable in vitro using standard markers, expansion profoundly influences the ability of such cells to form viable grafts.
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28
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Angenard G, Muczynski V, Coffigny H, Duquenne C, Frydman R, Habert R, Livera G, Rouiller-Fabre V. In vitro effects of Uranium on human fetal germ cells. Reprod Toxicol 2011; 31:470-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2010.12.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2010] [Revised: 11/25/2010] [Accepted: 12/22/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Freeman TB, Cicchetti F, Bachoud-Lévi AC, Dunnett SB. Technical factors that influence neural transplant safety in Huntington's disease. Exp Neurol 2010; 227:1-9. [PMID: 20849848 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2010.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2010] [Revised: 08/18/2010] [Accepted: 08/21/2010] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- T B Freeman
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33606-3571, USA.
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30
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Le Bouffant R, Guerquin MJ, Duquenne C, Frydman N, Coffigny H, Rouiller-Fabre V, Frydman R, Habert R, Livera G. Meiosis initiation in the human ovary requires intrinsic retinoic acid synthesis. Hum Reprod 2010; 25:2579-90. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deq195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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Lutterodt MC, Rosendahl M, Yding Andersen C, Skouby SO, Byskov AG. Age determination enhanced by embryonic foot bud and foot plate measurements in relation to Carnegie stages, and the influence of maternal cigarette smoking. Hum Reprod 2009; 24:1825-33. [PMID: 19429660 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dep176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reliable age determination of first-trimester human embryos and fetuses is an important parameter for clinical use and basic science. Age determination by ultrasound or morphometric parameters of embryos 4-6 weeks post conception (p.c.) have been questioned, and more accurate methods are required. Data on whether and how maternal smoking and alcohol consumption influence embryonic and fetal foot growth is also lacking. METHODS Embryonic tissue from 102 first-trimester legal abortions (aged 35-69 days p.c.) were collected. All women answered a questionnaire concerning smoking and drinking habits, and delivered a urine sample for cotinine analysis. Embryonic age was evaluated by vaginal ultrasound measurements and by post-termination foot length and compared with the Carnegie stages. RESULTS Foot bud and foot plate were defined and measured as foot length in embryos aged 35-47 days p.c. (range 0.8-2.1 mm). In embryos and fetuses aged 41-69 days p.c., heel-toe length was measured (range 2.5-7.5 mm). We found a significant linear correlation between foot length and age. Morphology of the feet was compared visually with the Carnegie collection, and we found that the mean ages of the two collections correlated well. Foot length was independent of gender, Environmental Tobacco Smoke, maternal smoking and alcohol consumption. CONCLUSION Foot length correlated linearly to embryonic and foetal age, and was unaffected by gender, ETS, maternal smoking and alcohol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Lutterodt
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Guerquin MJ, Duquenne C, Coffigny H, Rouiller-Fabre V, Lambrot R, Bakalska M, Frydman R, Habert R, Livera G. Sex-specific differences in fetal germ cell apoptosis induced by ionizing radiation. Hum Reprod 2008; 24:670-8. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/den410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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33
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Jozan S, Aziza J, Châtelin S, Evra C, Courtade-Saïdi M, Parant O, Sol JC, Zhou H, Lazorthes Y. Human fetal chromaffin cells: A potential tool for cell pain therapy. Exp Neurol 2007; 205:525-35. [PMID: 17466976 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2007.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2006] [Revised: 01/30/2007] [Accepted: 03/12/2007] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Transplantation of adrenal medulla cells has been proposed in the treatment of various conditions. Indeed, these cells possess a bipotentiality: neural and neuroendocrine, which could be exploited for brain repair or pain therapy. In a previous study, we characterized these human cells in vitro over 7-10 gestational weeks (GW) [Zhou, H., Aziza, J., Sol, J.C., Courtade-Saidi, M., Chatelin, S., Evra, C., Parant, O., Lazorthes, Y., and Jozan, S., 2006. Cell therapy of pain: Characterization of human fetal chromaffin cells at early adrenal medulla development. Exp. Neurol. 198, 370-381]. We report here our results on the extension to 23 GW. This developmental period can be split into three stages. During the first stage (7-10 GW), we observed in situ that extra-adrenal surrounding cells display the same morphology and phenotype as the intra-adrenal chromaffin cells. We also found that the intra-adrenal chromaffin cells could be committed in vitro towards an adrenergic phenotype using differentiating agents. During the second stage (11 to 15-16 GW), two types of cells (Type 1 and Type 2 cells) were identified morphologically both inside and outside the gland. Interestingly, we noted that the Type 2 cells stem from the Type 1 cells. However, during this developmental period only the intra-adrenal Type 2 cells will evolve towards an adrenergic phenotype. In the third stage (17-23 GW), we observed the ultimate location of the medulla gland. Both the in situ results and the in vitro experiments indicate that particular procedures need to be implemented prior transplantation of chromaffin cells. First, in order to obtain a large number of immature chromaffin cells, they must be isolated from the intra and extra-adrenal gland and should then be committed towards an adrenergic phenotype in vitro for subsequent use in pain therapy. This strategy is under investigation in our laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Jozan
- Laboratory of Pain and Cell Therapy EA 3039, Rangueil Medical School, Histology-Embryology Department, 31062 Toulouse Cedex, France.
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Lambrot R, Livera G, Coffigny H, Pairault C, Frydman R, Habert R, Rouiller-Fabre V. A new method for toxicity assays on human and mouse fetal testis. Biochimie 2006; 88:1831-5. [PMID: 17070978 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2006.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2006] [Accepted: 09/21/2006] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to environmental pollutants (EP) is associated with a wide range of toxic effects, in particular in testis development. Uranium is a potential pollutant of nuclear industry and over the last few years, its environmental concentrations have increased. In animals, the current procedures for evaluating the potential developmental toxicity of uranium are based on in vivo studies. These methods do not allow to know the direct effects on testicular cells and are obviously excluded for human experiments. Consequently, we have developed an in vitro culture system of the whole testis. In the present study we characterized and validated this organ culture system in both mouse fetal testes and human fetal testes recovered during the first trimester (6-12 weeks) of gestation. We compared the histological aspect, the number of germ cells and the testosterone production, before and after culture. Testicular architecture and intercellular communications were preserved, and organ culture appears as a powerful method for studying the early development of testicular gametogenesis and steroidogenesis in both species. Thus by using this method we will be able to investigate the effects of uranium on mouse and human developing testis. The mouse model will allow us to determine the dose range of interest without restriction of material.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Lambrot
- CEA, DSV/DRR/SEGG/LDRG, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.
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Zietlow R, Pekarik V, Armstrong RJE, Tyers P, Dunnett SB, Rosser AE. The survival of neural precursor cell grafts is influenced by in vitro expansion. J Anat 2006; 207:227-40. [PMID: 16185247 PMCID: PMC1571534 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2005.00449.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic neural precursor cells (ENPs) provide a potential alternative for transplantation in neurodegenerative diseases, as they can be expanded in culture, avoiding many of the practical obstacles that limit the application of transplanting primary neurones. However, grafts of ENPs into animal models show variable survival and limited differentiation into neurones. The effect of expansion time on their ability to survive and differentiate may be an important factor in this and has not been examined directly. In these experiments, murine and human ENPs were expanded for short (4 weeks) and long (20 weeks) periods before transplantation into the adult rat striatum. Whereas grafts of both short- and long-term expanded human ENPs survived for 4 weeks following transplantation, by 20 weeks all long-term expanded grafts had disappeared. Murine ENPs behaved similarly: only grafts of short-term expanded ENPs survived at 12 weeks following transplantation. RT-PCR analysis of ENP cultures after 4 and 20 weeks of expansion demonstrated changes in expression of a number of different groups of genes. We conclude that long-term expansion of ENPs profoundly impairs their ability to survive long-term after transplantation into the adult brain. This has implications for the potential use of these cells for neural transplantation strategies.
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Zhou H, Aziza J, Sol JC, Courtade-Saïdi M, Chatelin S, Evra C, Parant O, Lazorthes Y, Jozan S. Cell therapy of pain: Characterization of human fetal chromaffin cells at early adrenal medulla development. Exp Neurol 2006; 198:370-81. [PMID: 16443224 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2005.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2005] [Revised: 09/08/2005] [Accepted: 12/05/2005] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Adult adrenal chromaffin cells are being utilized for therapeutic transplantation. With the prospect of using fetal chromaffin cells in pain therapy, we studied their phenotype, proliferative power, function, and growth in vitro and in situ in order to determine the optimal time for implantation. Between 7 and 10 gestational weeks (GW), we isolated, in vitro, two types of chromaffin cells with a noradrenergic phenotype akin to that observed, in situ. Among the adherent chromaffin cells first observed in vitro, only a few samples expressed met-enkephalin, whereas almost all the neurosphere-like colonies, which appeared later, expressed it. However, neither of the two types of populations expressed an adrenergic phenotype in line with that observed in situ. At the upper limits of the voluntary abortion period authorized in France, this phenotype (12 GW) and met-enkephalin expression (13 GW) were evidenced in situ. For the first time in man, we demonstrate the secretion of noradrenaline in vitro by the two populations of cells. Consistent with this result, we also noted dopamine beta hydroxylase (DbetaH) mRNA expression in vitro and in situ within this period. These observations on the expression of these biological factors indicate that 9-10 GW would be the best stage for sampling these cells for preclinical transplantation experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Zhou
- Laboratory of Pain and Cell Therapy, 133 Route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse Cedex, France
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Lindskog M, Kogner P, Ponthan F, Schweinhardt P, Sandstedt B, Heiden T, Helms G, Spenger C. Noninvasive estimation of tumour viability in a xenograft model of human neuroblastoma with proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS). Br J Cancer 2003; 88:478-85. [PMID: 12569394 PMCID: PMC2747540 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6600704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H MRS) for noninvasive biological characterisation of neuroblastoma xenografts in vivo. For designing the experiments, human neuroblastoma xenografts growing subcutaneously in nude rats were analysed in vivo with (1)H MRS and magnetic resonance imaging at 4.7 T. The effects of spontaneous tumour growth and antiangiogenesis treatment, respectively, on spectral characteristics were evaluated. The spectroscopic findings were compared to tumour morphology, proliferation and viable tumour tissue fraction. The results showed that signals from choline (Cho)-containing compounds and mobile lipids (MLs) dominated the spectra. The individual ML/Cho ratios for both treated and untreated tumours were positively correlated with tumour volume (P<0.05). There was an inverse correlation between the ML/Cho ratio and the viable tumour fraction (r=-0.86, P<0.001). Higher ML/Cho ratios concomitant with pronounced histological changes were seen in spectra from tumours treated with the antiangiogenic drug TNP-470, compared to untreated control tumours (P<0.05). In conclusion, the ML/Cho ratio obtained in vivo by (1)H MRS enabled accurate assessment of the viable tumour fraction in a human neuroblastoma xenograft model. (1)H MRS also revealed early metabolic effects of antiangiogenesis treatment. (1)H MRS could prove useful as a tool to monitor experimental therapy in preclinical models of neuroblastoma, and possibly also in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Lindskog
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska Hospital, S-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - P Kogner
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska Hospital, S-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska Hospital, S-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden. E-mail:
| | - F Ponthan
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska Hospital, S-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - P Schweinhardt
- MR-Centre, Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet S-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - B Sandstedt
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska Hospital, S-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - T Heiden
- Research Group Tumor Genetics and Molecular Genetics, Institute of Medical Genetics, Charite, Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany
| | - G Helms
- MR-Centre, Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet S-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - C Spenger
- MR-Centre, Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet S-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
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Bendsen E, Byskov AG, Laursen SB, Larsen HPE, Andersen CY, Westergaard LG. Number of germ cells and somatic cells in human fetal testes during the first weeks after sex differentiation. Hum Reprod 2003; 18:13-8. [PMID: 12525434 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deg057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study presents the number of germ cells and somatic cells in human fetal testes during week 6 to week 9 post conception, i.e. the first weeks following sex differentiation of the testes. METHODS One testis with attached mesonephros from each of 10 individual legal abortions was used. After recovery of the fetus, the testes were immediately isolated, fixed and processed for histology. The optical fractionator technique, a stereological method, was utilized to estimate the total number of germ cells in ten testes and somatic cells in six of them. RESULTS The number of germ cells per testis increased from approximately 3000 in week 6 to approximately 30000 in week 9. The ratio of germ cells to Sertoli cells was approximately 1:11 and the ratio of germ cells to somatic cells was approximately 1:44 throughout this period. CONCLUSIONS For the first time, germ cell and somatic cell number have been determined during early human fetal testis development. Knowledge of the number of germ cells in this period may be very important, because several environmental pollutants are suspected to result in decreased semen quality in men born of mothers exposed to these pollutants during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eske Bendsen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital of Odense, Sdr Boulevard 29, 5000 Odense C København Ø, Denmark.
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Sánchez-Pernaute R, Studer L, Bankiewicz KS, Major EO, McKay RD. In vitro generation and transplantation of precursor-derived human dopamine neurons. J Neurosci Res 2001; 65:284-8. [PMID: 11494363 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.1152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The use of in vitro expanded human CNS precursors has the potential to overcome some of the ethical, logistic and technical problems of fetal tissue transplantation in Parkinson disease. Cultured rat mesencephalic precursors proliferate in response to bFGF and upon mitogen withdrawal, differentiate into functional dopamine neurons that alleviate motor symptoms in Parkinsonian rats (Studer et al. [1998] Nat. Neurosci. 1:290-295). The successful clinical application of CNS precursor technology in Parkinson disease will depend on the efficient in vitro generation of human dopaminergic neurons. We demonstrate that human dopamine neurons can be generated from both midbrain and cortical precursors. Transplantation of midbrain precursor-derived dopamine neurons into Parkinsonian rats resulted in grafts rich in tyrosine hydroxylase positive neurons 6 weeks after transplantation. No surviving tyrosine hydroxylase positive neurons could be detected when dopamine neurons derived from cortical precursors were grafted. Our data demonstrate in vitro derivation of human dopamine neurons from expanded CNS precursors and encourage further studies that systematically address in vivo function and clinical potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Sánchez-Pernaute
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Neuroscience, NINDS, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Bauer M, Meyer M, Sautter J, Gasser T, Ueffing M, Widmer HR. Liposome-mediated gene transfer to fetal human ventral mesencephalic explant cultures. Neurosci Lett 2001; 308:169-72. [PMID: 11479015 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-3940(01)01999-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The feasibility of non-viral gene transfer using liposomes is described for human fetal nigral tissue. Ventral mesencephalic explants from 6 to 12 week old fetuses were grown as free-floating roller tube cultures. For the transfection, a vector coding for beta-galactosidase driven by the Rous Sarcoma Virus promoter was used. The developmental stage of the human tissue, time in vitro and the amount of vector DNA used significantly influenced the transfection efficiency. Optimal transfection results were obtained with tissue from a 10 week old fetus, cultured for 4 days and transfected with mixtures containing 4 microg vector DNA. Histological analysis suggested that a specific population of ventral mesencephalic precursor cells were the target for the gene transfer. This finding might have implications for gene delivery and cell replacement strategies in Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bauer
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Grobetahadern, University of Munich, Marchioninistrabetae 15, 81366, Munich, Germany
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Josephson A, Widenfalk J, Widmer HW, Olson L, Spenger C. NOGO mRNA expression in adult and fetal human and rat nervous tissue and in weight drop injury. Exp Neurol 2001; 169:319-28. [PMID: 11358445 DOI: 10.1006/exnr.2001.7659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Nogo is a myelin-associated protein known to inhibit growth of neurites. In order to understand possible physiological roles of Nogo, we performed in situ hybridization using rat and human probes complementary to a Nogo-A-specific sequence and a sequence shared by all known Nogo transcripts recognizing nogo-A, -B, and -C. We studied the cellular distribution of nogo-mRNA in fetal and adult human and rat tissues, with a focus on the spinal cord and ganglia. Rat mRNA expression was also studied in a spinal cord weight-drop model and in animals exposed to kainic acid. In human fetal tissue, nogo-A was strongly expressed in the ventral two-thirds of the spinal cord, the dorsal root ganglia, and autonomic ganglia. Similarly, nogo-A mRNA expression was observed in the adult human spinal cord and ganglia. High levels of nogo-A message were observed in neurons, such as motor neurons and sensory ganglia neurons. The distribution of nogo message in rats resembled that seen in human tissues. Thus, nogo mRNA was expressed in neurons and oligodendrocytes, but not astrocytes or Schwann cells. In addition, expression of nogo-A mRNA was observed in human and rat developing muscle tissue. High level of nogo-mRNA were also expressed in the rat trigeminal ganglion and trigeminal pontine nucleus. In fetal rats the adrenal gland and cell clusters in the liver were positive for the nogo-ABC pan-probe, but negative for the nogo-A probe. While neurons in the adult rat brain were generally positive, very prominent nogo-A mRNA and nogo-ABC mRNA signals were obtained from neurons of the hippocampus, piriform cortex, the red nucleus, and the oculomotor nucleus. Nogo-A mRNA expression was markedly reduced in the epicenter of a lesion in the spinal cord of adult rats 6 and 24 h after a weight-drop injury, while no perifocal upregulation of nogo mRNA was seen. No obvious change of nogo expression was detected in kainic acid exposed animals. In conclusion our in situ hybridization study has demonstrated widespread expression of nogo mRNA in the fetal, developing and adult nervous system of rat and man. In addition to oligodendroglial cells, high levels of nogo-A mRNA expression were found in neurons, raising important questions about the function of neuronal nogo mRNA. No obvious regulation of nogo was detected following injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Josephson
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, S-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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