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Nieto-Romero V, García-Torralba A, Molinos-Vicente A, Moya FJ, Rodríguez-Perales S, García-Escudero R, Salido E, Segovia JC, García-Bravo M. Restored glyoxylate metabolism after AGXT gene correction and direct reprogramming of primary hyperoxaluria type 1 fibroblasts. iScience 2024; 27:109530. [PMID: 38577102 PMCID: PMC10993186 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) is a rare inherited metabolic disorder characterized by oxalate overproduction in the liver, resulting in renal damage. It is caused by mutations in the AGXT gene. Combined liver and kidney transplantation is currently the only permanent curative treatment. We combined locus-specific gene correction and hepatic direct cell reprogramming to generate autologous healthy induced hepatocytes (iHeps) from PH1 patient-derived fibroblasts. First, site-specific AGXT corrected cells were obtained by homology directed repair (HDR) assisted by CRISPR-Cas9, following two different strategies: accurate point mutation (c.731T>C) correction or knockin of an enhanced version of AGXT cDNA. Then, iHeps were generated, by overexpression of hepatic transcription factors. Generated AGXT-corrected iHeps showed hepatic gene expression profile and exhibited in vitro reversion of oxalate accumulation compared to non-edited PH1-derived iHeps. This strategy set up a potential alternative cellular source for liver cell replacement therapy and a personalized PH1 in vitro disease model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Nieto-Romero
- Cell Technology Division, Biomedical Innovation Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER)-ISCIII, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Aida García-Torralba
- Cell Technology Division, Biomedical Innovation Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER)-ISCIII, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrea Molinos-Vicente
- Cell Technology Division, Biomedical Innovation Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER)-ISCIII, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco José Moya
- Molecular Cytogenetics and Genome Editing Unit, Human Cancer Genetics Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Rodríguez-Perales
- Molecular Cytogenetics and Genome Editing Unit, Human Cancer Genetics Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ramón García-Escudero
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC)-ISCIII, Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12)-University Hospital 12 de Octubre, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo Salido
- Pathology Department, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Universidad La Laguna, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER)-ISCIII, 38320 Tenerife, Spain
| | - José-Carlos Segovia
- Cell Technology Division, Biomedical Innovation Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER)-ISCIII, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - María García-Bravo
- Cell Technology Division, Biomedical Innovation Unit, CIEMAT (Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER)-ISCIII, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz (IIS-FJD, UAM), 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Zhang Y, Li X, Xing J, Zhou J, Li H. Chemical Transdifferentiation of Somatic Cells: Unleashing the Power of Small Molecules. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2913. [PMID: 38001913 PMCID: PMC10669320 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11112913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemical transdifferentiation is a technique that utilizes small molecules to directly convert one cell type into another without passing through an intermediate stem cell state. This technique offers several advantages over other methods of cell reprogramming, such as simplicity, standardization, versatility, no ethical and safety concern and patient-specific therapies. Chemical transdifferentiation has been successfully applied to various cell types across different tissues and organs, and its potential applications are rapidly expanding as scientists continue to explore new combinations of small molecules and refine the mechanisms driving cell fate conversion. These applications have opened up new possibilities for regenerative medicine, disease modeling, drug discovery and tissue engineering. However, there are still challenges and limitations that need to be overcome before chemical transdifferentiation can be translated into clinical practice. These include low efficiency and reproducibility, incomplete understanding of the molecular mechanisms, long-term stability and functionality of the transdifferentiated cells, cell-type specificity and scalability. In this review, we compared the commonly used methods for cell transdifferentiation in recent years and discussed the current progress and future perspective of the chemical transdifferentiation of somatic cells and its potential impact on biomedicine. We believe that with ongoing research and technological advancements, the future holds tremendous promise for harnessing the power of small molecules to shape the cellular landscape and revolutionize the field of biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China;
| | - Xuefeng Li
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China;
| | - Jianyu Xing
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150006, China;
| | - Jinsong Zhou
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China;
| | - Hai Li
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China;
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Zheng S, Bian H, Li J, Shen Y, Yang Y, Hu W. Differentiation therapy: Unlocking phenotypic plasticity of hepatocellular carcinoma. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2022; 180:103854. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2022.103854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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A comprehensive transcriptomic comparison of hepatocyte model systems improves selection of models for experimental use. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1094. [PMID: 36241695 PMCID: PMC9568534 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04046-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The myriad of available hepatocyte in vitro models provides researchers the possibility to select hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) for specific research goals. However, direct comparison of hepatocyte models is currently challenging. We systematically searched the literature and compared different HLCs, but reported functions were limited to a small subset of hepatic functions. To enable a more comprehensive comparison, we developed an algorithm to compare transcriptomic data across studies that tested HLCs derived from hepatocytes, biliary cells, fibroblasts, and pluripotent stem cells, alongside primary human hepatocytes (PHHs). This revealed that no HLC covered the complete hepatic transcriptome, highlighting the importance of HLC selection. HLCs derived from hepatocytes had the highest transcriptional resemblance to PHHs regardless of the protocol, whereas the quality of fibroblasts and PSC derived HLCs varied depending on the protocol used. Finally, we developed and validated a web application (HLCompR) enabling comparison for specific pathways and addition of new HLCs. In conclusion, our comprehensive transcriptomic comparison of HLCs allows selection of HLCs for specific research questions and can guide improvements in culturing conditions.
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Jung C, Oh JE, Lee S, Yoon YS. Generation and Application of Directly Reprogrammed Endothelial Cells. Korean Circ J 2022; 52:643-658. [PMID: 36097834 PMCID: PMC9470489 DOI: 10.4070/kcj.2022.0190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-based therapy has emerged as a promising option for treating advanced ischemic cardiovascular disease by inducing vascular regeneration. However, clinical trials with adult cells turned out disappointing in general. As a newer approach, direct reprogramming has emerged to efficiently generate endothelial cells (ECs), which can promote neovascularization and vascular regeneration. This review provides recent updates on the direct endothelial reprogramming. In general, directly reprogrammed ECs can be generated by two approaches: one by transitioning through a plastic intermediate state and the other in a one-step transition without any intermediate states toward pluripotency. Moreover, the methods to deliver reprogramming factors and chemicals for the fate conversion are highlighted. Next, the therapeutic effects of the directly reprogrammed ECs on animal models are reviewed in detail. Other applications using directly reprogrammed ECs, such as tissue engineering and disease modeling, are also discussed. Lastly, the remaining questions and foremost challenges are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cholomi Jung
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jee Eun Oh
- Research and Development Center, KarisBio Inc., Seoul, Korea
| | - Sangho Lee
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Young-Sup Yoon
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Research and Development Center, KarisBio Inc., Seoul, Korea
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Ji SF, Zhou LX, Sun ZF, Xiang JB, Cui SY, Li Y, Chen HT, Liu YQ, Gao HH, Fu XB, Sun XY. Small molecules facilitate single factor-mediated sweat gland cell reprogramming. Mil Med Res 2022; 9:13. [PMID: 35351192 PMCID: PMC8962256 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-022-00372-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Large skin defects severely disrupt the overall skin structure and can irreversibly damage sweat glands (SG), thus impairing the skin's physiological function. This study aims to develop a stepwise reprogramming strategy to convert fibroblasts into SG lineages, which may provide a promising method to obtain desirable cell types for the functional repair and regeneration of damaged skin. METHODS The expression of the SG markers cytokeratin 5 (CK5), cytokeratin 10 (CK10), cytokeratin 18 (CK18), carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA), aquaporin 5 (AQP5) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was assessed with quantitative PCR (qPCR), immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Calcium activity analysis was conducted to test the function of induced SG-like cells (iSGCs). Mouse xenograft models were also used to evaluate the in vivo regeneration of iSGCs. BALB/c nude mice were randomly divided into a normal group, SGM treatment group and iSGC transplantation group. Immunocytochemical analyses and starch-iodine sweat tests were used to confirm the in vivo regeneration of iSGCs. RESULTS EDA overexpression drove HDF conversion into iSGCs in SG culture medium (SGM). qPCR indicated significantly increased mRNA levels of the SG markers CK5, CK18 and CEA in iSGCs, and flow cytometry data demonstrated (4.18 ± 0.04)% of iSGCs were CK5 positive and (4.36 ± 0.25)% of iSGCs were CK18 positive. The addition of chemical cocktails greatly accelerated the SG fate program. qPCR results revealed significantly increased mRNA expression of CK5, CK18 and CEA in iSGCs, as well as activation of the duct marker CK10 and luminal functional marker AQP5. Flow cytometry indicated, after the treatment of chemical cocktails, (23.05 ± 2.49)% of iSGCs expressed CK5+ and (55.79 ± 3.18)% of iSGCs expressed CK18+, respectively. Calcium activity analysis indicated that the reactivity of iSGCs to acetylcholine was close to that of primary SG cells [(60.79 ± 7.71)% vs. (70.59 ± 0.34)%, ns]. In vivo transplantation experiments showed approximately (5.2 ± 1.1)% of the mice were sweat test positive, and the histological analysis results indicated that regenerated SG structures were present in iSGCs-treated mice. CONCLUSION We developed a SG reprogramming strategy to generate functional iSGCs from HDFs by using the single factor EDA in combination with SGM and small molecules. The generation of iSGCs has important implications for future in situ skin regeneration with SG restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai-Fei Ji
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated To Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College; PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, 28 Fu Xing Road, Beijing, 100853, China.,Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Lai-Xian Zhou
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated To Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College; PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, 28 Fu Xing Road, Beijing, 100853, China.,Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Zhi-Feng Sun
- Department of Respiratory, The Second Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100036, China
| | - Jiang-Bing Xiang
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated To Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College; PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, 28 Fu Xing Road, Beijing, 100853, China.,Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, China.,Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Shao-Yuan Cui
- Department of Nephrology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Yan Li
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated To Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College; PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, 28 Fu Xing Road, Beijing, 100853, China.,Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Hua-Ting Chen
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated To Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College; PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, 28 Fu Xing Road, Beijing, 100853, China.,Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Yi-Qiong Liu
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated To Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College; PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, 28 Fu Xing Road, Beijing, 100853, China.,Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Huan-Huan Gao
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated To Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College; PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, 28 Fu Xing Road, Beijing, 100853, China.,Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Fu
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated To Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College; PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, 28 Fu Xing Road, Beijing, 100853, China. .,Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, China.
| | - Xiao-Yan Sun
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated To Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College; PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, 28 Fu Xing Road, Beijing, 100853, China. .,Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, China.
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Rombaut M, Boeckmans J, Rodrigues RM, van Grunsven LA, Vanhaecke T, De Kock J. Direct reprogramming of somatic cells into induced hepatocytes: Cracking the Enigma code. J Hepatol 2021; 75:690-705. [PMID: 33989701 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.04.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
There is an unmet need for functional primary human hepatocytes to support the pharmaceutical and (bio)medical demand. The unique discovery, a decade ago, that somatic cells can be drawn out of their apparent biological lockdown to reacquire a pluripotent state has revealed a completely new avenue of possibilities for generating surrogate human hepatocytes. Since then, the number of papers reporting the direct conversion of somatic cells into induced hepatocytes (iHeps) has burgeoned. A hepatic cell fate can be established via the ectopic expression of native liver-enriched transcription factors in somatic cells, thereby bypassing the need for an intermediate (pluripotent) stem cell state. That said, understanding and eventually controlling the processes that give rise to functional iHeps remains challenging. In this review, we provide an overview of the state-of-the-art reprogramming cocktails and techniques, as well as their corresponding conversion efficiencies. Special attention is paid to the role of liver-enriched transcription factors as hepatogenic reprogramming tools and small molecules as facilitators of hepatic transdifferentiation. To conclude, we formulate recommendations to optimise, standardise and enrich the in vitro production of iHeps to reach clinical standards, and propose minimal criteria for their characterisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Rombaut
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Joost Boeckmans
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Robim M Rodrigues
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Leo A van Grunsven
- Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tamara Vanhaecke
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Joery De Kock
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium.
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Wu H, Du C, Yang F, Zheng X, Qiu D, Zhang Q, Chen W, Xu Y. Generation of hepatocyte-like cells from human urinary epithelial cells and the role of autophagy during direct reprogramming. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 527:723-729. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.03.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Orge ID, Gadd VL, Barouh JL, Rossi EA, Carvalho RH, Smith I, Allahdadi KJ, Paredes BD, Silva DN, Damasceno PKF, Sampaio GL, Forbes SJ, Soares MBP, Souza BSDF. Phenotype instability of hepatocyte-like cells produced by direct reprogramming of mesenchymal stromal cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 11:154. [PMID: 32276654 PMCID: PMC7323614 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-01665-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocyte-like cells (iHEPs) generated by transcription factor-mediated direct reprogramming of somatic cells have been studied as potential cell sources for the development of novel therapies targeting liver diseases. The mechanisms involved in direct reprogramming, stability after long-term in vitro expansion, and safety profile of reprogrammed cells in different experimental models, however, still require further investigation. METHODS iHEPs were generated by forced expression of Foxa2/Hnf4a in mouse mesenchymal stromal cells and characterized their phenotype stability by in vitro and in vivo analyses. RESULTS The iHEPs expressed mixed hepatocyte and liver progenitor cell markers, were highly proliferative, and presented metabolic activities in functional assays. A progressive loss of hepatic phenotype, however, was observed after several passages, leading to an increase in alpha-SMA+ fibroblast-like cells, which could be distinguished and sorted from iHEPs by differential mitochondrial content. The resulting purified iHEPs proliferated, maintained liver progenitor cell markers, and, upon stimulation with lineage maturation media, increased expression of either biliary or hepatocyte markers. In vivo functionality was assessed in independent pre-clinical mouse models. Minimal engraftment was observed following transplantation in mice with acute acetaminophen-induced liver injury. In contrast, upon transplantation in a transgenic mouse model presenting host hepatocyte senescence, widespread engraftment and uncontrolled proliferation of iHEPs was observed, forming islands of epithelial-like cells, adipocyte-like cells, or cells presenting both morphologies. CONCLUSION The results have significant implications for cell reprogramming, suggesting that iHEPs generated by Foxa2/Hnf4a expression have an unstable phenotype and depend on transgene expression for maintenance of hepatocyte-like characteristics, showing a tendency to return to the mesenchymal phenotype of origin and a compromised safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iasmim Diniz Orge
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Salvador, BA, Brazil
- Center for Biotechnology and Cell Therapy, São Rafael Hospital, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | | | - Judah Leão Barouh
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Salvador, BA, Brazil
- Center for Biotechnology and Cell Therapy, São Rafael Hospital, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Erik Aranha Rossi
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Salvador, BA, Brazil
- Center for Biotechnology and Cell Therapy, São Rafael Hospital, Salvador, BA, Brazil
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Ian Smith
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Kyan James Allahdadi
- Center for Biotechnology and Cell Therapy, São Rafael Hospital, Salvador, BA, Brazil
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Bruno Diaz Paredes
- Center for Biotechnology and Cell Therapy, São Rafael Hospital, Salvador, BA, Brazil
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Daniela Nascimento Silva
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Salvador, BA, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology for Regenerative Medicine, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Gabriela Louise Sampaio
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Salvador, BA, Brazil
- Center for Biotechnology and Cell Therapy, São Rafael Hospital, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | | | - Milena Botelho Pereira Soares
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Salvador, BA, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology for Regenerative Medicine, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Bruno Solano de Freitas Souza
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Salvador, BA, Brazil.
- Center for Biotechnology and Cell Therapy, São Rafael Hospital, Salvador, BA, Brazil.
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
- National Institute of Science and Technology for Regenerative Medicine, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
- Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rua Waldemar Falcão, 121, Candeal, Salvador, Bahia, CEP: 40296-710, Brazil.
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HORISAWA K, SUZUKI A. Direct cell-fate conversion of somatic cells: Toward regenerative medicine and industries. PROCEEDINGS OF THE JAPAN ACADEMY. SERIES B, PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2020; 96:131-158. [PMID: 32281550 PMCID: PMC7247973 DOI: 10.2183/pjab.96.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Cells of multicellular organisms have diverse characteristics despite having the same genetic identity. The distinctive phenotype of each cell is determined by molecular mechanisms such as epigenetic changes that occur throughout the lifetime of an individual. Recently, technologies that enable modification of the fate of somatic cells have been developed, and the number of studies using these technologies has increased drastically in the last decade. Various cell types, including neuronal cells, cardiomyocytes, and hepatocytes, have been generated using these technologies. Although most direct reprogramming methods employ forced transduction of a defined sets of transcription factors to reprogram cells in a manner similar to induced pluripotent cell technology, many other strategies, such as methods utilizing chemical compounds and microRNAs to change the fate of somatic cells, have also been developed. In this review, we summarize transcription factor-based reprogramming and various other reprogramming methods. Additionally, we describe the various industrial applications of direct reprogramming technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi HORISAWA
- Division of Organogenesis and Regeneration, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Atsushi SUZUKI
- Division of Organogenesis and Regeneration, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
- Correspondence should be addressed: A. Suzuki, Division of Organogenesis and Regeneration, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan (e-mail: )
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Closer to Nature Through Dynamic Culture Systems. Cells 2019; 8:cells8090942. [PMID: 31438519 PMCID: PMC6769584 DOI: 10.3390/cells8090942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanics in the human body are required for normal cell function at a molecular level. It is now clear that mechanical stimulations play significant roles in cell growth, differentiation, and migration in normal and diseased cells. Recent studies have led to the discovery that normal and cancer cells have different mechanosensing properties. Here, we discuss the application and the physiological and pathological meaning of mechanical stimulations. To reveal the optimal conditions for mimicking an in vivo microenvironment, we must, therefore, discern the mechanotransduction occurring in cells.
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