1
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Smith A, Nichols J. Commentary in light of current findings on Roode et al., Developmental Biology (2012) Human hypoblast formation is not dependent on FGF signalling. Dev Biol 2024; 512:11-12. [PMID: 38677582 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2024.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Austin Smith
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, United Kingdom; MRC Human Genetics Unit, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
| | - Jennifer Nichols
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, United Kingdom; MRC Human Genetics Unit, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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2
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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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3
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Wu H, Zhai J, Wang H. Unraveling the function of FGF signaling in human hypoblast specialization. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:945-946. [PMID: 38971145 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.06.010] [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: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Dattani et al.1 developed a method for inducing hypoblast-like cells from human naive pluripotent stem cells. They elucidated the requirement for FGF signaling in human hypoblast specialization at a specific time window, which was previously controversial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jinglei Zhai
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hongmei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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4
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Wang S, Leng L, Wang Q, Gu Y, Li J, An Y, Deng Q, Xie P, Cheng C, Chen X, Zhou Q, Lu J, Chen F, Liu L, Yang H, Wang J, Xu X, Hou Y, Gong F, Hu L, Lu G, Shang Z, Lin G. A single-cell transcriptome atlas of human euploid and aneuploid blastocysts. Nat Genet 2024; 56:1468-1481. [PMID: 38839885 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01788-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Aneuploidy is frequently detected in early human embryos as a major cause of early pregnancy failure. However, how aneuploidy affects cellular function remains elusive. Here, we profiled the transcriptomes of 14,908 single cells from 203 human euploid and aneuploid blastocysts involving autosomal and sex chromosomes. Nearly all of the blastocysts contained four lineages. In aneuploid chromosomes, 19.5% ± 1.2% of the expressed genes showed a dosage effect, and 90 dosage-sensitive domains were identified. Aneuploidy leads to prevalent genome-wide transcriptome alterations. Common effects, including apoptosis, were identified, especially in monosomies, partially explaining the lower cell numbers in autosomal monosomies. We further identified lineage-specific effects causing unstable epiblast development in aneuploidies, which was accompanied by the downregulation of TGF-β and FGF signaling, which resulted in insufficient trophectoderm maturation. Our work provides crucial insights into the molecular basis of human aneuploid blastocysts and may shed light on the cellular interaction during blastocyst development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengpeng Wang
- BGI Research, Hangzhou, China
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lizhi Leng
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Changsha, China
- Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | | | - Yifan Gu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Changsha, China
- Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | | | | | - Qiuting Deng
- BGI Research, Hangzhou, China
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Pingyuan Xie
- Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, China
| | - Can Cheng
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Changsha, China
| | - Xueqin Chen
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Changsha, China
| | - Qinwei Zhou
- Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Jia Lu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Changsha, China
| | - Fang Chen
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Birth Defects Screening, BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
| | - Longqi Liu
- BGI Research, Hangzhou, China
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huanming Yang
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
- James D. Watson Institute of Genome Science, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian Wang
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
- James D. Watson Institute of Genome Science, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xun Xu
- BGI Research, Hangzhou, China
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Genome Read and Write, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yong Hou
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Gong
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Changsha, China
- Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Liang Hu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Changsha, China
- Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Changsha, China
- Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, China
| | - Zhouchun Shang
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, China.
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Changsha, China.
- Reproductive & Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China.
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Changsha, China.
- National Engineering and Research Center of Human Stem Cell, Changsha, China.
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5
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Junyent S, Meglicki M, Vetter R, Mandelbaum R, King C, Patel EM, Iwamoto-Stohl L, Reynell C, Chen DY, Rubino P, Arrach N, Paulson RJ, Iber D, Zernicka-Goetz M. The first two blastomeres contribute unequally to the human embryo. Cell 2024; 187:2838-2854.e17. [PMID: 38744282 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Retrospective lineage reconstruction of humans predicts that dramatic clonal imbalances in the body can be traced to the 2-cell stage embryo. However, whether and how such clonal asymmetries arise in the embryo is unclear. Here, we performed prospective lineage tracing of human embryos using live imaging, non-invasive cell labeling, and computational predictions to determine the contribution of each 2-cell stage blastomere to the epiblast (body), hypoblast (yolk sac), and trophectoderm (placenta). We show that the majority of epiblast cells originate from only one blastomere of the 2-cell stage embryo. We observe that only one to three cells become internalized at the 8-to-16-cell stage transition. Moreover, these internalized cells are more frequently derived from the first cell to divide at the 2-cell stage. We propose that cell division dynamics and a cell internalization bottleneck in the early embryo establish asymmetry in the clonal composition of the future human body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergi Junyent
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Maciej Meglicki
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Roman Vetter
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE), ETH Zürich, Basel 4058, Switzerland; Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rachel Mandelbaum
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Catherine King
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Ekta M Patel
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Lisa Iwamoto-Stohl
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Clare Reynell
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Dong-Yuan Chen
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Patrizia Rubino
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | | | - Richard J Paulson
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Dagmar Iber
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE), ETH Zürich, Basel 4058, Switzerland; Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.
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6
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Rossant J. Why study human embryo development? Dev Biol 2024; 509:43-50. [PMID: 38325560 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the processes and mechanisms underlying early human embryo development has become an increasingly active and important area of research. It has potential for insights into important clinical issues such as early pregnancy loss, origins of congenital anomalies and developmental origins of adult disease, as well as fundamental insights into human biology. Improved culture systems for preimplantation embryos, combined with the new tools of single cell genomics and live imaging, are providing new insights into the similarities and differences between human and mouse development. However, access to human embryo material is still restricted and extended culture of early embryos has regulatory and ethical concerns. Stem cell-derived models of different phases of human development can potentially overcome these limitations and provide a scalable source of material to explore the early postimplantation stages of human development. To date, such models are clearly incomplete replicas of normal development but future technological improvements can be envisaged. The ethical and regulatory environment for such studies remains to be fully resolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Rossant
- The Gairdner Foundation and the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, MaRS Centre, Heritage Building, 101 College Street, Suite 335, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada.
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7
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Du P, Wu J. Hallmarks of totipotent and pluripotent stem cell states. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:312-333. [PMID: 38382531 PMCID: PMC10939785 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Though totipotency and pluripotency are transient during early embryogenesis, they establish the foundation for the development of all mammals. Studying these in vivo has been challenging due to limited access and ethical constraints, particularly in humans. Recent progress has led to diverse culture adaptations of epiblast cells in vitro in the form of totipotent and pluripotent stem cells, which not only deepen our understanding of embryonic development but also serve as invaluable resources for animal reproduction and regenerative medicine. This review delves into the hallmarks of totipotent and pluripotent stem cells, shedding light on their key molecular and functional features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Du
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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8
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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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9
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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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10
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Guo M, Wu J, Chen C, Wang X, Gong A, Guan W, Karvas RM, Wang K, Min M, Wang Y, Theunissen TW, Gao S, Silva JCR. Self-renewing human naïve pluripotent stem cells dedifferentiate in 3D culture and form blastoids spontaneously. Nat Commun 2024; 15:668. [PMID: 38253551 PMCID: PMC10803796 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44969-x] [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: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Human naïve pluripotent stem cells (hnPSCs) can generate integrated models of blastocysts termed blastoids upon switch to inductive medium. However, the underlying mechanisms remain obscure. Here we report that self-renewing hnPSCs spontaneously and efficiently give rise to blastoids upon three dimensional (3D) suspension culture. The spontaneous blastoids mimic early stage human blastocysts in terms of structure, size, and transcriptome characteristics and are capable of progressing to post-implantation stages. This property is conferred by the glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) signalling inhibitor IM-12 present in 5iLAF self-renewing medium. IM-12 upregulates oxidative phosphorylation-associated genes that underly the capacity of hnPSCs to generate blastoids spontaneously. Starting from day one of self-organization, hnPSCs at the boundary of all 3D aggregates dedifferentiate into E5 embryo-like intermediates. Intermediates co-express SOX2/OCT4 and GATA6 and by day 3 specify trophoblast fate, which coincides with cavity and blastoid formation. In summary, spontaneous blastoid formation results from 3D culture triggering dedifferentiation of hnPSCs into earlier embryo-like intermediates which are then competent to segregate blastocyst fates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyue Guo
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong, China.
- Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong, China.
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510700, China.
| | - Jinyi Wu
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong, China
- Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong, China
| | - Chuanxin Chen
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong, China
- Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong, China
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510700, China
| | - Xinggu Wang
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong, China
| | - An Gong
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong, China
- Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong, China
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510700, China
| | - Wei Guan
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong, China
| | - Rowan M Karvas
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Kexin Wang
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong, China
| | - Mingwei Min
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong, China
| | - Yixuan Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Thorold W Theunissen
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Shaorong Gao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - José C R Silva
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong, China.
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11
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Alanis-Lobato G, Bartlett TE, Huang Q, Simon CS, McCarthy A, Elder K, Snell P, Christie L, Niakan KK. MICA: a multi-omics method to predict gene regulatory networks in early human embryos. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302415. [PMID: 37879938 PMCID: PMC10599980 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302415] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in single-cell omics have transformed characterisation of cell types in challenging-to-study biological contexts. In contexts with limited single-cell samples, such as the early human embryo inference of transcription factor-gene regulatory network (GRN) interactions is especially difficult. Here, we assessed application of different linear or non-linear GRN predictions to single-cell simulated and human embryo transcriptome datasets. We also compared how expression normalisation impacts on GRN predictions, finding that transcripts per million reads outperformed alternative methods. GRN inferences were more reproducible using a non-linear method based on mutual information (MI) applied to single-cell transcriptome datasets refined with chromatin accessibility (CA) (called MICA), compared with alternative network prediction methods tested. MICA captures complex non-monotonic dependencies and feedback loops. Using MICA, we generated the first GRN inferences in early human development. MICA predicted co-localisation of the AP-1 transcription factor subunit proto-oncogene JUND and the TFAP2C transcription factor AP-2γ in early human embryos. Overall, our comparative analysis of GRN prediction methods defines a pipeline that can be applied to single-cell multi-omics datasets in especially challenging contexts to infer interactions between transcription factor expression and target gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Qiulin Huang
- Human Embryo and Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- https://ror.org/013meh722 Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, The Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Claire S Simon
- Human Embryo and Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Afshan McCarthy
- Human Embryo and Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Kathy K Niakan
- Human Embryo and Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- https://ror.org/013meh722 Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, The Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- https://ror.org/013meh722 Wellcome - Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
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12
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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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13
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David L, Bruneau A, Fréour T, Rivron N, Van de Velde H. An update on human pre- and peri-implantation development: a blueprint for blastoids. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2023; 83:102125. [PMID: 37801801 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite over 40 years following the first birth from medically assisted reproduction (MAR) technologies, mechanisms underlying the key developmental events during the first 7 days of human development, such as signaling pathway contribution, are remaining a mystery. An in-depth mechanistic understanding of how the human preimplantation embryo develops would support the optimization of embryo quality assessment methods and culturing conditions, thereby increasing the success rate of MAR. However, the limited availability of human embryos, legitimate ethical concerns, and regulations still present an obstacle toward our advancement of knowledge. Stem cell-based embryonic models, including blastoids than model blastocysts, offer unprecedented opportunities to fill knowledge gaps and complement animal models. Blastoids' predictive power depends on how faithfully they recapitulate the blastocyst. Here, we review the state of the art of human pre- and peri-implantation development and outline the specificities of human embryo research to clarify the framework for blastoid research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent David
- Nantes Université, Inserm, CR2TI, F44000 Nantes, France; Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, CNRS, Inserm, BioCore, F44000 Nantes, France.
| | | | - Thomas Fréour
- Nantes Université, Inserm, CR2TI, F44000 Nantes, France; CHU Nantes, service biologie de la reproduction, F44000 Nantes, France
| | - Nicolas Rivron
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Hilde Van de Velde
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Research Group Reproduction and Immunology, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium; UZ Brussel, Brussels IVF, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium
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14
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Pedroza M, Gassaloglu SI, Dias N, Zhong L, Hou TCJ, Kretzmer H, Smith ZD, Sozen B. Self-patterning of human stem cells into post-implantation lineages. Nature 2023; 622:574-583. [PMID: 37369348 PMCID: PMC10584676 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06354-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Investigating human development is a substantial scientific challenge due to the technical and ethical limitations of working with embryonic samples. In the face of these difficulties, stem cells have provided an alternative to experimentally model inaccessible stages of human development in vitro1-13. Here we show that human pluripotent stem cells can be triggered to self-organize into three-dimensional structures that recapitulate some key spatiotemporal events of early human post-implantation embryonic development. Our system reproducibly captures spontaneous differentiation and co-development of embryonic epiblast-like and extra-embryonic hypoblast-like lineages, establishes key signalling hubs with secreted modulators and undergoes symmetry breaking-like events. Single-cell transcriptomics confirms differentiation into diverse cell states of the perigastrulating human embryo14,15 without establishing placental cell types, including signatures of post-implantation epiblast, amniotic ectoderm, primitive streak, mesoderm, early extra-embryonic endoderm, as well as initial yolk sac induction. Collectively, our system captures key features of human embryonic development spanning from Carnegie stage16 4-7, offering a reproducible, tractable and scalable experimental platform to understand the basic cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie human development, including new opportunities to dissect congenital pathologies with high throughput.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Pedroza
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Seher Ipek Gassaloglu
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nicolas Dias
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Liangwen Zhong
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Tien-Chi Jason Hou
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Helene Kretzmer
- Department of Genome Regulation, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Zachary D Smith
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Berna Sozen
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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15
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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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16
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Huang CC, Hsueh YW, Chang CW, Hsu HC, Yang TC, Lin WC, Chang HM. Establishment of the fetal-maternal interface: developmental events in human implantation and placentation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1200330. [PMID: 37266451 PMCID: PMC10230101 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1200330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Early pregnancy is a complex and well-orchestrated differentiation process that involves all the cellular elements of the fetal-maternal interface. Aberrant trophoblast-decidual interactions can lead to miscarriage and disorders that occur later in pregnancy, including preeclampsia, intrauterine fetal growth restriction, and preterm labor. A great deal of research on the regulation of implantation and placentation has been performed in a wide range of species. However, there is significant species variation regarding trophoblast differentiation as well as decidual-specific gene expression and regulation. Most of the relevant information has been obtained from studies using mouse models. A comprehensive understanding of the physiology and pathology of human implantation and placentation has only recently been obtained because of emerging advanced technologies. With the derivation of human trophoblast stem cells, 3D-organoid cultures, and single-cell analyses of differentiated cells, cell type-specific transcript profiles and functions were generated, and each exhibited a unique signature. Additionally, through integrative transcriptomic information, researchers can uncover the cellular dysfunction of embryonic and placental cells in peri-implantation embryos and the early pathological placenta. In fact, the clinical utility of fetal-maternal cellular trafficking has been applied for the noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of aneuploidies and the prediction of pregnancy complications. Furthermore, recent studies have proposed a viable path toward the development of therapeutic strategies targeting placenta-enriched molecules for placental dysfunction and diseases.
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17
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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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18
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Ávila-González D, Gidi-Grenat MÁ, García-López G, Martínez-Juárez A, Molina-Hernández A, Portillo W, Díaz-Martínez NE, Díaz NF. Pluripotent Stem Cells as a Model for Human Embryogenesis. Cells 2023; 12:1192. [PMID: 37190101 PMCID: PMC10136597 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081192] [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: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs; embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells) can recapitulate critical aspects of the early stages of embryonic development; therefore, they became a powerful tool for the in vitro study of molecular mechanisms that underlie blastocyst formation, implantation, the spectrum of pluripotency and the beginning of gastrulation, among other processes. Traditionally, PSCs were studied in 2D cultures or monolayers, without considering the spatial organization of a developing embryo. However, recent research demonstrated that PSCs can form 3D structures that simulate the blastocyst and gastrula stages and other events, such as amniotic cavity formation or somitogenesis. This breakthrough provides an unparalleled opportunity to study human embryogenesis by examining the interactions, cytoarchitecture and spatial organization among multiple cell lineages, which have long remained a mystery due to the limitations of studying in utero human embryos. In this review, we will provide an overview of how experimental embryology currently utilizes models such as blastoids, gastruloids and other 3D aggregates derived from PSCs to advance our understanding of the intricate processes involved in human embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Ávila-González
- Laboratorio de Reprogramación Celular y Bioingeniería de Tejidos, Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, Guadalajara 44270, Mexico
- Departamento de Fisiología y Desarrollo Celular, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Ciudad de México 11000, Mexico
| | - Mikel Ángel Gidi-Grenat
- Departamento de Fisiología y Desarrollo Celular, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Ciudad de México 11000, Mexico
| | - Guadalupe García-López
- Departamento de Fisiología y Desarrollo Celular, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Ciudad de México 11000, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Martínez-Juárez
- Departamento de Fisiología y Desarrollo Celular, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Ciudad de México 11000, Mexico
| | - Anayansi Molina-Hernández
- Departamento de Fisiología y Desarrollo Celular, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Ciudad de México 11000, Mexico
| | - Wendy Portillo
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro 76230, Mexico
| | - Néstor Emmanuel Díaz-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Reprogramación Celular y Bioingeniería de Tejidos, Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, Guadalajara 44270, Mexico
| | - Néstor Fabián Díaz
- Departamento de Fisiología y Desarrollo Celular, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Ciudad de México 11000, Mexico
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19
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Marsico TV, Valente RS, Annes K, Oliveira AM, Silva MV, Sudano MJ. Species-specific molecular differentiation of embryonic inner cell mass and trophectoderm: A systematic review. Anim Reprod Sci 2023; 252:107229. [PMID: 37079996 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
A wide-ranging review study regarding the molecular characterization of the first cell lineages of the developmental embryo is lacking, especially for the primary events during earliest differentiation which leads to the determination of cellular fate. Here, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE-PubMed was searched based on an established search strategy through April 2021. Thirty-six studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria were subjected to qualitative and quantitative analysis. Among the studies, 50 % (18/36) used mice as an animal model, 22.2 % (8/36) pigs, 16.7 % (6/36) cattle, 5.5 % (2/36) humans, and 2.8 % (1/36) goats as well as 2.8 % (1/36) equine. Our results demonstrated that each of the first cell lineages of embryos requires a certain pattern of expression to establish the cellular determination of fate. Moreover, these patterns are shared by many species, particularly for those molecules that have already been identified in the literature as biomarkers. In conclusion, the present study integrated carefully chosen studies regarding embryonic development and first cellular decisions in mammalian species and summarized the information about the differential characterization of the first cell lineages and their possible relationship with specific gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kelly Annes
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Mara Viana Silva
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, SP, Brazil
| | - Mateus José Sudano
- Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, SP, Brazil; Department of Genetics and Evolution, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
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20
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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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21
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Burgaud M, Bretin B, Reignier A, De Vos J, David L. [New models to study human embryonic development]. Med Sci (Paris) 2023; 39:129-136. [PMID: 36799747 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2023018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Since 2021, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are available to infertile couples, but also to single women and female couples. The process of in vitro fertilization (IVF) has allowed to cross the threshold of 5 million births worldwide, between 1978 and 2013. However, the failure rate per each IVF cycle is estimated to be around 75%. Therefore, there is a need to better understand human embryonic development in order to improve the success rate of IVF. Study models have evolved significantly in recent years: development of embryo culture, sequencing of the transcriptome of individualized cells, discovery of culture conditions for naive pluripotent stem cells and generation of blastoids. Here, we review these recent advances in human embryo modeling that establish a new knowledge base for improving ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Burgaud
- Nantes université, CHU Nantes, Inserm, CR2TI, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Betty Bretin
- Nantes université, CHU Nantes, Inserm, CR2TI, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Arnaud Reignier
- Nantes université, CHU Nantes, Inserm, CR2TI, F-44000 Nantes, France - CHU Nantes, Service de biologie de la reproduction, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - John De Vos
- IRMB, Univ Montpellier, Inserm, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Laurent David
- Nantes université, CHU Nantes, Inserm, CR2TI, F-44000 Nantes, France - Nantes université, CHU Nantes, Inserm, CNRS, BioCore, F-44000 Nantes, France
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22
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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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23
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Paloviita P, Vuoristo S. The non-coding genome in early human development - Recent advancements. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 131:4-13. [PMID: 35177347 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.02.010] [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: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Not that long ago, the human genome was discovered to be mainly non-coding, that is comprised of DNA sequences that do not code for proteins. The initial paradigm that non-coding is also non-functional was soon overturned and today the work to uncover the functions of non-coding DNA and RNA in human early embryogenesis has commenced. Early human development is characterized by large-scale changes in genomic activity and the transcriptome that are partly driven by the coordinated activation and repression of repetitive DNA elements scattered across the genome. Here we provide examples of recent novel discoveries of non-coding DNA and RNA interactions and mechanisms that ensure accurate non-coding activity during human maternal-to-zygotic transition and lineage segregation. These include studies on small and long non-coding RNAs, transposable element regulation, and RNA tailing in human oocytes and early embryos. High-throughput approaches to dissect the non-coding regulatory networks governing early human development are a foundation for functional studies of specific genomic elements and molecules that has only begun and will provide a wider understanding of early human embryogenesis and causes of infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauliina Paloviita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sanna Vuoristo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
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24
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Allègre N, Chauveau S, Dennis C, Renaud Y, Meistermann D, Estrella LV, Pouchin P, Cohen-Tannoudji M, David L, Chazaud C. NANOG initiates epiblast fate through the coordination of pluripotency genes expression. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3550. [PMID: 35729116 PMCID: PMC9213552 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30858-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The epiblast is the source of all mammalian embryonic tissues and of pluripotent embryonic stem cells. It differentiates alongside the primitive endoderm in a “salt and pepper” pattern from inner cell mass (ICM) progenitors during the preimplantation stages through the activity of NANOG, GATA6 and the FGF pathway. When and how epiblast lineage specification is initiated is still unclear. Here, we show that the coordinated expression of pluripotency markers defines epiblast identity. Conversely, ICM progenitor cells display random cell-to-cell variability in expression of various pluripotency markers, remarkably dissimilar from the epiblast signature and independently from NANOG, GATA6 and FGF activities. Coordination of pluripotency markers expression fails in Nanog and Gata6 double KO (DKO) embryos. Collectively, our data suggest that NANOG triggers epiblast specification by ensuring the coordinated expression of pluripotency markers in a subset of cells, implying a stochastic mechanism. These features are likely conserved, as suggested by analysis of human embryos. Pluripotent epiblast cells segregate from primitive endoderm in the blastocyst inner cell mass (ICM). Here the authors show that mosaic epiblast differentiation during mouse and human preimplantation development initiates stochastically in ICM progenitors, independently of the FGF pathway, and requires NANOG activity
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Allègre
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, INSERM, GReD Institute, Faculté de Médecine, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Sabine Chauveau
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, INSERM, GReD Institute, Faculté de Médecine, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Cynthia Dennis
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, INSERM, GReD Institute, Faculté de Médecine, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Yoan Renaud
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, INSERM, GReD Institute, Faculté de Médecine, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France.,Byonet, 19 rue du courait, F-63200, Riom, France
| | - Dimitri Meistermann
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, CR2TI, UMR 1064, ITUN, F-44000, Nantes, France.,Université de Nantes, CNRS, LS2N, CNRS UMR 6004, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Lorena Valverde Estrella
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, INSERM, GReD Institute, Faculté de Médecine, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Pierre Pouchin
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, INSERM, GReD Institute, Faculté de Médecine, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Michel Cohen-Tannoudji
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3738, Epigenomics, Proliferation, and the Identity of Cells, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Laurent David
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, CR2TI, UMR 1064, ITUN, F-44000, Nantes, France.,Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, UMS Biocore, INSERM UMS 016, CNRS UMS 3556, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Claire Chazaud
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, INSERM, GReD Institute, Faculté de Médecine, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France.
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25
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Abstract
POUV is a relatively newly emerged class of POU transcription factors present in jawed vertebrates (Gnathostomata). The function of POUV-class proteins is inextricably linked to zygotic genome activation (ZGA). A large body of evidence now extends the role of these proteins to subsequent developmental stages. While some functions resemble those of other POU-class proteins and are related to neuroectoderm development, others have emerged de novo. The most notable of the latter functions is pluripotency control by Oct4 in mammals. In this review, we focus on these de novo functions in the best-studied species harbouring POUV proteins-zebrafish, Xenopus (anamniotes) and mammals (amniotes). Despite the broad diversity of their biological functions in vertebrates, POUV proteins exert a common feature related to their role in safeguarding the undifferentiated state of cells. Here we summarize numerous pieces of evidence for these specific functions of the POUV-class proteins and recap available loss-of-function data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeny I. Bakhmet
- Laboratory of the Molecular Biology of Stem Cells, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexey N. Tomilin
- Laboratory of the Molecular Biology of Stem Cells, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St Petersburg, Russia
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26
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Ai Z, Yin Y, Niu B, Li T. Deconstructing human peri-implantation embryogenesis based on embryos and embryoids. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:212-225. [PMID: 35552636 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac096] [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: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The peri-implantation period from blastula to gastrula is one of the crucial stages of human embryo and stem cell development. During development, human embryos undergo many crucial events, such as embryonic lineage differentiation and development, structural self-assembly, pluripotency state transition, cell communication between lineages, and crosstalk between the embryo and uterus. Abnormalities in these developmental events will result in implantation failure or pregnancy loss. However, because of ethical and technical limits, the developmental dynamics of human peri-implantation embryos and the underlying mechanisms of abnormal development remain in a "black box". In this review, we summarize recent progress made towards our understanding of human peri-implantation embryogenesis based on extended in vitro cultured embryos and stem cell-based embryoids. These findings lay an important foundation for understanding early life, promoting research into human stem cells and their application, and preventing and treating infertility. We also propose key scientific issues regarding peri-implantation embryogenesis and provide an outlook on future study directions. Finally, we sum up China's contribution to the field and future opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongyong Ai
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research; Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China.,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China
| | - Yu Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research; Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China.,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China
| | - Baohua Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research; Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China.,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China
| | - Tianqing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research; Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China.,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China
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27
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Krumm J, Sekine K, Samaras P, Brazovskaja A, Breunig M, Yasui R, Kleger A, Taniguchi H, Wilhelm M, Treutlein B, Camp JG, Kuster B. High temporal resolution proteome and phosphoproteome profiling of stem cell-derived hepatocyte development. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110604. [PMID: 35354033 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary human hepatocytes are widely used to evaluate liver toxicity of drugs, but they are scarce and demanding to culture. Stem cell-derived hepatocytes are increasingly discussed as alternatives. To obtain a better appreciation of the molecular processes during the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells into hepatocytes, we employ a quantitative proteomic approach to follow the expression of 9,000 proteins, 12,000 phosphorylation sites, and 800 acetylation sites over time. The analysis reveals stage-specific markers, a major molecular switch between hepatic endoderm versus immature hepatocyte-like cells impacting, e.g., metabolism, the cell cycle, kinase activity, and the expression of drug transporters. Comparing the proteomes of two- (2D) and three-dimensional (3D)-derived hepatocytes with fetal and adult liver indicates a fetal-like status of the in vitro models and lower expression of important ADME/Tox proteins. The collective data enable constructing a molecular roadmap of hepatocyte development that serves as a valuable resource for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Krumm
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Keisuke Sekine
- Laboratory of Cancer Cell Systems, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan; Department of Regenerative Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-004, Japan
| | - Patroklos Samaras
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Agnieska Brazovskaja
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Markus Breunig
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Ryota Yasui
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-004, Japan
| | - Alexander Kleger
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Hideki Taniguchi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-004, Japan; Division of Regenerative Medicine, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Mathias Wilhelm
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany; Computational Mass Spectrometry, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | - Barbara Treutlein
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - J Gray Camp
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bernhard Kuster
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany; Bavarian Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry Center (BayBioMS), Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany.
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28
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Luijkx D, Shankar V, van Blitterswijk C, Giselbrecht S, Vrij E. From Mice to Men: Generation of Human Blastocyst-Like Structures In Vitro. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:838356. [PMID: 35359453 PMCID: PMC8963787 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.838356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in the field of stem cell-based models have in recent years lead to the development of blastocyst-like structures termed blastoids. Blastoids can be used to study key events in mammalian pre-implantation development, as they mimic the blastocyst morphologically and transcriptionally, can progress to the post-implantation stage and can be generated in large numbers. Blastoids were originally developed using mouse pluripotent stem cells, and since several groups have successfully generated blastocyst models of the human system. Here we provide a comparison of the mouse and human protocols with the aim of deriving the core requirements for blastoid formation, discuss the models’ current ability to mimic blastocysts and give an outlook on potential future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Erik Vrij
- *Correspondence: Erik Vrij, ; Stefan Giselbrecht,
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29
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Taubenschmid-Stowers J, Rostovskaya M, Santos F, Ljung S, Argelaguet R, Krueger F, Nichols J, Reik W. 8C-like cells capture the human zygotic genome activation program in vitro. Cell Stem Cell 2022; 29:449-459.e6. [PMID: 35216671 PMCID: PMC8901440 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2022.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The activation of the embryonic genome marks the first major wave of transcription in the developing organism. Zygotic genome activation (ZGA) in mouse 2-cell embryos and 8-cell embryos in humans is crucial for development. Here, we report the discovery of human 8-cell-like cells (8CLCs) among naive embryonic stem cells, which transcriptionally resemble the 8-cell human embryo. They express ZGA markers, including ZSCAN4 and LEUTX, and transposable elements, such as HERVL and MLT2A1. 8CLCs show reduced SOX2 levels and can be identified using TPRX1 and H3.Y marker proteins in vitro. Overexpression of the transcription factor DUX4 and spliceosome inhibition increase human ZGA-like transcription. Excitingly, the 8CLC markers TPRX1 and H3.Y are also expressed in ZGA-stage 8-cell human embryos and may thus be relevant in vivo. 8CLCs provide a unique opportunity to characterize human ZGA-like transcription and might provide critical insights into early events in embryogenesis in humans. ZGA genes and transposable elements are expressed in 8CLCs but not in naive stem cells DUX4 overexpression and spliceosome inhibition induce ZGA-like transcription 8CLC marker proteins TPRX1 and H3.Y are expressed in 8-cell human embryos 8CLCs can be used to study human ZGA-like programs in vitro
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fátima Santos
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Sebastian Ljung
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | | | - Felix Krueger
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Jennifer Nichols
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EL, UK
| | - Wolf Reik
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK.
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30
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Rossant J, Tam PP. Early human embryonic development: Blastocyst formation to gastrulation. Dev Cell 2022; 57:152-165. [DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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31
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Emerging in vitro platforms and omics technologies for studying the endometrium and early embryo-maternal interface in humans. Placenta 2022; 125:36-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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32
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Strawbridge SE, Clarke J, Guo G, Nichols J. Deriving Human Naïve Embryonic Stem Cell Lines from Donated Supernumerary Embryos Using Physical Distancing and Signal Inhibition. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2416:1-12. [PMID: 34870826 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1908-7_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Until recently, naïve pluripotent stem cell lines were not captured from human embryos because protocols were based upon those devised for murine embryonic stem cells. In contrast with early lineage segregation in mouse embryos, human hypoblast specification is not solely dependent upon FGF signaling; consequently, its maturation during embryo explant culture may provide inductive signals to drive differentiation of the epiblast. To overcome this potential risk, here we describe how cells of the immature inner cell mass of human embryos can be physically separated during derivation, achieved via "immunosurgery", to eliminate the trophectoderm, followed by disaggregation of the remaining inner cell mass cells. A modification of a culture regime developed for propagation of human pluripotent stem cells reset to the naïve state is used, which comprises serum-free medium supplemented with various inhibitors of signaling pathways, polarization, and differentiation. Colonies arising from the first plating of an inner cell mass may be pooled for ease of handling, or propagated separately to allow establishment of clonal human naïve embryonic stem cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanley E Strawbridge
- Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - James Clarke
- Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ge Guo
- Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jennifer Nichols
- Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. .,Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. .,Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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33
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Pera MF, Rossant J. The exploration of pluripotency space: Charting cell state transitions in peri-implantation development. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 28:1896-1906. [PMID: 34672948 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Pluripotent cells in the mammalian embryo undergo state transitions marked by changes in patterns of gene expression and developmental potential as they progress from pre-implantation through post-implantation stages of development. Recent studies of cultured mouse and human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have identified cells representative of an intermediate stage (referred to as the formative state) between naive pluripotency (equivalent to pre-implantation epiblast) and primed pluripotency (equivalent to late post-implantation epiblast). We examine these recent findings in light of our knowledge of peri-implantation mouse and human development, and we consider the implications of this work for deriving human embryo models from pluripotent cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Janet Rossant
- The Hospital for Sick Children and the Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; The Gairdner Foundation, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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34
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Duan K, Si CY, Zhao SM, Ai ZY, Niu BH, Yin Y, Xiang LF, Ding H, Zheng Y. The Long Terminal Repeats of ERV6 Are Activated in Pre-Implantation Embryos of Cynomolgus Monkey. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102710. [PMID: 34685690 PMCID: PMC8534818 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Precise gene regulation is critical during embryo development. Long terminal repeat elements (LTRs) of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are dynamically expressed in blastocysts of mammalian embryos. However, the expression pattern of LTRs in monkey blastocyst is still unknown. By single-cell RNA-sequencing (seq) data of cynomolgus monkeys, we found that LTRs of several ERV families, including MacERV6, MacERV3, MacERV2, MacERVK1, and MacERVK2, were highly expressed in pre-implantation embryo cells including epiblast (EPI), trophectoderm (TrB), and primitive endoderm (PrE), but were depleted in post-implantation. We knocked down MacERV6-LTR1a in cynomolgus monkeys with a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) strategy to examine the potential function of MacERV6-LTR1a in the early development of monkey embryos. The silence of MacERV6-LTR1a mainly postpones the differentiation of TrB, EPI, and PrE cells in embryos at day 7 compared to control. Moreover, we confirmed MacERV6-LTR1a could recruit Estrogen Related Receptor Beta (ESRRB), which plays an important role in the maintenance of self-renewal and pluripotency of embryonic and trophoblast stem cells through different signaling pathways including FGF and Wnt signaling pathways. In summary, these results suggest that MacERV6-LTR1a is involved in gene regulation of the pre-implantation embryo of the cynomolgus monkeys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kui Duan
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; (K.D.); (C.-Y.S.); (S.-M.Z.); (Z.-Y.A.); (B.-H.N.); (Y.Y.); (L.-F.X.); (H.D.)
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Provincial Academy of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Chen-Yang Si
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; (K.D.); (C.-Y.S.); (S.-M.Z.); (Z.-Y.A.); (B.-H.N.); (Y.Y.); (L.-F.X.); (H.D.)
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Provincial Academy of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Shu-Mei Zhao
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; (K.D.); (C.-Y.S.); (S.-M.Z.); (Z.-Y.A.); (B.-H.N.); (Y.Y.); (L.-F.X.); (H.D.)
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Provincial Academy of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Zong-Yong Ai
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; (K.D.); (C.-Y.S.); (S.-M.Z.); (Z.-Y.A.); (B.-H.N.); (Y.Y.); (L.-F.X.); (H.D.)
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Provincial Academy of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Bao-Hua Niu
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; (K.D.); (C.-Y.S.); (S.-M.Z.); (Z.-Y.A.); (B.-H.N.); (Y.Y.); (L.-F.X.); (H.D.)
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Provincial Academy of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yu Yin
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; (K.D.); (C.-Y.S.); (S.-M.Z.); (Z.-Y.A.); (B.-H.N.); (Y.Y.); (L.-F.X.); (H.D.)
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Provincial Academy of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Li-Feng Xiang
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; (K.D.); (C.-Y.S.); (S.-M.Z.); (Z.-Y.A.); (B.-H.N.); (Y.Y.); (L.-F.X.); (H.D.)
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Provincial Academy of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Hao Ding
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; (K.D.); (C.-Y.S.); (S.-M.Z.); (Z.-Y.A.); (B.-H.N.); (Y.Y.); (L.-F.X.); (H.D.)
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Provincial Academy of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Yun Zheng
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China; (K.D.); (C.-Y.S.); (S.-M.Z.); (Z.-Y.A.); (B.-H.N.); (Y.Y.); (L.-F.X.); (H.D.)
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Yunnan Provincial Academy of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Correspondence:
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Chhabra S, Warmflash A. BMP-treated human embryonic stem cells transcriptionally resemble amnion cells in the monkey embryo. Biol Open 2021; 10:271874. [PMID: 34435204 PMCID: PMC8502258 DOI: 10.1242/bio.058617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) possess an immense potential to generate clinically relevant cell types and unveil mechanisms underlying early human development. However, using hESCs for discovery or translation requires accurately identifying differentiated cell types through comparison with their in vivo counterparts. Here, we set out to determine the identity of much debated BMP-treated hESCs by comparing their transcriptome to recently published single cell transcriptomic data from early human embryos (
Xiang et al., 2020). Our analyses reveal several discrepancies in the published human embryo dataset, including misclassification of putative amnion, intermediate and inner cell mass cells. These misclassifications primarily resulted from similarities in pseudogene expression, highlighting the need to carefully consider gene lists when making comparisons between cell types. In the absence of a relevant human dataset, we utilized the recently published single cell transcriptome of the early post implantation monkey embryo to discern the identity of BMP-treated hESCs. Our results suggest that BMP-treated hESCs are transcriptionally more similar to amnion cells than trophectoderm cells in the monkey embryo. Together with prior studies, this result indicates that hESCs possess a unique ability to form mature trophectoderm subtypes via an amnion-like transcriptional state. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Summary: We show that BMP-treated human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are more likely to represent an amnion rather than a trophectoderm cell type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sapna Chhabra
- Systems Synthetic and Physical Biology graduate program, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA.,Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Aryeh Warmflash
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
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36
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Springer C, Zakhartchenko V, Wolf E, Simmet K. Hypoblast Formation in Bovine Embryos Does Not Depend on NANOG. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092232. [PMID: 34571882 PMCID: PMC8466907 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of the pluripotency factor NANOG during the second embryonic lineage differentiation has been studied extensively in mouse, although species-specific differences exist. To elucidate the role of NANOG in an alternative model organism, we knocked out NANOG in fibroblast cells and produced bovine NANOG-knockout (KO) embryos via somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). At day 8, NANOG-KO blastocysts showed a decreased total cell number when compared to controls from SCNT (NT Ctrl). The pluripotency factors OCT4 and SOX2 as well as the hypoblast (HB) marker GATA6 were co-expressed in all cells of the inner cell mass (ICM) and, in contrast to mouse Nanog-KO, expression of the late HB marker SOX17 was still present. We blocked the MEK-pathway with a MEK 1/2 inhibitor, and control embryos showed an increase in NANOG positive cells, but SOX17 expressing HB precursor cells were still present. NANOG-KO together with MEK-inhibition was lethal before blastocyst stage, similarly to findings in mouse. Supplementation of exogenous FGF4 to NANOG-KO embryos did not change SOX17 expression in the ICM, unlike mouse Nanog-KO embryos, where missing SOX17 expression was completely rescued by FGF4. We conclude that NANOG mediated FGF/MEK signaling is not required for HB formation in the bovine embryo and that another—so far unknown—pathway regulates HB differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Springer
- Institute of Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany; (C.S.); (V.Z.); (E.W.)
- Center for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Valeri Zakhartchenko
- Institute of Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany; (C.S.); (V.Z.); (E.W.)
- Center for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Eckhard Wolf
- Institute of Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany; (C.S.); (V.Z.); (E.W.)
- Center for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Kilian Simmet
- Institute of Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany; (C.S.); (V.Z.); (E.W.)
- Center for Innovative Medical Models (CiMM), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
- Correspondence:
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37
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Gerri C, Menchero S, Mahadevaiah SK, Turner JMA, Niakan KK. Human Embryogenesis: A Comparative Perspective. Annu Rev Cell Dev Biol 2021; 36:411-440. [PMID: 33021826 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-cellbio-022020-024900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Understanding human embryology has historically relied on comparative approaches using mammalian model organisms. With the advent of low-input methods to investigate genetic and epigenetic mechanisms and efficient techniques to assess gene function, we can now study the human embryo directly. These advances have transformed the investigation of early embryogenesis in nonrodent species, thereby providing a broader understanding of conserved and divergent mechanisms. Here, we present an overview of the major events in human preimplantation development and place them in the context of mammalian evolution by comparing these events in other eutherian and metatherian species. We describe the advances of studies on postimplantation development and discuss stem cell models that mimic postimplantation embryos. A comparative perspective highlights the importance of analyzing different organisms with molecular characterization and functional studies to reveal the principles of early development. This growing field has a fundamental impact in regenerative medicine and raises important ethical considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Gerri
- Human Embryo and Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom;
| | - Sergio Menchero
- Sex Chromosome Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom;
| | - Shantha K Mahadevaiah
- Sex Chromosome Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom;
| | - James M A Turner
- Sex Chromosome Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom;
| | - Kathy K Niakan
- Human Embryo and Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, United Kingdom;
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38
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Building Pluripotency Identity in the Early Embryo and Derived Stem Cells. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082049. [PMID: 34440818 PMCID: PMC8391114 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The fusion of two highly differentiated cells, an oocyte with a spermatozoon, gives rise to the zygote, a single totipotent cell, which has the capability to develop into a complete, fully functional organism. Then, as development proceeds, a series of programmed cell divisions occur whereby the arising cells progressively acquire their own cellular and molecular identity, and totipotency narrows until when pluripotency is achieved. The path towards pluripotency involves transcriptome modulation, remodeling of the chromatin epigenetic landscape to which external modulators contribute. Both human and mouse embryos are a source of different types of pluripotent stem cells whose characteristics can be captured and maintained in vitro. The main aim of this review is to address the cellular properties and the molecular signature of the emerging cells during mouse and human early development, highlighting similarities and differences between the two species and between the embryos and their cognate stem cells.
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39
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Bora P, Gahurova L, Hauserova A, Stiborova M, Collier R, Potěšil D, Zdráhal Z, Bruce AW. DDX21 is a p38-MAPK-sensitive nucleolar protein necessary for mouse preimplantation embryo development and cell-fate specification. Open Biol 2021; 11:210092. [PMID: 34255976 PMCID: PMC8277471 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.210092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful navigation of the mouse preimplantation stages of development, during which three distinct blastocyst lineages are derived, represents a prerequisite for continued development. We previously identified a role for p38-mitogen-activated kinases (p38-MAPK) regulating blastocyst inner cell mass (ICM) cell fate, specifically primitive endoderm (PrE) differentiation, that is intimately linked to rRNA precursor processing, polysome formation and protein translation regulation. Here, we develop this work by assaying the role of DEAD-box RNA helicase 21 (DDX21), a known regulator of rRNA processing, in the context of p38-MAPK regulation of preimplantation mouse embryo development. We show nuclear DDX21 protein is robustly expressed from the 16-cell stage, becoming exclusively nucleolar during blastocyst maturation, a localization dependent on active p38-MAPK. siRNA-mediated clonal Ddx21 knockdown within developing embryos is associated with profound cell-autonomous and non-autonomous proliferation defects and reduced blastocyst volume, by the equivalent peri-implantation blastocyst stage. Moreover, ICM residing Ddx21 knockdown clones express the EPI marker NANOG but rarely express the PrE differentiation marker GATA4. These data contribute further significance to the emerging importance of lineage-specific translation regulation, as identified for p38-MAPK, during mouse preimplantation development.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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
| | - 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, CAS, Rumburská 89, 27721 Liběchov, Czech Republic
| | - Andrea Hauserova
- 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
| | - Martina Stiborova
- 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
| | - Rebecca Collier
- 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
| | - David Potěšil
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zbyněk Zdráhal
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 62500 Brno, 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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40
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Ávila-González D, Portillo W, García-López G, Molina-Hernández A, Díaz-Martínez NE, Díaz NF. Unraveling the Spatiotemporal Human Pluripotency in Embryonic Development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:676998. [PMID: 34249929 PMCID: PMC8262797 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.676998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There have been significant advances in understanding human embryogenesis using human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) in conventional monolayer and 3D self-organized cultures. Thus, in vitro models have contributed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms for specification and differentiation during development. However, the molecular and functional spectrum of human pluripotency (i.e., intermediate states, pluripotency subtypes and regionalization) is still not fully understood. This review describes the mechanisms that establish and maintain pluripotency in human embryos and their differences with mouse embryos. Further, it describes a new pluripotent state representing a transition between naïve and primed pluripotency. This review also presents the data that divide pluripotency into substates expressing epiblast regionalization and amnion specification as well as primordial germ cells in primates. Finally, this work analyzes the amnion's relevance as an "signaling center" for regionalization before the onset of gastrulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Ávila-González
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla, Mexico
- Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Wendy Portillo
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla, Mexico
| | | | | | - Néstor E. Díaz-Martínez
- Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Néstor F. Díaz
- Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Mexico City, Mexico
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41
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Frum T, Ralston A. Culture conditions antagonize lineage-promoting signaling in the mouse blastocyst. Reproduction 2021; 160:V5-V7. [PMID: 32484160 DOI: 10.1530/rep-20-0107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The mouse preimplantation embryo is a paradigm for discovery of the molecular principles governing formation of specific cell types during development. In this Point of View Article, we show that conditions commonly used for ex vivo culture of preimplantation development are themselves antagonistic to a pathway that is critical for blastocyst lineage commitment.
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42
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Molè MA, Coorens THH, Shahbazi MN, Weberling A, Weatherbee BAT, Gantner CW, Sancho-Serra C, Richardson L, Drinkwater A, Syed N, Engley S, Snell P, Christie L, Elder K, Campbell A, Fishel S, Behjati S, Vento-Tormo R, Zernicka-Goetz M. A single cell characterisation of human embryogenesis identifies pluripotency transitions and putative anterior hypoblast centre. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3679. [PMID: 34140473 PMCID: PMC8211662 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23758-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Following implantation, the human embryo undergoes major morphogenetic transformations that establish the future body plan. While the molecular events underpinning this process are established in mice, they remain unknown in humans. Here we characterise key events of human embryo morphogenesis, in the period between implantation and gastrulation, using single-cell analyses and functional studies. First, the embryonic epiblast cells transition through different pluripotent states and act as a source of FGF signals that ensure proliferation of both embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues. In a subset of embryos, we identify a group of asymmetrically positioned extra-embryonic hypoblast cells expressing inhibitors of BMP, NODAL and WNT signalling pathways. We suggest that this group of cells can act as the anterior singalling centre to pattern the epiblast. These results provide insights into pluripotency state transitions, the role of FGF signalling and the specification of anterior-posterior axis during human embryo development. Single cell analysis of early human embryos identifies key changes in pluripotency, the requirement of FGF signalling for embryo survival, and defines a putative anterior-like region of hypoblast cells, providing insights into how early human development is regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo A Molè
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Marta N Shahbazi
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Antonia Weberling
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Bailey A T Weatherbee
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Carlos W Gantner
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Lucy Richardson
- Herts & Essex Fertility Centre, Bishops College, Cheshunt, Herts, UK
| | - Abbie Drinkwater
- Herts & Essex Fertility Centre, Bishops College, Cheshunt, Herts, UK
| | - Najma Syed
- Herts & Essex Fertility Centre, Bishops College, Cheshunt, Herts, UK
| | - Stephanie Engley
- Herts & Essex Fertility Centre, Bishops College, Cheshunt, Herts, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Simon Fishel
- CARE Fertility Group, Nottingham, UK.,School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sam Behjati
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK. .,Cambridge University Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK. .,Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | | | - Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. .,Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.
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Yanagida A, Spindlow D, Nichols J, Dattani A, Smith A, Guo G. Naive stem cell blastocyst model captures human embryo lineage segregation. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 28:1016-1022.e4. [PMID: 33957081 PMCID: PMC8189436 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Human naive pluripotent cells can differentiate into extraembryonic trophectoderm and hypoblast. Here we describe a human embryo model (blastoid) generated by self-organization. Brief induction of trophectoderm leads to formation of blastocyst-like structures within 3 days. Blastoids are composed of three tissue layers displaying exclusive lineage markers, mimicking the natural blastocyst. Single-cell transcriptome analyses confirm segregation of trophectoderm, hypoblast, and epiblast with high fidelity to the human embryo. This versatile and scalable system provides a robust experimental model for human embryo research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayaka Yanagida
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Daniel Spindlow
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Jennifer Nichols
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK
| | - Anish Dattani
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Austin Smith
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK.
| | - Ge Guo
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK.
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Guo G, Stirparo GG, Strawbridge SE, Spindlow D, Yang J, Clarke J, Dattani A, Yanagida A, Li MA, Myers S, Özel BN, Nichols J, Smith A. Human naive epiblast cells possess unrestricted lineage potential. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 28:1040-1056.e6. [PMID: 33831366 PMCID: PMC8189439 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Classic embryological experiments have established that the early mouse embryo develops via sequential lineage bifurcations. The first segregated lineage is the trophectoderm, essential for blastocyst formation. Mouse naive epiblast and derivative embryonic stem cells are restricted accordingly from producing trophectoderm. Here we show, in contrast, that human naive embryonic stem cells readily make blastocyst trophectoderm and descendant trophoblast cell types. Trophectoderm was induced rapidly and efficiently by inhibition of ERK/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Nodal signaling. Transcriptome comparison with the human embryo substantiated direct formation of trophectoderm with subsequent differentiation into syncytiotrophoblast, cytotrophoblast, and downstream trophoblast stem cells. During pluripotency progression lineage potential switches from trophectoderm to amnion. Live-cell tracking revealed that epiblast cells in the human blastocyst are also able to produce trophectoderm. Thus, the paradigm of developmental specification coupled to lineage restriction does not apply to humans. Instead, epiblast plasticity and the potential for blastocyst regeneration are retained until implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Guo
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK; Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK.
| | - Giuliano Giuseppe Stirparo
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK; Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Stanley E Strawbridge
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Daniel Spindlow
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Jian Yang
- Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health (GIBH), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - James Clarke
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Anish Dattani
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK; Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Ayaka Yanagida
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK; Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Meng Amy Li
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Sam Myers
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Buse Nurten Özel
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Jennifer Nichols
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK.
| | - Austin Smith
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK; Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK; Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK.
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Pereira Daoud AM, Popovic M, Dondorp WJ, Trani Bustos M, Bredenoord AL, Chuva de Sousa Lopes SM, van den Brink SC, Roelen BAJ, de Wert GMWR, Heindryckx B. Modelling human embryogenesis: embryo-like structures spark ethical and policy debate. Hum Reprod Update 2021; 26:779-798. [PMID: 32712668 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmaa027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studying the human peri-implantation period remains hindered by the limited accessibility of the in vivo environment and scarcity of research material. As such, continuing efforts have been directed towards developing embryo-like structures (ELS) from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) that recapitulate aspects of embryogenesis in vitro. While the creation of such models offers immense potential for studying fundamental processes in both pre- and early post-implantation development, it also proves ethically contentious due to wide-ranging views on the moral and legal reverence due to human embryos. Lack of clarity on how to qualify and regulate research with ELS thus presents a challenge in that it may either limit this new field of research without valid grounds or allow it to develop without policies that reflect justified ethical concerns. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing scientific approaches to generate ELS from mouse and human PSCs, as well as discuss future strategies towards innovation in the context of human development. Concurrently, we aim to set the agenda for the ethical and policy issues surrounding research on human ELS. SEARCH METHODS The PubMed database was used to search peer-reviewed articles and reviews using the following terms: 'stem cells', 'pluripotency', 'implantation', 'preimplantation', 'post-implantation', 'blastocyst', 'embryoid bodies', 'synthetic embryos', 'embryo models', 'self-assembly', 'human embryo-like structures', 'artificial embryos' in combination with other keywords related to the subject area. The PubMed and Web of Science databases were also used to systematically search publications on the ethics of ELS and human embryo research by using the aforementioned keywords in combination with 'ethics', 'law', 'regulation' and equivalent terms. All relevant publications until December 2019 were critically evaluated and discussed. OUTCOMES In vitro systems provide a promising way forward for uncovering early human development. Current platforms utilize PSCs in both two- and three-dimensional settings to mimic various early developmental stages, including epiblast, trophoblast and amniotic cavity formation, in addition to axis development and gastrulation. Nevertheless, much hinges on the term 'embryo-like'. Extension of traditional embryo frameworks to research with ELS reveals that (i) current embryo definitions require reconsideration, (ii) cellular convertibility challenges the attribution of moral standing on the basis of 'active potentiality' and (iii) meaningful application of embryo protective directives will require rethinking of the 14-day culture limit and moral weight attributed to (non-)viability. Many conceptual and normative (dis)similarities between ELS and embryos thus remain to be thoroughly elucidated. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Modelling embryogenesis holds vast potential for both human developmental biology and understanding various etiologies associated with infertility. To date, ELS have been shown to recapitulate several aspects of peri-implantation development, but critically, cannot develop into a fetus. Yet, concurrent to scientific innovation, considering the extent to which the use of ELS may raise moral concerns typical of human embryo research remains paramount. This will be crucial for harnessing the potential of ELS as a valuable research tool, whilst remaining within a robust moral and legal framework of professionally acceptable practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Pereira Daoud
- Department of Health Ethics and Society, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Humanities, Utrecht University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,School for Oncology and Developmental Biology (GROW), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Mina Popovic
- Ghent-Fertility And Stem cell Team (G-FAST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wybo J Dondorp
- Department of Health Ethics and Society, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,School for Oncology and Developmental Biology (GROW), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,School for Care and Public Health Research (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Socrates chair Ethics of Reproductive Genetics endowed by the Dutch Humanist Association, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marc Trani Bustos
- Ghent-Fertility And Stem cell Team (G-FAST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute-KNAW (Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences) and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Annelien L Bredenoord
- Department of Medical Humanities, Utrecht University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Susana M Chuva de Sousa Lopes
- Ghent-Fertility And Stem cell Team (G-FAST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Susanne C van den Brink
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute-KNAW (Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences) and University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bernard A J Roelen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Guido M W R de Wert
- Department of Health Ethics and Society, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,School for Oncology and Developmental Biology (GROW), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,School for Care and Public Health Research (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Björn Heindryckx
- Ghent-Fertility And Stem cell Team (G-FAST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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Meistermann D, Bruneau A, Loubersac S, Reignier A, Firmin J, François-Campion V, Kilens S, Lelièvre Y, Lammers J, Feyeux M, Hulin P, Nedellec S, Bretin B, Castel G, Allègre N, Covin S, Bihouée A, Soumillon M, Mikkelsen T, Barrière P, Chazaud C, Chappell J, Pasque V, Bourdon J, Fréour T, David L. Integrated pseudotime analysis of human pre-implantation embryo single-cell transcriptomes reveals the dynamics of lineage specification. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 28:1625-1640.e6. [PMID: 34004179 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Understanding lineage specification during human pre-implantation development is a gateway to improving assisted reproductive technologies and stem cell research. Here we employ pseudotime analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data to reconstruct early mouse and human embryo development. Using time-lapse imaging of annotated embryos, we provide an integrated, ordered, and continuous analysis of transcriptomics changes throughout human development. We reveal that human trophectoderm/inner cell mass transcriptomes diverge at the transition from the B2 to the B3 blastocyst stage, just before blastocyst expansion. We explore the dynamics of the fate markers IFI16 and GATA4 and show that they gradually become mutually exclusive upon establishment of epiblast and primitive endoderm fates, respectively. We also provide evidence that NR2F2 marks trophectoderm maturation, initiating from the polar side, and subsequently spreads to all cells after implantation. Our study pinpoints the precise timing of lineage specification events in the human embryo and identifies transcriptomics hallmarks and cell fate markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitri Meistermann
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, 44000 Nantes, France; LS2N, UNIV Nantes, CNRS, Nantes, France
| | - Alexandre Bruneau
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Sophie Loubersac
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, 44000 Nantes, France; CHU Nantes, Université de Nantes, Service de Biologie de la Reproduction, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Arnaud Reignier
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, 44000 Nantes, France; CHU Nantes, Université de Nantes, Service de Biologie de la Reproduction, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Julie Firmin
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, 44000 Nantes, France; CHU Nantes, Université de Nantes, Service de Biologie de la Reproduction, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Valentin François-Campion
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Stéphanie Kilens
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, 44000 Nantes, France
| | | | - Jenna Lammers
- CHU Nantes, Université de Nantes, Service de Biologie de la Reproduction, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Magalie Feyeux
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, 44000 Nantes, France; Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, SFR Santé, FED 4203, INSERM UMS 016, CNRS UMS 3556, Nantes, France
| | - Phillipe Hulin
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, SFR Santé, FED 4203, INSERM UMS 016, CNRS UMS 3556, Nantes, France
| | - Steven Nedellec
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, SFR Santé, FED 4203, INSERM UMS 016, CNRS UMS 3556, Nantes, France
| | - Betty Bretin
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Gaël Castel
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Nicolas Allègre
- GReD Laboratory, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, INSERM, Faculté de Médecine, CRBC, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Simon Covin
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Audrey Bihouée
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, SFR Santé, FED 4203, INSERM UMS 016, CNRS UMS 3556, Nantes, France; Institut du Thorax, UNIV Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, Nantes, France
| | - Magali Soumillon
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Tarjei Mikkelsen
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Paul Barrière
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, 44000 Nantes, France; CHU Nantes, Université de Nantes, Service de Biologie de la Reproduction, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Claire Chazaud
- GReD Laboratory, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, INSERM, Faculté de Médecine, CRBC, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Joel Chappell
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Institute for Single Cell Omics, Leuven Stem Cell Institute, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Vincent Pasque
- KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Institute for Single Cell Omics, Leuven Stem Cell Institute, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Thomas Fréour
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, 44000 Nantes, France; CHU Nantes, Université de Nantes, Service de Biologie de la Reproduction, 44000 Nantes, France.
| | - Laurent David
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, 44000 Nantes, France; Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, SFR Santé, FED 4203, INSERM UMS 016, CNRS UMS 3556, Nantes, France.
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Spiteri C, Caprettini V, Chiappini C. Biomaterials-based approaches to model embryogenesis. Biomater Sci 2021; 8:6992-7013. [PMID: 33136109 DOI: 10.1039/d0bm01485k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Understanding, reproducing, and regulating the cellular and molecular processes underlying human embryogenesis is critical to improve our ability to recapitulate tissues with proper architecture and function, and to address the dysregulation of embryonic programs that underlies birth defects and cancer. The rapid emergence of stem cell technologies is enabling enormous progress in understanding embryogenesis using simple, powerful, and accessible in vitro models. Biomaterials are playing a central role in providing the spatiotemporal organisation of biophysical and biochemical signalling necessary to mimic, regulate and dissect the evolving embryonic niche in vitro. This contribution is rapidly improving our understanding of the mechanisms underlying embryonic patterning, in turn enabling the development of more effective clinical interventions for regenerative medicine and oncology. Here we highlight how key biomaterial approaches contribute to organise signalling in human embryogenesis models, and we summarise the biological insights gained from these contributions. Importantly, we highlight how nanotechnology approaches have remained largely untapped in this space, and we identify their key potential contributions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantelle Spiteri
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London, UK.
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48
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Moris N, Alev C, Pera M, Martinez Arias A. Biomedical and societal impacts of in vitro embryo models of mammalian development. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:1021-1030. [PMID: 33979591 PMCID: PMC8185435 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, a diverse array of in vitro cell-derived models of mammalian development have been described that hold immense potential for exploring fundamental questions in developmental biology, particularly in the case of the human embryo where ethical and technical limitations restrict research. These models open up new avenues toward biomedical advances in in vitro fertilization, clinical research, and drug screening with potential to impact wider society across many diverse fields. These technologies raise challenging questions with profound ethical, regulatory, and social implications that deserve due consideration. Here, we discuss the potential impacts of embryo-like models, and their biomedical potential and current limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Moris
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EH, UK.
| | - Cantas Alev
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8510, Japan.
| | - Martin Pera
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
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49
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Alberio R, Kobayashi T, Surani MA. Conserved features of non-primate bilaminar disc embryos and the germline. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:1078-1092. [PMID: 33979595 PMCID: PMC8185373 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-implantation embryo development commences with a bilaminar disc in most mammals, including humans. Whereas access to early human embryos is limited and subject to greater ethical scrutiny, studies on non-primate embryos developing as bilaminar discs offer exceptional opportunities for advances in gastrulation, the germline, and the basis for evolutionary divergence applicable to human development. Here, we discuss the advantages of investigations in the pig embryo as an exemplar of development of a bilaminar disc embryo with relevance to early human development. Besides, the pig has the potential for the creation of humanized organs for xenotransplantation. Precise genetic engineering approaches, imaging, and single-cell analysis are cost effective and efficient, enabling research into some outstanding questions on human development and for developing authentic models of early human development with stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramiro Alberio
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK.
| | - Toshihiro Kobayashi
- Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan; The Graduate University of Advanced Studies, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
| | - M Azim Surani
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK; Wellcome Trust/Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK.
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50
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Llobat L. Pluripotency and Growth Factors in Early Embryonic Development of Mammals: A Comparative Approach. Vet Sci 2021; 8:vetsci8050078. [PMID: 34064445 PMCID: PMC8147802 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8050078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The regulation of early events in mammalian embryonic development is a complex process. In the early stages, pluripotency, cellular differentiation, and growth should occur at specific times and these events are regulated by different genes that are expressed at specific times and locations. The genes related to pluripotency and cellular differentiation, and growth factors that determine successful embryonic development are different (or differentially expressed) among mammalian species. Some genes are fundamental for controlling pluripotency in some species but less fundamental in others, for example, Oct4 is particularly relevant in bovine early embryonic development, whereas Oct4 inhibition does not affect ovine early embryonic development. In addition, some mechanisms that regulate cellular differentiation do not seem to be clear or evolutionarily conserved. After cellular differentiation, growth factors are relevant in early development, and their effects also differ among species, for example, insulin-like growth factor improves the blastocyst development rate in some species but does not have the same effect in mice. Some growth factors influence genes related to pluripotency, and therefore, their role in early embryo development is not limited to cell growth but could also involve the earliest stages of development. In this review, we summarize the differences among mammalian species regarding the regulation of pluripotency, cellular differentiation, and growth factors in the early stages of embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lola Llobat
- Research Group Microbiological Agents Associated with Animal Reproduction (PROVAGINBIO), Department of Animal Production and Health, Veterinary Public Health and Food Science and Technology (PASAPTA) Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, 46113 Valencia, Spain
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