YAP Regulates Hematopoietic Stem Cell Formation in Response to the Biomechanical Forces of Blood Flow

The Hippo signalling pathway in bone homeostasis: Under the regulation of mechanics and aging

The Hippo signalling pathway is a conserved kinase cascade that orchestrates diverse cellular processes, such as proliferation, apoptosis, lineage commitment and stemness. With the onset of society ages, research on skeletal aging-mechanics-bone homeostasis has exploded. In recent years, aging and mechanical force in the skeletal system have gained groundbreaking research progress. Under the regulation of mechanics and aging, the Hippo signalling pathway has a crucial role in the development and homeostasis of bone. We synthesize the current knowledge on the role of the Hippo signalling pathway, particularly its downstream effectors yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), in bone homeostasis. We discuss the regulation of the lineage specification and function of different skeletal cell types by the Hippo signalling pathway. The interactions of the Hippo signalling pathway with other pathways, such as Wnt, transforming growth factor beta and nuclear factor kappa-B, are also mentioned because of their importance for modulating bone homeostasis. Furthermore, YAP/TAZ have been extensively studied as mechanotransducers. Due to space limitations, we focus on reviewing how mechanical forces and aging influence cell fate, communications and homeostasis through a dysregulated Hippo signalling pathway.

Extracellular Matrix Components and Mechanosensing Pathways in Health and Disease

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and proteoglycans (PGs) are essential components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) with pivotal roles in cellular mechanosensing pathways. GAGs, such as heparan sulfate (HS) and chondroitin sulfate (CS), interact with various cell surface receptors, including integrins and receptor tyrosine kinases, to modulate cellular responses to mechanical stimuli. PGs, comprising a core protein with covalently attached GAG chains, serve as dynamic regulators of tissue mechanics and cell behavior, thereby playing a crucial role in maintaining tissue homeostasis. Dysregulation of GAG/PG-mediated mechanosensing pathways is implicated in numerous pathological conditions, including cancer and inflammation. Understanding the intricate mechanisms by which GAGs and PGs modulate cellular responses to mechanical forces holds promise for developing novel therapeutic strategies targeting mechanotransduction pathways in disease. This comprehensive overview underscores the importance of GAGs and PGs as key mediators of mechanosensing in maintaining tissue homeostasis and their potential as therapeutic targets for mitigating mechano-driven pathologies, focusing on cancer and inflammation.

Tropomyosin 1 deficiency facilitates cell state transitions and enhances hemogenic endothelial cell specification during hematopoiesis

Tropomyosins coat actin filaments to impact actin-related signaling and cell morphogenesis. Genome-wide association studies have linked Tropomyosin 1 (TPM1) with human blood trait variation. TPM1 has been shown to regulate blood cell formation in vitro, but it remains unclear how or when TPM1 affects hematopoiesis. Using gene-edited induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) model systems, we found that TPM1 knockout augmented developmental cell state transitions and key signaling pathways, including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) signaling, to promote hemogenic endothelial (HE) cell specification and hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) production. Single-cell analyses revealed decreased TPM1 expression during human HE specification, suggesting that TPM1 regulated in vivo hematopoiesis via similar mechanisms. Analyses of a TPM1 gene trap mouse model showed that TPM1 deficiency enhanced HE formation during embryogenesis, without increasing the number of hematopoietic stem cells. These findings illuminate novel effects of TPM1 on developmental hematopoiesis.

Mechanobiology and Primary Cilium in the Pathophysiology of Bone Marrow Myeloproliferative Diseases

Philadelphia-Negative Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are a diverse group of blood cancers leading to excessive production of mature blood cells. These chronic diseases, including polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF), can significantly impact patient quality of life and are still incurable in the vast majority of the cases. This review examines the mechanobiology within a bone marrow niche, emphasizing the role of mechanical cues and the primary cilium in the pathophysiology of MPNs. It discusses the influence of extracellular matrix components, cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, and mechanosensitive structures on hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) behavior and disease progression. Additionally, the potential implications of the primary cilium as a chemo- and mechanosensory organelle in bone marrow cells are explored, highlighting its involvement in signaling pathways crucial for hematopoietic regulation. This review proposes future research directions to better understand the dysregulated bone marrow niche in MPNs and to identify novel therapeutic targets.

Global Literature Analysis of Organoid and Organ-on-Chip Research

Organoids and cells in organ-on-chip platforms replicate higher-level anatomical, physiological, or pathological states of tissues and organs. These technologies are widely regarded by academia, the pharmacological industry and regulators as key biomedical developments. To map advances in this emerging field, a literature analysis of 16,000 article metadata based on a quality-controlled text-mining algorithm is performed. The analysis covers titles, keywords, and abstracts of categorized academic publications in the literature and preprint databases published after 2010. The algorithm identifies and tracks 149 and 107 organs or organ substructures modeled as organoids and organ-on-chip, respectively, stem cell sources, as well as 130 diseases, and 16 groups of organisms other than human and mouse in which organoid/organ-on-chip technology is applied. The analysis illustrates changing diversity and focus in organoid/organ-on-chip research and captures its geographical distribution. The downloadable dataset provided is a robust framework for researchers to interrogate with their own questions.

Capturing embryonic hematopoiesis in temporal and spatial dimensions

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) possess the ability to sustain the continuous production of all blood cell types throughout an organism's lifespan. Although primarily located in the bone marrow of adults, HSCs originate during embryonic development. Visualization of the birth of HSCs, their developmental trajectory, and the specific interactions with their successive niches have significantly contributed to our understanding of the biology and mechanics governing HSC formation and expansion. Intravital techniques applied to live embryos or non-fixed samples have remarkably provided invaluable insights into the cellular and anatomical origins of HSCs. These imaging technologies have also shed light on the dynamic interactions between HSCs and neighboring cell types within the surrounding microenvironment or niche, such as endothelial cells or macrophages. This review delves into the advancements made in understanding the origin, production, and cellular interactions of HSCs, particularly during the embryonic development of mice and zebrafish, focusing on studies employing (live) imaging analysis.

Tuning apicobasal polarity and junctional recycling in the hemogenic endothelium orchestrates the morphodynamic complexity of emerging pre-hematopoietic stem cells

Hematopoietic stem cells emerge in the embryo from an aortic-derived tissue called the hemogenic endothelium (HE). The HE appears to give birth to cells of different nature and fate but the molecular principles underlying this complexity are largely unknown. Here we show, in the zebrafish embryo, that two cell types emerge from the aortic floor with radically different morphodynamics. With the support of live imaging, we bring evidence suggesting that the mechanics underlying the two emergence types rely, or not, on apicobasal polarity establishment. While the first type is characterized by reinforcement of apicobasal polarity and maintenance of the apical/luminal membrane until release, the second type emerges via a dynamic process reminiscent of trans-endothelial migration. Interfering with Runx1 function suggests that the balance between the two emergence types depends on tuning apicobasal polarity at the level of the HE. In support of this and unexpectedly, we show that Pard3ba - one of the four Pard3 proteins expressed in the zebrafish - is sensitive to interference with Runx1 activity, in aortic endothelial cells. This supports the idea of a signaling cross talk controlling cell polarity and its associated features, between aortic and hemogenic cells. In addition, using new transgenic fish lines that express Junctional Adhesion Molecules and functional interference, we bring evidence for the essential role of ArhGEF11/PDZ-RhoGEF in controlling the HE-endothelial cell dynamic interface, including cell-cell intercalation, which is ultimately required for emergence completion. Overall, we highlight critical cellular and dynamic events of the endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition that support emergence complexity, with a potential impact on cell fate.

Mechanotransduction and epigenetic modulations of chromatin: Role of mechanical signals in gene regulation

Mechanical forces may be generated within a cell due to tissue stiffness, cytoskeletal reorganization, and the changes (even subtle) in the cell's physical surroundings. These changes of forces impose a mechanical tension within the intracellular protein network (both cytosolic and nuclear). Mechanical tension could be released by a series of protein-protein interactions often facilitated by membrane lipids, lectins and sugar molecules and thus generate a type of signal to drive cellular processes, including cell differentiation, polarity, growth, adhesion, movement, and survival. Recent experimental data have accentuated the molecular mechanism of this mechanical signal transduction pathway, dubbed mechanotransduction. Mechanosensitive proteins in the cell's plasma membrane discern the physical forces and channel the information to the cell interior. Cells respond to the message by altering their cytoskeletal arrangement and directly transmitting the signal to the nucleus through the connection of the cytoskeleton and nucleoskeleton before the information despatched to the nucleus by biochemical signaling pathways. Nuclear transmission of the force leads to the activation of chromatin modifiers and modulation of the epigenetic landscape, inducing chromatin reorganization and gene expression regulation; by the time chemical messengers (transcription factors) arrive into the nucleus. While significant research has been done on the role of mechanotransduction in tumor development and cancer progression/metastasis, the mechanistic basis of force-activated carcinogenesis is still enigmatic. Here, in this review, we have discussed the various cues and molecular connections to better comprehend the cellular mechanotransduction pathway, and we also explored the detailed role of some of the multiple players (proteins and macromolecular complexes) involved in mechanotransduction. Thus, we have described an avenue: how mechanical stress directs the epigenetic modifiers to modulate the epigenome of the cells and how aberrant stress leads to the cancer phenotype.

Time-series analysis of hematopoietic stem cells

This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the aging of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Gene expression profile GSE32719 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, including 14 young, 5 middle, and 8 old HSCs. Differential expression analysis, short time-series expression miner analysis, and weighted co-expression network analysis were conducted to screen for hub genes whose expression changed over time during HSC aging. Subsequently, functional enrichment and multiple regulatory network analyses of the hub genes were performed. A total of 124 intersecting time-dependent differentially expressed and module genes were obtained, which were considered hub genes whose expression changed over time during HSC aging. Hub genes were significantly enriched in pathways such as the Hippo and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathways. Moreover, AP-1 Transcription Factor Subunit (FOS) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) had higher degrees in the protein-protein interaction network, were regulated by more transcription factors (TFs), such as Sp1 transcription factor (SP1) and BRCA1 DNA repair-associated (BRCA1), in the TF-mRNA-miRNA network, were associated with more diseases in the disease-gene network, and could be targeted by more drugs in the drug-gene network. Furthermore, SIRT1 was targeted by miR-9-5p in the TF-mRNA-miRNA network. Hub genes such as FOS and SIRT1 and key pathways such as the Hippo and AMPK signaling pathways may play crucial roles in HSC aging. Moreover, FOS and SIRT1 were regulated by SP1 and BRCA1, respectively, during HSC aging. Furthermore, miR-9-5p may modulate HSC aging by targeting SIRT1. Thus, FOS and SIRT1 may be potential therapeutic targets for age-related hematopoietic dysfunction.

Haematopoietic development and HSC formation in vitro: promise and limitations of gastruloid models

Haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are the most extensively studied adult stem cells. Yet, six decades after their first description, reproducible and translatable generation of HSC in vitro remains an unmet challenge. HSC production in vitro is confounded by the multi-stage nature of blood production during development. Specification of HSC is a late event in embryonic blood production and depends on physical and chemical cues which remain incompletely characterised. The precise molecular composition of the HSC themselves is incompletely understood, limiting approaches to track their origin in situ in the appropriate cellular, chemical and mechanical context. Embryonic material at the point of HSC emergence is limiting, highlighting the need for an in vitro model of embryonic haematopoietic development in which current knowledge gaps can be addressed and exploited to enable HSC production. Gastruloids are pluripotent stem cell-derived 3-dimensional (3D) cellular aggregates which recapitulate developmental events in gastrulation and early organogenesis with spatial and temporal precision. Gastruloids self-organise multi-tissue structures upon minimal and controlled external cues, and are amenable to live imaging, screening, scaling and physicochemical manipulation to understand and translate tissue formation. In this review, we consider the haematopoietic potential of gastruloids and review early strategies to enhance blood progenitor and HSC production. We highlight possible strategies to achieve HSC production from gastruloids, and discuss the potential of gastruloid systems in illuminating current knowledge gaps in HSC specification.

Vasculature is getting Hip(po): Hippo signaling in vascular development and disease

The Hippo signaling pathway regulates developmental organ growth, regeneration, and cell fate decisions. Although the role of the Hippo pathway, and its transcriptional effectors YAP and TAZ, has been well documented in many cell types and species, only recently have the roles for this pathway come to light in vascular development and disease. Experiments in mice, zebrafish, and in vitro have uncovered roles for the Hippo pathway, YAP, and TAZ in vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis. In addition, the Hippo pathway has been implicated in vascular cancers and cardiovascular diseases, thus identifying it as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of these conditions. However, despite recent advances, Hippo's role in the vasculature is still underappreciated compared with its role in epithelial tissues. In this review, we appraise our current understanding of the Hippo pathway in blood and lymphatic vessel development and highlight the current knowledge gaps and opportunities for further research.

De novo hematopoietic (stem) cell generation - A differentiation or stochastic process?

The hematopoietic system is one of the earliest tissues to develop. De novo generation of hematopoietic progenitor and stem cells occurs through a transdifferentiation of (hemogenic) endothelial cells to hematopoietic identity, resulting in the formation of intra-aortic hematopoietic cluster (IAHC) cells. Heterogeneity of IAHC cell phenotypes and functions has stymied the field in its search for the transcriptional program of emerging hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), given that an individual IAHC cannot be simultaneously examined for function and transcriptome. Several models could account for this heterogeneity, including a novel model suggesting that the transcriptomes of individual emerging IAHC cells are in an unstable/metastable state, with pivotal hematopoietic transcription factors expressed dynamically due to transcriptional pulsing and combinatorial activities. The question remains - how is functional hematopoietic cell fate established - is the process stochastic? This article touches upon these important issues, which may be relevant to the field's inability to make HSCs ex vivo.

De novo hematopoiesis from the fetal lung

Hemogenic endothelial cells (HECs) are specialized cells that undergo endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition (EHT) to give rise to the earliest precursors of hematopoietic progenitors that will eventually sustain hematopoiesis throughout the lifetime of an organism. Although HECs are thought to be primarily limited to the aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM) during early development, EHT has been described in various other hematopoietic organs and embryonic vessels. Though not defined as a hematopoietic organ, the lung houses many resident hematopoietic cells, aids in platelet biogenesis, and is a reservoir for hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). However, lung HECs have never been described. Here, we demonstrate that the fetal lung is a potential source of HECs that have the functional capacity to undergo EHT to produce de novo HSPCs and their resultant progeny. Explant cultures of murine and human fetal lungs display adherent endothelial cells transitioning into floating hematopoietic cells, accompanied by the gradual loss of an endothelial signature. Flow cytometric and functional assessment of fetal-lung explants showed the production of multipotent HSPCs that expressed the EHT and pre-HSPC markers EPCR, CD41, CD43, and CD44. scRNA-seq and small molecule modulation demonstrated that fetal lung HECs rely on canonical signaling pathways to undergo EHT, including TGFβ/BMP, Notch, and YAP. Collectively, these data support the possibility that post-AGM development, functional HECs are present in the fetal lung, establishing this location as a potential extramedullary site of de novo hematopoiesis.

Nod1-dependent NF-kB activation initiates hematopoietic stem cell specification in response to small Rho GTPases

Uncovering the mechanisms regulating hematopoietic specification not only would overcome current limitations related to hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) transplantation, but also advance cellular immunotherapies. However, generating functional human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived HSPCs and their derivatives has been elusive, necessitating a better understanding of the developmental mechanisms that trigger HSPC specification. Here, we reveal that early activation of the Nod1-Ripk2-NF-kB inflammatory pathway in endothelial cells (ECs) primes them to switch fate towards definitive hemogenic endothelium, a pre-requisite to specify HSPCs. Our genetic and chemical embryonic models show that HSPCs fail to specify in the absence of Nod1 and its downstream kinase Ripk2 due to a failure on hemogenic endothelial (HE) programming, and that small Rho GTPases coordinate the activation of this pathway. Manipulation of NOD1 in a human system of definitive hematopoietic differentiation indicates functional conservation. This work establishes the RAC1-NOD1-RIPK2-NF-kB axis as a critical intrinsic inductor that primes ECs prior to HE fate switch and HSPC specification. Manipulation of this pathway could help derive a competent HE amenable to specify functional patient specific HSPCs and their derivatives for the treatment of blood disorders.

Role of YAP in hematopoietic differentiation and erythroid lineage specification of human-induced pluripotent stem cells

BACKGROUND

In vitro production of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) provides opportunities for fundamental research, disease modeling, and large-scale production of HLA-matched HSPCs for therapeutic applications. However, a comprehensive understanding of the signaling mechanisms that regulate human hematopoiesis is needed to develop a more effective procedure for deriving HSPCs from hiPSCs.

METHODS

In this study, we investigate the role of YAP during the hematopoietic differentiation of hiPSCs to HSPCs and erythrocytes using the isogenic YAP-overexpressing (YAP-S5A) and YAP-depleting (YAP-KD) hiPSCs to eliminate the effects of a genetic background variation.

RESULTS

Although YAP is dispensable for maintaining the self-renewal and pluripotency of these hiPSCs, it affects the early cell-fate determination and hematopoietic differentiation of hiPSCs. Depleting YAP enhances the derivation efficiency of HSPCs from hiPSCs by inducing the mesodermal lineage commitment, promoting hematopoietic differentiation, and preventing the differentiation toward endothelial lineage. On the contrary, the overexpression of YAP reduced HSPCs yield by inducing the endodermal lineage commitment, suppressing hematopoietic differentiation, and promoting the differentiation toward endothelial lineage.

CONCLUSIONS

Expression of YAP is crucial for the differentiation of hiPSC-derived HSPCs toward mature erythrocytes. We believe that by manipulating YAP activity using small molecules, the efficiency of the large-scale in vitro production system for generating hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells for future therapeutic use could be improved.

The spatiotemporal heterogeneity of the biophysical microenvironment during hematopoietic stem cell development: from embryo to adult

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) with the ability to self-renew and differentiate are responsible for maintaining the supply of all types of blood cells. The complex and delicate microenvironment surrounding HSCs is called the HSC niche and can provide physical, chemical, and biological stimuli to regulate the survival, maintenance, proliferation, and differentiation of HSCs. Currently, the exploration of the biophysical regulation of HSCs remains in its infancy. There is evidence that HSCs are susceptible to biophysical stimuli, suggesting that the construction of engineered niche biophysical microenvironments is a promising way to regulate the fate of HSCs in vitro and ultimately contribute to clinical applications. In this review, we introduced the spatiotemporal heterogeneous biophysical microenvironment during HSC development, homeostasis, and malignancy. Furthermore, we illustrated how these biophysical cues contribute to HSC behaviors, as well as the possible mechanotransduction mechanisms from the extracellular microenvironment into cells. Comprehending the important functions of these biophysical regulatory factors will provide novel approaches to resolve clinical problems.

Tropomyosin 1 deficiency facilitates cell state transitions to enhance hemogenic endothelial cell specification during hematopoiesis

Tropomyosins coat actin filaments and impact actin-related signaling and cell morphogenesis. Genome-wide association studies have linked Tropomyosin 1 (TPM1) with human blood trait variation. Prior work suggested that TPM1 regulated blood cell formation in vitro, but it was unclear how or when TPM1 affected hematopoiesis. Using gene-edited induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) model systems, TPM1 knockout was found to augment developmental cell state transitions, as well as TNFα and GTPase signaling pathways, to promote hemogenic endothelial (HE) cell specification and hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) production. Single-cell analyses showed decreased TPM1 expression during human HE specification, suggesting that TPM1 regulated in vivo hematopoiesis via similar mechanisms. Indeed, analyses of a TPM1 gene trap mouse model showed that TPM1 deficiency enhanced the formation of HE during embryogenesis. These findings illuminate novel effects of TPM1 on developmental hematopoiesis.

Generating hematopoietic cells from human pluripotent stem cells: approaches, progress and challenges

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have been suggested as a potential source for the production of blood cells for clinical application. In two decades, almost all types of blood cells can be successfully generated from hPSCs through various differentiated strategies. Meanwhile, with a deeper understanding of hematopoiesis, higher efficiency of generating progenitors and precursors of blood cells from hPSCs is achieved. However, how to generate large-scale mature functional cells from hPSCs for clinical use is still difficult. In this review, we summarized recent approaches that generated both hematopoietic stem cells and mature lineage cells from hPSCs, and remarked their efficiency and mechanisms in producing mature functional cells. We also discussed the major challenges in hPSC-derived products of blood cells and provided some potential solutions. Our review summarized efficient, simple, and defined methodologies for developing good manufacturing practice standards for hPSC-derived blood cells, which will facilitate the translation of these products into the clinic.

Emerging role of Hippo pathway in the regulation of hematopoiesis

In various organisms, the Hippo signaling pathway has been identified as a master regulator of organ size determination and tissue homeostasis. The Hippo signaling coordinates embryonic development, tissue regeneration and differentiation, through regulating cell proliferation and survival. The YAP and TAZ (YAP/TAZ) act as core transducers of the Hippo pathway, and they are tightly and exquisitely regulated in response to various intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli. Abnormal regulation or genetic variation of the Hippo pathway causes a wide range of human diseases, including cancer. Recent studies have revealed that Hippo signaling plays a pivotal role in the immune system and cancer immunity. Due to pathophysiological importance, the emerging role of Hippo signaling in blood cell differentiation, known as hematopoiesis, is receiving much attention. A number of elegant studies using a genetically engineered mouse (GEM) model have shed light on the mechanistic and physiological insights into the Hippo pathway in the regulation of hematopoiesis. Here, we briefly review the function of Hippo signaling in the regulation of hematopoiesis and immune cell differentiation. [BMB Reports 2023; 56(8): 417-425].

Identification and characterization of enhancer elements controlling cell type-specific and signalling dependent chromatin programming during hematopoietic development

The development of multi-cellular organisms from a single fertilized egg requires to differentially execute the information encoded in our DNA. This complex process is regulated by the interplay of transcription factors with a chromatin environment, both of which provide the epigenetic information maintaining cell-type specific gene expression patterns. Moreover, transcription factors and their target genes form vast interacting gene regulatory networks which can be exquisitely stable. However, all developmental processes originate from pluripotent precursor cell types. The production of terminally differentiated cells from such cells, therefore, requires successive changes of cell fates, meaning that genes relevant for the next stage of differentiation must be switched on and genes not relevant anymore must be switched off. The stimulus for the change of cell fate originates from extrinsic signals which set a cascade of intracellular processes in motion that eventually terminate at the genome leading to changes in gene expression and the development of alternate gene regulatory networks. How developmental trajectories are encoded in the genome and how the interplay between intrinsic and extrinsic processes regulates development is one of the major questions in developmental biology. The development of the hematopoietic system has long served as model to understand how changes in gene regulatory networks drive the differentiation of the various blood cell types. In this review, we highlight the main signals and transcription factors and how they are integrated at the level of chromatin programming and gene expression control. We also highlight recent studies identifying the cis-regulatory elements such as enhancers at the global level and explain how their developmental activity is regulated by the cooperation of cell-type specific and ubiquitous transcription factors with extrinsic signals.

Glia maturation factor-γ is required for initiation and maintenance of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells

BACKGROUND

In vertebrates, hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) emerge from hemogenic endothelium in the floor of the dorsal aorta and subsequently migrate to secondary niches where they expand and differentiate into committed lineages. Glia maturation factor γ (gmfg) is a key regulator of actin dynamics that was shown to be highly expressed in hematopoietic tissue. Our goal is to investigate the role and mechanism of gmfg in embryonic HSPC development.

METHODS

In-depth bioinformatics analysis of our published RNA-seq data identified gmfg as a cogent candidate gene implicated in HSPC development. Loss and gain-of-function strategies were applied to study the biological function of gmfg. Whole-mount in situ hybridization, confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, and western blotting were used to evaluate changes in the number of various hematopoietic cells and expression levels of cell proliferation, cell apoptosis and hematopoietic-related markers. RNA-seq was performed to screen signaling pathways responsible for gmfg deficiency-induced defects in HSPC initiation. The effect of gmfg on YAP sublocalization was assessed in vitro by utilizing HUVEC cell line.

RESULTS

We took advantage of zebrafish embryos to illustrate that loss of gmfg impaired HSPC initiation and maintenance. In gmfg-deficient embryos, the number of hemogenic endothelium and HSPCs was significantly reduced, with the accompanying decreased number of erythrocytes, myelocytes and lymphocytes. We found that blood flow modulates gmfg expression and gmfg overexpression could partially rescue the reduction of HSPCs in the absence of blood flow. Assays in zebrafish and HUVEC showed that gmfg deficiency suppressed the activity of YAP, a well-established blood flow mediator, by preventing its shuttling from cytoplasm to nucleus. During HSPC initiation, loss of gmfg resulted in Notch inactivation and the induction of Notch intracellular domain could partially restore the HSPC loss in gmfg-deficient embryos.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that gmfg mediates blood flow-induced HSPC maintenance via regulation of YAP, and contributes to HSPC initiation through the modulation of Notch signaling. Our findings reveal a brand-new aspect of gmfg function and highlight a novel mechanism for embryonic HSPC development.

Hippo pathway and Bonus control developmental cell fate decisions in the Drosophila eye

The canonical function of the Hippo signaling pathway is the regulation of organ growth. How this pathway controls cell-fate determination is less well understood. Here, we identify a function of the Hippo pathway in cell-fate decisions in the developing Drosophila eye, exerted through the interaction of Yorkie (Yki) with the transcriptional regulator Bonus (Bon), an ortholog of mammalian transcriptional intermediary factor 1/tripartite motif (TIF1/TRIM) family proteins. Instead of controlling tissue growth, Yki and Bon promote epidermal and antennal fates at the expense of the eye fate. Proteomic, transcriptomic, and genetic analyses reveal that Yki and Bon control these cell-fate decisions by recruiting transcriptional and post-transcriptional co-regulators and by repressing Notch target genes and activating epidermal differentiation genes. Our work expands the range of functions and regulatory mechanisms under Hippo pathway control.

Malignant DFFB isoform switching promotes leukemia survival in relapse pediatric T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

With modern treatment most children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survive without relapse. However, for children who relapse the prognosis is still poor, especially in children with T-cell phenotype (T-ALL) and remains the major cause of death. The exact mechanism of relapse is currently not known. While contribution of RNA processing alteration has been linked to other hematological malignancies, its contribution in pediatric T-ALL may provide new insights. Almost all human genes express more than one alternative splice isoform. Thus, gene modulation producing a diverse repertoire of the transcriptome and proteome have become a significant molecular marker of cancer and a potential therapeutic vulnerability. To study this, we performed RNA-sequencing analysis on patient-derived samples followed by splice isoform-specific PCR. We uncovered a distinct RNA splice isoform expression pattern characteristic for relapse samples compared to the leukemia samples from the time of diagnosis. We also identified deregulated splicing and apoptosis pathways specific for relapse T-ALL. Moreover, patients with T-ALL displayed pro-survival splice isoform switching favoring pro-survival isoforms compared to normal healthy stem cells. Cumulatively, pro-survival isoform switching and DFFB isoform regulation of SOX2 and MYCN may play a role in T-ALL proliferation and survival, thus serving as a potential therapeutic option.

A genome-wide relay of signalling-responsive enhancers drives hematopoietic specification

Developmental control of gene expression critically depends on distal cis-regulatory elements including enhancers which interact with promoters to activate gene expression. To date no global experiments have been conducted that identify their cell type and cell stage-specific activity within one developmental pathway and in a chromatin context. Here, we describe a high-throughput method that identifies thousands of differentially active cis-elements able to stimulate a minimal promoter at five stages of hematopoietic progenitor development from embryonic stem (ES) cells, which can be adapted to any ES cell derived cell type. We show that blood cell-specific gene expression is controlled by the concerted action of thousands of differentiation stage-specific sets of cis-elements which respond to cytokine signals terminating at signalling responsive transcription factors. Our work provides an important resource for studies of hematopoietic specification and highlights the mechanisms of how and where extrinsic signals program a cell type-specific chromatin landscape driving hematopoietic differentiation.

De Novo Generation of Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells from Pluripotent Stem Cells for Cellular Therapy

The ability to manufacture human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the laboratory holds enormous promise for cellular therapy of human blood diseases. Several differentiation protocols have been developed to facilitate the emergence of HSCs from human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). Most approaches employ a stepwise addition of cytokines and morphogens to recapitulate the natural developmental process. However, these protocols globally lack clinical relevance and uniformly induce PSCs to produce hematopoietic progenitors with embryonic features and limited engraftment and differentiation capabilities. This review examines how key intrinsic cues and extrinsic environmental inputs have been integrated within human PSC differentiation protocols to enhance the emergence of definitive hematopoiesis and how advances in genomics set the stage for imminent breakthroughs in this field.

Learning from Zebrafish Hematopoiesis

Hematopoiesis is a complex process that tightly regulates the generation, proliferation, differentiation, and maintenance of hematopoietic cells. Disruptions in hematopoiesis can lead to various diseases affecting both hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic systems, such as leukemia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic granuloma. The zebrafish serves as a powerful vertebrate model for studying hematopoiesis, offering valuable insights into both hematopoietic regulation and hematopoietic diseases. In this chapter, we present a comprehensive overview of zebrafish hematopoiesis, highlighting its distinctive characteristics in hematopoietic processes. We discuss the ontogeny and modulation of both primitive and definitive hematopoiesis, as well as the microenvironment that supports hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. Additionally, we explore the utility of zebrafish as a disease model and its potential in drug discovery, which not only advances our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underlying hematopoiesis but also facilitates the exploration of novel therapeutic strategies for hematopoietic diseases.

Role of YAP as a Mechanosensing Molecule in Stem Cells and Stem Cell-Derived Hematopoietic Cells

Yes-associated protein (YAP) and WW domain-containing transcription regulator protein 1 (WWTR1, also known as TAZ) are transcriptional coactivators in the Hippo signaling pathway. Both are well-known regulators of cell proliferation and organ size control, and they have significant roles in promoting cell proliferation and differentiation. The roles of YAP and TAZ in stem cell pluripotency and differentiation have been extensively studied. However, the upstream mediators of YAP and TAZ are not well understood. Recently, a novel role of YAP in mechanosensing and mechanotransduction has been reported. The present review updates information on the regulation of YAP by mechanical cues such as extracellular matrix stiffness, fluid shear stress, and actin cytoskeleton tension in stem cell behaviors and differentiation. The review explores mesenchymal stem cell fate decisions, pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), self-renewal, pluripotency, and differentiation to blood products. Understanding how cells sense their microenvironment or niche and mimic those microenvironments in vitro could improve the efficiency of producing stem cell products and the efficacy of the products.

Changes in interstitial fluid flow, mass transport and the bone cell response in microgravity and normogravity

In recent years, our scientific interest in spaceflight has grown exponentially and resulted in a thriving area of research, with hundreds of astronauts spending months of their time in space. A recent shift toward pursuing territories farther afield, aiming at near-Earth asteroids, the Moon, and Mars combined with the anticipated availability of commercial flights to space in the near future, warrants continued understanding of the human physiological processes and response mechanisms when in this extreme environment. Acute skeletal loss, more severe than any bone loss seen on Earth, has significant implications for deep space exploration, and it remains elusive as to why there is such a magnitude of difference between bone loss on Earth and loss in microgravity. The removal of gravity eliminates a critical primary mechano-stimulus, and when combined with exposure to both galactic and solar cosmic radiation, healthy human tissue function can be negatively affected. An additional effect found in microgravity, and one with limited insight, involves changes in dynamic fluid flow. Fluids provide the most fundamental way to transport chemical and biochemical elements within our bodies and apply an essential mechano-stimulus to cells. Furthermore, the cell cytoplasm is not a simple liquid, and fluid transport phenomena together with viscoelastic deformation of the cytoskeleton play key roles in cell function. In microgravity, flow behavior changes drastically, and the impact on cells within the porous system of bone and the influence of an expanding level of adiposity are not well understood. This review explores the role of interstitial fluid motion and solute transport in porous bone under two different conditions: normogravity and microgravity.

Runx1 is a key regulator of articular cartilage homeostasis by orchestrating YAP, TGFβ, and Wnt signaling in articular cartilage formation and osteoarthritis

Runt-related transcription factor 1 (Runx1) plays a key role in cartilage formation, but its function in articular cartilage formation is unclear. We generated non-inducible and inducible Runx1-deficient mice (Runx1f/fCol2α1-Cre and Runx1f/fCol2α1-CreER mice) and found that chondrocyte-specific Runx1-deficient mice developed a spontaneous osteoarthritis (OA)-like phenotype and showed exacerbated articular cartilage destruction under OA, characterized by articular cartilage degradation and cartilage ossification, with decreased Col2α1 expression and increased Mmp13 and Adamts5 expression. RNA-sequencing analysis of hip articular cartilage from the Runx1f/fCol2α1-Cre mice compared to that from wild-type mice and subsequent validation analyses demonstrated that Runx1 is a central regulator in multiple signaling pathways, converging signals of the Hippo/Yap, TGFβ/Smad, and Wnt/β-catenin pathways into a complex network to regulate the expression of downstream genes, thereby controlling a series of osteoarthritic pathological processes. RNA-sequencing analysis of mutant knee joints showed that Runx1's role in signaling pathways in articular cartilage is different from that in whole knee joints, indicating that Runx1 regulation is tissue-specific. Histopathologic analysis confirmed that Runx1 deficiency decreased the levels of YAP and p-Smad2/3 and increased the levels of active β-catenin. Overexpression of Runx1 dramatically increased YAP expression in chondrocytes. Adeno-associated virus-mediated Runx1 overexpression in the knee joints of osteoarthritic mice showed the protective effect of Runx1 on articular cartilage damaged in OA. Our results notably showed that Runx1 is a central regulator of articular cartilage homeostasis by orchestrating the YAP, TGFβ, and Wnt signaling pathways in the formation of articular cartilage and OA, and targeting Runx1 and its downstream genes may facilitate the design of novel therapeutic approaches for OA.

Mimicry of embryonic circulation enhances the hoxa hemogenic niche and human blood development

Precursors of the adult hematopoietic system arise from the aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM) region shortly after the embryonic circulation is established. Here, we develop a microfluidic culture system to mimic the primitive embryonic circulation and address the hypothesis that circulatory flow and shear stress enhance embryonic blood development. Embryonic (HOXA⁺) hematopoiesis was derived from human pluripotent stem cells and induced from mesoderm by small-molecule manipulation of TGF-β and WNT signaling (SB/CHIR). Microfluidic and orbital culture promoted the formation of proliferative CD34⁺RUNX1C-GFP⁺SOX17-mCHERRY⁺ precursor cells that were released into the artificial circulation from SOX17⁺ arterial-like structures. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis delineated extra-embryonic (yolk sac) and HOXA⁺ embryonic blood differentiation pathways. SB/CHIR and circulatory flow enhance hematopoiesis by the formation of proliferative HOXA⁺RUNX1C⁺CD34⁺ precursor cells that differentiate into monocyte/macrophage, granulocyte, erythrocyte, and megakaryocyte progenitors.

P130cas-FAK interaction is essential for YAP-mediated radioresistance of non-small cell lung cancer

Based on the RNA-sequencing data, previous studies revealed that extracellular matrix receptor interaction and focal adhesion signaling pathways were enriched in radioresistant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines. As the principal members of these signaling pathways, recent studies showed that FAK controlled YAP's nuclear translocation and activation in response to mechanical activation. However, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. This study was designed to determine whether P130cas plays a role in FAK-YAP axis-mediated radioresistance. We found that P130cas promoted proliferation, altered the cell cycle profile, and enhanced tumor growth using cell lines and xenograft mouse models. After treating the cell lines and xenograft models with a single dose of 5 Gy irradiation, we observed that P130cas effectively induced radioresistance in vitro and in vivo. We confirmed that P130cas interacted with and promoted YAP stabilization, thereby facilitating YAP's activation and nuclear translocation and downregulating the radiosensitivity of NSCLC. Our data also revealed that P130cas and FAK directly interacted with each other and worked together to regulate YAP's activation and nuclear translocation. Furthermore, the present study identified that P130cas, FAK and YAP formed a triple complex to induce radioresistance. Using P130cas-ΔSH3, FAK- P712/715A mutant, YAP-ΔSH3bm and YAP-ΔWW mutant, our results showed that targeting P130cas-FAK interaction may be a more cost-effective way to overcome the YAP activation mediated radioresistance in NSCLC. Using the data of the public database and our clinical samples, the present study suggested that the expression of P130cas correlated with YAP expression and indicated a poor overall response rate of NSCLC patients who underwent radiation therapy. Overall, our study extends the knowledge of FAK-YAP interaction and provides new insight into understanding the underlying mechanisms to overcome the radioresistance of NSCLC.

YAP and TAZ play a crucial role in human erythrocyte maturation and enucleation

BACKGROUND

Yes-associated protein (YAP) and WW domain-containing transcription regulator protein 1 (WWTR1, also known as TAZ) are two key transcription co-activators of the Hippo pathway. Both were originally characterized as organ size and cell proliferation regulators. Later studies demonstrated that the Hippo pathway may play a role in Drosophila and mammal hematopoiesis. However, the role of the Hippo pathway in human erythropoiesis has not yet been fully elucidated.

METHODS

The role of YAP and TAZ was studied in human erythropoiesis and hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) lineage determination by using mobilized peripheral blood (PB) and cord blood (CB)-derived HSC as a model. HSCs were isolated and cultured in an erythroid differentiation medium for erythroid differentiation and culture in methylcellulose assay for HSC lineage determination study.

RESULTS

YAP and TAZ were barely detectable in human HSCs, but became highly expressed in pro-erythroblasts and erythroblasts. Depletion or knockdown of YAP and/or TAZ did not affect the ability of HSC lineage specification to erythroid lineage in either methylcellulose assay or liquid culture. However, depletion of YAP and TAZ did impair erythroblast terminal differentiation to erythrocytes and their enucleation. Moreover, ectopic expression of YAP and TAZ in pro-erythroblasts did not exert an apparent effect on erythroid differentiation, expansion, or morphology.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that YAP/TAZ plays important role in erythroid maturation and enucleation but is dispensable for lineage determination of human HSCs.

Peristaltic pumps adapted for laminar flow experiments enhance in vitro modeling of vascular cell behavior

Endothelial cells (ECs) are the primary cellular constituent of blood vessels that are in direct contact with hemodynamic forces over their lifetime. Throughout the body, vessels experience different blood flow patterns and rates that alter vascular architecture and cellular behavior. Because of the complexities of studying blood flow in an intact organism, particularly during development, the field has increasingly relied on in vitro modeling of blood flow as a powerful technique for studying hemodynamic-dependent signaling mechanisms in ECs. While commercial flow systems that recirculate fluids exist, many commercially available pumps are peristaltic and best model pulsatile flow conditions. However, there are many important situations in which ECs experience laminar flow conditions in vivo, such as along long straight stretches of the vasculature. To understand EC function under these contexts, it is important to be able to reproducibly model laminar flow conditions in vitro. Here, we outline a method to reliably adapt commercially available peristaltic pumps to study laminar flow conditions. Our proof-of-concept study focuses on 2D models but could be further adapted to 3D environments to better model in vivo scenarios, such as organ development. Our studies make significant inroads into solving technical challenges associated with flow modeling and allow us to conduct functional studies toward understanding the mechanistic role of shear forces on vascular architecture, cellular behavior, and remodeling in diverse physiological contexts.

In the spotlight: the role of TGFβ signalling in haematopoietic stem and progenitor cell emergence

Haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) sustain haematopoiesis by generating precise numbers of mature blood cells throughout the lifetime of an individual. In vertebrates, HSPCs arise during embryonic development from a specialised endothelial cell population, the haemogenic endothelium (HE). Signalling by the Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ) pathway is key to regulate haematopoiesis in the adult bone marrow, but evidence for a role in the formation of HSPCs has only recently started to emerge. In this review, we examine recent work in various model systems that demonstrate a key role for TGFβ signalling in HSPC emergence from the HE. The current evidence underpins two seemingly contradictory views of TGFβ function: as a negative regulator of HSPCs by limiting haematopoietic output from HE, and as a positive regulator, by programming the HE towards the haematopoietic fate. Understanding how to modulate the requirement for TGFβ signalling in HSC emergence may have critical implications for the generation of these cells in vitro for therapeutic use.

An update of nanotopographical surfaces in modulating stem cell fate: a narrative review

Stem cells have been one of the ideal sources for tissue regeneration owing to their capability of self-renewal and differentiation. In vivo, the extracellular microenvironment plays a vital role in modulating stem cell fate. When developing biomaterials for regenerative medicine, incorporating biochemical and biophysical cues to mimic extracellular matrix can enhance stem cell lineage differentiation. More specifically, modulating the stem cell fate can be achieved by controlling the nanotopographic features on synthetic surfaces. Optimization of nanotopographical features leads to desirable stem cell functions, which can maximize the effectiveness of regenerative treatment. In this review, nanotopographical surfaces, including static patterned surface, dynamic patterned surface, and roughness are summarized, and their fabrication, as well as the impact on stem cell behaviour, are discussed. Later, the recent progress of applying nanotopographical featured biomaterials for altering different types of stem cells is presented, which directs the design and fabrication of functional biomaterial. Last, the perspective in fundamental research and for clinical application in this field is discussed.

One Size Does Not Fit All: Heterogeneity in Developmental Hematopoiesis

Our knowledge of the complexity of the developing hematopoietic system has dramatically expanded over the course of the last few decades. We now know that, while hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) firmly reside at the top of the adult hematopoietic hierarchy, multiple HSC-independent progenitor populations play variegated and fundamental roles during fetal life, which reflect on adult physiology and can lead to disease if subject to perturbations. The importance of obtaining a high-resolution picture of the mechanisms by which the developing embryo establishes a functional hematopoietic system is demonstrated by many recent indications showing that ontogeny is a primary determinant of function of multiple critical cell types. This review will specifically focus on exploring the diversity of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells unique to embryonic and fetal life. We will initially examine the evidence demonstrating heterogeneity within the hemogenic endothelium, precursor to all definitive hematopoietic cells. Next, we will summarize the dynamics and characteristics of the so-called "hematopoietic waves" taking place during vertebrate development. For each of these waves, we will define the cellular identities of their components, the extent and relevance of their respective contributions as well as potential drivers of heterogeneity.

Endothelial MEKK3-KLF2/4 signaling integrates inflammatory and hemodynamic signals during definitive hematopoiesis

The hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) that produce blood for the lifetime of an animal arise from RUNX1+ hemogenic endothelial cells (HECs) in the embryonic vasculature through a process of endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition (EHT). Studies have identified inflammatory mediators and fluid shear forces as critical environmental stimuli for EHT, raising the question of how such diverse inputs are integrated to drive HEC specification. Endothelial cell MEKK3-KLF2/4 signaling can be activated by both fluid shear forces and inflammatory mediators, and plays roles in cardiovascular development and disease that have been linked to both stimuli. Here we demonstrate that MEKK3 and KLF2/4 are required in endothelial cells for the specification of RUNX1+ HECs in both the yolk sac and dorsal aorta of the mouse embryo and for their transition to intra-aortic hematopoietic cluster cells (IAHCs). The inflammatory mediators lipopolysaccharide and interferon gamma increase RUNX1+ HECs in an MEKK3-dependent manner. Maternal administration of catecholamines that stimulate embryo cardiac function and accelerate yolk sac vascular remodeling increases EHT by wild-type but not MEKK3-deficient endothelium. These findings identify MEKK-KLF2/4 signaling as an essential pathway for EHT and provide a molecular basis for the integration of diverse environmental inputs, such as inflammatory mediators and hemodynamic forces, during definitive hematopoiesis.

Microfluidic systems for modeling human development

The proper development and patterning of organs rely on concerted signaling events emanating from intracellular and extracellular molecular and biophysical cues. The ability to model and understand how these microenvironmental factors contribute to cell fate decisions and physiological processes is crucial for uncovering the biology and mechanisms of life. Recent advances in microfluidic systems have provided novel tools and strategies for studying aspects of human tissue and organ development in ways that have previously been challenging to explore ex vivo. Here, we discuss how microfluidic systems and organs-on-chips provide new ways to understand how extracellular signals affect cell differentiation, how cells interact with each other, and how different tissues and organs are formed for specialized functions. We also highlight key advancements in the field that are contributing to a broad understanding of human embryogenesis, organogenesis and physiology. We conclude by summarizing the key advantages of using dynamic microfluidic or microphysiological platforms to study intricate developmental processes that cannot be accurately modeled by using traditional tissue culture vessels. We also suggest some exciting prospects and potential future applications of these emerging technologies.

The extracellular matrix of hematopoietic stem cell niches

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Comprehensive overview of different classes of ECM molecules in the HSC niche.

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Overview of current knowledge on role of biophysics of the HSC niche.

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Description of approaches to create artificial stem cell niches for several application.

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Importance of considering ECM in drug development and testing.

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are the life-long source of all types of blood cells. Their function is controlled by their direct microenvironment, the HSC niche in the bone marrow. Although the importance of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the niche by orchestrating niche architecture and cellular function is widely acknowledged, it is still underexplored. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the ECM in HSC niches. For this purpose, we first briefly outline HSC niche biology and then review the role of the different classes of ECM molecules in the niche one by one and how they are perceived by cells. Matrix remodeling and the emerging importance of biophysics in HSC niche function are discussed. Finally, the application of the current knowledge of ECM in the niche in form of artificial HSC niches for HSC expansion or targeted differentiation as well as drug testing is reviewed.

Simulated Microgravity Potentiates Hematopoietic Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells and Supports Formation of 3D Hematopoietic Cluster

Microgravity has been shown to induces many changes in proliferation, differentiation and growth behavior of stem cells. Little is known about the effect of microgravity on hematopoietic differentiation of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). In this study, we used the random position machine (RPM) to investigate whether simulated microgravity (SMG) allows the induction of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in vitro. The results showed that SMG facilitates hESCs differentiate to HSPC with more efficient induction of CD34⁺CD31⁺ hemogenic endothelium progenitors (HEPs) on day 4 and CD34⁺CD43⁺ HSPC on day 7, and these cells shows an increased generation of functional hematopoietic cells in colony-forming unit assay when compared with normal gravity (NG) conditions. Additionally, we found that SMG significantly increased the total number of cells on day 4 and day 7 which formed more 3D cell clusters. Transcriptome analysis of cells identified thousands of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between NG and SMG. DEGs down-regulated were enriched in the axonogenesis, positive regulation of cell adhesion, cell adhesion molecule and axon guidance, while SMG resulted in the up-regulation of genes were functionally associated with DNA replication, cell cycle, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and tumorigenesis. Interestingly, some key gene terms were enriched in SMG, like hypoxia and ECM receptor interaction. Moreover, HSPC obtained from SMG culture conditions had a robust ability of proliferation in vitro. The proliferated cells also had the ability to form erythroid, granulocyte and monocyte/macrophage colonies, and can be induced to generate macrophages and megakaryocytes. In summary, our data has shown a potent impact of microgravity on hematopoietic differentiation of hPSCs for the first time and reveals an underlying mechanism for the effect of SMG on hematopoiesis development.

Role of Rho GTPases in stem cell regulation

The future of regenerative medicine relies on our understanding of stem cells which are essential for tissue/organ generation and regeneration to maintain and/or restore tissue homeostasis. Rho family GTPases are known regulators of a wide variety of cellular processes related to cytoskeletal dynamics, polarity and gene transcription. In the last decade, major new advances have been made in understanding the regulatory role and mechanism of Rho GTPases in self-renewal, differentiation, migration, and lineage specification in tissue-specific signaling mechanisms in various stem cell types to regulate embryonic development, adult tissue homeostasis, and tissue regeneration upon stress or damage. Importantly, implication of Rho GTPases and their upstream regulators or downstream effectors in the transformation, migration, invasion and tumorigenesis of diverse cancer stem cells highlights the potential of Rho GTPase targeting in cancer therapy. In this review, we discuss recent evidence of Rho GTPase signaling in the regulation of embryonic stem cells, multiple somatic stem cells, and cancer stem cells. We propose promising areas where Rho GTPase pathways may serve as useful targets for stem cell manipulation and related future therapies.

The onset of circulation triggers a metabolic switch required for endothelial to hematopoietic transition

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) emerge during development from the vascular wall of the main embryonic arteries. The onset of circulation triggers several processes that provide critical external factors for HSC generation. Nevertheless, it is not fully understood how and when the onset of circulation affects HSC emergence. Here we show that in Ncx1-/- mouse embryos devoid of circulation the HSC lineage develops until the phenotypic pro-HSC stage. However, these cells reside in an abnormal microenvironment, fail to activate the hematopoietic program downstream of Runx1, and are functionally impaired. Single-cell transcriptomics shows that during the endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition, Ncx1-/- cells fail to undergo a glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation metabolic switch present in wild-type cells. Interestingly, experimental activation of glycolysis results in decreased intraembryonic hematopoiesis. Our results suggest that the onset of circulation triggers metabolic changes that allow HSC generation to proceed.

Recent Advances in Developmental Hematopoiesis: Diving Deeper With New Technologies

The journey of a hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) involves the passage through successive anatomical sites where HSCs are in direct contact with their surrounding microenvironment, also known as niche. These spatial and temporal cellular interactions throughout development are required for the acquisition of stem cell properties, and for maintaining the HSC pool through balancing self-renewal, quiescence and lineage commitment. Understanding the context and consequences of these interactions will be imperative for our understanding of HSC biology and will lead to the improvement of in vitro production of HSCs for clinical purposes. The aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM) region is in this light of particular interest since this is the cradle of HSC emergence during the embryonic development of all vertebrate species. In this review, we will focus on the developmental origin of HSCs and will discuss the novel technological approaches and recent progress made to identify the cellular composition of the HSC supportive niche and the underlying molecular events occurring in the AGM region.

Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Vascular Development in Zebrafish

The establishment of a functional cardiovascular system is crucial for the development of all vertebrates. Defects in the development of the cardiovascular system lead to cardiovascular diseases, which are among the top 10 causes of death worldwide. However, we are just beginning to understand which signaling pathways guide blood vessel growth in different tissues and organs. The advantages of the model organism zebrafish (Danio rerio) helped to identify novel cellular and molecular mechanisms of vascular growth. In this review we will discuss the current knowledge of vasculogenesis and angiogenesis in the zebrafish embryo. In particular, we describe the molecular mechanisms that contribute to the formation of blood vessels in different vascular beds within the embryo.

Making Blood from the Vessel: Extrinsic and Environmental Cues Guiding the Endothelial-to-Hematopoietic Transition

It is increasingly recognized that specialized subsets of endothelial cells carry out unique functions in specific organs and regions of the vascular tree. Perhaps the most striking example of this specialization is the ability to contribute to the generation of the blood system, in which a distinct population of “hemogenic” endothelial cells in the embryo transforms irreversibly into hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells that produce circulating erythroid, myeloid and lymphoid cells for the lifetime of an animal. This review will focus on recent advances made in the zebrafish model organism uncovering the extrinsic and environmental factors that facilitate hemogenic commitment and the process of endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition that produces blood stem cells. We highlight in particular biomechanical influences of hemodynamic forces and the extracellular matrix, metabolic and sterile inflammatory cues present during this developmental stage, and outline new avenues opened by transcriptomic-based approaches to decipher cell–cell communication mechanisms as examples of key signals in the embryonic niche that regulate hematopoiesis.

Rebuilding the hematopoietic stem cell niche: Recent developments and future prospects

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) have proven their clinical relevance in stem cell transplantation to cure patients with hematological disorders. Key to their regenerative potential is their natural microenvironment - their niche - in the bone marrow (BM). Developments in the field of biomaterials enable the recreation of such environments with increasing preciseness in the laboratory. Such artificial niches help to gain a fundamental understanding of the biophysical and biochemical processes underlying the interaction of HSCs with the materials in their environment and the disturbance of this interplay during diseases affecting the BM. Artificial niches also have the potential to multiply HSCs in vitro, to enable the targeted differentiation of HSCs into mature blood cells or to serve as drug-testing platforms. In this review, we will introduce the importance of artificial niches followed by the biology and biophysics of the natural archetype. We will outline how 2D biomaterials can be used to dissect the complexity of the natural niche into individual parameters for fundamental research and how 3D systems evolved from them. We will present commonly used biomaterials for HSC research and their applications. Finally, we will highlight two areas in the field of HSC research, which just started to unlock the possibilities provided by novel biomaterials, in vitro blood production and studying the pathophysiology of the niche in vitro. With these contents, the review aims to give a broad overview of the different biomaterials applied for HSC research and to discuss their potentials, challenges and future directions in the field. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are multipotent cells responsible for maintaining the turnover of all blood cells. They are routinely applied to treat patients with hematological diseases. This high clinical relevance explains the necessity of multiplication or differentiation of HSCs in the laboratory, which is hampered by the missing natural microenvironment - the so called niche. Biomaterials offer the possibility to mimic the niche and thus overcome this hurdle. The review introduces the HSC niche in the bone marrow and discusses the utility of biomaterials in creating artificial niches. It outlines how 2D systems evolved into sophisticated 3D platforms, which opened the gateway to applications such as, expansion of clinically relevant HSCs, in vitro blood production, studying niche pathologies and drug testing.

Interplay Between Notch and YAP/TAZ Pathways in the Regulation of Cell Fate During Embryo Development

Cells in growing tissues receive both biochemical and physical cues from their microenvironment. Growing evidence has shown that mechanical signals are fundamental regulators of cell behavior. However, how physical properties of the microenvironment are transduced into critical cell behaviors, such as proliferation, progenitor maintenance, or differentiation during development, is still poorly understood. The transcriptional co-activators YAP/TAZ shuttle between the cytoplasm and the nucleus in response to multiple inputs and have emerged as important regulators of tissue growth and regeneration. YAP/TAZ sense and transduce physical cues, such as those from the extracellular matrix or the actomyosin cytoskeleton, to regulate gene expression, thus allowing them to function as gatekeepers of progenitor behavior in several developmental contexts. The Notch pathway is a key signaling pathway that controls binary cell fate decisions through cell-cell communication in a context-dependent manner. Recent reports now suggest that the crosstalk between these two pathways is critical for maintaining the balance between progenitor maintenance and cell differentiation in different tissues. How this crosstalk integrates with morphogenesis and changes in tissue architecture during development is still an open question. Here, we discuss how progenitor cell proliferation, specification, and differentiation are coordinated with morphogenesis to construct a functional organ. We will pay special attention to the interplay between YAP/TAZ and Notch signaling pathways in determining cell fate decisions and discuss whether this represents a general mechanism of regulating cell fate during development. We will focus on research carried out in vertebrate embryos that demonstrate the important roles of mechanical cues in stem cell biology and discuss future challenges.

Strong as a Hippo's Heart: Biomechanical Hippo Signaling During Zebrafish Cardiac Development

The heart is comprised of multiple tissues that contribute to its physiological functions. During development, the growth of myocardium and endocardium is coupled and morphogenetic processes within these separate tissue layers are integrated. Here, we discuss the roles of mechanosensitive Hippo signaling in growth and morphogenesis of the zebrafish heart. Hippo signaling is involved in defining numbers of cardiac progenitor cells derived from the secondary heart field, in restricting the growth of the epicardium, and in guiding trabeculation and outflow tract formation. Recent work also shows that myocardial chamber dimensions serve as a blueprint for Hippo signaling-dependent growth of the endocardium. Evidently, Hippo pathway components act at the crossroads of various signaling pathways involved in embryonic zebrafish heart development. Elucidating how biomechanical Hippo signaling guides heart morphogenesis has direct implications for our understanding of cardiac physiology and pathophysiology.

Progress in the production of haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells from human pluripotent stem cells

Cell therapies are currently used to treat many haematological diseases. These treatments range from the long-term reconstitution of the entire haematopoietic system using the most potent haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to the short-term rescue with mature functional end cells such as oxygen-carrying red blood cells and cells of the immune system that can fight infection and repair tissue. Limitations in supply and the risk of transmitting infection has prompted the design of protocols to produce some of these cell types from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). Although it has proven challenging to generate the most potent HSCs directly from hPSCs, significant progress has been made in the development of differentiation protocols that can successfully produce haematopoietic progenitor cells and most of the mature cell lineages. We review the key steps used in the production of haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) from hPSCs and the cell surface markers and reporter strategies that have been used to define specific transitions. Most studies have relied on the use of known markers that define HSPC production in vivo but more recently single cell RNA sequencing has allowed a less biased approach to their characterisation. Transcriptional profiling has identified new markers for naïve and committed hPSC-derived HSPC populations and trajectory analyses has provided novel insights into their lineage potential. Direct comparison of in vitro- and in vivo-derived RNA single cell sequencing datasets has highlights similarities and differences between the two systems and this deeper understanding will be key to the design and the tracking of improved and more efficient differentiation protocols.