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Xing J. Reconstructing data-driven governing equations for cell phenotypic transitions: integration of data science and systems biology. Phys Biol 2022; 19:10.1088/1478-3975/ac8c16. [PMID: 35998617 PMCID: PMC9585661 DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/ac8c16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Cells with the same genome can exist in different phenotypes and can change between distinct phenotypes when subject to specific stimuli and microenvironments. Some examples include cell differentiation during development, reprogramming for induced pluripotent stem cells and transdifferentiation, cancer metastasis and fibrosis progression. The regulation and dynamics of cell phenotypic conversion is a fundamental problem in biology, and has a long history of being studied within the formalism of dynamical systems. A main challenge for mechanism-driven modeling studies is acquiring sufficient amount of quantitative information for constraining model parameters. Advances in quantitative experimental approaches, especially high throughput single-cell techniques, have accelerated the emergence of a new direction for reconstructing the governing dynamical equations of a cellular system from quantitative single-cell data, beyond the dominant statistical approaches. Here I review a selected number of recent studies using live- and fixed-cell data and provide my perspective on future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhua Xing
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
- UPMC-Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Hypoimmunogenic Genetically Modified Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for Tissue Regeneration. Transplantation 2019; 103:1744-1745. [PMID: 30985582 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000002754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Wary A, Wary N, Baruah J, Mastej V, Wary KK. Chromatin-modifying agents convert fibroblasts to OCT4+ and VEGFR-2+ capillary tube-forming cells. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0176496. [PMID: 28467484 PMCID: PMC5415225 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE The human epigenome is plastic. The goal of this study was to address if fibroblast cells can be epigenetically modified to promote neovessel formation. METHODS AND RESULTS Here, we used highly abundant human adult dermal fibroblast cells (hADFCs) that were treated with the chromatin-modifying agents 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine and trichostatin A, and subsequently subjected to differentiation by activating Wnt signaling. Our results show that these epigenetically modified hADFCs increasingly expressed β-catenin, pluripotency factor octamer-binding transcription factor-4 (OCT4, also known as POU5F1), and endothelial cell (EC) marker called vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2, also known as Fetal Liver Kinase-1). In microscopic analysis, β-catenin localized to cell-cell contact points, while OCT4 was found to be localized primarily to the nucleus of these cells. Furthermore, in a chromatin immunoprecipitation experiment, OCT4 bound to the VEGFR-2/FLK1 promoter. Finally, these modified hADFCs also transduced Wnt signaling. Importantly, on a two-dimensional (2D) gel substrate, a subset of the converted cells formed vascular network-like structures in the presence of VEGF. CONCLUSION Chromatin-modifying agents converted hADFCs to OCT4+ and VEGFR-2+ capillary tube-forming cells in a 2D matrix in VEGF-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Wary
- York Community High School, Elmhurst, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Neil Wary
- Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, Aurora, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Jugajyoti Baruah
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Victoria Mastej
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Kishore K. Wary
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
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A New Paradigm in Cardiac Regeneration: The Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome. Stem Cells Int 2015; 2015:765846. [PMID: 26074978 PMCID: PMC4436518 DOI: 10.1155/2015/765846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Revised: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The potentialities to apply mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in regenerative medicine have been extensively studied over the last decades. In the cardiovascular disease (CVD) field, MSCs-based therapy is the subject of great expectations. Its therapeutic potential has been already shown in several preclinical models and both the safety and efficacy of MSCs-based therapy are being evaluated in humans. It is now clear that the predominant mechanism by which MSCs participate in heart tissue repair is through a paracrine activity. Via the production of a multitude of trophic factors endowed with different properties, MSCs can reduce tissue injury, protect tissue from further adverse effects, and enhance tissue repair. The present review discusses the current understanding of the MSCs secretome as a therapy for treatment of CVD. We provide insights into the possible employment of the MSCs secretome and their released extracellular vesicles as novel approaches for cardiac regeneration that would have certain advantages over injection of living cells.
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Barbuti A, Robinson RB. Stem Cell–Derived Nodal-Like Cardiomyocytes as a Novel Pharmacologic Tool: Insights from Sinoatrial Node Development and Function. Pharmacol Rev 2015; 67:368-88. [DOI: 10.1124/pr.114.009597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
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Wang P, Song C, Zhang H, Wu Z, Tian XJ, Xing J. Epigenetic state network approach for describing cell phenotypic transitions. Interface Focus 2014; 4:20130068. [PMID: 24904734 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2013.0068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent breakthroughs of cell phenotype reprogramming impose theoretical challenges on unravelling the complexity of large circuits maintaining cell phenotypes coupled at many different epigenetic and gene regulation levels, and quantitatively describing the phenotypic transition dynamics. A popular picture proposed by Waddington views cell differentiation as a ball sliding down a landscape with valleys corresponding to different cell types separated by ridges. Based on theories of dynamical systems, we establish a novel 'epigenetic state network' framework that captures the global architecture of cell phenotypes, which allows us to translate the metaphorical low-dimensional Waddington epigenetic landscape concept into a simple-yet-predictive rigorous mathematical framework of cell phenotypic transitions. Specifically, we simplify a high-dimensional epigenetic landscape into a collection of discrete states corresponding to stable cell phenotypes connected by optimal transition pathways among them. We then apply the approach to the phenotypic transition processes among fibroblasts (FBs), pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) and cardiomyocytes (CMs). The epigenetic state network for this case predicts three major transition pathways connecting FBs and CMs. One goes by way of PSCs. The other two pathways involve transdifferentiation either indirectly through cardiac progenitor cells or directly from FB to CM. The predicted pathways and multiple intermediate states are supported by existing microarray data and other experiments. Our approach provides a theoretical framework for studying cell phenotypic transitions. Future studies at single-cell levels can directly test the model predictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences , Virginia Tech , Blacksburg, VA 24060 , USA
| | - Chaoming Song
- Department of Physics , University of Miami , Coral Gables, FL 33124 , USA
| | - Hang Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences , Virginia Tech , Blacksburg, VA 24060 , USA
| | - Zhanghan Wu
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institutes , National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD 20892 , USA ; Department of Biological Sciences , Virginia Tech , Blacksburg, VA 24060 , USA
| | - Xiao-Jun Tian
- Department of Biological Sciences , Virginia Tech , Blacksburg, VA 24060 , USA
| | - Jianhua Xing
- Department of Biological Sciences , Virginia Tech , Blacksburg, VA 24060 , USA ; Department of Physics , Virginia Tech , Blacksburg, VA 24060 , USA
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Geuss LR, Suggs LJ. Making cardiomyocytes: How mechanical stimulation can influence differentiation of pluripotent stem cells. Biotechnol Prog 2013; 29:1089-96. [DOI: 10.1002/btpr.1794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura R. Geuss
- Dept. of Biomedical Engineering; The University of Texas at Austin; Austin TX 78712
| | - Laura J. Suggs
- Dept. of Biomedical Engineering; The University of Texas at Austin; Austin TX 78712
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Abstract
This article discusses current understanding of myocardial biology, emphasizing the regeneration potential of the adult human heart and the mechanisms involved. In the last decade, a novel conceptual view has emerged. The heart is no longer considered a postmitotic organ, but is viewed as a self-renewing organ characterized by a resident stem cell compartment responsible for tissue homeostasis and cardiac repair following injury. Additionally, HSCs possess the ability to transdifferentiate and acquire the cardiomyocyte, vascular endothelial, and smooth muscle cell lineages. Both cardiac and hematopoietic stem cells may be used therapeutically in an attempt to reverse the devastating consequences of chronic heart failure of ischemic and nonischemic origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piero Anversa
- Department of Anesthesia and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, 75 Francis Street, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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Ranganath SH, Levy O, Inamdar MS, Karp JM. Harnessing the mesenchymal stem cell secretome for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Cell Stem Cell 2012; 10:244-58. [PMID: 22385653 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2012.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 619] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The broad repertoire of secreted trophic and immunomodulatory cytokines produced by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), generally referred to as the MSC secretome, has considerable potential for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. However, harnessing this MSC secretome for meaningful therapeutic outcomes is challenging due to the limited control of cytokine production following their transplantation. This review outlines the current understanding of the MSC secretome as a therapeutic for treatment of ischemic heart disease. We discuss ongoing investigative directions aimed at improving cellular activity and characterizing the secretome and its regulation in greater detail. Finally, we provide insights on and perspectives for future development of the MSC secretome as a therapeutic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhir H Ranganath
- Jawaharlal Nehru Center for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bangalore 560064, India
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Matsa E, Denning C. In Vitro Uses of Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2012; 5:581-92. [DOI: 10.1007/s12265-012-9376-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2012] [Accepted: 05/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Abstract
Systems biology, with its associated technologies of proteomics, genomics, and metabolomics, is driving the evolution of our understanding of cardiovascular physiology. Rather than studying individual molecules or even single reactions, a systems approach allows integration of orthogonal data sets from distinct tiers of biological data, including gene, RNA, protein, metabolite, and other component networks. Together these networks give rise to emergent properties of cellular function, and it is their reprogramming that causes disease. We present 5 observations regarding how systems biology is guiding a revisiting of the central dogma: (1) It deemphasizes the unidirectional flow of information from genes to proteins; (2) it reveals the role of modules of molecules as opposed to individual proteins acting in isolation; (3) it enables discovery of novel emergent properties; (4) it demonstrates the importance of networks in biology; and (5) it adds new dimensionality to the study of biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Franklin
- Department of Anesthesiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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Abstract
Transplantation of stem cells into the heart can improve cardiac function after myocardial infarction and in chronic heart failure, but the extent of benefit and of reproducibility of this approach are insufficient. Survival of transplanted cells into myocardium is poor, and new strategies are needed to enhance stem cell differentiation and survival in vivo. In this review, we describe how biomaterials can enhance stem cell function in the heart. Biomaterials can mimic or include naturally occurring extracellular matrix and also instruct stem cell function in different ways. Biomaterials can promote angiogenesis, enhance engraftment and differentiation of stem cells, and accelerate electromechanical integration of transplanted stem cells. Biomaterials can also be used to deliver proteins, genes, or small RNAs together with stem cells. Furthermore, recent evidence indicates that the biophysical environment of stem cells is crucial for their proliferation and differentiation, as well as their electromechanical integration. Many approaches in regenerative medicine will likely ultimately require integration of molecularly designed biomaterials and stem cell biology to develop stable tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent F.M. Segers
- From the University of Antwerp (V.F.M.S.), Antwerp, Belgium; Harvard Stem Cell Institute and the Cardiovascular Division (R.T.L.), Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA
| | - Richard T. Lee
- From the University of Antwerp (V.F.M.S.), Antwerp, Belgium; Harvard Stem Cell Institute and the Cardiovascular Division (R.T.L.), Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA
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Poon E, Kong CW, Li RA. Human pluripotent stem cell-based approaches for myocardial repair: from the electrophysiological perspective. Mol Pharm 2011; 8:1495-504. [PMID: 21879736 DOI: 10.1021/mp2002363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Heart diseases are a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Terminally differentiated adult cardiomyocytes (CMs) lack the innate ability to regenerate. Their malfunction or significant loss can lead to conditions from cardiac arrhythmias to heart failure. For myocardial repair, cell- and gene-based therapies offer promising alternatives to donor organ transplantation. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) can self-renew while maintaining their pluripotency. Direct reprogramming of adult somatic cells to become pluripotent hES-like cells (also known as induced pluripotent stem cells or iPSCs) has been achieved. Both hESCs and iPSCs have been successfully differentiated into genuine human CMs. In this review, we describe our current knowledge of the structure-function properties of hESC/iPSC-CMs, with an emphasis on their electrophysiology and Ca(2+) handling, along with the hurdles faced and potential solutions for translating into clinical and other applications (e.g., disease modeling, cardiotoxicity and drug screening).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Poon
- Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Consortium, LKS Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
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