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Russell SJ, Zhao C, Biondic S, Menezes K, Hagemann-Jensen M, Librach CL, Petropoulos S. An atlas of small non-coding RNAs in human preimplantation development. Nat Commun 2024; 15:8634. [PMID: 39367016 PMCID: PMC11452719 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52943-w] [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: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2024] [Indexed: 10/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the molecular circuitries that govern early embryogenesis is important, yet our knowledge of these in human preimplantation development remains limited. Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) can regulate gene expression and thus impact blastocyst formation, however, the expression of specific biotypes and their dynamics during preimplantation development remains unknown. Here we identify the abundance of and kinetics of piRNA, rRNA, snoRNA, tRNA, and miRNA from embryonic day (E)3-7 and isolate specific miRNAs and snoRNAs of particular importance in blastocyst formation and pluripotency. These sncRNAs correspond to specific genomic hotspots: an enrichment of the chromosome 19 miRNA cluster (C19MC) in the trophectoderm (TE), and the chromosome 14 miRNA cluster (C14MC) and MEG8-related snoRNAs in the inner cell mass (ICM), which may serve as 'master regulators' of potency and lineage. Additionally, we observe a developmental transition with 21 isomiRs and in tRNA fragment (tRF) codon usage and identify two novel miRNAs. Our analysis provides a comprehensive measure of sncRNA biotypes and their corresponding dynamics throughout human preimplantation development, providing an extensive resource. Better understanding the sncRNA regulatory programmes in human embryogenesis will inform strategies to improve embryo development and outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies. We anticipate broad usage of our data as a resource for studies aimed at understanding embryogenesis, optimising stem cell-based models, assisted reproductive technology, and stem cell biology.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- RNA, Small Untranslated/genetics
- RNA, Small Untranslated/metabolism
- Embryonic Development/genetics
- Blastocyst/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
- MicroRNAs/genetics
- MicroRNAs/metabolism
- RNA, Transfer/genetics
- RNA, Transfer/metabolism
- Female
- RNA, Small Interfering/metabolism
- RNA, Small Interfering/genetics
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 19/genetics
- RNA, Small Nucleolar/genetics
- RNA, Small Nucleolar/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cheng Zhao
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Savana Biondic
- Faculty of Medicine, Molecular Biology Program, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Axe Immunopathologie, Montréal, Canada
| | | | | | - Clifford L Librach
- CReATe Fertility Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sophie Petropoulos
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Faculty of Medicine, Molecular Biology Program, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Axe Immunopathologie, Montréal, Canada.
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Faculty of Medicine, Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.
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2
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Guan T, Guo J, Lin R, Liu J, Luo R, Zhang Z, Pei D, Liu J. Single-cell analysis of preimplantation embryonic development in guinea pigs. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:911. [PMID: 39350018 PMCID: PMC11440810 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10815-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Guinea pigs exhibit numerous physiological similarities to humans, yet the details of their preimplantation embryonic development remain largely unexplored. RESULTS To address this, we conducted single-cell sequencing on the transcriptomes of cells isolated from the zygote stage through preimplantation stages in guinea pigs. This study identified seven distinct cell types within guinea pig preimplantation embryos and pinpointed the timing of zygotic gene activation (ZGA). Trajectory analysis revealed a bifurcation into two lineage-specific branches, accompanied by alterations in specific pathways, including oxidative phosphorylation and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Additionally, co-expressed gene network analysis highlighted the most enriched functional modules for the epiblast (EPI), primitive endoderm (PrE), and inner cell mass (ICM). Finally, we compared the similarities and differences between human and guinea pig epiblasts (EPIs). CONCLUSION This study systematically constructs a cell atlas of guinea pig preimplantation embryonic development, offering fresh insights into mammalian embryonic development and providing alternative experimental models for studying human embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongxing Guan
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Center for Development and Regeneration, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Center for Development and Regeneration, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Runxia Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Center for Development and Regeneration, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Jinpeng Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
- Center for Development and Regeneration, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Rongping Luo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- Center for Development and Regeneration, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.
- Center for Development and Regeneration, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.
| | - Duanqing Pei
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China.
| | - Jing Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.
- Joint School of Life Sciences,Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510530, China.
- Center for Development and Regeneration, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.
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3
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Lu Y, Qin M, Qi X, Yang M, Zhai F, Zhang J, Yan Z, Yan L, Qiao J, Yuan P. Sex differences in human pre-gastrulation embryos. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024:10.1007/s11427-024-2721-y. [PMID: 39327393 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-024-2721-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024]
Abstract
Human fetuses exhibit notable sex differences in growth rate and response to the intrauterine environment, yet their origins and underlying mechanisms remain uncertain. Here, we conduct a detailed investigation of sex differences in human pre-gastrulation embryos. The lower methylation and incomplete inactivation of the X chromosome in females, as well as the sex-specific cell-cell communication patterns, contribute to sex-differential transcription. Male trophectoderm is more inclined toward syncytiotrophoblast differentiation and exhibits a stronger hormone secretion capacity, while female trophectoderm tends to retain cytotrophoblast program with stronger mitochondrial function as well as higher vasculogenesis and immunotolerance signals. Male primitive endoderm initiates the anterior visceral endoderm transcriptional program earlier than females. The cell cycle activities of the epiblast and primitive endoderm are higher in males compared to females, while the situation is opposite in the trophectoderm. In conclusion, our study provides in-depth insights into the sex differences in human pre-gastrulation embryos and contributes to unraveling the origins of the sex differences in human fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjie Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Meng Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xintong Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, 100191, China
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Ming Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Fan Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zhiqiang Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Liying Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China.
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Jie Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China.
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
| | - Peng Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology (Peking University Third Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China.
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction (Peking University), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, 100191, China.
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Corujo-Simon E, Bates LE, Yanagida A, Jones K, Clark S, von Meyenn F, Reik W, Nichols J. Human trophectoderm becomes multi-layered by internalization at the polar region. Dev Cell 2024; 59:2497-2505.e4. [PMID: 38889726 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.05.028] [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] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
To implant in the uterus, mammalian embryos form blastocysts comprising trophectoderm (TE) surrounding an inner cell mass (ICM), confined to the polar region by the expanding blastocoel. The mode of implantation varies between species. Murine embryos maintain a single layered TE until they implant in the characteristic thick deciduum, whereas human blastocysts attach via polar TE directly to the uterine wall. Using immunofluorescence (IF) of rapidly isolated ICMs, blockade of RNA and protein synthesis in whole embryos, or 3D visualization of immunostained embryos, we provide evidence of multi-layering in human polar TE before implantation. This may be required for rapid uterine invasion to secure the developing human embryo and initiate formation of the placenta. Using sequential fluorescent labeling, we demonstrate that the majority of inner TE in human blastocysts arises from existing outer cells, with no evidence of conversion from the ICM in the context of the intact embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Corujo-Simon
- Wellcome - MRC Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK.
| | - Lawrence Edward Bates
- Wellcome - MRC Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Ayaka Yanagida
- Wellcome - MRC Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Kenneth Jones
- Wellcome - MRC Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Stephen Clark
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | | | - Wolf Reik
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Jennifer Nichols
- Wellcome - MRC Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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5
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Shang Y, Wang N, Wang H, An C, Sun W. Modeling X chromosome inactivation using t5iLA naive human pluripotent stem cells. BMC Biol 2024; 22:210. [PMID: 39294757 PMCID: PMC11411763 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-024-01994-y] [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] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND X chromosome inactivation (XCI) is a critical epigenetic event for dosage compensation of X-linked genes in female mammals, ensuring developmental stability. A robust in vitro model is required for mimicking XCI during the early stages of embryonic development. This methodology article introduces an advanced framework for the in-depth study of XCI using human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). By focusing on the transition between naive and primed pluripotent states, we highlight the role of long non-coding RNA X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) and epigenetic alterations in mediating XCI. RESULTS Our methodology enables the distinction between naive and primed hESCs based on XIST expression and the activity of X-linked reporters, facilitating the investigation of XCI initiation and maintenance. Through detailed experimental procedures, we demonstrate the utility of our hESC lines in modeling the process of human XCI, including the establishment of conditions for random XCI induction and the analysis of X chromosome reactivation. METHODS The study outlines a comprehensive approach for characterizing the X chromosome status in hPSCs, employing dual fluorescent reporter hESC lines. These reporter lines enable real-time tracking of XCI dynamics through differentiation processes. We detailed protocols for the induction of X chromosome reactivation and inactivation, as well as the X status characterization methods including cultivation of hESCs, flow cytometric analysis, RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and transcriptome sequencing, providing a step-by-step guide for researchers to investigate XCI mechanisms in vitro. CONCLUSIONS This article provides a detailed, reproducible methodology for studying XCI mechanisms in vitro, employing hPSCs as a model system. It presents a significant advance in our ability to investigate XCI, offering potential applications in developmental biology, disease modeling, and regenerative medicine. By facilitating the study of XCI dynamics, this methodological framework paves the way for deeper understanding and manipulation of this fundamental biological process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudan Shang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Nannan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haoyi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chenrui An
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Wen Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.
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6
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Iyer DP, Khoei HH, van der Weijden VA, Kagawa H, Pradhan SJ, Novatchkova M, McCarthy A, Rayon T, Simon CS, Dunkel I, Wamaitha SE, Elder K, Snell P, Christie L, Schulz EG, Niakan KK, Rivron N, Bulut-Karslioğlu A. mTOR activity paces human blastocyst stage developmental progression. Cell 2024:S0092-8674(24)00977-2. [PMID: 39332412 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.08.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2024]
Abstract
Many mammals can temporally uncouple conception from parturition by pacing down their development around the blastocyst stage. In mice, this dormant state is achieved by decreasing the activity of the growth-regulating mTOR signaling pathway. It is unknown whether this ability is conserved in mammals in general and in humans in particular. Here, we show that decreasing the activity of the mTOR signaling pathway induces human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) and blastoids to enter a dormant state with limited proliferation, developmental progression, and capacity to attach to endometrial cells. These in vitro assays show that, similar to other species, the ability to enter dormancy is active in human cells around the blastocyst stage and is reversible at both functional and molecular levels. The pacing of human blastocyst development has potential implications for reproductive therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhanur P Iyer
- Stem Cell Chromatin Group, Department of Genome Regulation, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, 14195 Berlin, Germany; Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Heidar Heidari Khoei
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Vera A van der Weijden
- Stem Cell Chromatin Group, Department of Genome Regulation, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Harunobu Kagawa
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Saurabh J Pradhan
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria Novatchkova
- Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Afshan McCarthy
- The Human Embryo and Stem Cell Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Teresa Rayon
- Epigenetics & Signalling Programmes, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Claire S Simon
- The Human Embryo and Stem Cell Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Ilona Dunkel
- Systems Epigenetics, Otto-Warburg-Laboratories, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sissy E Wamaitha
- The Human Embryo and Stem Cell Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Kay Elder
- Bourn Hall Clinic, Bourn, Cambridge CB23 2TN, UK
| | - Phil Snell
- Bourn Hall Clinic, Bourn, Cambridge CB23 2TN, UK
| | | | - Edda G Schulz
- Systems Epigenetics, Otto-Warburg-Laboratories, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Kathy K Niakan
- The Human Embryo and Stem Cell Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Nicolas Rivron
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Aydan Bulut-Karslioğlu
- Stem Cell Chromatin Group, Department of Genome Regulation, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
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7
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Pavlinek A, Adhya D, Tsompanidis A, Warrier V, Vernon AC, Lancaster M, Mill J, Srivastava DP, Baron-Cohen S. Using Organoids to Model Sex Differences in the Human Brain. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 4:100343. [PMID: 39092139 PMCID: PMC11292257 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2024.100343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Sex differences are widespread during neurodevelopment and play a role in neuropsychiatric conditions such as autism, which is more prevalent in males than females. In humans, males have been shown to have larger brain volumes than females with development of the hippocampus and amygdala showing prominent sex differences. Mechanistically, sex steroids and sex chromosomes drive these differences in brain development, which seem to peak during prenatal and pubertal stages. Animal models have played a crucial role in understanding sex differences, but the study of human sex differences requires an experimental model that can recapitulate complex genetic traits. To fill this gap, human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived brain organoids are now being used to study how complex genetic traits influence prenatal brain development. For example, brain organoids from individuals with autism and individuals with X chromosome-linked Rett syndrome and fragile X syndrome have revealed prenatal differences in cell proliferation, a measure of brain volume differences, and excitatory-inhibitory imbalances. Brain organoids have also revealed increased neurogenesis of excitatory neurons due to androgens. However, despite growing interest in using brain organoids, several key challenges remain that affect its validity as a model system. In this review, we discuss how sex steroids and the sex chromosomes each contribute to sex differences in brain development. Then, we examine the role of X chromosome inactivation as a factor that drives sex differences. Finally, we discuss the combined challenges of modeling X chromosome inactivation and limitations of brain organoids that need to be taken into consideration when studying sex differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Pavlinek
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dwaipayan Adhya
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Alex Tsompanidis
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Varun Warrier
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony C. Vernon
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jonathan Mill
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Deepak P. Srivastava
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Baron-Cohen
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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8
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Skory RM. Revisiting trophectoderm-inner cell mass lineage segregation in the mammalian preimplantation embryo. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:1889-1898. [PMID: 38926157 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae142] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In the first days of life, cells of the mammalian embryo segregate into two distinct lineages, trophectoderm and inner cell mass. Unlike nonmammalian species, mammalian development does not proceed from predetermined factors in the oocyte. Rather, asymmetries arise de novo in the early embryo incorporating cues from cell position, contractility, polarity, and cell-cell contacts. Molecular heterogeneities, including transcripts and non-coding RNAs, have now been characterized as early as the 2-cell stage. However, it's debated whether these early heterogeneities bias cells toward one fate or the other or whether lineage identity arises stochastically at the 16-cell stage. This review summarizes what is known about early blastomere asymmetries and our understanding of lineage allocation in the context of historical models. Preimplantation development is reviewed coupled with what is known about changes in morphology, contractility, and transcription factor networks. The addition of single-cell atlases of human embryos has begun to reveal key differences between human and mouse, including the timing of events and core transcription factors. Furthermore, the recent generation of blastoid models will provide valuable tools to test and understand fate determinants. Lastly, new techniques are reviewed, which may better synthesize existing knowledge with emerging data sets and reconcile models with the regulative capacity unique to the mammalian embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin M Skory
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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9
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Intoh A, Watanabe-Susaki K, Kato T, Kiritani H, Kurisaki A. EPHA2 is a novel cell surface marker of OCT4-positive undifferentiated cells during the differentiation of mouse and human pluripotent stem cells. Stem Cells Transl Med 2024; 13:763-775. [PMID: 38811016 PMCID: PMC11328934 DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szae036] [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: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) possess the intrinsic ability to differentiate into diverse cellular lineages, marking them as potent instruments in regenerative medicine. Nonetheless, the proclivity of these stem cells to generate teratomas post-transplantation presents a formidable obstacle to their therapeutic utility. In previous studies, we identified an array of cell surface proteins specifically expressed in the pluripotent state, as revealed through proteomic analysis. Here we focused on EPHA2, a protein found to be abundantly present on the surface of undifferentiated mouse ESCs and is diminished upon differentiation. Knock-down of Epha2 led to the spontaneous differentiation of mouse ESCs, underscoring a pivotal role of EPHA2 in maintaining an undifferentiated cell state. Further investigations revealed a strong correlation between EPHA2 and OCT4 expression during the differentiation of both mouse and human PSCs. Notably, removing EPHA2+ cells from mouse ESC-derived hepatic lineage reduced tumor formation after transplanting them into immune-deficient mice. Similarly, in human iPSCs, a larger proportion of EPHA2+ cells correlated with higher OCT4 expression, reflecting the pattern observed in mouse ESCs. Conclusively, EPHA2 emerges as a potential marker for selecting undifferentiated stem cells, providing a valuable method to decrease tumorigenesis risks after stem-cell transplantation in regenerative treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Intoh
- Division of Biological Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Nara, 630-0192, Japan
- Organ Development Research Laboratory, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, 305-8560, Japan
| | - Kanako Watanabe-Susaki
- Organ Development Research Laboratory, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, 305-8560, Japan
| | - Taku Kato
- Division of Biological Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Nara, 630-0192, Japan
| | - Hibiki Kiritani
- Division of Biological Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Nara, 630-0192, Japan
| | - Akira Kurisaki
- Division of Biological Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Nara, 630-0192, Japan
- Organ Development Research Laboratory, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, 305-8560, Japan
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10
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Demirci I, Larsson AJM, Chen X, Hartman J, Sandberg R, Frisén J. Inferring clonal somatic mutations directed by X chromosome inactivation status in single cells. Genome Biol 2024; 25:214. [PMID: 39123248 PMCID: PMC11312698 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-024-03360-1] [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: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Analysis of clonal dynamics in human tissues is enabled by somatic genetic variation. Here, we show that analysis of mitochondrial mutations in single cells is dramatically improved in females when using X chromosome inactivation to select informative clonal mutations. Applying this strategy to human peripheral mononuclear blood cells reveals clonal structures within T cells that otherwise are blurred by non-informative mutations, including the separation of gamma-delta T cells, suggesting this approach can be used to decipher clonal dynamics of cells in human tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilke Demirci
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anton J M Larsson
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Xinsong Chen
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan Hartman
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rickard Sandberg
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Jonas Frisén
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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11
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Dong X, Wang H, Cai J, Wang Y, Chai D, Sun Z, Chen J, Li M, Xiao T, Shan C, Zhang JV, Yu M. ST6GALNAC1-mediated sialylation in uterine endometrial epithelium facilitates the epithelium-embryo attachment. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00306-0. [PMID: 39111624 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Embryo implantation requires synergistic interaction between the embryo and the receptive endometrium. Glycoproteins and glycan-binding proteins are involved in endometrium-embryo attachment. Sialyl Tn (sTn), a truncated O-glycan, is catalyzed by ST6 N-Acetylgalactosaminide Alpha-2,6-Sialyltransferase 1 (ST6GALNAC1) and can be detected by specific Sialic-acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectins (Siglecs). Whether the sTn-Siglecs axis supports embryo implantation remains unknown. OBJECTIVES This paper aims to study the role of ST6GALNAC1/sTn-Siglecs axis in embryo implantation. METHODS ST6GALNAC1 and sTn in human endometrium were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. An in vitro implantation model was conducted to evaluate the effects of ST6GALNAC1/sTn on the receptivity of human endometrial AN3CA cells to JAR spheroids. Immunoprecipitation combined with mass spectrometry analysis was carried out to identify the key proteins modified by sTn in endometrial cells. Siglec-6 in human embryos was analyzed by published single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets. Protein interaction assay was applied to verify the bond between the Siglec-6 with sTn-modified CD44. St6galnac1 siRNAs and anti-sTn antibodies were injected into the uterine horn of the mouse at the pre-implantation stage to evaluate the role of endometrial St6galnac1/sTn in embryo implantation. Siglec-G in murine embryos was analyzed by immunofluorescence staining. The function of Siglec-G is evidenced by uterine horn injection and protein interaction assay. RESULTS Both human and murine endometrium at the receptive stage exhibit higher ST6GALNAC1 and sTn levels compared to the non-receptive stage. Overexpression of ST6GALNAC1 significantly enhanced the receptivity of AN3CA cells to JAR spheroids. Inhibition of endometrial ST6GALNAC1/sTn substantially impaired embryo implantation in vivo. CD44 was identified as a carrier for sTn in the endometrial cells of both species. Siglec-6 and Siglec-G, expressed in the embryonic trophectoderm, were found to promote embryo attachment, which may be achieved through binding with sTn-modified CD44. CONCLUSION ST6GALNAC1-regulated sTn in the endometrium aids in embryo attachment through interaction with trophoblastic Siglecs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Dong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Metabolic Health, Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China; College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Metabolic Health, Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
| | - Jinxuan Cai
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Metabolic Health, Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
| | - Yichun Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Metabolic Health, Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China; Department of Medical Oncology, The Fourth Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Dezhi Chai
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Metabolic Health, Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
| | - Zichen Sun
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Metabolic Health, Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Metabolic Health, Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
| | - Mengxia Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Metabolic Health, Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
| | - Tianxia Xiao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Metabolic Health, Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
| | - Chunhua Shan
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Jian V Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Metabolic Health, Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China; Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology, China.
| | - Ming Yu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Metabolic Health, Center for Energy Metabolism and Reproduction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China.
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12
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Cecalev D, Viçoso B, Galupa R. Compensation of gene dosage on the mammalian X. Development 2024; 151:dev202891. [PMID: 39140247 PMCID: PMC11361640 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202891] [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] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Changes in gene dosage can have tremendous evolutionary potential (e.g. whole-genome duplications), but without compensatory mechanisms, they can also lead to gene dysregulation and pathologies. Sex chromosomes are a paradigmatic example of naturally occurring gene dosage differences and their compensation. In species with chromosome-based sex determination, individuals within the same population necessarily show 'natural' differences in gene dosage for the sex chromosomes. In this Review, we focus on the mammalian X chromosome and discuss recent new insights into the dosage-compensation mechanisms that evolved along with the emergence of sex chromosomes, namely X-inactivation and X-upregulation. We also discuss the evolution of the genetic loci and molecular players involved, as well as the regulatory diversity and potentially different requirements for dosage compensation across mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Cecalev
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology (MCD) Unit, Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), University of Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 31062, Toulouse, France
| | - Beatriz Viçoso
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), Am Campus 1, Klosterneuburg 3400, Austria
| | - Rafael Galupa
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology (MCD) Unit, Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), University of Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 31062, Toulouse, France
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13
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Zang X, Gu S, Wang W, Shi J, Gan J, Hu Q, Zhou C, Ding Y, He Y, Jiang L, Gu T, Xu Z, Huang S, Yang H, Meng F, Li Z, Cai G, Hong L, Wu Z. Dynamic intrauterine crosstalk promotes porcine embryo implantation during early pregnancy. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024; 67:1676-1696. [PMID: 38748354 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2557-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
Dynamic crosstalk between the embryo and mother is crucial during implantation. Here, we comprehensively profile the single-cell transcriptome of pig peri-implantation embryos and corresponding maternal endometrium, identifying 4 different lineages in embryos and 13 cell types in the endometrium. Cell-specific gene expression characterizes 4 distinct trophectoderm subpopulations, showing development from undifferentiated trophectoderm to polar and mural trophectoderm. Dynamic expression of genes in different types of endometrial cells illustrates their molecular response to embryos during implantation. Then, we developed a novel tool, ExtraCellTalk, generating an overall dynamic map of maternal-foetal crosstalk using uterine luminal proteins as bridges. Through cross-species comparisons, we identified a conserved RBP4/STRA6 pathway in which embryonic-derived RBP4 could target the STRA6 receptor on stromal cells to regulate the interaction with other endometrial cells. These results provide insight into the maternal-foetal crosstalk during embryo implantation and represent a valuable resource for further studies to improve embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xupeng Zang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Shengchen Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Junsong Shi
- Yunfu Subcenter of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Yunfu, 527300, China
| | - Jianyu Gan
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Qun Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Chen Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Yue Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Yanjuan He
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Ting Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of South China Modern Biological Seed Industry, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, 510520, China
| | - Zheng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of South China Modern Biological Seed Industry, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, 510520, China
| | - Sixiu Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of South China Modern Biological Seed Industry, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, 510520, China
| | - Huaqiang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of South China Modern Biological Seed Industry, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, 510520, China
| | - Fanming Meng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Zicong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of South China Modern Biological Seed Industry, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, 510520, China
| | - Gengyuan Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Key Laboratory of South China Modern Biological Seed Industry, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, 510520, China
| | - Linjun Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
- Key Laboratory of South China Modern Biological Seed Industry, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, 510520, China.
| | - Zhenfang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
- Yunfu Subcenter of Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Yunfu, 527300, China.
- Key Laboratory of South China Modern Biological Seed Industry, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, 510520, China.
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14
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Dror I, Tan T, Plath K. A critical role for X-chromosome architecture in mammalian X-chromosome dosage compensation. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2024; 87:102235. [PMID: 39053028 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2024.102235] [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: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
To regulate gene expression, the macromolecular components of the mammalian interphase nucleus are spatially organized into a myriad of functional compartments. Over the past decade, increasingly sophisticated genomics, microscopy, and functional approaches have probed this organization in unprecedented detail. These investigations have linked chromatin-associated noncoding RNAs to specific nuclear compartments and uncovered mechanisms by which these RNAs establish such domains. In this review, we focus on the long non-coding RNA Xist and summarize new evidence demonstrating the significance of chromatin reconfiguration in creating the inactive X-chromosome compartment. Differences in chromatin compaction correlate with distinct levels of gene repression on the X-chromosome, potentially explaining how human XIST can induce chromosome-wide dampening and silencing of gene expression at different stages of human development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Dror
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Tiao Tan
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Kathrin Plath
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Brain Research Institute, Graduate Program in the Biosciences, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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15
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Shah N, Meng Q, Zou Z, Zhang X. Systematic analysis on the horse-shoe-like effect in PCA plots of scRNA-seq data. BIOINFORMATICS ADVANCES 2024; 4:vbae109. [PMID: 39132288 PMCID: PMC11316618 DOI: 10.1093/bioadv/vbae109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Motivation In single-cell studies, principal component analysis (PCA) is widely used to reduce the dimensionality of dataset and visualize in 2D or 3D PC plots. Scientists often focus on different clusters within PC plot, overlooking the specific phenomenon, such as horse-shoe-like effect, that may reveal hidden knowledge about underlying biological dataset. This phenomenon remains largely unexplored in single-cell studies. Results In this study, we investigated into the horse-shoe-like effect in PC plots using simulated and real scRNA-seq datasets. We systematically explain horse-shoe-like phenomenon from various inter-related perspectives. Initially, we establish an intuitive understanding with the help of simulated datasets. Then, we generalized the acquired knowledge on real biological scRNA-seq data. Experimental results provide logical explanations and understanding for the appearance of horse-shoe-like effect in PC plots. Furthermore, we identify a potential problem with a well-known theory of 'distance saturation property' attributed to induce horse-shoe phenomenon. Finally, we analyse a mathematical model for horse-shoe effect that suggests trigonometric solutions to estimated eigenvectors. We observe significant resemblance after comparing the results of mathematical model with simulated and real scRNA-seq datasets. Availability and implementation The code for reproducing the results of this study is available at: https://github.com/najeebullahshah/PCA-Horse-Shoe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najeebullah Shah
- MOE Key Lab of Bioinformatics & Bioinformatics Division, BNRIST, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Qiuchen Meng
- MOE Key Lab of Bioinformatics & Bioinformatics Division, BNRIST, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ziheng Zou
- MOE Key Lab of Bioinformatics & Bioinformatics Division, BNRIST, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xuegong Zhang
- MOE Key Lab of Bioinformatics & Bioinformatics Division, BNRIST, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- School of Life Sciences and Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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16
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Zhao J, Ching WK, Wong CW, Cheng X. BANMF-S: a blockwise accelerated non-negative matrix factorization framework with structural network constraints for single cell imputation. Brief Bioinform 2024; 25:bbae432. [PMID: 39242194 PMCID: PMC11379494 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbae432] [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: 06/09/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technique enables the transcriptome profiling of hundreds to ten thousands of cells at the unprecedented individual level and provides new insights to study cell heterogeneity. However, its advantages are hampered by dropout events. To address this problem, we propose a Blockwise Accelerated Non-negative Matrix Factorization framework with Structural network constraints (BANMF-S) to impute those technical zeros. RESULTS BANMF-S constructs a gene-gene similarity network to integrate prior information from the external PPI network by the Triadic Closure Principle and a cell-cell similarity network to capture the neighborhood structure and temporal information through a Minimum-Spanning Tree. By collaboratively employing these two networks as regularizations, BANMF-S encourages the coherence of similar gene and cell pairs in the latent space, enhancing the potential to recover the underlying features. Besides, BANMF-S adopts a blocklization strategy to solve the traditional NMF problem through distributed Stochastic Gradient Descent method in a parallel way to accelerate the optimization. Numerical experiments on simulations and real datasets verify that BANMF-S can improve the accuracy of downstream clustering and pseudo-trajectory inference, and its performance is superior to seven state-of-the-art algorithms. AVAILABILITY All data used in this work are downloaded from publicly available data sources, and their corresponding accession numbers or source URLs are provided in Supplementary File Section 5.1 Dataset Information. The source codes are publicly available in Github repository https://github.com/jiayingzhao/BANMF-S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaying Zhao
- Department of Mathematics, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong
| | - Wai-Ki Ching
- Department of Mathematics, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong
| | - Chi-Wing Wong
- Department of Mathematics, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong
| | - Xiaoqing Cheng
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 28 Xianning West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
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17
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Wang S, Leng L, Wang Q, Gu Y, Li J, An Y, Deng Q, Xie P, Cheng C, Chen X, Zhou Q, Lu J, Chen F, Liu L, Yang H, Wang J, Xu X, Hou Y, Gong F, Hu L, Lu G, Shang Z, Lin G. A single-cell transcriptome atlas of human euploid and aneuploid blastocysts. Nat Genet 2024; 56:1468-1481. [PMID: 38839885 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01788-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Aneuploidy is frequently detected in early human embryos as a major cause of early pregnancy failure. However, how aneuploidy affects cellular function remains elusive. Here, we profiled the transcriptomes of 14,908 single cells from 203 human euploid and aneuploid blastocysts involving autosomal and sex chromosomes. Nearly all of the blastocysts contained four lineages. In aneuploid chromosomes, 19.5% ± 1.2% of the expressed genes showed a dosage effect, and 90 dosage-sensitive domains were identified. Aneuploidy leads to prevalent genome-wide transcriptome alterations. Common effects, including apoptosis, were identified, especially in monosomies, partially explaining the lower cell numbers in autosomal monosomies. We further identified lineage-specific effects causing unstable epiblast development in aneuploidies, which was accompanied by the downregulation of TGF-β and FGF signaling, which resulted in insufficient trophectoderm maturation. Our work provides crucial insights into the molecular basis of human aneuploid blastocysts and may shed light on the cellular interaction during blastocyst development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengpeng Wang
- BGI Research, Hangzhou, China
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lizhi Leng
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Changsha, China
- Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | | | - Yifan Gu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Changsha, China
- Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | | | | | - Qiuting Deng
- BGI Research, Hangzhou, China
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Pingyuan Xie
- Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, China
| | - Can Cheng
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Changsha, China
| | - Xueqin Chen
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Changsha, China
| | - Qinwei Zhou
- Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Jia Lu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Changsha, China
| | - Fang Chen
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Birth Defects Screening, BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
| | - Longqi Liu
- BGI Research, Hangzhou, China
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huanming Yang
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
- James D. Watson Institute of Genome Science, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian Wang
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
- James D. Watson Institute of Genome Science, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xun Xu
- BGI Research, Hangzhou, China
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Genome Read and Write, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yong Hou
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Gong
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Changsha, China
- Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Liang Hu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Changsha, China
- Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Changsha, China
- Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, China
| | - Zhouchun Shang
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, China.
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Changsha, China.
- Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China.
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China.
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, China.
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18
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Xie J, Ruan S, Tu M, Yuan Z, Hu J, Li H, Li S. Clustering single-cell RNA sequencing data via iterative smoothing and self-supervised discriminative embedding. Oncogene 2024; 43:2279-2292. [PMID: 38834657 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03074-5] [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: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Single-cell transcriptome sequencing (scRNA-seq) is a high-throughput technique used to study gene expression at the single-cell level. Clustering analysis is a commonly used method in scRNA-seq data analysis, helping researchers identify cell types and uncover interactions between cells. However, the choice of a robust similarity metric in the clustering procedure is still an open challenge due to the complex underlying structures of the data and the inherent noise in data acquisition. Here, we propose a deep clustering method for scRNA-seq data called scRISE (scRNA-seq Iterative Smoothing and self-supervised discriminative Embedding model) to resolve this challenge. The model consists of two main modules: an iterative smoothing module based on graph autoencoders designed to denoise the data and refine the pairwise similarity in turn to gradually incorporate cell structural features and enrich the data information; and a self-supervised discriminative embedding module with adaptive similarity threshold for partitioning samples into correct clusters. Our approach has shown improved quality of data representation and clustering on seventeen scRNA-seq datasets against a number of state-of-the-art deep learning clustering methods. Furthermore, utilizing the scRISE method in biological analysis against the HNSCC dataset has unveiled 62 informative genes, highlighting their potential roles as therapeutic targets and biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxin Xie
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Shanshan Ruan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Mingyan Tu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Zhen Yuan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Jianguo Hu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Honglin Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.
- Innovation Center for AI and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmacy, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China.
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Shiliang Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.
- Innovation Center for AI and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmacy, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China.
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19
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Almansour F, Keikhosravi A, Pegoraro G, Misteli T. Allele-level visualization of transcription and chromatin by high-throughput imaging. Histochem Cell Biol 2024; 162:65-77. [PMID: 38724854 PMCID: PMC11227451 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-024-02289-7] [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] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
The spatial arrangement of the genome within the nucleus is a pivotal aspect of cellular organization and function with implications for gene expression and regulation. While all genome organization features, such as loops, domains, and radial positioning, are nonrandom, they are characterized by a high degree of single-cell variability. Imaging approaches are ideally suited to visualize, measure, and study single-cell heterogeneity in genome organization. Here, we describe two methods for the detection of DNA and RNA of individual gene alleles by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in a high-throughput format. We have optimized combined DNA/RNA FISH approaches either using simultaneous or sequential detection of DNA and nascent RNA. These optimized DNA and RNA FISH protocols were implemented in a 384-well plate format alongside automated image and data analysis and enable accurate detection of individual gene alleles and their gene expression status across a large cell population. We successfully visualized MYC and EGFR DNA and nascent RNA with allele-level resolution in multiple cell types, and we determined the radial position of active and inactive MYC and EGFR alleles. These optimized DNA/RNA detection approaches are versatile and sensitive tools for mapping of chromatin features and gene activity at the single-allele level and at high throughput.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faisal Almansour
- Cell Biology of Genomes, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical School, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
| | - Adib Keikhosravi
- High-Throughput Imaging Facility, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Gianluca Pegoraro
- High-Throughput Imaging Facility, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Tom Misteli
- Cell Biology of Genomes, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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20
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Ji Y, An Q, Wen X, Xu Z, Xia Z, Xia Z, Hu Q, Lei S. Liver cancer from the perspective of single-cell sequencing: a review combined with bibliometric analysis. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:316. [PMID: 38910204 PMCID: PMC11194221 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05855-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver cancer (LC) is a prevalent malignancy and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Extensive research has been conducted to enhance patient outcomes and develop effective prevention strategies, ranging from molecular mechanisms to clinical interventions. Single-cell sequencing, as a novel bioanalysis technology, has significantly contributed to the understanding of the global cognition and dynamic changes in liver cancer. However, there is a lack of bibliometric analysis in this specific research area. Therefore, the objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the knowledge structure and research hotspots in the field of single-cell sequencing in liver cancer research through the use of bibliometrics. METHOD Publications related to the application of single-cell sequencing technology to liver cancer research as of December 31, 2023, were searched on the web of science core collection (WoSCC) database. VOSviewers, CiteSpace, and R package "bibliometrix" were used to conduct this bibliometric analysis. RESULTS A total of 331 publications from 34 countries, primarily led by China and the United States, were included in this study. The research focuses on the application of single cell sequencing technology to liver cancer, and the number of related publications has been increasing year by year. The main research institutions involved in this field are Fudan University, Sun Yat-Sen University, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Frontiers in Immunology and Nature Communications is the most popular journal in this field, while Cell is the most frequently co-cited journal. These publications are authored by 2799 individuals, with Fan Jia and Zhou Jian having the most published papers, and Llovet Jm being the most frequently co-cited author. The use of single cell sequencing to explore the immune microenvironment of liver cancer, as well as its implications in immunotherapy and chemotherapy, remains the central focus of this field. The emerging research hotspots are characterized by keywords such as 'Gene-Expression', 'Prognosis', 'Tumor Heterogeneity', 'Immunoregulation', and 'Tumor Immune Microenvironment'. CONCLUSION This is the first bibliometric study that comprehensively summarizes the research trends and developments on the application of single cell sequencing in liver cancer. The study identifies recent research frontiers and hot directions, providing a valuable reference for researchers exploring the landscape of liver cancer, understanding the composition of the immune microenvironment, and utilizing single-cell sequencing technology to guide and enhance the prognosis of liver cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwei Ji
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qi An
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinyu Wen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhou Xu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhengyuan Xia
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao, China
| | - Zhongyuan Xia
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qinyong Hu
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Shaoqing Lei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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21
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Wu J, Fu J. Toward developing human organs via embryo models and chimeras. Cell 2024; 187:3194-3219. [PMID: 38906095 PMCID: PMC11239105 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.05.027] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Developing functional organs from stem cells remains a challenging goal in regenerative medicine. Existing methodologies, such as tissue engineering, bioprinting, and organoids, only offer partial solutions. This perspective focuses on two promising approaches emerging for engineering human organs from stem cells: stem cell-based embryo models and interspecies organogenesis. Both approaches exploit the premise of guiding stem cells to mimic natural development. We begin by summarizing what is known about early human development as a blueprint for recapitulating organogenesis in both embryo models and interspecies chimeras. The latest advances in both fields are discussed before highlighting the technological and knowledge gaps to be addressed before the goal of developing human organs could be achieved using the two approaches. We conclude by discussing challenges facing embryo modeling and interspecies organogenesis and outlining future prospects for advancing both fields toward the generation of human tissues and organs for basic research and translational applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wu
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Jianping Fu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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22
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Li S, Yang M, Shen H, Ding L, Lyu X, Lin K, Ong J, Du P. Capturing totipotency in human cells through spliceosomal repression. Cell 2024; 187:3284-3302.e23. [PMID: 38843832 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.05.010] [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] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
The cleavage of zygotes generates totipotent blastomeres. In human 8-cell blastomeres, zygotic genome activation (ZGA) occurs to initiate the ontogenesis program. However, capturing and maintaining totipotency in human cells pose significant challenges. Here, we realize culturing human totipotent blastomere-like cells (hTBLCs). We find that splicing inhibition can transiently reprogram human pluripotent stem cells into ZGA-like cells (ZLCs), which subsequently transition into stable hTBLCs after long-term passaging. Distinct from reported 8-cell-like cells (8CLCs), both ZLCs and hTBLCs widely silence pluripotent genes. Interestingly, ZLCs activate a particular group of ZGA-specific genes, and hTBLCs are enriched with pre-ZGA-specific genes. During spontaneous differentiation, hTBLCs re-enter the intermediate ZLC stage and further generate epiblast (EPI)-, primitive endoderm (PrE)-, and trophectoderm (TE)-like lineages, effectively recapitulating human pre-implantation development. Possessing both embryonic and extraembryonic developmental potency, hTBLCs can autonomously generate blastocyst-like structures in vitro without external cell signaling. In summary, our study provides key criteria and insights into human cell totipotency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Min Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Hui Shen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Li Ding
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xuehui Lyu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Kexin Lin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jennie Ong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Peng Du
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Beijing Advanced Center of RNA Biology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
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23
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Huang W, Chen ACH, Wei X, Fong SW, Yeung WSB, Lee YL. Uncovering the role of TET2-mediated ENPEP activation in trophoblast cell fate determination. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:270. [PMID: 38886218 PMCID: PMC11335190 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05306-z] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Early trophoblast differentiation is crucial for embryo implantation, placentation and fetal development. Dynamic changes in DNA methylation occur during preimplantation development and are critical for cell fate determination. However, the underlying regulatory mechanism remains unclear. Recently, we derived morula-like expanded potential stem cells from human preimplantation embryos (hEPSC-em), providing a valuable tool for studying early trophoblast differentiation. Data analysis on published datasets showed differential expressions of DNA methylation enzymes during early trophoblast differentiation in human embryos and hEPSC-em derived trophoblastic spheroids. We demonstrated downregulation of DNA methyltransferase 3 members (DNMT3s) and upregulation of ten-eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenases (TETs) during trophoblast differentiation. While DNMT inhibitor promoted trophoblast differentiation, TET inhibitor hindered the process and reduced implantation potential of trophoblastic spheroids. Further integrative analysis identified that glutamyl aminopeptidase (ENPEP), a trophectoderm progenitor marker, was hypomethylated and highly expressed in trophoblast lineages. Concordantly, progressive loss of DNA methylation in ENPEP promoter and increased ENPEP expression were detected in trophoblast differentiation. Knockout of ENPEP in hEPSC-em compromised trophoblast differentiation potency, reduced adhesion and invasion of trophoblastic spheroids, and impeded trophoblastic stem cell (TSC) derivation. Importantly, TET2 was involved in the loss of DNA methylation and activation of ENPEP expression during trophoblast differentiation. TET2-null hEPSC-em failed to produce TSC properly. Collectively, our results illustrated the crucial roles of ENPEP and TET2 in trophoblast fate commitments and the unprecedented TET2-mediated loss of DNA methylation in ENPEP promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region, China
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, Science Park, Sha Tin , Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Andy Chun Hang Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region, China
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, Science Park, Sha Tin , Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xujin Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Sze Wan Fong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region, China
| | - William Shu Biu Yeung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region, China.
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, Science Park, Sha Tin , Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region, China.
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Yin Lau Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region, China.
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, Science Park, Sha Tin , Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region, China.
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
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24
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Wade EM, Morgan T, Gimenez G, Jenkins ZA, Titheradge H, O'Donnell M, Skidmore D, Suri M, Robertson SP. Pathogenic FLNA variants affecting the hinge region of filamin A are associated with male survival. Am J Med Genet A 2024:e63779. [PMID: 38853608 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Pathogenic variants in FLNA cause a diversity of X-linked developmental disorders associated with either preserved or diminished levels of filamin A protein and are conceptualized dichotomously as relating to underlying gain- or loss-of-function pathogenic mechanisms. Hemizygosity for germline deletions or truncating variants in FLNA is generally considered to result in embryonic lethality. Structurally, filamin A is composed of an N-terminal actin-binding region, followed by 24 immunoglobulin-like repeat units. The repeat domains are separated into distinct segments by two regions of low-complexity known as hinge-1 and hinge-2. Hinge-1 is proposed to confer flexibility to the otherwise rigid protein and is a target for cleavage by calpain with the resultant filamin fragments mediating crucial cellular signaling processes. Here, three families with pathogenic variants in FLNA that impair the function of hinge-1 in males are described, leading to distinct clinical phenotypes. One large in-frame deletion that includes the hinge leads to frontometaphyseal dysplasia in affected males and females, while two germline truncating variants located within the exon encoding hinge 1 result in phenotypes in males that are explained by exon skipping and under-expression of a transcript that deletes hinge-1 from the resultant protein. These three variants affecting hinge-1 indicate that this domain does not mediate cellular functions that, when deficientresult in embryonic lethality in males and that germline truncating variants in this region of FLNA can result in viable phenotypes in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma M Wade
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Dunedin School of Medicine, Otago University, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Tim Morgan
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Dunedin School of Medicine, Otago University, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Gregory Gimenez
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, Otago University, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Zandra A Jenkins
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Dunedin School of Medicine, Otago University, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Hannah Titheradge
- Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Marie O'Donnell
- Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - David Skidmore
- IWK Hospital, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Mohnish Suri
- Clinical Genetics Service, City Hospital, Nottingham, UK
| | - Stephen P Robertson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Dunedin School of Medicine, Otago University, Dunedin, New Zealand
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25
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Alfeghaly C, Castel G, Cazottes E, Moscatelli M, Moinard E, Casanova M, Boni J, Mahadik K, Lammers J, Freour T, Chauviere L, Piqueras C, Boers R, Boers J, Gribnau J, David L, Ouimette JF, Rougeulle C. XIST dampens X chromosome activity in a SPEN-dependent manner during early human development. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2024:10.1038/s41594-024-01325-3. [PMID: 38834912 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-024-01325-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
XIST (X-inactive specific transcript) long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is responsible for X chromosome inactivation (XCI) in placental mammals, yet it accumulates on both X chromosomes in human female preimplantation embryos without triggering X chromosome silencing. The XACT (X-active coating transcript) lncRNA coaccumulates with XIST on active X chromosomes and may antagonize XIST function. Here, we used human embryonic stem cells in a naive state of pluripotency to assess the function of XIST and XACT in shaping the X chromosome chromatin and transcriptional landscapes during preimplantation development. We show that XIST triggers the deposition of polycomb-mediated repressive histone modifications and dampens the transcription of most X-linked genes in a SPEN-dependent manner, while XACT deficiency does not significantly affect XIST activity or X-linked gene expression. Our study demonstrates that XIST is functional before XCI, confirms the existence of a transient process of X chromosome dosage compensation and reveals that XCI and dampening rely on the same set of factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charbel Alfeghaly
- Epigenetics and Cell Fate, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Gaël Castel
- Epigenetics and Cell Fate, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Emmanuel Cazottes
- Epigenetics and Cell Fate, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | | | - Eva Moinard
- Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology (CR2TI), CHU Nantes, Inserm, Nantes Université, Nantes, France
| | - Miguel Casanova
- Epigenetics and Cell Fate, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Juliette Boni
- Epigenetics and Cell Fate, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Kasturi Mahadik
- Epigenetics and Cell Fate, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Jenna Lammers
- Service de Biologie de la Reproduction, CHU Nantes, Nantes Université, Nantes, France
| | - Thomas Freour
- Service de Biologie de la Reproduction, CHU Nantes, Nantes Université, Nantes, France
| | - Louis Chauviere
- Epigenetics and Cell Fate, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Carla Piqueras
- Epigenetics and Cell Fate, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Ruben Boers
- Department of Developmental Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Joachim Boers
- Department of Developmental Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Joost Gribnau
- Department of Developmental Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Laurent David
- Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology (CR2TI), CHU Nantes, Inserm, Nantes Université, Nantes, France
- BioCore, CNRS, CHU Nantes, Inserm, Nantes Université, Nantes, France
| | | | - Claire Rougeulle
- Epigenetics and Cell Fate, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France.
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Tanaka E, Koyanagi-Aoi M, Nakagawa S, Shimode S, Yamada H, Terai Y, Aoi T. Effect of a FOXO1 inhibitor on trophoblast differentiation from human pluripotent stem cells and ERV-associated gene expression. Regen Ther 2024; 26:729-740. [PMID: 39290630 PMCID: PMC11405643 DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2024.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction In human placental development, the trophectoderm (TE) appears in blastocysts on day 5 post-fertilization and develops after implantation into three types of trophoblast lineages: cytotrophoblast (CT), syncytiotrophoblast (ST), and extravillous trophoblast (EVT). CDX2/Cdx2 is expressed in the TE, and Cdx2 expression is upregulated by knockdown of Foxo1 in mouse ESCs. However, the significance of FOXO1 in trophoblast lineage differentiation during the early developmental period remains unclear. In this study, we examined the effect of FOXO1 inhibition on the differentiation of naive human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into TE and trophoblast lineages. Methods We induced TE differentiation from naive iPSCs in the presence or absence of a FOXO1 inhibitor, and the resulting cells were subjected to trophoblast differentiation procedures without the FOXO1 inhibitor. The cells obtained in these processes were assessed for morphology, gene expression, and hCG secretion using phase-contrast microscopy, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR), RNA-seq, immunochromatography, and a chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay. Results In the induction of trophoblast differentiation from naive iPSCs, treatment with a FOXO1 inhibitor resulted in the enhanced expression of TE markers, CDX2 and HAND1, but conversely decreased the expression of ST markers, such as ERVW1 (Syncytin-1) and GCM1, and an EVT marker, HLA-G. The proportion of cells positive for an early TE marker TACSTD2 and negative for a late TE marker ENPEP was higher in FOXO1 inhibitor-treated cells than in non-treated cells. The expressions of ERVW1 (Syncytin-1), ERVFRD-1 (Syncytin-2), and other endogenous retrovirus (ERV)-associated genes that have been reported to be expressed in trophoblasts were suppressed in the cells obtained by differentiating the TE cells treated with FOXO1 inhibitor. Conclusions Treatment with a FOXO1 inhibitor during TE induction from naive iPSCs promotes early TE differentiation but hinders the progression of differentiation into ST and EVT. The suppression of ERV-associated genes may be involved in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Tanaka
- Division of Stem Cell Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
- Division of Advanced Medical Science, Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | - Michiyo Koyanagi-Aoi
- Division of Stem Cell Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
- Division of Advanced Medical Science, Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
- Center for Human Resource Development for Regenerative Medicine, Kobe University Hospital, 7-5-2 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | - So Nakagawa
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, 259-1193, Japan
| | - Sayumi Shimode
- Division of Advanced Medical Science, Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
- Genome Editing Innovation Center, Hiroshima University, 3-10-23 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-0046, Japan
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, 1-4-4 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8528, Japan
| | - Hideto Yamada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | - Yoshito Terai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | - Takashi Aoi
- Division of Stem Cell Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
- Division of Advanced Medical Science, Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
- Center for Human Resource Development for Regenerative Medicine, Kobe University Hospital, 7-5-2 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
- Division of Signal Pathways, Biosignal Research Center, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe 657-0013, Japan
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Radley A, Boeing S, Smith A. Branching topology of the human embryo transcriptome revealed by Entropy Sort Feature Weighting. Development 2024; 151:dev202832. [PMID: 38691188 PMCID: PMC11213519 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202832] [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: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Analysis of single cell transcriptomics (scRNA-seq) data is typically performed after subsetting to highly variable genes (HVGs). Here, we show that Entropy Sorting provides an alternative mathematical framework for feature selection. On synthetic datasets, continuous Entropy Sort Feature Weighting (cESFW) outperforms HVG selection in distinguishing cell-state-specific genes. We apply cESFW to six merged scRNA-seq datasets spanning human early embryo development. Without smoothing or augmenting the raw counts matrices, cESFW generates a high-resolution embedding displaying coherent developmental progression from eight-cell to post-implantation stages and delineating 15 distinct cell states. The embedding highlights sequential lineage decisions during blastocyst development, while unsupervised clustering identifies branch point populations obscured in previous analyses. The first branching region, where morula cells become specified for inner cell mass or trophectoderm, includes cells previously asserted to lack a developmental trajectory. We quantify the relatedness of different pluripotent stem cell cultures to distinct embryo cell types and identify marker genes of naïve and primed pluripotency. Finally, by revealing genes with dynamic lineage-specific expression, we provide markers for staging progression from morula to blastocyst.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Radley
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Stefan Boeing
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Science Technology Platform, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Austin Smith
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
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28
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Zhu M, Meglicki M, Lamba A, Wang P, Royer C, Turner K, Jauhar MA, Jones C, Child T, Coward K, Na J, Zernicka-Goetz M. Tead4 and Tfap2c generate bipotency and a bistable switch in totipotent embryos to promote robust lineage diversification. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2024; 31:964-976. [PMID: 38789684 PMCID: PMC11189297 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-024-01311-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
The mouse and human embryo gradually loses totipotency before diversifying into the inner cell mass (ICM, future organism) and trophectoderm (TE, future placenta). The transcription factors TFAP2C and TEAD4 with activated RHOA accelerate embryo polarization. Here we show that these factors also accelerate the loss of totipotency. TFAP2C and TEAD4 paradoxically promote and inhibit Hippo signaling before lineage diversification: they drive expression of multiple Hippo regulators while also promoting apical domain formation, which inactivates Hippo. Each factor activates TE specifiers in bipotent cells, while TFAP2C also activates specifiers of the ICM fate. Asymmetric segregation of the apical domain reconciles the opposing regulation of Hippo signaling into Hippo OFF and the TE fate, or Hippo ON and the ICM fate. We propose that the bistable switch established by TFAP2C and TEAD4 is exploited to trigger robust lineage diversification in the developing embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhu
- Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maciej Meglicki
- Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Adiyant Lamba
- Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Peizhe Wang
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Christophe Royer
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Karen Turner
- Oxford Fertility, Institute of Reproductive Sciences, Oxford, UK
| | - Muhammad Abdullah Jauhar
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Celine Jones
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Tim Child
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kevin Coward
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jie Na
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz
- Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.
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Bolteau M, Chebouba L, David L, Bourdon J, Guziolowski C. Boolean Network Models of Human Preimplantation Development. J Comput Biol 2024; 31:513-523. [PMID: 38814745 DOI: 10.1089/cmb.2024.0517] [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: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Single-cell transcriptomic studies of differentiating systems allow meaningful understanding, especially in human embryonic development and cell fate determination. We present an innovative method aimed at modeling these intricate processes by leveraging scRNAseq data from various human developmental stages. Our implemented method identifies pseudo-perturbations, since actual perturbations are unavailable due to ethical and technical constraints. By integrating these pseudo-perturbations with prior knowledge of gene interactions, our framework generates stage-specific Boolean networks (BNs). We apply our method to medium and late trophectoderm developmental stages and identify 20 pseudo-perturbations required to infer BNs. The resulting BN families delineate distinct regulatory mechanisms, enabling the differentiation between these developmental stages. We show that our program outperforms existing pseudo-perturbation identification tool. Our framework contributes to comprehending human developmental processes and holds potential applicability to diverse developmental stages and other research scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Bolteau
- Nantes Université, École Centrale Nantes, CNRS, LS2N, UMR 6004, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Lokmane Chebouba
- Department of Electronics, University of Frères Mentouri Constantine 1, Constantine, Algeria
- LRIA Laboratory, University of Science and Technology Houari Boumediene (USTHB), Bab-Ezzouar, Algeria
| | - Laurent David
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Center for Research in Transplantation and Translational Immunology, UMR 1064, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Jérémie Bourdon
- Nantes Université, École Centrale Nantes, CNRS, LS2N, UMR 6004, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Carito Guziolowski
- Nantes Université, École Centrale Nantes, CNRS, LS2N, UMR 6004, F-44000, Nantes, France
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Xiao Z, Cui L, Yuan Y, He N, Xie X, Lin S, Yang X, Zhang X, Shi P, Wei Z, Li Y, Wang H, Wang X, Wei Y, Guo J, Yu L. 3D reconstruction of a gastrulating human embryo. Cell 2024; 187:2855-2874.e19. [PMID: 38657603 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.03.041] [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] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Progress in understanding early human development has been impeded by the scarcity of reference datasets from natural embryos, particularly those with spatial information during crucial stages like gastrulation. We conducted high-resolution spatial transcriptomics profiling on 38,562 spots from 62 transverse sections of an intact Carnegie stage (CS) 8 human embryo. From this spatial transcriptomic dataset, we constructed a 3D model of the CS8 embryo, in which a range of cell subtypes are identified, based on gene expression patterns and positional register, along the anterior-posterior, medial-lateral, and dorsal-ventral axis in the embryo. We further characterized the lineage trajectories of embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues and associated regulons and the regionalization of signaling centers and signaling activities that underpin lineage progression and tissue patterning during gastrulation. Collectively, the findings of this study provide insights into gastrulation and post-gastrulation development of the human embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Lina Cui
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yang Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Nannan He
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Xinwei Xie
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Sirui Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaolong Yang
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Peifu Shi
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Zhifeng Wei
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yang Li
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Hongmei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Yulei Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Jingtao Guo
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Leqian Yu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China.
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31
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Kanata E, Duffié R, Schulz EG. Establishment and maintenance of random monoallelic expression. Development 2024; 151:dev201741. [PMID: 38813842 PMCID: PMC11166465 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201741] [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] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
This Review elucidates the regulatory principles of random monoallelic expression by focusing on two well-studied examples: the X-chromosome inactivation regulator Xist and the olfactory receptor gene family. Although the choice of a single X chromosome or olfactory receptor occurs in different developmental contexts, common gene regulatory principles guide monoallelic expression in both systems. In both cases, an event breaks the symmetry between genetically and epigenetically identical copies of the gene, leading to the expression of one single random allele, stabilized through negative feedback control. Although many regulatory steps that govern the establishment and maintenance of monoallelic expression have been identified, key pieces of the puzzle are still missing. We provide an overview of the current knowledge and models for the monoallelic expression of Xist and olfactory receptors. We discuss their similarities and differences, and highlight open questions and approaches that could guide the study of other monoallelically expressed genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Kanata
- Systems Epigenetics, Otto Warburg Laboratories, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Rachel Duffié
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind, Brain, and Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Edda G. Schulz
- Systems Epigenetics, Otto Warburg Laboratories, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, 14195 Berlin, Germany
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32
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Firmin J, Ecker N, Rivet Danon D, Özgüç Ö, Barraud Lange V, Turlier H, Patrat C, Maître JL. Mechanics of human embryo compaction. Nature 2024; 629:646-651. [PMID: 38693259 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07351-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
The shaping of human embryos begins with compaction, during which cells come into close contact1,2. Assisted reproductive technology studies indicate that human embryos fail compaction primarily because of defective adhesion3,4. On the basis of our current understanding of animal morphogenesis5,6, other morphogenetic engines, such as cell contractility, could be involved in shaping human embryos. However, the molecular, cellular and physical mechanisms driving human embryo morphogenesis remain uncharacterized. Using micropipette aspiration on human embryos donated to research, we have mapped cell surface tensions during compaction. This shows a fourfold increase of tension at the cell-medium interface whereas cell-cell contacts keep a steady tension. Therefore, increased tension at the cell-medium interface drives human embryo compaction, which is qualitatively similar to compaction in mouse embryos7. Further comparison between human and mouse shows qualitatively similar but quantitively different mechanical strategies, with human embryos being mechanically least efficient. Inhibition of cell contractility and cell-cell adhesion in human embryos shows that, whereas both cellular processes are required for compaction, only contractility controls the surface tensions responsible for compaction. Cell contractility and cell-cell adhesion exhibit distinct mechanical signatures when faulty. Analysing the mechanical signature of naturally failing embryos, we find evidence that non-compacting or partially compacting embryos containing excluded cells have defective contractility. Together, our study shows that an evolutionarily conserved increase in cell contractility is required to generate the forces driving the first morphogenetic movement shaping the human body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Firmin
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, CNRS UMR3215, INSERM U934, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, Paris, France
- Service de Biologie de la Reproduction - CECOS, Paris Centre Hospital, APHP centre, FHU Prema, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Ecker
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, FHU Prema, Paris, France
| | - Diane Rivet Danon
- Service de Biologie de la Reproduction - CECOS, Paris Centre Hospital, APHP centre, FHU Prema, Paris, France
| | - Özge Özgüç
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, CNRS UMR3215, INSERM U934, Paris, France
| | - Virginie Barraud Lange
- Service de Biologie de la Reproduction - CECOS, Paris Centre Hospital, APHP centre, FHU Prema, Paris, France
- Institut Cochin, Université de Paris, CNRS UMR1016, Paris, France
| | - Hervé Turlier
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Université PSL, FHU Prema, Paris, France
| | - Catherine Patrat
- Service de Biologie de la Reproduction - CECOS, Paris Centre Hospital, APHP centre, FHU Prema, Paris, France
- Institut Cochin, Université de Paris, CNRS UMR1016, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Léon Maître
- Institut Curie, Université PSL, CNRS UMR3215, INSERM U934, Paris, France.
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Rossant J. Why study human embryo development? Dev Biol 2024; 509:43-50. [PMID: 38325560 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2024.02.001] [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] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the processes and mechanisms underlying early human embryo development has become an increasingly active and important area of research. It has potential for insights into important clinical issues such as early pregnancy loss, origins of congenital anomalies and developmental origins of adult disease, as well as fundamental insights into human biology. Improved culture systems for preimplantation embryos, combined with the new tools of single cell genomics and live imaging, are providing new insights into the similarities and differences between human and mouse development. However, access to human embryo material is still restricted and extended culture of early embryos has regulatory and ethical concerns. Stem cell-derived models of different phases of human development can potentially overcome these limitations and provide a scalable source of material to explore the early postimplantation stages of human development. To date, such models are clearly incomplete replicas of normal development but future technological improvements can be envisaged. The ethical and regulatory environment for such studies remains to be fully resolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Rossant
- The Gairdner Foundation and the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, MaRS Centre, Heritage Building, 101 College Street, Suite 335, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada.
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Park Y, Hauschild AC. The effect of data transformation on low-dimensional integration of single-cell RNA-seq. BMC Bioinformatics 2024; 25:171. [PMID: 38689234 PMCID: PMC11059821 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-024-05788-5] [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: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent developments in single-cell RNA sequencing have opened up a multitude of possibilities to study tissues at the level of cellular populations. However, the heterogeneity in single-cell sequencing data necessitates appropriate procedures to adjust for technological limitations and various sources of noise when integrating datasets from different studies. While many analysis procedures employ various preprocessing steps, they often overlook the importance of selecting and optimizing the employed data transformation methods. RESULTS This work investigates data transformation approaches used in single-cell clustering analysis tools and their effects on batch integration analysis. In particular, we compare 16 transformations and their impact on the low-dimensional representations, aiming to reduce the batch effect and integrate multiple single-cell sequencing data. Our results show that data transformations strongly influence the results of single-cell clustering on low-dimensional data space, such as those generated by UMAP or PCA. Moreover, these changes in low-dimensional space significantly affect trajectory analysis using multiple datasets, as well. However, the performance of the data transformations greatly varies across datasets, and the optimal method was different for each dataset. Additionally, we explored how data transformation impacts the analysis of deep feature encodings using deep neural network-based models, including autoencoder-based models and proto-typical networks. Data transformation also strongly affects the outcome of deep neural network models. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the batch effect and noise in integrative analysis are highly influenced by data transformation. Low-dimensional features can integrate different batches well when proper data transformation is applied. Furthermore, we found that the batch mixing score on low-dimensional space can guide the selection of the optimal data transformation. In conclusion, data preprocessing is one of the most crucial analysis steps and needs to be cautiously considered in the integrative analysis of multiple scRNA-seq datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngjun Park
- Department of Medical Informatics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- International Max Planck Research Schools for Genome Science, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Anne-Christin Hauschild
- Department of Medical Informatics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
- Campus-Institute Data Science (CIDAS), Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
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Song QH, Zhao KX, Huang S, Chen T, He L. Escape from X-chromosome inactivation and sex differences in Alzheimer's disease. Rev Neurosci 2024; 35:341-354. [PMID: 38157427 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2023-0108] [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] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Sex differences exist in the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease. Globally, women have a higher prevalence, while men with Alzheimer's disease experience earlier mortality and more pronounced cognitive decline than women. The cause of sex differences in Alzheimer's disease remains unclear. Accumulating evidence suggests the potential role of X-linked genetic factors in the sex difference of Alzheimer's disease (AD). During embryogenesis, a remarkable process known as X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) occurs in females, leading to one of the X chromosomes undergoing transcriptional inactivation, which balances the effects of two X chromosomes in females. Nevertheless, certain genes exceptionally escape from XCI, which provides a basis for dual expression dosage of specific genes in females. Based on recent research findings, we explore key escape genes and their potential therapeutic use associated with Alzheimer's disease. Also, we discuss their possible role in driving the sex differences in Alzheimer's disease. This will provide new perspectives for precision medicine and gender-specific treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Hua Song
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ke-Xuan Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Shuai Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Tong Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ling He
- Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tong Jia Xiang, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
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36
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Azagury M, Buganim Y. Unlocking trophectoderm mysteries: In vivo and in vitro perspectives on human and mouse trophoblast fate induction. Dev Cell 2024; 59:941-960. [PMID: 38653193 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.03.029] [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] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, the pursuit of inducing the trophoblast stem cell (TSC) state has gained prominence as a compelling research objective, illuminating the establishment of the trophoblast lineage and unlocking insights into early embryogenesis. In this review, we examine how advancements in diverse technologies, including in vivo time course transcriptomics, cellular reprogramming to TSC state, chemical induction of totipotent stem-cell-like state, and stem-cell-based embryo-like structures, have enriched our insights into the intricate molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways that define the mouse and human trophectoderm/TSC states. We delve into disparities between mouse and human trophectoderm/TSC fate establishment, with a special emphasis on the intriguing role of pluripotency in this context. Additionally, we re-evaluate recent findings concerning the potential of totipotent-stem-like cells and embryo-like structures to fully manifest the trophectoderm/trophoblast lineage's capabilities. Lastly, we briefly discuss the potential applications of induced TSCs in pregnancy-related disease modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meir Azagury
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Yosef Buganim
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel.
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Chen KG, Johnson KR, Park K, Maric D, Yang F, Liu WF, Fann YC, Mallon BS, Robey PG. Resistance to Naïve and Formative Pluripotency Conversion in RSeT Human Embryonic Stem Cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.16.580778. [PMID: 38410444 PMCID: PMC10896352 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.16.580778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
One of the most important properties of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) is related to their primed and naïve pluripotent states. Our previous meta-analysis indicates the existence of heterogeneous pluripotent states derived from diverse naïve protocols. In this study, we have characterized a commercial medium (RSeT)-based pluripotent state under various growth conditions. Notably, RSeT hESCs can circumvent hypoxic growth conditions as required by naïve hESCs, in which some RSeT cells (e.g., H1 cells) exhibit much lower single cell plating efficiency, having altered or much retarded cell growth under both normoxia and hypoxia. Evidently, hPSCs lack many transcriptomic hallmarks of naïve and formative pluripotency (a phase between naive and primed states). Integrative transcriptome analysis suggests our primed and RSeT hESCs are close to the early stage of post-implantation embryos, similar to the previously reported primary hESCs and early hESC cultures. Moreover, RSeT hESCs did not express naïve surface markers such as CD75, SUSD2, and CD130 at a significant level. Biochemically, RSeT hESCs exhibit a differential dependency of FGF2 and co-independency of both Janus kinase (JAK) and TGFβ signaling in a cell-line-specific manner. Thus, RSeT hESCs represent a previously unrecognized pluripotent state downstream of formative pluripotency. Our data suggest that human naïve pluripotent potentials may be restricted in RSeT medium. Hence, this study provides new insights into pluripotent state transitions in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kory R. Johnson
- Intramural IT and Bioinformatics Program, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Kyeyoon Park
- NIH Stem Cell Unit, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Dragan Maric
- Flow and Imaging Cytometry Core Facility, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Forest Yang
- NIH Stem Cell Unit, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Wen Fang Liu
- NIH Stem Cell Unit, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Yang C. Fann
- Intramural IT and Bioinformatics Program, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | | | - Pamela G. Robey
- Skeletal Biology Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
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38
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Wei Y, Lei J, Peng Y, Chang H, Luo T, Tang Y, Wang L, Wen H, Volpe G, Liu L, Han L. Expression characteristics and potential function of non-coding RNA in mouse cortical cells. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1365978. [PMID: 38660385 PMCID: PMC11040102 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1365978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play essential regulatory functions in various physiological and pathological processes in the brain. To systematically characterize the ncRNA profile in cortical cells, we downloaded single-cell SMART-Seq v4 data of mouse cerebral cortex. Our results revealed that the ncRNAs alone are sufficient to define the identity of most cortical cell types. We identified 1,600 ncRNAs that exhibited cell type specificity, even yielding to distinguish microglia from perivascular macrophages with ncRNA. Moreover, we characterized cortical layer and region specific ncRNAs, in line with the results by spatial transcriptome (ST) data. By constructing a co-expression network of ncRNAs and protein-coding genes, we predicted the function of ncRNAs. By integrating with genome-wide association studies data, we established associations between cell type-specific ncRNAs and traits related to neurological disorders. Collectively, our study identified differentially expressed ncRNAs at multiple levels and provided the valuable resource to explore the functions and dysfunctions of ncRNAs in cortical cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanrong Wei
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- BGI Research, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junjie Lei
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- BGI Research, Hangzhou, China
| | | | | | | | - Yuanchun Tang
- BGI Research, Hangzhou, China
- BGI College & Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | | | - Huiying Wen
- BGI Research, Hangzhou, China
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Giacomo Volpe
- Hematology and Cell Therapy Unit, IRCCS–Istituto Tumori ‘Giovanni Paolo II’, Bari, Italy
| | - Longqi Liu
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- BGI Research, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lei Han
- BGI Research, Hangzhou, China
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
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39
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Dong X, Leary JR, Yang C, Brusko MA, Brusko TM, Bacher R. Data-driven selection of analysis decisions in single-cell RNA-seq trajectory inference. Brief Bioinform 2024; 25:bbae216. [PMID: 38725155 PMCID: PMC11082074 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbae216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) experiments have become instrumental in developmental and differentiation studies, enabling the profiling of cells at a single or multiple time-points to uncover subtle variations in expression profiles reflecting underlying biological processes. Benchmarking studies have compared many of the computational methods used to reconstruct cellular dynamics; however, researchers still encounter challenges in their analysis due to uncertainty with respect to selecting the most appropriate methods and parameters. Even among universal data processing steps used by trajectory inference methods such as feature selection and dimension reduction, trajectory methods' performances are highly dataset-specific. To address these challenges, we developed Escort, a novel framework for evaluating a dataset's suitability for trajectory inference and quantifying trajectory properties influenced by analysis decisions. Escort evaluates the suitability of trajectory analysis and the combined effects of processing choices using trajectory-specific metrics. Escort navigates single-cell trajectory analysis through these data-driven assessments, reducing uncertainty and much of the decision burden inherent to trajectory inference analyses. Escort is implemented in an accessible R package and R/Shiny application, providing researchers with the necessary tools to make informed decisions during trajectory analysis and enabling new insights into dynamic biological processes at single-cell resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoru Dong
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Jack R Leary
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Chuanhao Yang
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Maigan A Brusko
- Diabetes Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Todd M Brusko
- Diabetes Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
- Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Rhonda Bacher
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
- Diabetes Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
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40
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Shannon MJ, McNeill GL, Koksal B, Baltayeva J, Wächter J, Castellana B, Peñaherrera MS, Robinson WP, Leung PCK, Beristain AG. Single-cell assessment of primary and stem cell-derived human trophoblast organoids as placenta-modeling platforms. Dev Cell 2024; 59:776-792.e11. [PMID: 38359834 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs) and related trophoblast organoids are state-of-the-art culture systems that facilitate the study of trophoblast development and human placentation. Using single-cell transcriptomics, we evaluate how organoids derived from freshly isolated first-trimester trophoblasts or from established hTSC cell lines reproduce developmental cell trajectories and transcriptional regulatory processes defined in vivo. Although organoids from primary trophoblasts and hTSCs overall model trophoblast differentiation with accuracy, specific features related to trophoblast composition, trophoblast differentiation, and transcriptional drivers of trophoblast development show levels of misalignment. This is best illustrated by the identification of an expanded progenitor state in stem cell-derived organoids that is nearly absent in vivo and transcriptionally shares both villous cytotrophoblast and extravillous trophoblast characteristics. Together, this work provides a comprehensive resource that identifies strengths and limitations of current trophoblast organoid platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Shannon
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Gina L McNeill
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Burak Koksal
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jennet Baltayeva
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jasmin Wächter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Castellana
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Maria S Peñaherrera
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Medical Genetics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Wendy P Robinson
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Medical Genetics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Peter C K Leung
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Alexander G Beristain
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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41
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Kong X, Li R, Chen M, Zheng R, Wang J, Sun C, Qu Y. Endogenous retrovirus HERVH-derived lncRNA UCA1 controls human trophoblast development. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2318176121. [PMID: 38483994 PMCID: PMC10962953 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2318176121] [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] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are frequently reactivated in mammalian placenta. It has been proposed that ERVs contribute to shaping the gene regulatory network of mammalian trophoblasts, dominantly acting as species- and placental-specific enhancers. However, whether and how ERVs control human trophoblast development through alternative pathways remains poorly understood. Besides the well-recognized function of human endogenous retrovirus-H (HERVH) in maintaining pluripotency of early human epiblast, here we present a unique role of HERVH on trophoblast lineage development. We found that the LTR7C/HERVH subfamily exhibits an accessible chromatin state in the human trophoblast lineage. Particularly, the LTR7C/HERVH-derived Urothelial Cancer Associated 1 (UCA1), a primate-specific long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), is transcribed in human trophoblasts and promotes the proliferation of human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs), whereas its ectopic expression compromises human trophoblast syncytialization coinciding with increased interferon signaling pathway. Importantly, UCA1 upregulation is detectable in placental samples from early-onset preeclampsia (EO-PE) patients and the transcriptome of EO-PE placenta exhibits considerable similarities to that of the syncytiotrophoblasts differentiated from UCA1-overexpressing hTSCs, supporting up-regulated UCA1 as a potential biomarker of this disease. Altogether, our data shed light on the versatile regulatory role of HERVH in early human development and provide a unique mechanism whereby ERVs exert a function in human placentation and placental syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuhui Kong
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou510080, China
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou510080, China
| | - Ruiqi Li
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of Kapok, Hainan571400, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou510120, China
- The First People’s Hospital of Kashgar, Kashgar844000, China
| | - Manqi Chen
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou510080, China
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou510080, China
| | - Rongyan Zheng
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou510080, China
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou510080, China
| | - Jichang Wang
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou510080, China
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou510080, China
| | - Chuanbo Sun
- Laboratory of Medical Systems Biology, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou510623, China
| | - Yuliang Qu
- Advanced Medical Technology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou510080, China
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou510080, China
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42
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Du P, Wu J. Hallmarks of totipotent and pluripotent stem cell states. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:312-333. [PMID: 38382531 PMCID: PMC10939785 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.01.009] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Though totipotency and pluripotency are transient during early embryogenesis, they establish the foundation for the development of all mammals. Studying these in vivo has been challenging due to limited access and ethical constraints, particularly in humans. Recent progress has led to diverse culture adaptations of epiblast cells in vitro in the form of totipotent and pluripotent stem cells, which not only deepen our understanding of embryonic development but also serve as invaluable resources for animal reproduction and regenerative medicine. This review delves into the hallmarks of totipotent and pluripotent stem cells, shedding light on their key molecular and functional features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Du
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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43
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Fang S, Chang KW, Lefebvre L. Roles of endogenous retroviral elements in the establishment and maintenance of imprinted gene expression. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1369751. [PMID: 38505259 PMCID: PMC10948482 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1369751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation (DNAme) has long been recognized as a host defense mechanism, both in the restriction modification systems of prokaryotes as well as in the transcriptional silencing of repetitive elements in mammals. When DNAme was shown to be implicated as a key epigenetic mechanism in the regulation of imprinted genes in mammals, a parallel with host defense mechanisms was drawn, suggesting perhaps a common evolutionary origin. Here we review recent work related to this hypothesis on two different aspects of the developmental imprinting cycle in mammals that has revealed unexpected roles for long terminal repeat (LTR) retroelements in imprinting, both canonical and noncanonical. These two different forms of genomic imprinting depend on different epigenetic marks inherited from the mature gametes, DNAme and histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3), respectively. DNAme establishment in the maternal germline is guided by transcription during oocyte growth. Specific families of LTRs, evading silencing mechanisms, have been implicated in this process for specific imprinted genes. In noncanonical imprinting, maternally inherited histone marks play transient roles in transcriptional silencing during preimplantation development. These marks are ultimately translated into DNAme, notably over LTR elements, for the maintenance of silencing of the maternal alleles in the extraembryonic trophoblast lineage. Therefore, LTR retroelements play important roles in both establishment and maintenance of different epigenetic pathways leading to imprinted expression during development. Because such elements are mobile and highly polymorphic among different species, they can be coopted for the evolution of new species-specific imprinted genes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Louis Lefebvre
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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44
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Liang P, Li H, Long C, Liu M, Zhou J, Zuo Y. Chromatin region binning of gene expression for improving embryo cell subtype identification. Comput Biol Med 2024; 170:108049. [PMID: 38290319 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.108049] [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] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Mammalian embryonic development is a complex process, characterized by intricate spatiotemporal dynamics and distinct chromatin preferences. However, the quick diversification in early embryogenesis leads to significant cellular diversity and the sparsity of scRNA-seq data, posing challenges in accurately determining cell fate decisions. In this study, we introduce a chromatin region binning method using scChrBin, designed to identify chromatin regions that elucidate the dynamics of embryonic development and lineage differentiation. This method transforms scRNA-seq data into a chromatin-based matrix, leveraging genomic annotations. Our results showed that the scChrBin method achieves high accuracy, with 98.0% and 89.2% on two single-cell embryonic datasets, demonstrating its effectiveness in analyzing complex developmental processes. We also systematically and comprehensively analysis of these key chromatin binning regions and their associated genes, focusing on their roles in lineage and stage development. The perspective of chromatin region binning method enables a comprehensive analysis of transcriptome data at the chromatin level, allowing us to unveil the dynamic expression of chromatin regions across temporal and spatial development. The tool is available as an application at https://github.com/liameihao/scChrBin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Liang
- The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Hanshuang Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Chunshen Long
- The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Mingzhu Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Yongchun Zuo
- The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China.
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45
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Dufour A, Kurylo C, Stöckl JB, Laloë D, Bailly Y, Manceau P, Martins F, Turhan AG, Ferchaud S, Pain B, Fröhlich T, Foissac S, Artus J, Acloque H. Cell specification and functional interactions in the pig blastocyst inferred from single-cell transcriptomics and uterine fluids proteomics. Genomics 2024; 116:110780. [PMID: 38211822 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2023.110780] [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] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
The embryonic development of the pig comprises a long in utero pre- and peri-implantation development, which dramatically differs from mice and humans. During this peri-implantation period, a complex series of paracrine signals establishes an intimate dialogue between the embryo and the uterus. To better understand the biology of the pig blastocyst during this period, we generated a large dataset of single-cell RNAseq from early and hatched blastocysts, spheroid and ovoid conceptus and proteomic datasets from corresponding uterine fluids. Our results confirm the molecular specificity and functionality of the three main cell populations. We also discovered two previously unknown subpopulations of the trophectoderm, one characterised by the expression of LRP2, which could represent progenitor cells, and the other, expressing pro-apoptotic markers, which could correspond to the Rauber's layer. Our work provides new insights into the biology of these populations, their reciprocal functional interactions, and the molecular dialogue with the maternal uterine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrien Dufour
- Université Paris Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, Domaine de Vilvert, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France
| | - Cyril Kurylo
- Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, GenPhySE, Chemin de Borde Rouge, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Jan B Stöckl
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Genzentrum, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 25, 81377 München, Germany
| | - Denis Laloë
- Université Paris Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, Domaine de Vilvert, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France
| | - Yoann Bailly
- INRAE, GenESI, La Gouvanière, 86480 Rouillé, France
| | | | - Frédéric Martins
- Plateforme Genome et Transcriptome (GeT-Santé), GenoToul, Toulouse University, CNRS, INRAE, INSA, Toulouse, France; I2MC - Institut des Maladies Métaboliques et Cardiovasculaires, Inserm, Université de Toulouse, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Ali G Turhan
- Université Paris Saclay, Inserm, UMRS1310, 7 rue Guy Moquet, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | | | - Bertrand Pain
- Université de Lyon, Inserm, INRAE, SBRI, 18 Av. du Doyen Jean Lépine, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Thomas Fröhlich
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Genzentrum, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 25, 81377 München, Germany
| | - Sylvain Foissac
- Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, GenPhySE, Chemin de Borde Rouge, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Jérôme Artus
- Université Paris Saclay, Inserm, UMRS1310, 7 rue Guy Moquet, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Hervé Acloque
- Université Paris Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, Domaine de Vilvert, 78350 Jouy en Josas, France.
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46
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Weatherbee BAT, Weberling A, Gantner CW, Iwamoto-Stohl LK, Barnikel Z, Barrie A, Campbell A, Cunningham P, Drezet C, Efstathiou P, Fishel S, Vindel SG, Lockwood M, Oakley R, Pretty C, Chowdhury N, Richardson L, Mania A, Weavers L, Christie L, Elder K, Snell P, Zernicka-Goetz M. Distinct pathways drive anterior hypoblast specification in the implanting human embryo. Nat Cell Biol 2024; 26:353-365. [PMID: 38443567 PMCID: PMC10940163 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-024-01367-1] [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: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Development requires coordinated interactions between the epiblast, which generates the embryo proper; the trophectoderm, which generates the placenta; and the hypoblast, which forms both the anterior signalling centre and the yolk sac. These interactions remain poorly understood in human embryogenesis because mechanistic studies have only recently become possible. Here we examine signalling interactions post-implantation using human embryos and stem cell models of the epiblast and hypoblast. We find anterior hypoblast specification is NODAL dependent, as in the mouse. However, while BMP inhibits anterior signalling centre specification in the mouse, it is essential for its maintenance in human. We also find contrasting requirements for BMP in the naive pre-implantation epiblast of mouse and human embryos. Finally, we show that NOTCH signalling is important for human epiblast survival. Our findings of conserved and species-specific factors that drive these early stages of embryonic development highlight the strengths of comparative species studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bailey A T Weatherbee
- Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine, Perinatal Institute, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Antonia Weberling
- Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- All Souls College, Oxford, UK
- Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Carlos W Gantner
- Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lisa K Iwamoto-Stohl
- Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, 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, UK
| | | | | | | | - Kay Elder
- Bourn Hall Fertility Clinic, Bourn, UK
| | | | - Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz
- Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Stem Cells Self-Organization Group, Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.
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47
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Gawriyski L, Tan Z, Liu X, Chowdhury I, Malaymar Pinar D, Zhang Q, Weltner J, Jouhilahti EM, Wei GH, Kere J, Varjosalo M. Interaction network of human early embryonic transcription factors. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:1589-1622. [PMID: 38297188 PMCID: PMC10933267 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00074-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Embryonic genome activation (EGA) occurs during preimplantation development and is characterized by the initiation of de novo transcription from the embryonic genome. Despite its importance, the regulation of EGA and the transcription factors involved in this process are poorly understood. Paired-like homeobox (PRDL) family proteins are implicated as potential transcriptional regulators of EGA, yet the PRDL-mediated gene regulatory networks remain uncharacterized. To investigate the function of PRDL proteins, we are identifying the molecular interactions and the functions of a subset family of the Eutherian Totipotent Cell Homeobox (ETCHbox) proteins, seven PRDL family proteins and six other transcription factors (TFs), all suggested to participate in transcriptional regulation during preimplantation. Using mass spectrometry-based interactomics methods, AP-MS and proximity-dependent biotin labeling, and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing we derive the comprehensive regulatory networks of these preimplantation TFs. By these interactomics tools we identify more than a thousand high-confidence interactions for the 21 studied bait proteins with more than 300 interacting proteins. We also establish that TPRX2, currently assigned as pseudogene, is a transcriptional activator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Gawriyski
- University of Helsinki, Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki, Finland
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Zenglai Tan
- Disease Networks Research Unit, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine & Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Xiaonan Liu
- University of Helsinki, Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Dicle Malaymar Pinar
- University of Helsinki, Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Qin Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine & Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jere Weltner
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eeva-Mari Jouhilahti
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Gong-Hong Wei
- Disease Networks Research Unit, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine & Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine & Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Juha Kere
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Markku Varjosalo
- University of Helsinki, Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki, Finland.
- iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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48
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Hu B, Jin H, Shi Y, Yu H, Wu X, Wang S, Zhang K. Single-cell RNA-Seq reveals the earliest lineage specification and X chromosome dosage compensation in bovine preimplantation embryos. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23492. [PMID: 38363564 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202302035rr] [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: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Lineage specification and X chromosome dosage compensation are two crucial biological processes that occur during preimplantation embryonic development. Although extensively studied in mice, the timing and regulation of these processes remain elusive in other species, including humans. Previous studies have suggested conserved principles of human and bovine early development. This study aims to provide fundamental insights into these programs and the regulation using a bovine embryo model by employing single-cell transcriptomics and genome editing approaches. The study analyzes the transcriptomes of 286 individual cells and reveals that bovine trophectoderm/inner cell mass transcriptomes diverge at the early blastocyst stage, after cavitation but before blastocyst expansion. The study also identifies transcriptomic markers and provides the timing of lineage specification events in the bovine embryo. Importantly, we find that SOX2 is required for the first cell decision program in bovine embryos. Moreover, the study shows the occurrence of X chromosome dosage compensation from morula to late blastocyst and reveals that this compensation results from downregulation of X-linked genes in female embryonic cells. The transcriptional atlas generated by this study is expected to be widely useful in improving our understanding of mammalian early embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingjie Hu
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Cow Genetic Improvement and Milk Quality Research of Zhejiang Province, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hao Jin
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Cow Genetic Improvement and Milk Quality Research of Zhejiang Province, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yan Shi
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Cow Genetic Improvement and Milk Quality Research of Zhejiang Province, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haotian Yu
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Cow Genetic Improvement and Milk Quality Research of Zhejiang Province, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaotong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Cow Genetic Improvement and Milk Quality Research of Zhejiang Province, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shaohua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Cow Genetic Improvement and Milk Quality Research of Zhejiang Province, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Cow Genetic Improvement and Milk Quality Research of Zhejiang Province, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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49
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Chousal JN, Morey R, Srinivasan S, Lee K, Zhang W, Yeo AL, To C, Cho K, Garzo VG, Parast MM, Laurent LC, Cook-Andersen H. Molecular profiling of human blastocysts reveals primitive endoderm defects among embryos of decreased implantation potential. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113701. [PMID: 38277271 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113701] [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] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Human embryo implantation is remarkably inefficient, and implantation failure remains among the greatest obstacles in treating infertility. Gene expression data from human embryos have accumulated rapidly in recent years; however, identification of the subset of genes that determine successful implantation remains a challenge. We leverage clinical morphologic grading-known for decades to correlate with implantation potential-and transcriptome analyses of matched embryonic and abembryonic samples to identify factors and pathways enriched and depleted in human blastocysts of good and poor morphology. Unexpectedly, we discovered that the greatest difference was in the state of extraembryonic primitive endoderm (PrE) development, with relative deficiencies in poor morphology blastocysts. Our results suggest that implantation success is most strongly influenced by the embryonic compartment and that deficient PrE development is common among embryos with decreased implantation potential. Our study provides a valuable resource for those investigating the markers and mechanisms of human embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer N Chousal
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Robert Morey
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Srimeenakshi Srinivasan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Katherine Lee
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- Reproductive Partners Fertility Center - San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Ana Lisa Yeo
- Reproductive Partners Fertility Center - San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Cuong To
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kyucheol Cho
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - V Gabriel Garzo
- Reproductive Partners Fertility Center - San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Mana M Parast
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Louise C Laurent
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Heidi Cook-Andersen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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50
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Almansour F, Keikhosravi A, Pegoraro G, Misteli T. Allele-level visualization of transcription and chromatin by high-throughput imaging. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3970096. [PMID: 38464289 PMCID: PMC10925428 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3970096/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
The spatial arrangement of the genome within the nucleus is a pivotal aspect of cellular organization and function with implications for gene expression and regulation. While all genome organization features, such as loops, domains, and radial positioning, are non-random, they are characterized by a high degree of single-cell variability. Imaging approaches are ideally suited to visualize, measure, and study single-cell heterogeneity in genome organization. Here, we describe two methods for the detection of DNA and RNA of individual gene alleles by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in a high-throughput format. We have optimized combined DNA/RNA FISH approaches either using simultaneous or sequential detection. These optimized DNA and RNA FISH protocols, implemented in a 384-well plate format alongside automated image and data analysis, enable accurate detection of chromatin loci and their gene expression status across a large cell population with allele-level resolution. We successfully visualized MYC and EGFR DNA and RNA in multiple cell types, and we determined the radial position of active and inactive MYC and EGFR alleles. These optimized DNA/RNA detection approaches are versatile and sensitive tools for mapping of chromatin features and gene activity at the single-allele level and at high throughput.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tom Misteli
- National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health
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