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Ming H, Zhang M, Rajput S, Logsdon D, Zhu L, Schoolcraft WB, Krisher RL, Jiang Z, Yuan Y. In vitro culture alters cell lineage composition and cellular metabolism of bovine blastocyst†. Biol Reprod 2024; 111:11-27. [PMID: 38408205 PMCID: PMC11247278 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioae031] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Profiling bovine blastocyst transcriptome at the single-cell level has enabled us to reveal the first cell lineage segregation, during which the inner cell mass (ICM), trophectoderm (TE), and an undefined population of transitional cells were identified. By comparing the transcriptome of blastocysts derived in vivo (IVV), in vitro from a conventional culture medium (IVC), and in vitro from an optimized reduced nutrient culture medium (IVR), we found a delay of the cell fate commitment to ICM in the IVC and IVR embryos. Developmental potential differences between IVV, IVC, and IVR embryos were mainly contributed by ICM and transitional cells. Pathway analysis of these non-TE cells between groups revealed highly active metabolic and biosynthetic processes, reduced cellular signaling, and reduced transmembrane transport activities in IVC embryos that may lead to reduced developmental potential. IVR embryos had lower activities in metabolic and biosynthetic processes but increased cellular signaling and transmembrane transport, suggesting these cellular mechanisms may contribute to improved blastocyst development compared to IVC embryos. However, the IVR embryos had compromised development compared to IVV embryos with notably over-active transmembrane transport activities that impaired ion homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Ming
- Department of Animal Sciences, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Mingxiang Zhang
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO, USA
| | - Sandeep Rajput
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO, USA
- Genus plc, DeForest, WI, USA
| | - Deirdre Logsdon
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO, USA
| | - Linkai Zhu
- Department of Animal Sciences, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | - Rebecca L Krisher
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO, USA
- Genus plc, DeForest, WI, USA
| | - Zongliang Jiang
- Department of Animal Sciences, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ye Yuan
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO, USA
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2
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Marin H, Simental E, Allen C, Martin E, Panning B, Al-Sady B, Buchwalter A. The nuclear periphery confers repression on H3K9me2-marked genes and transposons to shape cell fate. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.08.602542. [PMID: 39026839 PMCID: PMC11257442 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.08.602542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Heterochromatic loci marked by histone H3 lysine 9 dimethylation (H3K9me2) are enriched at the nuclear periphery in metazoans, but the effect of spatial position on heterochromatin function has not been defined. Here, we remove three nuclear lamins and lamin B receptor (LBR) in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) and show that heterochromatin detaches from the nuclear periphery. Mutant mESCs sustain naïve pluripotency and maintain H3K9me2 across the genome but cannot repress H3K9me2-marked genes or transposons. Further, mutant cells fail to differentiate into epiblast-like cells (EpiLCs), a transition that requires the expansion of H3K9me2 across the genome. Mutant EpiLCs can silence naïve pluripotency genes and activate epiblast-stage genes. However, H3K9me2 cannot repress markers of alternative fates, including primitive endoderm. We conclude that the nuclear periphery controls the spatial position, dynamic remodeling, and repressive capacity of H3K9me2-marked heterochromatin to shape cell fate decisions.
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3
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Dattani A, Corujo-Simon E, Radley A, Heydari T, Taheriabkenar Y, Carlisle F, Lin S, Liddle C, Mill J, Zandstra PW, Nichols J, Guo G. Naive pluripotent stem cell-based models capture FGF-dependent human hypoblast lineage specification. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:1058-1071.e5. [PMID: 38823388 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.05.003] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
The hypoblast is an essential extraembryonic tissue set aside within the inner cell mass in the blastocyst. Research with human embryos is challenging. Thus, stem cell models that reproduce hypoblast differentiation provide valuable alternatives. We show here that human naive pluripotent stem cell (PSC) to hypoblast differentiation proceeds via reversion to a transitional ICM-like state from which the hypoblast emerges in concordance with the trajectory in human blastocysts. We identified a window when fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling is critical for hypoblast specification. Revisiting FGF signaling in human embryos revealed that inhibition in the early blastocyst suppresses hypoblast formation. In vitro, the induction of hypoblast is synergistically enhanced by limiting trophectoderm and epiblast fates. This finding revises previous reports and establishes a conservation in lineage specification between mice and humans. Overall, this study demonstrates the utility of human naive PSC-based models in elucidating the mechanistic features of early human embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anish Dattani
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK; Department of Clinical & Biomedical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Elena Corujo-Simon
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Arthur Radley
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Tiam Heydari
- Michael Smith Laboratories, School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | | | - Simeng Lin
- Department of Clinical & Biomedical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Corin Liddle
- Bioimaging Centre, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Jonathan Mill
- Department of Clinical & Biomedical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Peter W Zandstra
- Michael Smith Laboratories, School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jennifer Nichols
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ge Guo
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK; Department of Clinical & Biomedical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.
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4
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Pal S, Dhar R. Living in a noisy world-origins of gene expression noise and its impact on cellular decision-making. FEBS Lett 2024; 598:1673-1691. [PMID: 38724715 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14898] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
The expression level of a gene can vary between genetically identical cells under the same environmental condition-a phenomenon referred to as gene expression noise. Several studies have now elucidated a central role of transcription factors in the generation of expression noise. Transcription factors, as the key components of gene regulatory networks, drive many important cellular decisions in response to cellular and environmental signals. Therefore, a very relevant question is how expression noise impacts gene regulation and influences cellular decision-making. In this Review, we summarize the current understanding of the molecular origins of expression noise, highlighting the role of transcription factors in this process, and discuss the ways in which noise can influence cellular decision-making. As advances in single-cell technologies open new avenues for studying expression noise as well as gene regulatory circuits, a better understanding of the influence of noise on cellular decisions will have important implications for many biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sampriti Pal
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, IIT Kharagpur, India
| | - Riddhiman Dhar
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, IIT Kharagpur, India
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5
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Khan AQ, Hasan A, Mir SS, Rashid K, Uddin S, Steinhoff M. Exploiting transcription factors to target EMT and cancer stem cells for tumor modulation and therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2024; 100:1-16. [PMID: 38503384 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2024.03.002] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) are essential in controlling gene regulatory networks that determine cellular fate during embryogenesis and tumor development. TFs are the major players in promoting cancer stemness by regulating the function of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Understanding how TFs interact with their downstream targets for determining cell fate during embryogenesis and tumor development is a critical area of research. CSCs are increasingly recognized for their significance in tumorigenesis and patient prognosis, as they play a significant role in cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and treatment resistance. However, traditional therapies have limited effectiveness in eliminating this subset of cells, allowing CSCs to persist and potentially form secondary tumors. Recent studies have revealed that cancer cells and tumors with CSC-like features also exhibit genes related to the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT-associated transcription factors (EMT-TFs) like TWIST and Snail/Slug can upregulate EMT-related genes and reprogram cancer cells into a stem-like phenotype. Importantly, the regulation of EMT-TFs, particularly through post-translational modifications (PTMs), plays a significant role in cancer metastasis and the acquisition of stem cell-like features. PTMs, including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and SUMOylation, can alter the stability, localization, and activity of EMT-TFs, thereby modulating their ability to drive EMT and stemness properties in cancer cells. Although targeting EMT-TFs holds potential in tackling CSCs, current pharmacological approaches to do so directly are unavailable. Therefore, this review aims to explore the role of EMT- and CSC-TFs, their connection and impact in cellular development and cancer, emphasizing the potential of TF networks as targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Q Khan
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Adria Hasan
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Integral Information and Research Centre-4 (IIRC-4), Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India; Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India
| | - Snober S Mir
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Integral Information and Research Centre-4 (IIRC-4), Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India; Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India
| | - Khalid Rashid
- Department of Urology,Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India; Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Martin Steinhoff
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine Qatar, Qatar Foundation-Education City, Doha 24144, Qatar; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
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6
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Raju A, Siggia ED. A geometrical model of cell fate specification in the mouse blastocyst. Development 2024; 151:dev202467. [PMID: 38563517 PMCID: PMC11112346 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202467] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The lineage decision that generates the epiblast and primitive endoderm from the inner cell mass (ICM) is a paradigm for cell fate specification. Recent mathematics has formalized Waddington's landscape metaphor and proven that lineage decisions in detailed gene network models must conform to a small list of low-dimensional stereotypic changes called bifurcations. The most plausible bifurcation for the ICM is the so-called heteroclinic flip that we define and elaborate here. Our re-analysis of recent data suggests that there is sufficient cell movement in the ICM so the FGF signal, which drives the lineage decision, can be treated as spatially uniform. We thus extend the bifurcation model for a single cell to the entire ICM by means of a self-consistently defined time-dependent FGF signal. This model is consistent with available data and we propose additional dynamic experiments to test it further. This demonstrates that simplified, quantitative and intuitively transparent descriptions are possible when attention is shifted from specific genes to lineages. The flip bifurcation is a very plausible model for any situation where the embryo needs control over the relative proportions of two fates by a morphogen feedback.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archishman Raju
- Simons Centre for the Study of Living Machines, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore 560065, India
| | - Eric D. Siggia
- Center for Studies in Physics and Biology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
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7
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Roshal DS, Fedorenko KK, Martin M, Baghdiguian S, Rochal SB. Topological balance of cell distributions in plane monolayers. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2024; 36:265101. [PMID: 38537291 DOI: 10.1088/1361-648x/ad387a] [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: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Most of normal proliferative epithelia of plants and metazoans are topologically invariant and characterized by similar cell distributions according to the number of cell neighbors (DCNs). Here we study peculiarities of these distributions and explain why the DCN obtained from the location of intercellular boundaries and that based on the Voronoi tessellation with nodes located on cell nuclei may differ from each other. As we demonstrate, special microdomains where four or more intercellular boundaries converge are topologically charged. Using this fact, we deduce a new equation describing the topological balance of the DCNs. The developed theory is applied for a series of microphotographs of non-tumoral epithelial cells of the human cervix (HCerEpiC) to improve the image processing near the edges of microphotographs and reveal the topological invariance of the examined monolayers. Special contact microdomains may be present in epithelia of various natures, however, considering the well-known vertex model of epithelium, we show that such contacts are absent in the usual solid-like state of the model and appear only in the liquid-like cancer state. Also, we discuss a possible biological role of special contacts in context of proliferative epithelium dynamics and tissue morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria S Roshal
- Faculty of Physics, Southern Federal University, Zorge 5, Rostov-on-Don 344090, Russia
| | - Kirill K Fedorenko
- Faculty of Physics, Southern Federal University, Zorge 5, Rostov-on-Don 344090, Russia
| | - Marianne Martin
- VBIC, INSERM U1047, University of Montpellier, Montpellier 34095, France
| | - Stephen Baghdiguian
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution-Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier 34095, France
| | - Sergei B Rochal
- Faculty of Physics, Southern Federal University, Zorge 5, Rostov-on-Don 344090, Russia
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8
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He X, Chen H, Liao M, Zhao X, Zhang D, Jiang M, Jiang Z. The role of CoQ10 in embryonic development. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024; 41:767-779. [PMID: 38372883 PMCID: PMC10957822 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03052-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a natural component widely present in the inner membrane of mitochondria. CoQ10 functions as a key cofactor for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and exhibits antioxidant properties in vivo. Mitochondria, as the energy supply center of cells, play a crucial role in germ cell maturation and embryonic development, a complicated process of cell division and cellular differentiation that transforms from a single cell (zygote) to a multicellular organism (fetus). Here, we discuss the effects of CoQ10 on oocyte maturation and the important role of CoQ10 in the growth of various organs during different stages of fetal development. These allowed us to gain a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of embryonic development and the potential role of CoQ10 in improving fertility quality. They also provide a reference for further developing its application in clinical treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueke He
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Minjun Liao
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaomei Zhao
- College of Public Health, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Dawei Zhang
- Group On the Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Miao Jiang
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China.
| | - Zhisheng Jiang
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Postdoctoral Research Station of Basic Medicine, Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Arteriosclerotic Disease, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China
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9
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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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10
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Okubo T, Rivron N, Kabata M, Masaki H, Kishimoto K, Semi K, Nakajima-Koyama M, Kunitomi H, Kaswandy B, Sato H, Nakauchi H, Woltjen K, Saitou M, Sasaki E, Yamamoto T, Takashima Y. Hypoblast from human pluripotent stem cells regulates epiblast development. Nature 2024; 626:357-366. [PMID: 38052228 PMCID: PMC10849967 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06871-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Recently, several studies using cultures of human embryos together with single-cell RNA-seq analyses have revealed differences between humans and mice, necessitating the study of human embryos1-8. Despite the importance of human embryology, ethical and legal restrictions have limited post-implantation-stage studies. Thus, recent efforts have focused on developing in vitro self-organizing models using human stem cells9-17. Here, we report genetic and non-genetic approaches to generate authentic hypoblast cells (naive hPSC-derived hypoblast-like cells (nHyCs))-known to give rise to one of the two extraembryonic tissues essential for embryonic development-from naive human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). Our nHyCs spontaneously assemble with naive hPSCs to form a three-dimensional bilaminar structure (bilaminoids) with a pro-amniotic-like cavity. In the presence of additional naive hPSC-derived analogues of the second extraembryonic tissue, the trophectoderm, the efficiency of bilaminoid formation increases from 20% to 40%, and the epiblast within the bilaminoids continues to develop in response to trophectoderm-secreted IL-6. Furthermore, we show that bilaminoids robustly recapitulate the patterning of the anterior-posterior axis and the formation of cells reflecting the pregastrula stage, the emergence of which can be shaped by genetically manipulating the DKK1/OTX2 hypoblast-like domain. We have therefore successfully modelled and identified the mechanisms by which the two extraembryonic tissues efficiently guide the stage-specific growth and progression of the epiblast as it establishes the post-implantation landmarks of human embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Okubo
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Nicolas Rivron
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Mio Kabata
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hideki Masaki
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Advanced Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Katsunori Semi
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - May Nakajima-Koyama
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Haruko Kunitomi
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Belinda Kaswandy
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Sato
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Advanced Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiromitsu Nakauchi
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Advanced Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Knut Woltjen
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mitinori Saitou
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (WPI-ASHBi), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Erika Sasaki
- Central Institute for Experimental Animals, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Takuya Yamamoto
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (WPI-ASHBi), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
- Medical-risk Avoidance Based on iPS Cells Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project (AIP), Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Yasuhiro Takashima
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
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11
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Chai Z, Wu J, Qi Z, Liu Y, Lv Y, Zhang Y, Yu Z, Jiang C, Liu Z. Molecular characterizations and functional roles of NANOG in early development of porcine embryos. Gene 2024; 892:147856. [PMID: 37778417 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147856] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Nanog homeobox (NANOG) is the gateway to the pluripotent ground state in mouse embryonic stem cells and early embryos. However, understanding of the molecular signatures and functional characteristics of porcine NANOG remains limited. In this study, we analyzed the gene structure and sequence characteristics of porcine NANOG and found that the porcine NANOG gene is localized on chromosome 5, while NANOG sequence on chromosome 1 is the processed pseudogene. We explored the expression pattern of NANOG in porcine early embryos by immunofluorescence staining and Realtime-PCR and RNA-seq, the results showed that transcription of porcine NANOG commences at the 4-cell stage, while expression of the NANOG protein is initially observed in the inner cell mass of blastocysts. Furthermore, we identified a NANOG splicing variant in porcine early embryos, which maintain the overall structure of the original NANOG mRNA, except for a deletion of 38 base pairs in the second exon. To further investigate the function of NANOG in early embryo development in pigs, we employed siRNA-mediated deletion of the two specific transcripts on porcine zygotes. The results showed that blastocyst rate was significantly reduced after NANOG deleting. A significant decrease in the expression of DNA methylation-related gene DNMT3B was also observed in D3 embryo from the NANOG deleting group. In conclusion, the porcine NANOG gene, accompanied by a single-exon processed pseudogene, exhibits two transcripts and plays a pivotal role in the development of early-stage embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuang Chai
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetic Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China.
| | - Jing Wu
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetic Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China.
| | - Zicheng Qi
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetic Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China.
| | - Yan Liu
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetic Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China.
| | - Yanjiao Lv
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetic Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China.
| | - Yuting Zhang
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetic Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China.
| | - Zhuoran Yu
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetic Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China.
| | - Chaoqian Jiang
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetic Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China.
| | - Zhonghua Liu
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetic Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China.
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12
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Isaac E, Berg DK, Pfeffer PL. Using extended growth of cattle embryos in culture to gain insights into bovine developmental events on embryonic days 8 to 10. Theriogenology 2024; 214:10-20. [PMID: 37837723 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.10.004] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
We have previously described an extended embryo culture system, based on uterine composition, growth factors and the cell culture additive B27, for growing cattle embryos in vitro beyond embryonic day 7. Here, extended in vitro embryos are compared to embryos developed in the uterus and are used to establish a developmental staging framework useful for understanding developmental events occurring until Day 10. Immunofluorescence or mRNA expression of the ICM/epiblast markers OCT4, SOX2 and NANOG, hypoblast markers GATA6, SOX17 and GATA4 and trophoblast genes CDX2, GATA3, ASCL2 and IFNT revealed the presence of four stages during this period that can be molecularly distinguished. These are expanded blastocyst, hatched blastocyst, hypoblast layering and early hypoblast migration. Interestingly NANOG and SOX17 show reciprocal expression at the expanded blastocyst stage, well before SOX2 and GATA6 expression refines to a similar so-called "salt and pepper" mutually exclusive expression in the ICM at the hatched blastocyst stage. GATA4 expression is only seen from stages when the hypoblast starts migrating around the blastocyst cavity. Intriguingly, trophoblast still expresses GATA6 and OCT4 in all cells during the expanded blastocyst phase, while SOX2 and SOX17 are seen in only some trophoblast cells. By the hypoblast-epiblast layering stage no trophoblast expression remains except for that of OCT4 protein, which starts waning in trophoblast once the hypoblast begins migrating. Lastly, it is shown that cultured embryos exhibit increased expression of the stress marker TP53 in the epiblast and hypoblast at late stages in comparison to embryos produced in the uterine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Isaac
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | - Peter L Pfeffer
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.
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13
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Shankar V, van Blitterswijk C, Vrij E, Giselbrecht S. Automated, High-Throughput Phenotypic Screening and Analysis Platform to Study Pre- and Post-Implantation Morphogenesis in Stem Cell-Derived Embryo-Like Structures. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2304987. [PMID: 37991133 PMCID: PMC10811479 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202304987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Combining high-throughput generation and high-content imaging of embryo models will enable large-scale screening assays in the fields of (embryo) toxicity, drug development, embryogenesis, and reproductive medicine. This study shows the continuous culture and in situ (i.e., in microwell) imaging-based readout of a 3D stem cell-based model of peri-implantation epiblast (Epi)/extraembryonic endoderm (XEn) development with an expanded pro-amniotic cavity (PAC) (E3.5 E5.5), namely XEn/EPiCs. Automated image analysis and supervised machine learning permit the identification of embryonic morphogenesis, tissue compartmentalization, cell differentiation, and consecutive classification. Screens with signaling pathway modulators at different time windows provide spatiotemporal information on their phenotypic effect on developmental processes leading to the formation of XEn/EPiCs. Exposure of the biological model in the microwell platform to pathway modulators at two time windows, namely 0-72 h and 48-120 h, show that Wnt and Fgf/MAPK pathway modulators affect Epi differentiation and its polarization, while modulation of BMP and Tgfβ/Nodal pathway affects XEn specification and epithelialization. Further, their collective role is identified in the timing of the formation and expansion of PAC. The newly developed, scalable culture and analysis platform, thereby, provides a unique opportunity to quantitatively and systematically study effects of pathway modulators on early embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinidhra Shankar
- MERLN Institute for Technology‐Inspired Regenerative MedicineDepartment for Instructive Biomaterials Engineering (IBE)Maastricht UniversityMaastricht6229ETThe Netherlands
| | - Clemens van Blitterswijk
- MERLN Institute for Technology‐Inspired Regenerative MedicineDepartment for Instructive Biomaterials Engineering (IBE)Maastricht UniversityMaastricht6229ETThe Netherlands
| | - Erik Vrij
- MERLN Institute for Technology‐Inspired Regenerative MedicineDepartment for Instructive Biomaterials Engineering (IBE)Maastricht UniversityMaastricht6229ETThe Netherlands
| | - Stefan Giselbrecht
- MERLN Institute for Technology‐Inspired Regenerative MedicineDepartment for Instructive Biomaterials Engineering (IBE)Maastricht UniversityMaastricht6229ETThe Netherlands
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14
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Nakatani T, Schauer T, Altamirano-Pacheco L, Klein KN, Ettinger A, Pal M, Gilbert DM, Torres-Padilla ME. Emergence of replication timing during early mammalian development. Nature 2024; 625:401-409. [PMID: 38123678 PMCID: PMC10781638 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06872-1] [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: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
DNA replication enables genetic inheritance across the kingdoms of life. Replication occurs with a defined temporal order known as the replication timing (RT) programme, leading to organization of the genome into early- or late-replicating regions. RT is cell-type specific, is tightly linked to the three-dimensional nuclear organization of the genome1,2 and is considered an epigenetic fingerprint3. In spite of its importance in maintaining the epigenome4, the developmental regulation of RT in mammals in vivo has not been explored. Here, using single-cell Repli-seq5, we generated genome-wide RT maps of mouse embryos from the zygote to the blastocyst stage. Our data show that RT is initially not well defined but becomes defined progressively from the 4-cell stage, coinciding with strengthening of the A and B compartments. We show that transcription contributes to the precision of the RT programme and that the difference in RT between the A and B compartments depends on RNA polymerase II at zygotic genome activation. Our data indicate that the establishment of nuclear organization precedes the acquisition of defined RT features and primes the partitioning of the genome into early- and late-replicating domains. Our work sheds light on the establishment of the epigenome at the beginning of mammalian development and reveals the organizing principles of genome organization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tamas Schauer
- Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells, Helmholtz Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Kyle N Klein
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Andreas Ettinger
- Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells, Helmholtz Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Mrinmoy Pal
- Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells, Helmholtz Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - David M Gilbert
- Laboratory of Chromosome Replication and Epigenome Regulation, San Diego Biomedical Research Institute, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla
- Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells, Helmholtz Munich, Munich, Germany.
- Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians Universität, Munich, Germany.
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15
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Li L, Lai F, Hu X, Liu B, Lu X, Lin Z, Liu L, Xiang Y, Frum T, Halbisen MA, Chen F, Fan Q, Ralston A, Xie W. Multifaceted SOX2-chromatin interaction underpins pluripotency progression in early embryos. Science 2023; 382:eadi5516. [PMID: 38096290 DOI: 10.1126/science.adi5516] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Pioneer transcription factors (TFs), such as OCT4 and SOX2, play crucial roles in pluripotency regulation. However, the master TF-governed pluripotency regulatory circuitry was largely inferred from cultured cells. In this work, we investigated SOX2 binding from embryonic day 3.5 (E3.5) to E7.5 in the mouse. In E3.5 inner cell mass (ICM), SOX2 regulates the ICM-trophectoderm program but is dispensable for opening global enhancers. Instead, SOX2 occupies preaccessible enhancers in part opened by early-stage expressing TFs TFAP2C and NR5A2. SOX2 then widely redistributes when cells adopt naive and formative pluripotency by opening enhancers or poising them for rapid future activation. Hence, multifaceted pioneer TF-enhancer interaction underpins pluripotency progression in embryos, including a distinctive state in E3.5 ICM that bridges totipotency and pluripotency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijia Li
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Fangnong Lai
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xiaoyu Hu
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Bofeng Liu
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xukun Lu
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zili Lin
- College of Animal Science and Technology College, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Ling Liu
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yunlong Xiang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Tristan Frum
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Michael A Halbisen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Fengling Chen
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Qiang Fan
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Amy Ralston
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Wei Xie
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China
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16
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Perera M, Brickman JM. In vitro models of human hypoblast and mouse primitive endoderm. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2023; 83:102115. [PMID: 37783145 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102115] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
The primitive endoderm (PrE, also named hypoblast), a predominantly extraembryonic epithelium that arises from the inner cell mass (ICM) of the mammalian pre-implantation blastocyst, plays a fundamental role in embryonic development, giving rise to the yolk sac, establishing the anterior-posterior axis and contributing to the gut. PrE is specified from the ICM at the same time as the epiblast (Epi) that will form the embryo proper. While in vitro cell lines resembling the pluripotent Epi have been derived from a variety of conditions, only one model system currently exists for the PrE, naïve extraembryonic endoderm (nEnd). As a result, considerably more is known about the gene regulatory networks and signalling requirements of pluripotent stem cells than nEnd. In this review, we describe the ontogeny and differentiation of the PrE or hypoblast in mouse and primate and then discuss in vitro cell culture models for different extraembryonic endodermal cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Perera
- reNEW UCPH - The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark. https://twitter.com/@MartaPrera
| | - Joshua M Brickman
- reNEW UCPH - The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark.
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17
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Fischer SC, Schardt S, Lilao-Garzón J, Muñoz-Descalzo S. The salt-and-pepper pattern in mouse blastocysts is compatible with signaling beyond the nearest neighbors. iScience 2023; 26:108106. [PMID: 37915595 PMCID: PMC10616410 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108106] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryos develop in a concerted sequence of spatiotemporal arrangements of cells. In the preimplantation mouse embryo, the distribution of the cells in the inner cell mass evolves from a salt-and-pepper pattern to spatial segregation of two distinct cell types. The exact properties of the salt-and-pepper pattern have not been analyzed so far. We investigate the spatiotemporal distribution of NANOG- and GATA6-expressing cells in the ICM of the mouse blastocysts with quantitative three-dimensional single-cell-based neighborhood analyses. A combination of spatial statistics and agent-based modeling reveals that the cell fate distribution follows a local clustering pattern. Using ordinary differential equations modeling, we show that this pattern can be established by a distance-based signaling mechanism enabling cells to integrate information from the whole inner cell mass into their cell fate decision. Our work highlights the importance of longer-range signaling to ensure coordinated decisions in groups of cells to successfully build embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine C. Fischer
- Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Faculty of Biology, Center for Computational and Theoretical Biology, Klara-Oppenheimer-Weg 32, Campus Hubland Nord, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Simon Schardt
- Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Faculty of Biology, Center for Computational and Theoretical Biology, Klara-Oppenheimer-Weg 32, Campus Hubland Nord, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Joaquín Lilao-Garzón
- Instituto Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas y Sanitarias (IUIBS), Universidad Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe "Físico" 17, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria 35016, Spain
| | - Silvia Muñoz-Descalzo
- Instituto Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas y Sanitarias (IUIBS), Universidad Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Paseo Blas Cabrera Felipe "Físico" 17, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria 35016, Spain
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18
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Martin-Vega A, Cobb MH. Navigating the ERK1/2 MAPK Cascade. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1555. [PMID: 37892237 PMCID: PMC10605237 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The RAS-ERK pathway is a fundamental signaling cascade crucial for many biological processes including proliferation, cell cycle control, growth, and survival; common across all cell types. Notably, ERK1/2 are implicated in specific processes in a context-dependent manner as in stem cells and pancreatic β-cells. Alterations in the different components of this cascade result in dysregulation of the effector kinases ERK1/2 which communicate with hundreds of substrates. Aberrant activation of the pathway contributes to a range of disorders, including cancer. This review provides an overview of the structure, activation, regulation, and mutational frequency of the different tiers of the cascade; with a particular focus on ERK1/2. We highlight the importance of scaffold proteins that contribute to kinase localization and coordinate interaction dynamics of the kinases with substrates, activators, and inhibitors. Additionally, we explore innovative therapeutic approaches emphasizing promising avenues in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Martin-Vega
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Rd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
| | - Melanie H. Cobb
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Rd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Rd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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19
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Pham PD, Lu H, Han H, Zhou JJ, Madan A, Wang W, Murre C, Cho KWY. Transcriptional network governing extraembryonic endoderm cell fate choice. Dev Biol 2023; 502:20-37. [PMID: 37423592 PMCID: PMC10550205 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2023.07.002] [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: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
The mechanism by which transcription factor (TF) network instructs cell-type-specific transcriptional programs to drive primitive endoderm (PrE) progenitors to commit to parietal endoderm (PE) versus visceral endoderm (VE) cell fates remains poorly understood. To address the question, we analyzed the single-cell transcriptional signatures defining PrE, PE, and VE cell states during the onset of the PE-VE lineage bifurcation. By coupling with the epigenomic comparison of active enhancers unique to PE and VE cells, we identified GATA6, SOX17, and FOXA2 as central regulators for the lineage divergence. Transcriptomic analysis of cXEN cells, an in vitro model for PE cells, after the acute depletion of GATA6 or SOX17 demonstrated that these factors induce Mycn, imparting the self-renewal properties of PE cells. Concurrently, they suppress the VE gene program, including key genes like Hnf4a and Ttr, among others. We proceeded with RNA-seq analysis on cXEN cells with FOXA2 knockout, in conjunction with GATA6 or SOX17 depletion. We found FOXA2 acts as a potent suppressor of Mycn while simultaneously activating the VE gene program. The antagonistic gene regulatory activities of GATA6/SOX17 and FOXA2 in promoting alternative cell fates, and their physical co-bindings at the enhancers provide molecular insights to the plasticity of the PrE lineage. Finally, we show that the external cue, BMP signaling, promotes the VE cell fate by activation of VE TFs and repression of PE TFs including GATA6 and SOX17. These data reveal a putative core gene regulatory module that underpins PE and VE cell fate choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Duyen Pham
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Hanbin Lu
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92039, USA
| | - Han Han
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Jeff Jiajing Zhou
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Aarushi Madan
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Wenqi Wang
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Cornelis Murre
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92039, USA
| | - Ken W Y Cho
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
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20
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Ju LF, Xu HJ, Yang YG, Yang Y. Omics Views of Mechanisms for Cell Fate Determination in Early Mammalian Development. GENOMICS, PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS 2023; 21:950-961. [PMID: 37075831 PMCID: PMC10928378 DOI: 10.1016/j.gpb.2023.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
During mammalian preimplantation development, a totipotent zygote undergoes several cell cleavages and two rounds of cell fate determination, ultimately forming a mature blastocyst. Along with compaction, the establishment of apicobasal cell polarity breaks the symmetry of an embryo and guides subsequent cell fate choice. Although the lineage segregation of the inner cell mass (ICM) and trophectoderm (TE) is the first symbol of cell differentiation, several molecules have been shown to bias the early cell fate through their inter-cellular variations at much earlier stages, including the 2- and 4-cell stages. The underlying mechanisms of early cell fate determination have long been an important research topic. In this review, we summarize the molecular events that occur during early embryogenesis, as well as the current understanding of their regulatory roles in cell fate decisions. Moreover, as powerful tools for early embryogenesis research, single-cell omics techniques have been applied to both mouse and human preimplantation embryos and have contributed to the discovery of cell fate regulators. Here, we summarize their applications in the research of preimplantation embryos, and provide new insights and perspectives on cell fate regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Fang Ju
- Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Heng-Ji Xu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yun-Gui Yang
- Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China; Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Ying Yang
- Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China; Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
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21
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Knudsen TE, Hamilton WB, Proks M, Lykkegaard M, Linneberg-Agerholm M, Nielsen AV, Perera M, Malzard LL, Trusina A, Brickman JM. A bipartite function of ESRRB can integrate signaling over time to balance self-renewal and differentiation. Cell Syst 2023; 14:788-805.e8. [PMID: 37633265 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2023.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Cooperative DNA binding of transcription factors (TFs) integrates the cellular context to support cell specification during development. Naive mouse embryonic stem cells are derived from early development and can sustain their pluripotent identity indefinitely. Here, we ask whether TFs associated with pluripotency evolved to directly support this state or if the state emerges from their combinatorial action. NANOG and ESRRB are key pluripotency factors that co-bind DNA. We find that when both factors are expressed, ESRRB supports pluripotency. However, when NANOG is absent, ESRRB supports a bistable culture of cells with an embryo-like primitive endoderm identity ancillary to pluripotency. The stoichiometry between NANOG and ESRRB allows quantitative titration of this differentiation, and in silico modeling of bipartite ESRRB activity suggests it safeguards plasticity in differentiation. Thus, the concerted activity of cooperative TFs can transform their effect to sustain intermediate cell identities and allow ex vivo expansion of immortal stem cells. A record of this paper's transparent peer review process is included in the supplemental information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa E Knudsen
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - William B Hamilton
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Martin Proks
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maria Lykkegaard
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Madeleine Linneberg-Agerholm
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Marta Perera
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Ala Trusina
- Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Joshua M Brickman
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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22
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Strawbridge SE, Kurowski A, Corujo-Simon E, Fletcher AN, Nichols J, Fletcher AG. insideOutside: an accessible algorithm for classifying interior and exterior points, with applications in embryology. Biol Open 2023; 12:bio060055. [PMID: 37623821 PMCID: PMC10461464 DOI: 10.1242/bio.060055] [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: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
A crucial aspect of embryology is relating the position of individual cells to the broader geometry of the embryo. A classic example of this is the first cell-fate decision of the mouse embryo, where interior cells become inner cell mass and exterior cells become trophectoderm. Fluorescent labelling, imaging, and quantification of tissue-specific proteins have advanced our understanding of this dynamic process. However, instances arise where these markers are either not available, or not reliable, and we are left only with the cells' spatial locations. Therefore, a simple, robust method for classifying interior and exterior cells of an embryo using spatial information is required. Here, we describe a simple mathematical framework and an unsupervised machine learning approach, termed insideOutside, for classifying interior and exterior points of a three-dimensional point-cloud, a common output from imaged cells within the early mouse embryo. We benchmark our method against other published methods to demonstrate that it yields greater accuracy in classification of nuclei from the pre-implantation mouse embryos and greater accuracy when challenged with local surface concavities. We have made MATLAB and Python implementations of the method freely available. This method should prove useful for embryology, with broader applications to similar data arising in the life sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley E. Strawbridge
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Physiology, Neuroscience and Development, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Agata Kurowski
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elena Corujo-Simon
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Physiology, Neuroscience and Development, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Alastair N. Fletcher
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA
| | - Jennifer Nichols
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Physiology, Neuroscience and Development, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alexander G. Fletcher
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- The Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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23
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Oh SY, Na SB, Kang YK, Do JT. In Vitro Embryogenesis and Gastrulation Using Stem Cells in Mice and Humans. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13655. [PMID: 37686459 PMCID: PMC10563085 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713655] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
During early mammalian embryonic development, fertilized one-cell embryos develop into pre-implantation blastocysts and subsequently establish three germ layers through gastrulation during post-implantation development. In recent years, stem cells have emerged as a powerful tool to study embryogenesis and gastrulation without the need for eggs, allowing for the generation of embryo-like structures known as synthetic embryos or embryoids. These in vitro models closely resemble early embryos in terms of morphology and gene expression and provide a faithful recapitulation of early pre- and post-implantation embryonic development. Synthetic embryos can be generated through a combinatorial culture of three blastocyst-derived stem cell types, such as embryonic stem cells, trophoblast stem cells, and extraembryonic endoderm cells, or totipotent-like stem cells alone. This review provides an overview of the progress and various approaches in studying in vitro embryogenesis and gastrulation in mice and humans using stem cells. Furthermore, recent findings and breakthroughs in synthetic embryos and gastruloids are outlined. Despite ethical considerations, synthetic embryo models hold promise for understanding mammalian (including humans) embryonic development and have potential implications for regenerative medicine and developmental research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jeong Tae Do
- Department of Stem Cell Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk Institute of Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; (S.Y.O.); (S.B.N.); (Y.K.K.)
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24
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Meng S, Liu X, Zhu S, Xie P, Fang H, Pan Q, Fang K, Li F, Zhang J, Che Z, Zhang Q, Mao G, Wang Y, Hu P, Chen K, Sun F, Xie W, Luo Z, Lin C. Young LINE-1 transposon 5' UTRs marked by elongation factor ELL3 function as enhancers to regulate naïve pluripotency in embryonic stem cells. Nat Cell Biol 2023; 25:1319-1331. [PMID: 37591949 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-023-01211-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
LINE-1s are the major clade of retrotransposons with autonomous retrotransposition activity. Despite the potential genotoxicity, LINE-1s are highly activated in early embryos. Here we show that a subset of young LINE-1s, L1Md_Ts, are marked by the RNA polymerase II elongation factor ELL3, and function as enhancers in mouse embryonic stem cells. ELL3 depletion dislodges the DNA hydroxymethylase TET1 and the co-repressor SIN3A from L1Md_Ts, but increases the enrichment of the Bromodomain protein BRD4, leading to loss of 5hmC, gain of H3K27ac, and upregulation of the L1Md_T nearby genes. Specifically, ELL3 occupies and represses the L1Md_T-based enhancer located within Akt3, which encodes a key regulator of AKT pathway. ELL3 is required for proper ERK activation and efficient shutdown of naïve pluripotency through inhibiting Akt3 during naïve-primed transition. Our study reveals that the enhancer function of a subset of young LINE-1s controlled by ELL3 in transcription regulation and mouse early embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyan Meng
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xiaoxu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shiqi Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Peng Xie
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haitong Fang
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qingyun Pan
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ke Fang
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fanfan Li
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhuanzhuan Che
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Quanyong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, China
| | - Guangyao Mao
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Ping Hu
- Department of Prenatal Diagnosis, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Kai Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Xie
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhuojuan Luo
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China.
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Southeast University, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Chengqi Lin
- Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, School of Life Science and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
- Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China.
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Southeast University, Shenzhen, China.
- Jiangsu Province Hi-Tech Key Laboratory for Biomedical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
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25
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Underhill EJ, Toettcher JE. Control of gastruloid patterning and morphogenesis by the Erk and Akt signaling pathways. Development 2023; 150:dev201663. [PMID: 37590131 PMCID: PMC11106667 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201663] [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: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Many developmental processes rely on the localized activation of receptor tyrosine kinases and their canonical downstream effectors Erk and Akt, yet the specific roles played by each of these signals is still poorly understood. Gastruloids, 3D cell culture models of mammalian gastrulation and axial elongation, enable quantitative dissection of signaling patterns and cell responses in a simplified, experimentally accessible context. We find that mouse gastruloids contain posterior-to-anterior gradients of Erk and Akt phosphorylation induced by distinct receptor tyrosine kinases, with features of the Erk pattern and expression of its downstream target Snail exhibiting hallmarks of size-invariant scaling. Both Erk and Akt signaling contribute to cell proliferation, whereas Erk activation is also sufficient to induce Snail expression and precipitate profound tissue shape changes. We further uncover that Erk signaling is sufficient to convert the entire gastruloid to one of two mesodermal fates depending on position along the anteroposterior axis. In all, these data demonstrate functional roles for two core signaling gradients in mammalian development and suggest how these modules might be harnessed to engineer user-defined tissues with predictable shapes and cell fates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan J. Underhill
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Jared E. Toettcher
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
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26
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Roshal DS, Azzag K, Fedorenko KK, Rochal SB, Baghdiguian S. Topological properties and shape of proliferative and nonproliferative cell monolayers. Phys Rev E 2023; 108:024404. [PMID: 37723673 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.108.024404] [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: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
During embryonic development, structures with complex geometry can emerge from planar epithelial monolayers; studying these shape transitions is of key importance for revealing the biophysical laws involved in the morphogenesis of biological systems. Here, using the example of normal proliferative monkey kidney (COS) cell monolayers, we investigate global and local topological characteristics of this model system in dependence on its shape. The obtained distributions of cells by their valence demonstrate a difference between the spherical and planar monolayers. In addition, in both spherical and planar monolayers, the probability of observing a pair of neighboring cells with certain valences depends on the topological charge of the pair. The zero topological charge of the cell pair can increase the probability for the cells to be the nearest neighbors. We then test and confirm that analogous relationships take place in a more ordered spherical system with a larger fraction of 6-valent cells, namely, in the nonproliferative epithelium (follicular system) of ascidian species oocytes. However, unlike spherical COS cell monolayers, ascidian monolayers are prone to nonrandom agglomeration of 6-valent cells and have linear topological defects called scars and pleats. The reasons for this difference in morphology are discussed. The morphological peculiarities found are compared with predictions of the widely used vertex model of epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria S Roshal
- Physics Faculty, Southern Federal University, 344090 Rostov-on-Don, Russia
| | - Karim Azzag
- Lillehei Heart Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, MN 55455, USA
| | - Kirill K Fedorenko
- Physics Faculty, Southern Federal University, 344090 Rostov-on-Don, Russia
| | - Sergei B Rochal
- Physics Faculty, Southern Federal University, 344090 Rostov-on-Don, Russia
| | - Stephen Baghdiguian
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution-Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, 34095 Montpellier, France
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27
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Kobayashi N, Fu J. Stem cell-derived embryo models: a frontier of human embryology. MEDICAL REVIEW (2021) 2023; 3:343-346. [PMID: 38235401 PMCID: PMC10790207 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2023-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Studying human development remains difficult due to limited accessibility to human embryonic tissues. Prompted by the availability of human stem cells that share molecular and cellular similarities with embryonic and extraembryonic cells in peri-implantation human embryos, researchers have now successfully developed stem cell-based human embryo models that are promising as experimental tools for studying early human development. In this Perspective, we discuss the current progress in mouse and human stem cell-derived embryo models and highlight their promising applications in advancing the fundamental understanding of mammalian development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norio Kobayashi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jianping Fu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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28
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Gahurova L, Tomankova J, Cerna P, Bora P, Kubickova M, Virnicchi G, Kovacovicova K, Potesil D, Hruska P, Zdrahal Z, Anger M, Susor A, Bruce AW. Spatial positioning of preimplantation mouse embryo cells is regulated by mTORC1 and m 7G-cap-dependent translation at the 8- to 16-cell transition. Open Biol 2023; 13:230081. [PMID: 37553074 PMCID: PMC10409569 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.230081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Preimplantation mouse embryo development involves temporal-spatial specification and segregation of three blastocyst cell lineages: trophectoderm, primitive endoderm and epiblast. Spatial separation of the outer-trophectoderm lineage from the two other inner-cell-mass (ICM) lineages starts with the 8- to 16-cell transition and concludes at the 32-cell stages. Accordingly, the ICM is derived from primary and secondary contributed cells; with debated relative EPI versus PrE potencies. We report generation of primary but not secondary ICM populations is highly dependent on temporal activation of mammalian target of Rapamycin (mTOR) during 8-cell stage M-phase entry, mediated via regulation of the 7-methylguanosine-cap (m7G-cap)-binding initiation complex (EIF4F) and linked to translation of mRNAs containing 5' UTR terminal oligopyrimidine (TOP-) sequence motifs, as knockdown of identified TOP-like motif transcripts impairs generation of primary ICM founders. However, mTOR inhibition-induced ICM cell number deficits in early blastocysts can be compensated by the late blastocyst stage, after inhibitor withdrawal; compensation likely initiated at the 32-cell stage when supernumerary outer cells exhibit molecular characteristics of inner cells. These data identify a novel mechanism specifically governing initial spatial segregation of mouse embryo blastomeres, that is distinct from those directing subsequent inner cell formation, contributing to germane segregation of late blastocyst lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Gahurova
- Laboratory of Early Mammalian Developmental Biology (LEMDB), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Germ Cells, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Rumburská 89, 27721 Liběchov, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Tomankova
- Laboratory of Early Mammalian Developmental Biology (LEMDB), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Pavlina Cerna
- Laboratory of Early Mammalian Developmental Biology (LEMDB), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Pablo Bora
- Laboratory of Early Mammalian Developmental Biology (LEMDB), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Kubickova
- Laboratory of Early Mammalian Developmental Biology (LEMDB), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Giorgio Virnicchi
- Laboratory of Early Mammalian Developmental Biology (LEMDB), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Kristina Kovacovicova
- Laboratory of Cell Division Control, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Rumburská 89, 27721 Liběchov, Czech Republic
- Department of Genetics and Reproduction, Central European Institute of Technology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - David Potesil
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Proteomics, National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Hruska
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Proteomics, National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zbynek Zdrahal
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics and Proteomics, National Centre for Biomolecular Research, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Anger
- Laboratory of Cell Division Control, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Rumburská 89, 27721 Liběchov, Czech Republic
- Department of Genetics and Reproduction, Central European Institute of Technology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 621 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Andrej Susor
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Germ Cells, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Rumburská 89, 27721 Liběchov, Czech Republic
| | - Alexander W. Bruce
- Laboratory of Early Mammalian Developmental Biology (LEMDB), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 31, 37005 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
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29
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Goissis MD, Bradshaw B, Posfai E, Rossant J. Influence of FGF4 and BMP4 on FGFR2 dynamics during the segregation of epiblast and primitive endoderm cells in the pre-implantation mouse embryo. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0279515. [PMID: 37471320 PMCID: PMC10358967 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279515] [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: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Specification of the epiblast (EPI) and primitive endoderm (PE) in the mouse embryo involves fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling through the RAS/MAP kinase pathway. FGFR1 and FGFR2 are thought to mediate this signaling in the inner cell mass (ICM) of the mouse blastocyst and BMP signaling can also influence PE specification. In this study, we further explored the dynamics of FGFR2 expression through an enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) reporter mouse line (FGFR2-eGFP). We observed that FGFR2-eGFP is present in the late 8-cell stage; however, it is absent or reduced in the ICM of early blastocysts. We then statistically correlated eGFP expression with PE and EPI markers GATA6 and NANOG, respectively. We detected that eGFP is weakly correlated with GATA6 in early blastocysts, but this correlation quickly increases as the blastocyst develops. The correlation between eGFP and NANOG decreases throughout blastocyst development. Treatment with FGF from the morula stage onwards did not affect FGFR2-eGFP presence in the ICM of early blastocysts; however, late blastocysts presented FGFR2-eGFP in all cells of the ICM. BMP treatment positively influenced FGFR2-eGFP expression and reduced the number of NANOG-positive cells in late blastocysts. In conclusion, FGFR2 is not strongly associated with PE precursors in the early blastocyst, but it is highly correlated with PE cells as blastocyst development progresses, consistent with the proposed role for FGFR2 in maintenance rather than initiating the PE lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo D. Goissis
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brian Bradshaw
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eszter Posfai
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Janet Rossant
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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30
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Ping W, Sheng Y, Hu G, Zhong H, Li Y, Liu Y, Luo W, Yan C, Wen Y, Wang X, Li Q, Guo R, Zhang J, Liu A, Pan G, Yao H. RBBP4 is an epigenetic barrier for the induced transition of pluripotent stem cells into totipotent 2C-like cells. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:5414-5431. [PMID: 37021556 PMCID: PMC10287929 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad219] [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: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular totipotency is critical for whole-organism generation, yet how totipotency is established remains poorly illustrated. Abundant transposable elements (TEs) are activated in totipotent cells, which is critical for embryonic totipotency. Here, we show that the histone chaperone RBBP4, but not its homolog RBBP7, is indispensable for maintaining the identity of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Auxin-induced degradation of RBBP4, but not RBBP7, reprograms mESCs to the totipotent 2C-like cells. Also, loss of RBBP4 enhances transition from mESCs to trophoblast cells. Mechanistically, RBBP4 binds to the endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) and functions as an upstream regulator by recruiting G9a to deposit H3K9me2 on ERVL elements, and recruiting KAP1 to deposit H3K9me3 on ERV1/ERVK elements, respectively. Moreover, RBBP4 facilitates the maintenance of nucleosome occupancy at the ERVK and ERVL sites within heterochromatin regions through the chromatin remodeler CHD4. RBBP4 depletion leads to the loss of the heterochromatin marks and activation of TEs and 2C genes. Together, our findings illustrate that RBBP4 is required for heterochromatin assembly and is a critical barrier for inducing cell fate transition from pluripotency to totipotency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangfang Ping
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yingliang Sheng
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Gongcheng Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongxin Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yaoyi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - YanJiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chenghong Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yulin Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinxiu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ake Liu
- Department of Life Sciences, Changzhi University, Changzhi, China
| | - Guangjin Pan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongjie Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Ming H, Zhang M, Rajput S, Logsdon D, Zhu L, Schoolcraft WB, Krisher R, Jiang Z, Yuan Y. In Vitro Culture Alters Cell Lineage Composition and Cellular Metabolism of Bovine Blastocyst. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.09.544379. [PMID: 37333292 PMCID: PMC10274902 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.09.544379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Profiling transcriptome at single cell level of bovine blastocysts derived in vivo (IVV), in vitro from conventional culture medium (IVC), and reduced nutrient culture medium (IVR) has enabled us to reveal cell lineage segregation, during which forming inner cell mass (ICM), trophectoderm (TE), and an undefined population of transitional cells. Only IVV embryos had well-defined ICM, indicating in vitro culture may delay the first cell fate commitment to ICM. Differences between IVV, IVC and IVR embryos were mainly contributed by ICM and transitional cells. Pathway analysis by using the differentially expressed genes of these non-TE cells between groups pointed to highly active metabolic and biosynthetic processes, with reduced cellular signaling and membrane transport in IVC embryos, which may lead to reduced developmental potential. IVR embryos had lower activities in metabolic and biosynthetic processes, but increased cellular signaling and membrane transport, suggesting these cellular mechanisms may contribute to the improved blastocyst development compared to IVC embryos. However, the IVR embryos had compromised development when compared to IVV embryos with notably over-active membrane transport activities that led to impaired ion homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Ming
- Department of Animal Sciences, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Mingxiang Zhang
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO 80124, USA
| | - Sandeep Rajput
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO 80124, USA
- Genus plc, 1525 River Rd, DeForest, WI 53532, USA
| | - Deirdre Logsdon
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO 80124, USA
| | - Linkai Zhu
- Department of Animal Sciences, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | | | - Rebecca Krisher
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO 80124, USA
- Genus plc, 1525 River Rd, DeForest, WI 53532, USA
| | - Zongliang Jiang
- Department of Animal Sciences, Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Ye Yuan
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, Lone Tree, CO 80124, USA
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32
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Toyooka Y, Aoki K, Usami FM, Oka S, Kato A, Fujimori T. Generation of pulsatile ERK activity in mouse embryonic stem cells is regulated by Raf activity. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9465. [PMID: 37301878 PMCID: PMC10257726 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36424-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) is a serine/threonine kinase that is known to regulate cellular events such as cell proliferation and differentiation. The ERK signaling pathway is activated by fibroblast growth factors, and is considered to be indispensable for the differentiation of primitive endoderm cells, not only in mouse preimplantation embryos, but also in embryonic stem cell (ESC) culture. To monitor ERK activity in living undifferentiated and differentiating ESCs, we established EKAREV-NLS-EB5 ESC lines that stably express EKAREV-NLS, a biosensor based on the principle of fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Using EKAREV-NLS-EB5, we found that ERK activity exhibited pulsatile dynamics. ESCs were classified into two groups: active cells showing high-frequency ERK pulses, and inactive cells demonstrating no detectable ERK pulses during live imaging. Pharmacological inhibition of major components in the ERK signaling pathway revealed that Raf plays an important role in determining the pattern of ERK pulses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yayoi Toyooka
- Division of Embryology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji-Cho, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan.
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-Cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.
| | - Kazuhiro Aoki
- Division of Quantitative Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan
- Quantitative Biology Research Group, Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
| | - Fumiko Matsukawa Usami
- Division of Embryology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji-Cho, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan
- Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
| | - Sanae Oka
- Division of Embryology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji-Cho, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan
| | - Azusa Kato
- Division of Embryology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji-Cho, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Fujimori
- Division of Embryology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji-Cho, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan.
- Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, Aichi, Japan.
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Regin M, Essahib W, Demtschenko A, Dewandre D, David L, Gerri C, Niakan KK, Verheyen G, Tournaye H, Sterckx J, Sermon K, Van De Velde H. Lineage segregation in human pre-implantation embryos is specified by YAP1 and TEAD1. Hum Reprod 2023:7193343. [PMID: 37295962 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Which processes and transcription factors specify the first and second lineage segregation events during human preimplantation development? SUMMARY ANSWER Differentiation into trophectoderm (TE) cells can be initiated independently of polarity; moreover, TEAD1 and YAP1 co-localize in (precursor) TE and primitive endoderm (PrE) cells, suggesting a role in both the first and the second lineage segregation events. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY We know that polarity, YAP1/GATA3 signalling and phospholipase C signalling play a key role in TE initiation in compacted human embryos, however, little is known about the TEAD family of transcription factors that become activated by YAP1 and, especially, whether they play a role during epiblast (EPI) and PrE formation. In mouse embryos, polarized outer cells show nuclear TEAD4/YAP1 activity that upregulates Cdx2 and Gata3 expression while inner cells exclude YAP1 which upregulates Sox2 expression. The second lineage segregation event in mouse embryos is orchestrated by FGF4/FGFR2 signalling which could not be confirmed in human embryos; TEAD1/YAP1 signalling also plays a role during the establishment of mouse EPI cells. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Based on morphology, we set up a development timeline of 188 human preimplantation embryos between Day 4 and 6 post-fertilization (dpf). The compaction process was divided into three subgroups: embryos at the start (C0), during (C1), and at the end (C2) of, compaction. Inner cells were identified as cells that were entirely separated from the perivitelline space and enclosed by cellular contacts on all sides. The blastulation process was divided into six subgroups, starting with early blastocysts with sickle-cell shaped outer cells (B0) and further on, blastocysts with a cavity (B1). Full blastocysts (B2) showed a visible ICM and outer cells referred to as TE. Further expanded blastocysts (B3) had accumulated fluid and started to expand due to TE cell proliferation and zona pellucida (ZP) thinning. The blastocysts then significantly expanded further (B4) and started to hatch out of the ZP (B5) until they were fully hatched (B6). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS After informed consent and the expiration of the 5-year cryopreservation duration, 188 vitrified high quality eight-cell stage human embryos (3 dpf) were warmed and cultured until the required stages were reached. We also cultured 14 embryos that were created for research until the four- and eight-cell stage. The embryos were scored according to their developmental stage (C0-B6) displaying morphological key differences, rather than defining them according to their chronological age. They were fixed and immunostained for different combinations of cytoskeleton (F-actin), polarization (p-ERM), TE (GATA3), EPI (NANOG), PrE (GATA4 and SOX17), and members of the Hippo signalling pathway (YAP1, TEAD1 and TEAD4). We choose these markers based on previous observations in mouse embryos and single cell RNA-sequencing data of human embryos. After confocal imaging (LSM800, Zeiss), we analysed cell numbers within each lineage, different co-localization patterns and nuclear enrichment. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We found that in human preimplantation embryos compaction is a heterogeneous process that takes place between the eight-cell to the 16-cell stages. Inner and outer cells are established at the end of the compaction process (C2) when the embryos contain up to six inner cells. Full apical p-ERM polarity is present in all outer cells of compacted C2 embryos. Co-localization of p-ERM and F-actin increases steadily from 42.2% to 100% of the outer cells, between C2 and B1 stages, while p-ERM polarizes before F-actin (P < 0.00001). Next, we sought to determine which factors specify the first lineage segregation event. We found that 19.5% of the nuclei stain positive for YAP1 at the start of compaction (C0) which increases to 56.1% during compaction (C1). At the C2 stage, 84.6% of polarized outer cells display high levels of nuclear YAP1 while it is absent in 75% of non-polarized inner cells. In general, throughout the B0-B3 blastocyst stages, polarized outer/TE cells are mainly positive for YAP1 and non-polarized inner/ICM cells are negative for YAP1. From the C1 stage onwards, before polarity is established, the TE marker GATA3 is detectable in YAP1 positive cells (11.6%), indicating that differentiation into TE cells can be initiated independently of polarity. Co-localization of YAP1 and GATA3 increases steadily in outer/TE cells (21.8% in C2 up to 97.3% in B3). Transcription factor TEAD4 is ubiquitously present throughout preimplantation development from the compacted stage onwards (C2-B6). TEAD1 displays a distinct pattern that coincides with YAP1/GATA3 co-localization in the outer cells. Most outer/TE cells throughout the B0-B3 blastocyst stages are positive for TEAD1 and YAP1. However, TEAD1 proteins are also detected in most nuclei of the inner/ICM cells of the blastocysts from cavitation onwards, but at visibly lower levels as compared to that in TE cells. In the ICM of B3 blastocysts, we found one main population of cells with NANOG+/SOX17-/GATA4- nuclei (89.1%), but exceptionally we found NANOG+/SOX17+/GATA4+ cells (0.8%). In seven out of nine B3 blastocysts, nuclear NANOG was found in all the ICM cells, supporting the previously reported hypothesis that PrE cells arise from EPI cells. Finally, to determine which factors specify the second lineage segregation event, we co-stained for TEAD1, YAP1, and GATA4. We identified two main ICM cell populations in B4-6 blastocysts: the EPI (negative for the three markers, 46.5%) and the PrE (positive for the three markers, 28.1%) cells. We conclude that TEAD1 and YAP1 co-localise in (precursor) TE and PrE cells, indicating that TEAD1/YAP1 signalling plays a role in the first and the second lineage segregation events. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION In this descriptive study, we did not perform functional studies to investigate the role of TEAD1/YAP1 signalling during the first and second lineage segregation events. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our detailed roadmap on polarization, compaction, position and lineage segregation events during human preimplantation development paves the way for further functional studies. Understanding the gene regulatory networks and signalling pathways involved in early embryogenesis could ultimately provide insights into why embryonic development is sometimes impaired and facilitate the establishment of guidelines for good practice in the IVF lab. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This work was financially supported by Wetenschappelijk Fonds Willy Gepts (WFWG) of the University Hospital UZ Brussel (WFWG142) and the Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek-Vlaanderen (FWO, G034514N). M.R. is doctoral fellow at the FWO. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Regin
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics (REGE), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Wafaa Essahib
- Research Group Reproduction and Immunology (REIM), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Andrej Demtschenko
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics (REGE), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Delphine Dewandre
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics (REGE), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Beacon CARE Fertility, Beacon Consultants Concourse, Sandyford, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Laurent David
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, Nantes, France
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, SFR Santé, FED 4203, INSERM UMS 016, CNRS UMS 3556, Nantes, France
| | - Claudia Gerri
- Human Embryo and Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, Dresden, 01307, Germany
| | - Kathy K Niakan
- Human Embryo and Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Centre for Trophoblast Research, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge, UK
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Greta Verheyen
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Belgium, Brussels
| | - Herman Tournaye
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Belgium, Brussels
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Perinatology and Reproduction, Institute of Professional Education, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Johan Sterckx
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Belgium, Brussels
| | - Karen Sermon
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics (REGE), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hilde Van De Velde
- Research Group Reproduction and Immunology (REIM), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Belgium, Brussels
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34
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Wu GMJ, Chen ACH, Yeung WSB, Lee YL. Current progress on in vitro differentiation of ovarian follicles from pluripotent stem cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1166351. [PMID: 37325555 PMCID: PMC10267358 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1166351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian female reproduction requires a functional ovary. Competence of the ovary is determined by the quality of its basic unit-ovarian follicles. A normal follicle consists of an oocyte enclosed within ovarian follicular cells. In humans and mice, the ovarian follicles are formed at the foetal and the early neonatal stage respectively, and their renewal at the adult stage is controversial. Extensive research emerges recently to produce ovarian follicles in-vitro from different species. Previous reports demonstrated the differentiation of mouse and human pluripotent stem cells into germline cells, termed primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs). The germ cell-specific gene expressions and epigenetic features including global DNA demethylation and histone modifications of the pluripotent stem cells-derived PGCLCs were extensively characterized. The PGCLCs hold potential for forming ovarian follicles or organoids upon cocultured with ovarian somatic cells. Intriguingly, the oocytes isolated from the organoids could be fertilized in-vitro. Based on the knowledge of in-vivo derived pre-granulosa cells, the generation of these cells from pluripotent stem cells termed foetal ovarian somatic cell-like cells was also reported recently. Despite successful in-vitro folliculogenesis from pluripotent stem cells, the efficiency remains low, mainly due to the lack of information on the interaction between PGCLCs and pre-granulosa cells. The establishment of in-vitro pluripotent stem cell-based models paves the way for understanding the critical signalling pathways and molecules during folliculogenesis. This article aims to review the developmental events during in-vivo follicular development and discuss the current progress of generation of PGCLCs, pre-granulosa and theca cells in-vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genie Min Ju Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Andy Chun Hang Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong—Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, The Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - William Shu Biu Yeung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong—Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, The Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yin Lau Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Reproductive Medicine Center, The University of Hong Kong—Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Centre for Translational Stem Cell Biology, The Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, China
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35
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Singh M, Kondrashkina AM, Widmann TJ, Cortes JL, Bansal V, Wang J, Römer C, Garcia-Canadas M, Garcia-Perez JL, Hurst LD, Izsvák Z. A new human embryonic cell type associated with activity of young transposable elements allows definition of the inner cell mass. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002162. [PMID: 37339119 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
There remains much that we do not understand about the earliest stages of human development. On a gross level, there is evidence for apoptosis, but the nature of the affected cell types is unknown. Perhaps most importantly, the inner cell mass (ICM), from which the foetus is derived and hence of interest in reproductive health and regenerative medicine, has proven hard to define. Here, we provide a multi-method analysis of the early human embryo to resolve these issues. Single-cell analysis (on multiple independent datasets), supported by embryo visualisation, uncovers a common previously uncharacterised class of cells lacking commitment markers that segregates after embryonic gene activation (EGA) and shortly after undergo apoptosis. The discovery of this cell type allows us to clearly define their viable ontogenetic sisters, these being the cells of the ICM. While ICM is characterised by the activity of an Old non-transposing endogenous retrovirus (HERVH) that acts to suppress Young transposable elements, the new cell type, by contrast, expresses transpositionally competent Young elements and DNA-damage response genes. As the Young elements are RetroElements and the cells are excluded from the developmental process, we dub these REject cells. With these and ICM being characterised by differential mobile element activities, the human embryo may be a "selection arena" in which one group of cells selectively die, while other less damaged cells persist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manvendra Singh
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Society, Berlin, Germany
- Max Planck Institute of Multidisciplinary Sciences, City Campus, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Thomas J Widmann
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research: Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Jose L Cortes
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research: Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Vikas Bansal
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jichang Wang
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Society, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christine Römer
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Society, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marta Garcia-Canadas
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research: Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Jose L Garcia-Perez
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research: Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, PTS Granada, Granada, Spain
- Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine (IGMM), University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Laurence D Hurst
- The Milner Centre for Evolution, Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Zsuzsanna Izsvák
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Society, Berlin, Germany
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36
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Speckhart SL, Oliver MA, Ealy AD. Developmental Hurdles That Can Compromise Pregnancy during the First Month of Gestation in Cattle. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1760. [PMID: 37889637 PMCID: PMC10251927 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111760] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Several key developmental events are associated with early embryonic pregnancy losses in beef and dairy cows. These developmental problems are observed at a greater frequency in pregnancies generated from in-vitro-produced bovine embryos. This review describes critical problems that arise during oocyte maturation, fertilization, early embryonic development, compaction and blastulation, embryonic cell lineage specification, elongation, gastrulation, and placentation. Additionally, discussed are potential remediation strategies, but unfortunately, corrective actions are not available for several of the problems being discussed. Further research is needed to produce bovine embryos that have a greater likelihood of surviving to term.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alan D. Ealy
- School of Animal Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (S.L.S.); (M.A.O.)
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37
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Corujo-Simon E, Radley AH, Nichols J. Evidence implicating sequential commitment of the founder lineages in the human blastocyst by order of hypoblast gene activation. Development 2023; 150:dev201522. [PMID: 37102672 PMCID: PMC10233721 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Successful human pregnancy depends upon rapid establishment of three founder lineages: the trophectoderm, epiblast and hypoblast, which together form the blastocyst. Each plays an essential role in preparing the embryo for implantation and subsequent development. Several models have been proposed to define the lineage segregation. One suggests that all lineages specify simultaneously; another favours the differentiation of the trophectoderm before separation of the epiblast and hypoblast, either via differentiation of the hypoblast from the established epiblast, or production of both tissues from the inner cell mass precursor. To begin to resolve this discrepancy and thereby understand the sequential process for production of viable human embryos, we investigated the expression order of genes associated with emergence of hypoblast. Based upon published data and immunofluorescence analysis for candidate genes, we present a basic blueprint for human hypoblast differentiation, lending support to the proposed model of sequential segregation of the founder lineages of the human blastocyst. The first characterised marker, specific initially to the early inner cell mass, and subsequently identifying presumptive hypoblast, is PDGFRA, followed by SOX17, FOXA2 and GATA4 in sequence as the hypoblast becomes committed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Corujo-Simon
- Wellcome Trust – MRC Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Arthur H. Radley
- Wellcome Trust – MRC Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Jennifer Nichols
- Wellcome Trust – 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 CB2 3EG, UK
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38
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Mattimoe T, Payer B. The compleX balancing act of controlling X-chromosome dosage and how it impacts mammalian germline development. Biochem J 2023; 480:521-537. [PMID: 37096944 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20220450] [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: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
In female mammals, the two X chromosomes are subject to epigenetic gene regulation in order to balance X-linked gene dosage with autosomes and in relation to males, which have one X and one Y chromosome. This is achieved by an intricate interplay of several processes; X-chromosome inactivation and reactivation elicit global epigenetic regulation of expression from one X chromosome in a stage-specific manner, whilst the process of X-chromosome upregulation responds to this by fine-tuning transcription levels of the second X. The germline is unique in its function of transmitting both the genetic and epigenetic information from one generation to the next, and remodelling of the X chromosome is one of the key steps in setting the stage for successful development. Here, we provide an overview of the complex dynamics of X-chromosome dosage control during embryonic and germ cell development, and aim to decipher its potential role for normal germline competency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Mattimoe
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Carrer Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bernhard Payer
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Carrer Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
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39
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Xie G, Lee JE, Senft AD, Park YK, Jang Y, Chakraborty S, Thompson JJ, McKernan K, Liu C, Macfarlan TS, Rocha PP, Peng W, Ge K. MLL3/MLL4 methyltransferase activities control early embryonic development and embryonic stem cell differentiation in a lineage-selective manner. Nat Genet 2023; 55:693-705. [PMID: 37012455 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-023-01356-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
H3K4me1 methyltransferases MLL3 (KMT2C) and MLL4 (KMT2D) are critical for enhancer activation, cell differentiation and development. However, roles of MLL3/4 enzymatic activities and MLL3/4-mediated enhancer H3K4me1 in these processes remain unclear. Here we report that constitutive elimination of both MLL3 and MLL4 enzymatic activities prevents initiation of gastrulation and leads to early embryonic lethality in mice. However, selective elimination of MLL3/4 enzymatic activities in embryonic, but not extraembryonic, lineages leaves gastrulation largely intact. Consistent with this, embryonic stem cells (ESCs) lacking MLL3/4 enzymatic activities can differentiate toward the three embryonic germ layers but show aberrant differentiation to extraembryonic endoderm (ExEn) and trophectoderm. The failure in ExEn differentiation can be attributed to markedly reduced enhancer-binding of the lineage-determining transcription factor GATA6. Furthermore, we show that MLL3/4-catalyzed H3K4me1 is largely dispensable for enhancer activation during ESC differentiation. Together, our findings suggest a lineage-selective, but enhancer activation-independent, role of MLL3/4 methyltransferase activities in early embryonic development and ESC differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guojia Xie
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ji-Eun Lee
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Anna D Senft
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Young-Kwon Park
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Younghoon Jang
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Shreeta Chakraborty
- Unit on Genome Structure and Regulation, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Joyce J Thompson
- Unit on Genome Structure and Regulation, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kaitlin McKernan
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Chengyu Liu
- Transgenic Core, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Todd S Macfarlan
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Pedro P Rocha
- Unit on Genome Structure and Regulation, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Weiqun Peng
- Departments of Physics and Anatomy and Cell Biology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kai Ge
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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40
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Zhou C, Halstead MM, Bonnet‐Garnier A, Schultz RM, Ross PJ. Histone remodeling reflects conserved mechanisms of bovine and human preimplantation development. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e55726. [PMID: 36779365 PMCID: PMC9986824 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202255726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Abstract
How histone modifications regulate changes in gene expression during preimplantation development in any species remains poorly understood. Using CUT&Tag to overcome limiting amounts of biological material, we profiled two activating (H3K4me3 and H3K27ac) and two repressive (H3K9me3 and H3K27me3) marks in bovine oocytes, 2-, 4-, and 8-cell embryos, morula, blastocysts, inner cell mass, and trophectoderm. In oocytes, broad bivalent domains mark developmental genes, and prior to embryonic genome activation (EGA), H3K9me3 and H3K27me3 co-occupy gene bodies, suggesting a global mechanism for transcription repression. During EGA, chromatin accessibility is established before canonical H3K4me3 and H3K27ac signatures. Embryonic transcription is required for this remodeling, indicating that maternally provided products alone are insufficient for reprogramming. Last, H3K27me3 plays a major role in restriction of cellular potency, as blastocyst lineages are defined by differential polycomb repression and transcription factor activity. Notably, inferred regulators of EGA and blastocyst formation strongly resemble those described in humans, as opposed to mice. These similarities suggest that cattle are a better model than rodents to investigate the molecular basis of human preimplantation development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Zhou
- Department of Animal Science University of CaliforniaDavisCAUSA
| | - Michelle M Halstead
- Université Paris‐Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREEDJouy‐en‐JosasFrance
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREEDMaisons‐AlfortFrance
| | - Amélie Bonnet‐Garnier
- Université Paris‐Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREEDJouy‐en‐JosasFrance
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREEDMaisons‐AlfortFrance
| | - Richard M Schultz
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCAUSA
- Department of BiologyUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | - Pablo J Ross
- Department of Animal Science University of CaliforniaDavisCAUSA
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41
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Athanasouli P, Balli M, De Jaime-Soguero A, Boel A, Papanikolaou S, van der Veer BK, Janiszewski A, Vanhessche T, Francis A, El Laithy Y, Nigro AL, Aulicino F, Koh KP, Pasque V, Cosma MP, Verfaillie C, Zwijsen A, Heindryckx B, Nikolaou C, Lluis F. The Wnt/TCF7L1 transcriptional repressor axis drives primitive endoderm formation by antagonizing naive and formative pluripotency. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1210. [PMID: 36869101 PMCID: PMC9984534 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36914-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Early during preimplantation development and in heterogeneous mouse embryonic stem cells (mESC) culture, pluripotent cells are specified towards either the primed epiblast or the primitive endoderm (PE) lineage. Canonical Wnt signaling is crucial for safeguarding naive pluripotency and embryo implantation, yet the role and relevance of canonical Wnt inhibition during early mammalian development remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that transcriptional repression exerted by Wnt/TCF7L1 promotes PE differentiation of mESCs and in preimplantation inner cell mass. Time-series RNA sequencing and promoter occupancy data reveal that TCF7L1 binds and represses genes encoding essential naive pluripotency factors and indispensable regulators of the formative pluripotency program, including Otx2 and Lef1. Consequently, TCF7L1 promotes pluripotency exit and suppresses epiblast lineage formation, thereby driving cells into PE specification. Conversely, TCF7L1 is required for PE specification as deletion of Tcf7l1 abrogates PE differentiation without restraining epiblast priming. Taken together, our study underscores the importance of transcriptional Wnt inhibition in regulating lineage specification in ESCs and preimplantation embryo development as well as identifies TCF7L1 as key regulator of this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paraskevi Athanasouli
- KU Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell Institute, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Martina Balli
- KU Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell Institute, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anchel De Jaime-Soguero
- KU Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell Institute, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Annekatrien Boel
- Ghent-Fertility And Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Department for Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University Hospital, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sofia Papanikolaou
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology, Medical School, University of Crete, 70013, Heraklion, Greece.,Computational Genomics Group, Institute of Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", 16672, Athens, Greece
| | - Bernard K van der Veer
- KU Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell Institute, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Adrian Janiszewski
- KU Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell Institute, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tijs Vanhessche
- KU Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell Institute, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Annick Francis
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Youssef El Laithy
- KU Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell Institute, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Antonio Lo Nigro
- KU Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell Institute, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Francesco Aulicino
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Dr Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kian Peng Koh
- KU Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell Institute, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Vincent Pasque
- KU Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell Institute, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.,KU Leuven Institute for Single-Cell Omics (LISCO), 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maria Pia Cosma
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Dr Aiguader 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain.,ICREA, Pg. Lluis Companys 23, Barcelona, 08010, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Catherine Verfaillie
- KU Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell Institute, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - An Zwijsen
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Björn Heindryckx
- Ghent-Fertility And Stem cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Department for Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University Hospital, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christoforos Nikolaou
- Computational Genomics Group, Institute of Bioinnovation, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming", 16672, Athens, Greece
| | - Frederic Lluis
- KU Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Stem Cell Institute, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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42
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Chakraborty S, Kopitchinski N, Zuo Z, Eraso A, Awasthi P, Chari R, Mitra A, Tobias IC, Moorthy SD, Dale RK, Mitchell JA, Petros TJ, Rocha PP. Enhancer-promoter interactions can bypass CTCF-mediated boundaries and contribute to phenotypic robustness. Nat Genet 2023; 55:280-290. [PMID: 36717694 PMCID: PMC10758292 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-022-01295-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
How enhancers activate their distal target promoters remains incompletely understood. Here we dissect how CTCF-mediated loops facilitate and restrict such regulatory interactions. Using an allelic series of mouse mutants, we show that CTCF is neither required for the interaction of the Sox2 gene with distal enhancers, nor for its expression. Insertion of various combinations of CTCF motifs, between Sox2 and its distal enhancers, generated boundaries with varying degrees of insulation that directly correlated with reduced transcriptional output. However, in both epiblast and neural tissues, enhancer contacts and transcriptional induction could not be fully abolished, and insertions failed to disrupt implantation and neurogenesis. In contrast, Sox2 expression was undetectable in the anterior foregut of mutants carrying the strongest boundaries, and these animals fully phenocopied loss of SOX2 in this tissue. We propose that enhancer clusters with a high density of regulatory activity can better overcome physical barriers to maintain faithful gene expression and phenotypic robustness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreeta Chakraborty
- Unit on Genome Structure and Regulation, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nina Kopitchinski
- Unit on Genome Structure and Regulation, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Zhenyu Zuo
- Unit on Genome Structure and Regulation, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ariel Eraso
- Unit on Genome Structure and Regulation, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Parirokh Awasthi
- Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National Lab for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Raj Chari
- Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National Lab for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Apratim Mitra
- Bioinformatics and Scientific Programming Core, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ian C Tobias
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sakthi D Moorthy
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ryan K Dale
- Bioinformatics and Scientific Programming Core, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer A Mitchell
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Timothy J Petros
- Unit on Cellular and Molecular Neurodevelopment, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Pedro P Rocha
- Unit on Genome Structure and Regulation, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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43
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Dupont C, Schäffers OJ, Tan BF, Merzouk S, Bindels EM, Zwijsen A, Huylebroeck D, Gribnau J. Efficient generation of ETX embryoids that recapitulate the entire window of murine egg cylinder development. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadd2913. [PMID: 36652512 PMCID: PMC9848479 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.add2913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The murine embryonic-trophoblast-extra-embryonic endoderm (ETX) model is an integrated stem cell-based model to study early postimplantation development. It is based on the self-assembly potential of embryonic, trophoblast, and hypoblast/primitive/visceral endoderm-type stem cell lines (ESC, TSC, and XEN, respectively) to arrange into postimplantation egg cylinder-like embryoids. Here, we provide an optimized method for reliable and efficient generation of ETX embryoids that develop into late gastrulation in static culture conditions. It is based on transgenic Gata6-overproducing ESCs and modified assembly and culture conditions. Using this method, up to 43% of assembled ETX embryoids exhibited a correct spatial distribution of the three stem cell derivatives at day 4 of culture. Of those, 40% progressed into ETX embryoids that both transcriptionally and morphologically faithfully mimicked in vivo postimplantation mouse development between E5.5 and E7.5. The ETX model system offers the opportunity to study the murine postimplantation egg cylinder stages and could serve as a source of various cell lineage precursors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathérine Dupont
- Department of Developmental Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Olivier J. M. Schäffers
- Department of Developmental Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Beatrice F. Tan
- Department of Developmental Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sarra Merzouk
- Department of Developmental Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Eric M. Bindels
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - An Zwijsen
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Danny Huylebroeck
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Joost Gribnau
- Department of Developmental Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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44
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Lee SJ, Kim J, Han G, Hong SP, Kim D, Cho C. Impaired Blastocyst Formation in Lnx2-Knockdown Mouse Embryos. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021385. [PMID: 36674899 PMCID: PMC9867088 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Ligand of Numb-protein X 2 (LNX2) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that is known to regulate Notch signaling by participating in NUMB protein degradation. Notch signaling is important for differentiation and proliferation in mammals, and plays a significant role in blastocyst formation during early embryonic development. In this study, we investigated Lnx2 in mouse preimplantation embryos. Expression analysis showed that Lnx2 is expressed in oocytes and preimplantation embryos. Lnx2-knockdown embryos normally progress to the morula stage, but the majority of them do not develop into normal blastocysts. Transcript analysis revealed that the expression levels of genes critical for cell lineage specification, including octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4), are increased in Lnx2 knockdown embryos. Furthermore, the expression levels of Notch and Hippo signaling-related genes are also increased by Lnx2 knockdown. Collectively, our results show that Lnx2 is important for blastocyst formation in mice, suggest that this may act via lineage specification of inner cell mass, and further show that Lnx2 may be involved in transcriptionally regulating various genes implicated in early embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Jae Lee
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaehwan Kim
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
- Developmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Gwidong Han
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Pyo Hong
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Dayeon Kim
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Chunghee Cho
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence:
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45
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Goissis MD, Cibelli JB. Early Cell Specification in Mammalian Fertilized and Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer Embryos. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2647:59-81. [PMID: 37041329 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3064-8_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Early cell specification in mammalian preimplantation embryos is an intricate cellular process that leads to coordinated spatial and temporal expression of specific genes. Proper segregation into the first two cell lineages, the inner cell mass (ICM) and the trophectoderm (TE), is imperative for developing the embryo proper and the placenta, respectively. Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) allows the formation of a blastocyst containing both ICM and TE from a differentiated cell nucleus, which means that this differentiated genome must be reprogrammed to a totipotent state. Although blastocysts can be generated efficiently through SCNT, the full-term development of SCNT embryos is impaired mostly due to placental defects. In this review, we examine the early cell fate decisions in fertilized embryos and compare them to observations in SCNT-derived embryos, in order to understand if these processes are affected by SCNT and could be responsible for the low success of reproductive cloning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo D Goissis
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Jose B Cibelli
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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46
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Schnirman RE, Kuo SJ, Kelly RC, Yamaguchi TP. The role of Wnt signaling in the development of the epiblast and axial progenitors. Curr Top Dev Biol 2023; 153:145-180. [PMID: 36967193 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2023.01.010] [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] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Understanding how the body plan is established during embryogenesis remains a fundamental biological question. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a crucial and highly conserved role in body plan formation, functioning to polarize the primary anterior-posterior (AP) or head-to-tail body axis in most metazoans. In this chapter, we focus on the roles that the mammalian Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays to prepare the pluripotent epiblast for gastrulation, and to elicit the emergence of multipotent axial progenitors from the caudal epiblast. Interactions between Wnt and retinoic acid (RA), another powerful family of developmental signaling molecules, in axial progenitors will also be discussed. Gastrulation movements and somitogenesis result in the anterior displacement of the RA source (the rostral somites and lateral plate mesoderm (LPM)), from the posterior Wnt source (the primitive streak (PS)), leading to the establishment of antiparallel gradients of RA and Wnt that control the self-renewal and successive differentiation of neck, trunk and tail progenitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Samuel J Kuo
- NCI-Frederick, NIH, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Ryan C Kelly
- NCI-Frederick, NIH, Frederick, MD, United States
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47
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Lee J, Wang J, Ally R, Trzaska S, Hickey J, Mujica A, Miloscio L, Mastaitis J, Morse B, Smith J, Atanasio A, Chiao E, Chen H, Latuszek A, Hu Y, Valenzuela D, Romano C, Zambrowicz B, Auerbach W. Production of large, defined genome modifications in rats by targeting rat embryonic stem cells. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 18:394-409. [PMID: 36525967 PMCID: PMC9860120 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.11.012] [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: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Rats were more frequently used than mice to model human disease before mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) revolutionized genetic engineering in mice. Rat ESCs (rESCs) were first reported over 10 years ago, yet they are not as frequently used as mESCs. CRISPR-based gene editing in zygotes is widely used in rats but is limited by the difficulty of inserting or replacing DNA sequences larger than about 10 kb. We report here the generation of germline-competent rESC lines from several rat strains. These rESC lines maintain their potential for germline transmission after serial targeting with bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC)-based targeting vectors, and CRISPR-Cas9 cutting can increase targeting efficiency. Using these methods, we have successfully replaced entire rat genes spanning up to 101 kb with the human ortholog.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Lee
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA.
| | | | - Roxanne Ally
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | - Sean Trzaska
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | | | - Alejo Mujica
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | | | | | - Brian Morse
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | - Janell Smith
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | | | - Eric Chiao
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | - Henry Chen
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | | | - Ying Hu
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
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48
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Chowdhary S, Hadjantonakis AK. Journey of the mouse primitive endoderm: from specification to maturation. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210252. [PMID: 36252215 PMCID: PMC9574636 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The blastocyst is a conserved stage and distinct milestone in the development of the mammalian embryo. Blastocyst stage embryos comprise three cell lineages which arise through two sequential binary cell fate specification steps. In the first, extra-embryonic trophectoderm (TE) cells segregate from inner cell mass (ICM) cells. Subsequently, ICM cells acquire a pluripotent epiblast (Epi) or extra-embryonic primitive endoderm (PrE, also referred to as hypoblast) identity. In the mouse, nascent Epi and PrE cells emerge in a salt-and-pepper distribution in the early blastocyst and are subsequently sorted into adjacent tissue layers by the late blastocyst stage. Epi cells cluster at the interior of the ICM, while PrE cells are positioned on its surface interfacing the blastocyst cavity, where they display apicobasal polarity. As the embryo implants into the maternal uterus, cells at the periphery of the PrE epithelium, at the intersection with the TE, break away and migrate along the TE as they mature into parietal endoderm (ParE). PrE cells remaining in association with the Epi mature into visceral endoderm. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of the PrE from its specification to its maturation. This article is part of the theme issue 'Extraembryonic tissues: exploring concepts, definitions and functions across the animal kingdom'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayali Chowdhary
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Anna-Katerina Hadjantonakis
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
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Pfeffer PL. Alternative mammalian strategies leading towards gastrulation: losing polar trophoblast (Rauber's layer) or gaining an epiblast cavity. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210254. [PMID: 36252216 PMCID: PMC9574635 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Using embryological data from 14 mammalian orders, the hypothesis is presented that in placental mammals, epiblast cavitation and polar trophoblast loss are alternative developmental solutions to shield the central epiblast from extraembryonic signalling. It is argued that such reciprocal signalling between the edge of the epiblast and the adjoining polar trophoblast or edge of the mural trophoblast or with the amniotic ectoderm is necessary for the induction of gastrulation. This article is part of the theme issue 'Extraembryonic tissues: exploring concepts, definitions and functions across the animal kingdom'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter L. Pfeffer
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Kelburn Parade, Wellington 6010, New Zealand
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Extensive co-binding and rapid redistribution of NANOG and GATA6 during emergence of divergent lineages. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4257. [PMID: 35871075 PMCID: PMC9308780 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31938-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Fate-determining transcription factors (TFs) can promote lineage-restricted transcriptional programs from common progenitor states. The inner cell mass (ICM) of mouse blastocysts co-expresses the TFs NANOG and GATA6, which drive the bifurcation of the ICM into either the epiblast (Epi) or the primitive endoderm (PrE), respectively. Here, we induce GATA6 in embryonic stem cells–that also express NANOG–to characterize how a state of co-expression of opposing TFs resolves into divergent lineages. Surprisingly, we find that GATA6 and NANOG co-bind at the vast majority of Epi and PrE enhancers, a phenomenon we also observe in blastocysts. The co-bound state is followed by eviction and repression of Epi TFs, and quick remodeling of chromatin and enhancer-promoter contacts thus establishing the PrE lineage while repressing the Epi fate. We propose that co-binding of GATA6 and NANOG at shared enhancers maintains ICM plasticity and promotes the rapid establishment of Epi- and PrE-specific transcriptional programs. The authors show that the transcription factors NANOG and GATA6 co-bind the same enhancers in common progenitors before divergent epiblast and primitive endoderm lineages emerge. This may help maintain plasticity at early stages and facilitate bifurcation into distinct lineages
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