1
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Schumacher S, Fernkorn M, Marten M, Chen R, Kim YS, Bedzhov I, Schröter C. Tissue-intrinsic beta-catenin signals antagonize Nodal-driven anterior visceral endoderm differentiation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5055. [PMID: 38871742 PMCID: PMC11176336 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49380-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The anterior-posterior axis of the mammalian embryo is laid down by the anterior visceral endoderm (AVE), an extraembryonic signaling center that is specified within the visceral endoderm. Current models posit that AVE differentiation is promoted globally by epiblast-derived Nodal signals, and spatially restricted by a BMP gradient established by the extraembryonic ectoderm. Here, we report spatially restricted AVE differentiation in bilayered embryo-like aggregates made from mouse embryonic stem cells that lack an extraembryonic ectoderm. Notably, clusters of AVE cells also form in pure visceral endoderm cultures upon activation of Nodal signaling, indicating that tissue-intrinsic factors can restrict AVE differentiation. We identify β-catenin activity as a tissue-intrinsic factor that antagonizes AVE-inducing Nodal signals. Together, our results show how an AVE-like population can arise through interactions between epiblast and visceral endoderm alone. This mechanism may be a flexible solution for axis patterning in a wide range of embryo geometries, and provide robustness to axis patterning when coupled with signal gradients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Schumacher
- Department of Systemic Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Max Fernkorn
- Department of Systemic Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Michelle Marten
- Department of Systemic Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Rui Chen
- Embryonic Self-Organization research group, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | - Yung Su Kim
- Embryonic Self-Organization research group, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
- Integrated Biosystems and Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ivan Bedzhov
- Embryonic Self-Organization research group, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | - Christian Schröter
- Department of Systemic Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, Germany.
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2
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Manning E, Placzek M. Organizing activities of axial mesoderm. Curr Top Dev Biol 2024; 157:83-123. [PMID: 38556460 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2024.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
For almost a century, developmental biologists have appreciated that the ability of the embryonic organizer to induce and pattern the body plan is intertwined with its differentiation into axial mesoderm. Despite this, we still have a relatively poor understanding of the contribution of axial mesoderm to induction and patterning of different body regions, and the manner in which axial mesoderm-derived information is interpreted in tissues of changing competence. Here, with a particular focus on the nervous system, we review the evidence that axial mesoderm notochord and prechordal mesoderm/mesendoderm act as organizers, discuss how their influence extends through the different axes of the developing organism, and describe how the ability of axial mesoderm to direct morphogenesis impacts on its role as a local organizer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Manning
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom; Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Marysia Placzek
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom; Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom; Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.
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3
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Messmore M, Kassab AJ, Prather RO, Arceo DAC, DeCampli W. Cilia and Nodal Flow in Asymmetry: An Engineering Perspective. Crit Rev Biomed Eng 2024; 52:63-82. [PMID: 38523441 DOI: 10.1615/critrevbiomedeng.2024051678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Over the past several years, cilia in the primitive node have become recognized more and more for their contribution to development, and more specifically, for their role in axis determination. Although many of the mechanisms behind their influence remain undocumented, it is known that their presence and motion in the primitive node of developing embryos is the determinant of the left-right axis. Studies on cilial mechanics and nodal fluid dynamics have provided clues as to how this asymmetry mechanism works, and more importantly, have shown that direct manipulation of the flow field in the node can directly influence physiology. Although relatively uncommon, cilial disorders have been shown to have a variety of impacts on individuals from chronic respiratory infections to infertility, as well as situs inversus which is linked to congenital heart disease. After first providing background information pertinent to understanding nodal flow and information on why this discussion is important, this paper aims to give a review of the history of nodal cilia investigations, an overview of cilia mechanics and nodal flow dynamics, as well as a review of research studies current and past that sought to understand the mechanisms behind nodal cilia's involvement in symmetry-breaking pathways through a biomedical engineering perspective. This discussion has the additional intention to compile interdisciplinary knowledge on asymmetry and development such that it may encourage more collaborative efforts between the sciences on this topic, as well as provide insight on potential paths forward in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alain J Kassab
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Central Florida, 4000 Central Florida Blvd, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Ray O Prather
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, FL, 32114, USA; University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA; The Heart Center at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Orlando, FL 32806, USA
| | - David A Castillo Arceo
- College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS), University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - William DeCampli
- University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, 32816, USA; The Heart Center, Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Orlando, FL, 32806, USA
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4
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Xu J, Zhang L, Ye Z, Chang B, Tu Z, Du X, Wen X, Teng Y. A 3D "sandwich" co-culture system with vascular niche supports mouse embryo development from E3.5 to E7.5 in vitro. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:349. [PMID: 38072932 PMCID: PMC10712047 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03583-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Various methods for ex utero culture systems have been explored. However, limitations remain regarding the in vitro culture platforms used before implanting mouse embryos and the normal development of mouse blastocysts in vitro. Furthermore, vascular niche support during mouse embryo development from embryonic day (E) 3.5 to E7.5 is unknown in vitro. METHODS This study established a three-dimensional (3D) "sandwich" vascular niche culture system with in vitro culture medium (IVCM) using human placenta perivascular stem cells (hPPSCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (hUVECs) as supportive cells (which were seeded into the bottom layer of Matrigel) to test mouse embryos from E3.5 to E7.5 in vitro. The development rates and greatest diameters of mouse embryos from E3.5 to E7.5 were quantitatively determined using SPSS software statistics. Pluripotent markers and embryo transplantation were used to monitor mouse embryo quality and function in vivo. RESULTS Embryos in the IVCM + Cells (hPPSCs + hUVECs) group showed higher development rates and greater diameters at each stage than those in the IVCM group. Embryos in the IVCM + Cells group cultured to E5.5 morphologically resembled natural egg cylinders and expressed specific embryonic cell markers, including Oct4 and Nanog. These features were similar to those of embryos developed in vivo. After transplantation, the embryos were re-implanted in the internal uterus and continued to develop to a particular stage. CONCLUSIONS The 3D in vitro culture system enabled embryo development from E3.5 to E7.5, and the vascularization microenvironment constructed by Matrigel, hPPSCs, and hUVECs significantly promoted the development of implanted embryos. This system allowed us to further study the physical and molecular mechanisms of embryo implantation in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjun Xu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325015, China.
| | - Linye Zhang
- The First School of Medicine, School of Information and Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325015, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zihui Ye
- The First School of Medicine, School of Information and Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325015, Zhejiang, China
| | - Binwen Chang
- School of Public Health and Management, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325015, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zheng Tu
- Renji College, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325015, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xuguang Du
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xi Wen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100053, China.
| | - Yili Teng
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325015, Zhejiang, China.
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5
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Gattiglio M, Protzek M, Schröter C. Population-level antagonism between FGF and BMP signaling steers mesoderm differentiation in embryonic stem cells. Biol Open 2023; 12:bio059941. [PMID: 37530863 PMCID: PMC10445724 DOI: 10.1242/bio.059941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The mesodermal precursor populations for different internal organ systems are specified during gastrulation by the combined activity of extracellular signaling systems such as BMP, Wnt, Nodal and FGF. The BMP, Wnt and Nodal signaling requirements for the differentiation of specific mesoderm subtypes in mammals have been mapped in detail, but how FGF shapes mesodermal cell type diversity is not precisely known. It is also not clear how FGF signaling integrates with the activity of other signaling systems involved in mesoderm differentiation. Here, we address these questions by analyzing the effects of targeted signaling manipulations in differentiating stem cell populations at single-cell resolution. We identify opposing functions of BMP and FGF, and map FGF-dependent and -independent mesodermal lineages. Stimulation with exogenous FGF boosts the expression of endogenous Fgf genes while repressing Bmp ligand genes. This positive autoregulation of FGF signaling, coupled with the repression of BMP signaling, may contribute to the specification of reproducible and coherent cohorts of cells with the same identity via a community effect, both in the embryo and in synthetic embryo-like systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Gattiglio
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Department of Systemic Cell Biology, 44227Dortmund, Germany
| | - Michelle Protzek
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Department of Systemic Cell Biology, 44227Dortmund, Germany
| | - Christian Schröter
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Department of Systemic Cell Biology, 44227Dortmund, Germany
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6
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Zhu Q, Ge J, Liu Y, Xu JW, Yan S, Zhou F. Decoding anterior-posterior axis emergence among mouse, monkey, and human embryos. Dev Cell 2023; 58:63-79.e4. [PMID: 36626872 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2022.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Anterior-posterior axis formation regulated by the distal visceral endoderm (DVE) and anterior visceral endoderm (AVE) is essential for peri-implantation embryogenesis. However, the principles of the origin and specialization of DVE and AVE remain elusive. Here, with single-cell transcriptome analysis and pseudotime prediction, we show that DVE and AVE independently originate from the specialized primary endoderm in mouse blastocysts. Along distinct developmental paths, these two lineages, respectively, undergo four representative states with stage-specific transcriptional patterns around implantation. Further comparative analysis shows that AVE, but not DVE, is detected in human and non-human primate embryos, defining differences in polarity formation across species. Moreover, stem cell-assembled human blastoids lack DVE or AVE precursors, implying that additional induction of stem cells with DVE/AVE potential could promote the current embryo-like models and their post-implantation growth. Our work provides insight into understanding of embryonic polarity formation and early mammalian development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyuan Zhu
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jitao Ge
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jia-Wen Xu
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Shengyi Yan
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Fan Zhou
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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7
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Amadei G, Glover DM. Behind the developing brains and beating hearts of stem cell-derived embryo models. Open Biol 2023; 13:220325. [PMID: 36630196 PMCID: PMC9833437 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.220325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies over the past decade have shown how stem cells representing embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues of the mouse can self-assemble in the culture dish to recapitulate an astonishing part of early embryonic development. A systematic analysis has demonstrated how pluripotent embryonic stem cells can be induced to behave like the implanting epiblast; how they can interact with trophectoderm stem cells to form a patterned structure resembling the implanting embryo prior to gastrulation; and how the third stem cell type-extra-embryonic endoderm cells-can be incorporated to generate structures that undergo the cell movements and gene expression patterns of gastrulation. Moreover, such stem cell-derived embryo models can proceed to neurulation and establish progenitors for all parts of the brain and neural tube, somites, beating heart structures and gut tube. They develop within extra-embryonic yolk sacs that initiate haematopoiesis. Here we trace this journey of discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David M Glover
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
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8
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Thowfeequ S, Srinivas S. Embryonic and extraembryonic tissues during mammalian development: shifting boundaries in time and space. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210255. [PMID: 36252217 PMCID: PMC9574638 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The first few days of embryonic development in eutherian mammals are dedicated to the specification and elaboration of the extraembryonic tissues. However, where the fetus ends and its adnexa begins is not always as self-evident during the early stages of development, when the definitive body axes are still being laid down, the germ layers being specified and a discrete form or bodyplan is yet to emerge. Function, anatomy, histomorphology and molecular identities have been used through the history of embryology, to make this distinction. In this review, we explore them individually by using specific examples from the early embryo. While highlighting the challenges of drawing discrete boundaries between embryonic and extraembryonic tissues and the limitations of a binary categorization, we discuss how basing such identity on fate is the most universal and conceptually consistent. This article is part of the theme issue 'Extraembryonic tissues: exploring concepts, definitions and functions across the animal kingdom'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shifaan Thowfeequ
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Shankar Srinivas
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
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9
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Spradling AC, Niu W, Yin Q, Pathak M, Maurya B. Conservation of oocyte development in germline cysts from Drosophila to mouse. eLife 2022; 11:83230. [PMID: 36445738 PMCID: PMC9708067 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies show that pre-follicular mouse oogenesis takes place in germline cysts, highly conserved groups of oogonial cells connected by intercellular bridges that develop as nurse cells as well as an oocyte. Long studied in Drosophila and insect gametogenesis, female germline cysts acquire cytoskeletal polarity and traffic centrosomes and organelles between nurse cells and the oocyte to form the Balbiani body, a conserved marker of polarity. Mouse oocyte development and nurse cell dumping are supported by dynamic, cell-specific programs of germline gene expression. High levels of perinatal germ cell death in this species primarily result from programmed nurse cell turnover after transfer rather than defective oocyte production. The striking evolutionary conservation of early oogenesis mechanisms between distant animal groups strongly suggests that gametogenesis and early embryonic development in vertebrates and invertebrates share even more in common than currently believed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan C Spradling
- Carnegie Institution for Science/Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baltimore, United States
| | - Wanbao Niu
- Carnegie Institution for Science/Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baltimore, United States
| | - Qi Yin
- Carnegie Institution for Science/Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baltimore, United States
| | - Madhulika Pathak
- Carnegie Institution for Science/Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baltimore, United States
| | - Bhawana Maurya
- Carnegie Institution for Science/Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baltimore, United States
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10
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Omelchenko T. Cellular protrusions in 3D: Orchestrating early mouse embryogenesis. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 129:63-74. [PMID: 35577698 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Cellular protrusions generated by the actin cytoskeleton are central to the process of building the body of the embryo. Problems with cellular protrusions underlie human diseases and syndromes, including implantation defects and pregnancy loss, congenital birth defects, and cancer. Cells use protrusive activity together with actin-myosin contractility to create an ordered body shape of the embryo. Here, I review how actin-rich protrusions are used by two major morphological cell types, epithelial and mesenchymal cells, during collective cell migration to sculpt the mouse embryo body. Pre-gastrulation epithelial collective migration of the anterior visceral endoderm is essential for establishing the anterior-posterior body axis. Gastrulation mesenchymal collective migration of the mesoderm wings is crucial for body elongation, and somite and heart formation. Analysis of mouse mutants with disrupted cellular protrusions revealed the key role of protrusions in embryonic morphogenesis and embryo survival. Recent technical approaches have allowed examination of the mechanisms that control cell and tissue movements in vivo in the complex 3D microenvironment of living mouse embryos. Advancing our understanding of protrusion-driven morphogenesis should provide novel insights into human developmental disorders and cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Omelchenko
- Laboratory of Mammalian Cell Biology and Development, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York 10065, USA.
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11
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Thowfeequ S, Stower MJ, Srinivas S. Epithelial dynamics during early mouse development. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2022; 72:110-117. [PMID: 34929609 PMCID: PMC7615355 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2021.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The first epithelia to arise in an organism face the challenge of maintaining the integrity of the newly formed tissue, while exhibiting the behavioral flexibility required for morphogenetic processes to occur effectively. Epithelial cells integrate biochemical and biomechanical cues, both intrinsic and extrinsic, in order to bring about the molecular changes which determine their morphology, behavior and fate. In this review we highlight recent advances in our understanding of the various dynamic processes that the emergent epithelial cells undergo during the first seven days of mouse development and speculate what the future holds in understanding the mechanistic bases for these processes through integrative approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shifaan Thowfeequ
- University of Oxford, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Matthew J Stower
- University of Oxford, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Shankar Srinivas
- University of Oxford, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QX, UK.
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12
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Molè MA, Coorens THH, Shahbazi MN, Weberling A, Weatherbee BAT, Gantner CW, Sancho-Serra C, Richardson L, Drinkwater A, Syed N, Engley S, Snell P, Christie L, Elder K, Campbell A, Fishel S, Behjati S, Vento-Tormo R, Zernicka-Goetz M. A single cell characterisation of human embryogenesis identifies pluripotency transitions and putative anterior hypoblast centre. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3679. [PMID: 34140473 PMCID: PMC8211662 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23758-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Following implantation, the human embryo undergoes major morphogenetic transformations that establish the future body plan. While the molecular events underpinning this process are established in mice, they remain unknown in humans. Here we characterise key events of human embryo morphogenesis, in the period between implantation and gastrulation, using single-cell analyses and functional studies. First, the embryonic epiblast cells transition through different pluripotent states and act as a source of FGF signals that ensure proliferation of both embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues. In a subset of embryos, we identify a group of asymmetrically positioned extra-embryonic hypoblast cells expressing inhibitors of BMP, NODAL and WNT signalling pathways. We suggest that this group of cells can act as the anterior singalling centre to pattern the epiblast. These results provide insights into pluripotency state transitions, the role of FGF signalling and the specification of anterior-posterior axis during human embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo A Molè
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Marta N Shahbazi
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Antonia Weberling
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Bailey A T Weatherbee
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Carlos W Gantner
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Lucy Richardson
- Herts & Essex Fertility Centre, Bishops College, Cheshunt, Herts, UK
| | - Abbie Drinkwater
- Herts & Essex Fertility Centre, Bishops College, Cheshunt, Herts, UK
| | - Najma Syed
- Herts & Essex Fertility Centre, Bishops College, Cheshunt, Herts, UK
| | - Stephanie Engley
- Herts & Essex Fertility Centre, Bishops College, Cheshunt, Herts, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Simon Fishel
- CARE Fertility Group, Nottingham, UK
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sam Behjati
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK.
- Cambridge University Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | | | - Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.
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13
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Amadei G, Lau KYC, De Jonghe J, Gantner CW, Sozen B, Chan C, Zhu M, Kyprianou C, Hollfelder F, Zernicka-Goetz M. Inducible Stem-Cell-Derived Embryos Capture Mouse Morphogenetic Events In Vitro. Dev Cell 2020; 56:366-382.e9. [PMID: 33378662 PMCID: PMC7883308 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2020.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The development of mouse embryos can be partially recapitulated by combining embryonic stem cells (ESCs), trophoblast stem cells (TS), and extra-embryonic endoderm (XEN) stem cells to generate embryo-like structures called ETX embryos. Although ETX embryos transcriptionally capture the mouse gastrula, their ability to recapitulate complex morphogenic events such as gastrulation is limited, possibly due to the limited potential of XEN cells. To address this, we generated ESCs transiently expressing transcription factor Gata4, which drives the extra-embryonic endoderm fate, and combined them with ESCs and TS cells to generate induced ETX embryos (iETX embryos). We show that iETX embryos establish a robust anterior signaling center that migrates unilaterally to break embryo symmetry. Furthermore, iETX embryos gastrulate generating embryonic and extra-embryonic mesoderm and definitive endoderm. Our findings reveal that replacement of XEN cells with ESCs transiently expressing Gata4 endows iETX embryos with greater developmental potential, thus enabling the study of the establishment of anterior-posterior patterning and gastrulation in an in vitro system. Stem cells generate mouse-embryo-like structures with improved potential These structures undertake anterior visceral endoderm formation and gastrulation Single-cell sequencing shows improved resemblance to mouse embryo
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Amadei
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Kasey Y C Lau
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Joachim De Jonghe
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK
| | - Carlos W Gantner
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Berna Sozen
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, Caltech, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Christopher Chan
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Meng Zhu
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Christos Kyprianou
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Florian Hollfelder
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK
| | - Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, Caltech, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.
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Saiz N, Hadjantonakis AK. Coordination between patterning and morphogenesis ensures robustness during mouse development. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2020; 375:20190562. [PMID: 32829684 PMCID: PMC7482220 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian preimplantation embryo is a highly tractable, self-organizing developmental system in which three cell types are consistently specified without the need for maternal factors or external signals. Studies in the mouse over the past decades have greatly improved our understanding of the cues that trigger symmetry breaking in the embryo, the transcription factors that control lineage specification and commitment, and the mechanical forces that drive morphogenesis and inform cell fate decisions. These studies have also uncovered how these multiple inputs are integrated to allocate the right number of cells to each lineage despite inherent biological noise, and as a response to perturbations. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of how these processes are coordinated to ensure a robust and precise developmental outcome during early mouse development. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Contemporary morphogenesis'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Néstor Saiz
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
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15
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Solovey M, Scialdone A. COMUNET: a tool to explore and visualize intercellular communication. Bioinformatics 2020; 36:4296-4300. [PMID: 32399572 PMCID: PMC7520036 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btaa482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Intercellular communication plays an essential role in multicellular organisms and several algorithms to analyze it from single-cell transcriptional data have been recently published, but the results are often hard to visualize and interpret. RESULTS We developed Cell cOmmunication exploration with MUltiplex NETworks (COMUNET), a tool that streamlines the interpretation of the results from cell-cell communication analyses. COMUNET uses multiplex networks to represent and cluster all potential communication patterns between cell types. The algorithm also enables the search for specific patterns of communication and can perform comparative analysis between two biological conditions. To exemplify its use, here we apply COMUNET to investigate cell communication patterns in single-cell transcriptomic datasets from mouse embryos and from an acute myeloid leukemia patient at diagnosis and after treatment. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION Our algorithm is implemented in an R package available from https://github.com/ScialdoneLab/COMUNET, along with all the code to perform the analyses reported here. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Solovey
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München – German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg 85764, Germany
- Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells, Helmholtz Zentrum München – German Research Center for Environmental Health, München 81377, Germany
- Institute of Functional Epigenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München – German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg 85764, Germany
| | - Antonio Scialdone
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München – German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg 85764, Germany
- Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells, Helmholtz Zentrum München – German Research Center for Environmental Health, München 81377, Germany
- Institute of Functional Epigenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München – German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg 85764, Germany
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16
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Hadjantonakis AK, Siggia ED, Simunovic M. In vitro modeling of early mammalian embryogenesis. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2020; 13:134-143. [PMID: 32440574 DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2020.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic embryology endeavors to use stem cells to recapitulate the first steps of mammalian development that define the body axes and first stages of fate assignment. Well-engineered synthetic systems provide an unparalleled assay to disentangle and quantify the contributions of individual tissues as well as the molecular components driving embryogenesis. Experiments using a mixture of mouse embryonic and extra-embryonic stem cell lines show a surprising degree of self-organization akin to certain milestones in the development of intact mouse embryos. To further advance the field and extend the mouse results to human, it is crucial to develop a better control of the assembly process as well as to establish a deeper understanding of the developmental state and potency of cells used in experiments at each step of the process. We review recent advances in the derivation of embryonic and extraembryonic stem cells, and we highlight recent efforts in reconstructing the structural and signaling aspects of embryogenesis in three-dimensional tissue cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Katerina Hadjantonakis
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Eric D Siggia
- Center for Studies in Physics and Biology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Mijo Simunovic
- Center for Studies in Physics and Biology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Columbia Univerisity, 116 and Broadway, New York, NY 10025
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17
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Molè MA, Weberling A, Zernicka-Goetz M. Comparative analysis of human and mouse development: From zygote to pre-gastrulation. Curr Top Dev Biol 2019; 136:113-138. [PMID: 31959285 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2019.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Development of the mammalian embryo begins with formation of the totipotent zygote during fertilization. This initial cell is able to give rise to every embryonic tissue of the developing organism as well as all extra-embryonic lineages, such as the placenta and the yolk sac, which are essential for the initial patterning and support growth of the fetus until birth. As the embryo transits from pre- to post-implantation, major structural and transcriptional changes occur within the embryonic lineage to set up the basis for the subsequent phase of gastrulation. Fine-tuned coordination of cell division, morphogenesis and differentiation is essential to ultimately promote assembly of the future fetus. Here, we review the current knowledge of mammalian development of both mouse and human focusing on morphogenetic processes leading to the onset of gastrulation, when the embryonic anterior-posterior axis becomes established and the three germ layers start to be specified.
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18
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Vianello S, Lutolf MP. Understanding the Mechanobiology of Early Mammalian Development through Bioengineered Models. Dev Cell 2019; 48:751-763. [PMID: 30913407 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2019.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Research in developmental biology has been recently enriched by a multitude of in vitro models recapitulating key milestones of mammalian embryogenesis. These models obviate the challenge posed by the inaccessibility of implanted embryos, multiply experimental opportunities, and favor approaches traditionally associated with organoids and tissue engineering. Here, we provide a perspective on how these models can be applied to study the mechano-geometrical contributions to early mammalian development, which still escape direct verification in species that develop in utero. We thus outline new avenues for robust and scalable perturbation of geometry and mechanics in ways traditionally limited to non-implanting developmental models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Vianello
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Bioengineering, Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences (SV) and School of Engineering (STI), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Matthias P Lutolf
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Bioengineering, Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences (SV) and School of Engineering (STI), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland; Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, School of Basic Science (SB), EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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19
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Ferretti E, Hadjantonakis AK. Mesoderm specification and diversification: from single cells to emergent tissues. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2019; 61:110-116. [PMID: 31476530 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2019.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The three germ layers - mesoderm, endoderm and ectoderm - constituting the cellular blueprint for the tissues and organs that will form during embryonic development, are specified at gastrulation. Cells of mesodermal origin are the most abundant in the human body, representing a great variety of cell types, including the musculoskeletal system (bone, cartilage and muscle), cardiovascular system (heart, blood and blood vessels), as well as the connective tissues found throughout our bodies. A long-standing question pertains how this panoply of mesodermal cell types arises in a stereotypical fashion in time and space. This review discusses the events associated with mesoderm specification, highlighting the reconstruction of putative developmental trajectories facilitated by recent single-cell 'omic' data. We will also discuss the potential of emergent organoid systems to emulate and interrogate the dynamics of lineage specification at cellular resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Ferretti
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Anna-Katerina Hadjantonakis
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA.
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