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Shear MA, Massa A. In Utero Fetal Therapy: Stem Cells, Cell Transplantation, Gene Therapy, and CRISPR-Cas9. Clin Obstet Gynecol 2021; 64:861-875. [PMID: 34668889 DOI: 10.1097/grf.0000000000000663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In utero fetal therapy offers the opportunity to prevent and treat diseases with a cellular or genetic basis. Components of successful fetal treatment include isolation of a replacement cell population, in utero stem cell transplantation, cell engraftment with fetal immune tolerance, and ongoing cell function. Fetal gene therapy with CRISPR-Cas9 represents an exciting potential therapy for genetic diseases not amenable to gene supplementation via adenoviral vector transduction. These fetal therapies have unique ethical and safety considerations. Clinical trials for in utero cell therapy are underway, as additional discoveries in stem cell biology and gene therapy move closer to clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Shear
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Andrew Massa
- Columbia Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
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2
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Tissue of Origin, but Not XCI State, Influences Germ Cell Differentiation from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092400. [PMID: 34572048 PMCID: PMC8466594 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are not only a promising tool to investigate differentiation to many cell types, including the germline, but are also a potential source of cells to use for regenerative medicine purposes in the future. However, current in vitro models to generate human primordial germ cell-like cells (hPGCLCs) have revealed high variability regarding differentiation efficiency depending on the hPSC lines used. Here, we investigated whether differences in X chromosome inactivation (XCI) in female hPSCs could contribute to the variability of hPGCLC differentiation efficiency during embryoid body (EB) formation. For this, we first characterized the XCI state in different hPSC lines by investigating the expression of XIST and H3K27me3, followed by differentiation and quantification of hPGCLCs. We observed that the XCI state did not influence the efficiency to differentiate to hPGCLCs; rather, hPSCs derived from cells isolated from urine showed an increased trend towards hPGCLCs differentiation compared to skin-derived hPSCs. In addition, we also characterized the XCI state in the generated hPGCLCs. Interestingly, we observed that independent of the XCI state of the hPSCs used, both hPGCLCs and soma cells in the EBs acquired XIST expression, indicative of an inactive X chromosome. In fact, culture conditions for EB formation seemed to promote XIST expression. Together, our results contribute to understanding how epigenetic properties of hPSCs influence differentiation and to optimize differentiation methods to obtain higher numbers of hPGCLCs, the first step to achieve human in vitro gametogenesis.
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3
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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: 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: 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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4
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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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5
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Wang S, Lin CW, Carleton AE, Cortez CL, Johnson C, Taniguchi LE, Sekulovski N, Townshend RF, Basrur V, Nesvizhskii AI, Zou P, Fu J, Gumucio DL, Duncan MC, Taniguchi K. Spatially resolved cell polarity proteomics of a human epiblast model. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/17/eabd8407. [PMID: 33893097 PMCID: PMC8064645 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abd8407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Critical early steps in human embryonic development include polarization of the inner cell mass, followed by formation of an expanded lumen that will become the epiblast cavity. Recently described three-dimensional (3D) human pluripotent stem cell-derived cyst (hPSC-cyst) structures can replicate these processes. To gain mechanistic insights into the poorly understood machinery involved in epiblast cavity formation, we interrogated the proteomes of apical and basolateral membrane territories in 3D human hPSC-cysts. APEX2-based proximity bioinylation, followed by quantitative mass spectrometry, revealed a variety of proteins without previous annotation to specific membrane subdomains. Functional experiments validated the requirement for several apically enriched proteins in cyst morphogenesis. In particular, we found a key role for the AP-1 clathrin adaptor complex in expanding the apical membrane domains during lumen establishment. These findings highlight the robust power of this proximity labeling approach for discovering novel regulators of epithelial morphogenesis in 3D stem cell-based models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sicong Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Chien-Wei Lin
- Division of Biostatistics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Amber E Carleton
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Chari L Cortez
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Craig Johnson
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Linnea E Taniguchi
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Nikola Sekulovski
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Ryan F Townshend
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Venkatesha Basrur
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Alexey I Nesvizhskii
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Peng Zou
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jianping Fu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Deborah L Gumucio
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Mara C Duncan
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Kenichiro Taniguchi
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
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6
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Popovic M, Bialecka M, Gomes Fernandes M, Taelman J, Van Der Jeught M, De Sutter P, Heindryckx B, Chuva De Sousa Lopes SM. Human blastocyst outgrowths recapitulate primordial germ cell specification events. Mol Hum Reprod 2020; 25:519-526. [PMID: 31211841 PMCID: PMC6802404 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaz035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Our current knowledge of the mechanisms leading to human primordial germ cell (PGC) specification stems solely from differentiation experiments starting from human pluripotent stem cells. However, information regarding the origin of PGCs in vivo remains obscure. Here we apply an improved system for extended in vitro culture of human embryos to investigate the presence of PGC-like cells (PGCLCs) 12 days post fertilization (dpf). Good quality blastocysts (n = 141) were plated at 6 dpf and maintained in hypoxia, in medium supplemented with Activin A until 12 dpf. We primarily reveal that 12 dpf outgrowths recapitulate human peri-implantation events and demonstrate that blastocyst quality significantly impacts both embryo viability at 12 dpf, as well as the presence of POU5F1+ cells within viable outgrowths. Moreover, detailed examination of 12 dpf blastocyst outgrowths revealed a population of POU5F1+, SOX2– and SOX17+ cells that may correspond to PGCLCs, alongside POU5F1+ epiblast-like cells and GATA6+ endoderm-like cells. Our findings suggest that, in human, PGC precursors may become specified within the epiblast and migrate either transiently to the extra-embryonic mesoderm or directly to the dorsal part of the yolk sac endoderm around 12 dpf. This is a descriptive analysis and as such the conclusion that POU5F1+ and SOX17+ cells represent bona fide PGCs can only be considered as preliminary. In the future, other PGC markers may be used to further validate the observed cell populations. Overall, our findings provide insights into the origin of the human germline and may serve as a foundation to further unravel the molecular mechanisms governing PGC specification in human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Popovic
- Ghent Fertility And Stem cell Team (G-FAST), Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Monika Bialecka
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Gomes Fernandes
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jasin Taelman
- Ghent Fertility And Stem cell Team (G-FAST), Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Margot Van Der Jeught
- Ghent Fertility And Stem cell Team (G-FAST), Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Petra De Sutter
- Ghent Fertility And Stem cell Team (G-FAST), Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Björn Heindryckx
- Ghent Fertility And Stem cell Team (G-FAST), Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Susana M Chuva De Sousa Lopes
- Ghent Fertility And Stem cell Team (G-FAST), Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg, Leiden, The Netherlands
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7
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Taelman J, Popovic M, Bialecka M, Tilleman L, Warrier S, Van Der Jeught M, Menten B, Deforce D, De Sutter P, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Abe K, Heindryckx B, Chuva de Sousa Lopes SM. WNT Inhibition and Increased FGF Signaling Promotes Derivation of Less Heterogeneous Primed Human Embryonic Stem Cells, Compatible with Differentiation. Stem Cells Dev 2019; 28:579-592. [PMID: 30827199 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2018.0199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) hold great value for future clinical applications. However, standard culture conditions maintain hESCs in a primed state, which bears heterogeneity in pluripotency and a tendency for spontaneous differentiation. To counter these drawbacks, primed hESCs have been converted to a naive state, but this has restricted the efficiency of existing directed differentiation protocols. In mouse, WNT inhibition by inhibitor of WNT production-2, together with a higher dose of fibroblast growth factor 2 (12 ng/mL) in DMEM/F12 basal medium (DhiFI), markedly improved derivation and maintenance of primed mouse epiblast stem cells. In this study, we show that DhiFI conditions similarly improved primed hESC traits, such as conferring a primed transcriptional signature with high levels of pluripotency markers and reduced levels of differentiation markers. When triggered to differentiate to neuronal and cardiac lineages, DhiFI hESCs and isogenic primed hESCs progressed similarly. Moreover, DhiFI conditions supported the derivation of hESC lines from a post-inner cell mass intermediate (PICMI). DhiFI-derived hESCs showed less spontaneous differentiation and expressed significantly lower levels of lineage-specific markers, compared to primed-derived lines from the same PICMI. Overall, DhiFI hESCs retained advantages of both primed and naive pluripotency and may ultimately represent a more favorable starting point for differentiation toward clinically desired cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasin Taelman
- 1 Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mina Popovic
- 1 Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Monika Bialecka
- 2 Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Laurentijn Tilleman
- 3 Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sharat Warrier
- 1 Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Margot Van Der Jeught
- 1 Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Björn Menten
- 4 Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dieter Deforce
- 3 Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Petra De Sutter
- 1 Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Filip Van Nieuwerburgh
- 3 Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kuniya Abe
- 5 Technology and Development Team for Mammalian Genome Dynamics, RIKEN BioResource Center, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Björn Heindryckx
- 1 Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Susana M Chuva de Sousa Lopes
- 1 Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,2 Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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8
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Taniguchi K, Heemskerk I, Gumucio DL. Opening the black box: Stem cell-based modeling of human post-implantation development. J Cell Biol 2018; 218:410-421. [PMID: 30552099 PMCID: PMC6363460 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201810084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Proper development of the human embryo following its implantation into the uterine wall is critical for the successful continuation of pregnancy. However, the complex cellular and molecular changes that occur during this post-implantation period of human development are not amenable to study in vivo. Recently, several new embryo-like human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-based platforms have emerged, which are beginning to illuminate the current black box state of early human post-implantation biology. In this review, we will discuss how these experimental models are carving a way for understanding novel molecular and cellular mechanisms during early human development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichiro Taniguchi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Idse Heemskerk
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Deborah L Gumucio
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
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9
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Geens M, Chuva De Sousa Lopes SM. X chromosome inactivation in human pluripotent stem cells as a model for human development: back to the drawing board? Hum Reprod Update 2018; 23:520-532. [PMID: 28582519 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmx015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC), both embryonic and induced (hESC and hiPSC), are regarded as a valuable in vitro model for early human development. In order to fulfil this promise, it is important that these cells mimic as closely as possible the in vivo molecular events, both at the genetic and epigenetic level. One of the most important epigenetic events during early human development is X chromosome inactivation (XCI), the transcriptional silencing of one of the two X chromosomes in female cells. XCI is important for proper development and aberrant XCI has been linked to several pathologies. Recently, novel data obtained using high throughput single-cell technology during human preimplantation development have suggested that the XCI mechanism is substantially different from XCI in mouse. It has also been suggested that hPSC show higher complexity in XCI than the mouse. Here we compare the available recent data to understand whether XCI during human preimplantation can be properly recapitulated using hPSC. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE We will summarize what is known on the timing and mechanisms of XCI during human preimplantation development. We will compare this to the XCI patterns that are observed during hPSC derivation, culture and differentiation, and comment on the cause of the aberrant XCI patterns observed in hPSC. Finally, we will discuss the implications of the aberrant XCI patterns on the applicability of hPSC as an in vitro model for human development and as cell source for regenerative medicine. SEARCH METHODS Combinations of the following keywords were applied as search criteria in the PubMed database: X chromosome inactivation, preimplantation development, embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, primordial germ cells, differentiation. OUTCOMES Recent single-cell RNASeq data have shed new light on the XCI process during human preimplantation development. These indicate a gradual inactivation on both XX chromosomes, starting from Day 4 of development and followed by a random choice to inactivate one of them, instead of the mechanism in mice where imprinted XCI is followed by random XCI. We have put these new findings in perspective using previous data obtained in human (and mouse) embryos. In addition, there is an ongoing discussion whether or not hPSC lines show X chromosome reactivation upon derivation, mimicking the earliest embryonic cells, and the XCI states observed during culture of hPSC are highly variable. Recent studies have shown that hPSC rapidly progress to highly aberrant XCI patterns and that this process is probably driven by suboptimal culture conditions. Importantly, these aberrant XCI states seem to be inherited by the differentiated hPSC-progeny. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The aberrant XCI states (and epigenetic instability) observed in hPSC throw a shadow on their applicability as an in vitro model for development and disease modelling. Moreover, as the aberrant XCI states observed in hPSC seem to shift to a more malignant phenotype, this may also have important consequences for the safety aspect of using hPSC in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mieke Geens
- Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Jette, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Susana M Chuva De Sousa Lopes
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Reproductive Medicine, Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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10
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Pennings G, Segers S, Debrock S, Heindryckx B, Kontozova-Deutsch V, Punjabi U, Vande Velde H, van Steirteghem A, Mertes H. Human embryo research in Belgium: an overview. Fertil Steril 2017; 108:96-107. [PMID: 28579405 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2017.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2017] [Revised: 04/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To present an overview of the numbers and types of human embryos used in research projects in Belgium from 2007 to 2015. DESIGN Analysis of all research proposals approved by the Federal Commission for Medical and Scientific Research on Embryos In Vitro. SETTING Not applicable. PATIENT(S) Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Number of embryos used for research, number of embryos created for research, and areas of embryo research. RESULT(S) Since 2007, 15,811 embryos were used for 36 research projects. In total, 10,492 (66%) fresh supernumerary embryos (unfit for transfer or freezing) were used, 4,083 (26%) frozen supernumerary embryos (donated by parents whose child wish was completed or abandoned), and 1,236 (8%) embryos created for research. Most projects focused on research into embryo development. Fresh supernumerary embryos were mainly used for human embryonic stem cell (hESC) research. Frozen supernumerary embryos were almost exclusively used for research into embryo development and for hESC research. Embryos created for research were used for research into embryo development, oocyte research, research into cryopreservation of oocytes, and hESC research. CONCLUSION(S) Having concrete data on embryo research is crucial for an informed debate. Moreover, these data are necessary to find out trends in research such as the numbers of embryos needed and the areas of research. Data collection requires a sufficiently clear definition of "research" and "embryo." These conceptual questions frequently reveal lack of clarity in legislation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Pennings
- Bioethics Institute Ghent, Faculty of Arts and Philosophy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Seppe Segers
- Bioethics Institute Ghent, Faculty of Arts and Philosophy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sophie Debrock
- Leuven University Fertility Center, Universitair Ziekenhuis Leuven Campus Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Björn Heindryckx
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team, Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Velichka Kontozova-Deutsch
- DG Health Care, Brussels, Belgium; Cell Organs, Embryos and Bioethics, Brussels, Belgium; FPS Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Usha Punjabi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hilde Vande Velde
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - André van Steirteghem
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Heidi Mertes
- Bioethics Institute Ghent, Faculty of Arts and Philosophy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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11
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Popovic M, Heindryckx B. Metabolic plasticity complements the unique nature and demands of distinct pluripotency states. Stem Cell Investig 2017; 4:9. [PMID: 28275639 DOI: 10.21037/sci.2017.01.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 12/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mina Popovic
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Björn Heindryckx
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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12
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Wianny F, Blachère T, Godet M, Guillermas R, Cortay V, Bourillot PY, Lefèvre A, Savatier P, Dehay C. Epigenetic status of H19/IGF2 and SNRPN imprinted genes in aborted and successfully derived embryonic stem cell lines in non-human primates. Stem Cell Res 2016; 16:557-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2016.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Revised: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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13
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Goel A. Stem cell therapy in spinal cord injury: Hollow promise or promising science? JOURNAL OF CRANIOVERTEBRAL JUNCTION AND SPINE 2016; 7:121-6. [PMID: 27217662 PMCID: PMC4872563 DOI: 10.4103/0974-8237.181880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) remains one of the most physically, psychologically and socially debilitating conditions worldwide. While rehabilitation measures may help limit disability to some extent, there is no effective primary treatment yet available. The efficacy of stem cells as a primary therapeutic option in spinal cord injury is currently an area under much scrutiny and debate. Several laboratory and some primary clinical studies into the use of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells or embryonic stem cell-derived oligodentrocyte precursor cells have shown some promising results in terms of remyelination and regeneration of damaged spinal nerve tracts. More recently,laboratory and early clinical experiments into the use of Olfactory Ensheathing Cells, a type of glial cell derived from olfactory bulb and mucosa have provided some phenomenal preliminary evidence as to their neuroregenerative and neural bridging capacity. This report compares and evaluates some current research into selected forms of embryonic and mesenchymal stem cell therapy as well as olfactory ensheathing cell therapy in SCI, and also highlights some legal and ethical issues surrounding their use. While early results shows promise, more rigorous large scaleclinical trials are needed to shed light on the safety, efficacy and long term viability of stem cell and cellular transplant techniques in SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee Goel
- 4 year Medical Student, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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14
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Van der Jeught M, Taelman J, Duggal G, Ghimire S, Lierman S, Chuva de Sousa Lopes SM, Deforce D, Deroo T, De Sutter P, Heindryckx B. Application Of Small Molecules Favoring Naïve Pluripotency during Human Embryonic Stem Cell Derivation. Cell Reprogram 2016; 17:170-80. [PMID: 26053517 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2014.0085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In mice, inhibition of both the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase/extracellular-signal regulated kinase (MEK/Erk) and the Wnt signaling inhibitor glycogen synthase-3β (GSK3β) enables the derivation of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) from nonpermissive strains in the presence of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). Whereas mESCs are in an uncommitted naïve state, human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) represent a more advanced state, denoted as primed pluripotency. This burdens hESCs with a series of characteristics, which, in contrast to naïve ESCs, makes them not ideal for key applications such as cell-based clinical therapies and human disease modeling. In this study, different small molecule combinations were applied during human ESC derivation. Hereby, we aimed to sustain the naïve pluripotent state, by interfering with various key signaling pathways. First, we tested several combinations on existing, 2i (PD0325901 and CHIR99021)-derived mESCs. All combinations were shown to be equally adequate to sustain the expression of naïve pluripotency markers. Second, these conditions were tested during hESC derivation. Overall, the best results were observed in the presence of medium supplemented with 2i, LIF, and the noncanonical Wnt signaling agonist Wnt5A, alone and combined with epinephrine. In these conditions, outgrowths repeatedly showed an ESC progenitor-like morphology, starting from day 3. Culturing these "progenitor cells" did not result in stable, naïve hESC lines in the current conditions. Although Wnt5A could not promote naïve hESC derivation, we found that it was sustaining the conversion of established hESCs toward a more naïve state. Future work should aim to distinct the effects of the various culture formulations, including our Wnt5A-supplemented medium, reported to promote stable naïve pluripotency in hESCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margot Van der Jeught
- 1 Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital , 9000 Ghent, Belgium .,4 These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Jasin Taelman
- 1 Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital , 9000 Ghent, Belgium .,4 These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Galbha Duggal
- 1 Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital , 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sabitri Ghimire
- 1 Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital , 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sylvie Lierman
- 1 Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital , 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Susana M Chuva de Sousa Lopes
- 1 Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital , 9000 Ghent, Belgium .,2 Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center , 2300 Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Dieter Deforce
- 3 Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University , 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tom Deroo
- 1 Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital , 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Petra De Sutter
- 1 Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital , 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Björn Heindryckx
- 1 Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital , 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Vanhee S, Vandekerckhove B. Pluripotent stem cell based gene therapy for hematological diseases. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2015; 97:238-46. [PMID: 26381313 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2015.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 07/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Standard treatment for severe inherited hematopoietic diseases consists of allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Alternatively, patients can be treated with gene therapy: gene-corrected autologous hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC) are transplanted. By using retro- or lentiviral vectors, a copy of the functional gene is randomly inserted in the DNA of the HSPC and becomes constitutively expressed. Gene therapy is currently limited to monogenic diseases for which clinical trials are being actively conducted in highly specialized centers around the world. This approach, although successful, carries with it inherent safety and efficacy issues. Recently, two technologies became available that, when combined, may enable treatment of genetic defects by HSPC that have the non-functional allele replaced by a functional copy. One technology consists of the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) from patient blood samples or skin biopsies, the other concerns nuclease-mediated gene editing. Both technologies have been successfully combined in basic research and appear applicable in the clinic. This paper reviews recent literature, discusses what can be achieved in the clinic using present knowledge and points out further research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stijn Vanhee
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Bart Vandekerckhove
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Ghent University, Belgium.
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Van der Jeught M, O'Leary T, Duggal G, De Sutter P, Chuva de Sousa Lopes S, Heindryckx B. The post-inner cell mass intermediate: implications for stem cell biology and assisted reproductive technology. Hum Reprod Update 2015; 21:616-26. [PMID: 26089403 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2014] [Accepted: 06/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Until recently, the temporal events that precede the generation of pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and their equivalence with specific developmental stages in vivo was poorly understood. Our group has discovered the existence of a transient epiblast-like structure, coined the post-inner cell mass (ICM) intermediate or PICMI, that emerges before human ESC (hESCs) are established, which supports their primed nature (i.e. already showing some predispositions towards certain cell types) of pluripotency. METHODS The PICMI results from the progressive epithelialization of the ICM and it expresses a mixture of early and late epiblast markers, as well as some primordial germ cell markers. The PICMI is a closer progenitor of hESCs than the ICM and it can be seen as the first proof of why all existing hESCs, until recently, display a primed state of pluripotency. RESULTS Even though the pluripotent characteristics of ESCs differ from mouse (naïve) to human (primed), it has recently been shown in mice that a similar process of self-organization at the transition from ICM to (naïve) mouse ESCs (mESCs) transforms the amorphous ICM into a rosette of polarized epiblast cells, a mouse PICMI. The transient PICMI stage is therefore at the origin of both mESCs and hESCs. In addition, several groups have now reported the conversion from primed to the naïve (mESCs-like) hESCs, broadening the pluripotency spectrum and opening new opportunities for the use of pluripotent stem cells. CONCLUSIONS In this review, we discuss the recent discoveries of mouse and human transient states from ICM to ESCs and their relation towards the state of pluripotency in the eventual stem cells, being naïve or primed. We will now further investigate how these intermediate and/or different pluripotent stages may impact the use of human stem cells in regenerative medicine and assisted reproductive technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margot Van der Jeught
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FAST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Thomas O'Leary
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FAST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, Ghent 9000, Belgium Present address: Coastal Fertility Specialists, 1375 Hospital Drive, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, USA
| | - Galbha Duggal
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FAST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, Ghent 9000, Belgium Present address: Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Petra De Sutter
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FAST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Susana Chuva de Sousa Lopes
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FAST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, Ghent 9000, Belgium Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, Leiden 2333 ZC, The Netherlands
| | - Björn Heindryckx
- Ghent Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FAST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, Ghent 9000, Belgium
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Duggal G, Heindryckx B, Warrier S, Taelman J, Van der Jeught M, Deforce D, Chuva de Sousa Lopes S, De Sutter P. Exogenous supplementation of Activin A enhances germ cell differentiation of human embryonic stem cells. Mol Hum Reprod 2015; 21:410-23. [PMID: 25634576 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gav004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) derived in the presence of Activin A (ActA) demonstrate an increased differentiation propensity toward the germ cell lineage. In addition, mouse epiblast stem cells and mouse epiblast-like cells are poised toward germ cell differentiation and are derived in the presence of ActA. We therefore investigated whether supplementation with ActA enhances in vitro hESC differentiation toward germ cell lineage. ActA up-regulated early primordial germ cell (PGC) genes STELLA/DPPA3 (developmental pluripotency associated 3) and tyrosine kinase receptor cKIT in both ActA-derived and standard-derived hESCs indicating its role in priming hESCs toward the PGC lineage. Indeed, ActA plus bone morphogenic protein 4 (BMP4) strongly increased germ cell differentiation potential of hESCs based on the high expression of late PGC markers DAZL (deleted in azoospermia-like) and VASA/DDX4 (DEAD-box polypeptide 4) at mRNA and protein level. Hence, the combination of ActA with BMP4 provides an additional boost for hESCs to develop into postmigratory germ cells. Together with increased VASA expression in the presence of ActA and BMP4, we also observed up-regulation of endoderm-specific genes GATA4 (GATA binding protein 4) and GATA6. Finally, we were able to further mature these in vitro-derived PGC-like cells (PGCLCs) by culturing them in in vitro maturation (IVM) medium, resulting in the formation of germ cell-like clusters and induction of meiotic gene expression. In conclusion, we demonstrate for the first time a synergism between ActA and BMP4 in facilitating germ cell-directed differentiation of hESCs, which is enhanced by extended culture in IVM medium, as shown by cytoplasmic VASA-expressing PGCLCs. We propose a novel relationship between the endoderm and germ cell lineage during hESC differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galbha Duggal
- Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Björn Heindryckx
- Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sharat Warrier
- Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jasin Taelman
- Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Margot Van der Jeught
- Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dieter Deforce
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Harelbekestraat 72, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Susana Chuva de Sousa Lopes
- Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Petra De Sutter
- Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Van der Jeught M, Heindryckx B, O'Leary T, Duggal G, Ghimire S, Lierman S, Van Roy N, Chuva de Sousa Lopes SM, Deroo T, Deforce D, De Sutter P. Treatment of human embryos with the TGF inhibitor SB431542 increases epiblast proliferation and permits successful human embryonic stem cell derivation. Hum Reprod 2013; 29:41-8. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/det400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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