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Wu J, Fu J. Toward developing human organs via embryo models and chimeras. Cell 2024; 187:3194-3219. [PMID: 38906095 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Developing functional organs from stem cells remains a challenging goal in regenerative medicine. Existing methodologies, such as tissue engineering, bioprinting, and organoids, only offer partial solutions. This perspective focuses on two promising approaches emerging for engineering human organs from stem cells: stem cell-based embryo models and interspecies organogenesis. Both approaches exploit the premise of guiding stem cells to mimic natural development. We begin by summarizing what is known about early human development as a blueprint for recapitulating organogenesis in both embryo models and interspecies chimeras. The latest advances in both fields are discussed before highlighting the technological and knowledge gaps to be addressed before the goal of developing human organs could be achieved using the two approaches. We conclude by discussing challenges facing embryo modeling and interspecies organogenesis and outlining future prospects for advancing both fields toward the generation of human tissues and organs for basic research and translational applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wu
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Jianping Fu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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2
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Hyun I. Dynamic models of human development and concepts of the individual. Cell 2024; 187:3220-3223. [PMID: 38906096 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Stem cells can be coaxed to self-organize into dynamic models of human development and early embryo formation. Despite their scientific promise, might widespread use of these technologies alter people's beliefs about what it means to be a human individual? Attention to some important philosophical distinctions may help navigate our thinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Insoo Hyun
- Center for Life Sciences and Public Learning, Museum of Science, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Bioethics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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3
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Bolondi A, Law BK, Kretzmer H, Gassaloglu SI, Buschow R, Riemenschneider C, Yang D, Walther M, Veenvliet JV, Meissner A, Smith ZD, Chan MM. Reconstructing axial progenitor field dynamics in mouse stem cell-derived embryoids. Dev Cell 2024; 59:1489-1505.e14. [PMID: 38579718 PMCID: PMC11187653 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Embryogenesis requires substantial coordination to translate genetic programs to the collective behavior of differentiating cells, but understanding how cellular decisions control tissue morphology remains conceptually and technically challenging. Here, we combine continuous Cas9-based molecular recording with a mouse embryonic stem cell-based model of the embryonic trunk to build single-cell phylogenies that describe the behavior of transient, multipotent neuro-mesodermal progenitors (NMPs) as they commit into neural and somitic cell types. We find that NMPs show subtle transcriptional signatures related to their recent differentiation and contribute to downstream lineages through a surprisingly broad distribution of individual fate outcomes. Although decision-making can be heavily influenced by environmental cues to induce morphological phenotypes, axial progenitors intrinsically mature over developmental time to favor the neural lineage. Using these data, we present an experimental and analytical framework for exploring the non-homeostatic dynamics of transient progenitor populations as they shape complex tissues during critical developmental windows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Bolondi
- Department of Genome Regulation, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Benjamin K Law
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Helene Kretzmer
- Department of Genome Regulation, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Seher Ipek Gassaloglu
- Department of Genome Regulation, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, 14195 Berlin, Germany; Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - René Buschow
- Microscopy Core Facility, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Dian Yang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics & Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Maria Walther
- Department of Genome Regulation, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jesse V Veenvliet
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307 Dresden, Germany; Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; Center for Systems Biology Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Alexander Meissner
- Department of Genome Regulation, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, 14195 Berlin, Germany; Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Zachary D Smith
- Department of Genetics, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA.
| | - Michelle M Chan
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
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4
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Abitua PB, Stump LM, Aksel DC, Schier AF. Axis formation in annual killifish: Nodal and β-catenin regulate morphogenesis without Huluwa prepatterning. Science 2024; 384:1105-1110. [PMID: 38843334 DOI: 10.1126/science.ado7604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Axis formation in fish and amphibians typically begins with a prepattern of maternal gene products. Annual killifish embryogenesis, however, challenges prepatterning models as blastomeres disperse and then aggregate to form the germ layers and body axes. We show that huluwa, a prepatterning factor thought to break symmetry by stabilizing β-catenin, is truncated and inactive in Nothobranchius furzeri. Nuclear β-catenin is not selectively stabilized on one side of the blastula but accumulates in cells forming the aggregate. Blocking β-catenin activity or Nodal signaling disrupts aggregate formation and germ layer specification. Nodal signaling coordinates cell migration, establishing an early role for this signaling pathway. These results reveal a surprising departure from established mechanisms of axis formation: Huluwa-mediated prepatterning is dispensable, and β-catenin and Nodal regulate morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip B Abitua
- Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Laura M Stump
- Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Deniz C Aksel
- Biophysics Program, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Alexander F Schier
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- FAS Center for Systems Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- Allen Discovery Center for Cell Lineage Tracing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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5
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Rosner M, Hengstschläger M. Oct4 controls basement membrane development during human embryogenesis. Dev Cell 2024; 59:1439-1456.e7. [PMID: 38579716 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Basement membranes (BMs) are sheet-like structures of extracellular matrix (ECM) that provide structural support for many tissues and play a central role in signaling. They are key regulators of cell behavior and tissue functions, and defects in their assembly or composition are involved in numerous human diseases. Due to the differences between human and animal embryogenesis, ethical concerns, legal constraints, the scarcity of human tissue material, and the inaccessibility of the in vivo condition, BM regulation during human embryo development has remained elusive. Using the post-implantation amniotic sac embryoid (PASE), we delineate BM assembly upon post-implantation development and BM disassembly during primitive streak (PS) cell dissemination. Further, we show that the transcription factor Oct4 regulates the expression of BM structural components and receptors and controls BM development by regulating Akt signaling and the small GTPase Rac1. These results represent a relevant step toward a more comprehensive understanding of early human development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margit Rosner
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Markus Hengstschläger
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria.
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6
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Yui H, Yashiro Y, Muto K, Watanabe S, Kiya Y, Inoue Y, Yamagata Z. Opinions on research involving human embryo models by researchers and the general public. Regen Ther 2024; 26:9-13. [PMID: 38798744 PMCID: PMC11126766 DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2024.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Rules and ethical considerations regarding research on embryo models have been debated across numerous countries. In this paper, we provide insights from our attitude survey conducted among Japanese researchers, including members of the Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine, and among the general public residing in Japan, the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia. Our survey revealed that many researchers expressed the need for clear guidelines for embryo model research. Furthermore, a minority but significant portion of the general public in each country expressed opposition to research on embryo models but did not oppose research involving real embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Yui
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa, Japan
- Center for Birth Cohort Studies, University of Yamanashi, Chuo-shi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Yoshimi Yashiro
- Medical Innovation Center, Fujita Health University, Ota-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaori Muto
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa, Japan
- The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Saori Watanabe
- The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukitaka Kiya
- The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yusuke Inoue
- Department of Healthcare Ethics, Kyoto University School of Public Health, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Zentaro Yamagata
- Center for Birth Cohort Studies, University of Yamanashi, Chuo-shi, Yamanashi, Japan
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7
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Nishimura T, Takebe T. Synthetic human gonadal tissues for toxicology. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 126:108598. [PMID: 38657700 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The process of mammalian reproduction involves the development of fertile germ cells in the testis and ovary, supported by the surrounders. Fertilization leads to embryo development and ultimately the birth of offspring inheriting parental genome information. Any disruption in this process can result in disorders such as infertility and cancer. Chemical toxicity affecting the reproductive system and embryogenesis can impact birth rates, overall health, and fertility, highlighting the need for animal toxicity studies during drug development. However, the translation of animal data to human health remains challenging due to interspecies differences. In vitro culture systems offer a promising solution to bridge this gap, allowing the study of mammalian cells in an environment that mimics the physiology of the human body. Current advances on in vitro culture systems, such as organoids, enable the development of biomaterials that recapitulate the physiological state of reproductive organs. Application of these technologies to human gonadal cells would provide effective tools for drug screening and toxicity testing, and these models would be a powerful tool to study reproductive biology and pathology. This review focuses on the 2D/3D culture systems of human primary testicular and ovarian cells, highlighting the novel approaches for in vitro study of human reproductive toxicology, specifically in the context of testis and ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiya Nishimura
- WPI Premium Research Institute for Human Metaverse Medicine (WPI-PRIMe), Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Takanori Takebe
- WPI Premium Research Institute for Human Metaverse Medicine (WPI-PRIMe), Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Division of Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine, Department of Genome Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Institute of Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo 113-8510, Japan; Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Communication Design Center, Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan.
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8
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Xiao Z, Cui L, Yuan Y, He N, Xie X, Lin S, Yang X, Zhang X, Shi P, Wei Z, Li Y, Wang H, Wang X, Wei Y, Guo J, Yu L. 3D reconstruction of a gastrulating human embryo. Cell 2024; 187:2855-2874.e19. [PMID: 38657603 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.03.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Progress in understanding early human development has been impeded by the scarcity of reference datasets from natural embryos, particularly those with spatial information during crucial stages like gastrulation. We conducted high-resolution spatial transcriptomics profiling on 38,562 spots from 62 transverse sections of an intact Carnegie stage (CS) 8 human embryo. From this spatial transcriptomic dataset, we constructed a 3D model of the CS8 embryo, in which a range of cell subtypes are identified, based on gene expression patterns and positional register, along the anterior-posterior, medial-lateral, and dorsal-ventral axis in the embryo. We further characterized the lineage trajectories of embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues and associated regulons and the regionalization of signaling centers and signaling activities that underpin lineage progression and tissue patterning during gastrulation. Collectively, the findings of this study provide insights into gastrulation and post-gastrulation development of the human embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Lina Cui
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yang Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Nannan He
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China
| | - Xinwei Xie
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Sirui Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaolong Yang
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Peifu Shi
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Zhifeng Wei
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yang Li
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Hongmei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Yulei Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Jingtao Guo
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Leqian Yu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China.
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9
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Loseva PA, Gladyshev VN. The beginning of becoming a human. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:8378-8395. [PMID: 38713165 PMCID: PMC11131989 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
According to birth certificates, the life of a child begins once their body comes out of the mother's womb. But when does their organismal life begin? Science holds a palette of answers-depending on how one defines a human life. In 1984, a commission on the regulatory framework for human embryo experimentation opted not to answer this question, instead setting a boundary, 14 days post-fertilization, beyond which any experiments were forbidden. Recently, as the reproductive technologies developed and the demand for experimentation grew stronger, this boundary may be set aside leaving the ultimate decision to local oversight committees. While science has not come closer to setting a zero point for human life, there has been significant progress in our understanding of early mammalian embryogenesis. It has become clear that the 14-day stage does in fact possess features, which make it a foundational time point for a developing human. Importantly, this stage defines the separation of soma from the germline and marks the boundary between rejuvenation and aging. We explore how different levels of life organization emerge during human development and suggest a new meaning for the 14-day stage in organismal life that is grounded in recent mechanistic advances and insights from aging studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polina A. Loseva
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Vadim N. Gladyshev
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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10
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Rossmann MP, Palis J. Developmental regulation of primitive erythropoiesis. Curr Opin Hematol 2024; 31:71-81. [PMID: 38415349 DOI: 10.1097/moh.0000000000000806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In this review, we present an overview of recent studies of primitive erythropoiesis, focusing on advances in deciphering its embryonic origin, defining species-specific differences in its developmental regulation, and better understanding the molecular and metabolic pathways involved in terminal differentiation. RECENT FINDINGS Single-cell transcriptomics combined with state-of-the-art lineage tracing approaches in unperturbed murine embryos have yielded new insights concerning the origin of the first (primitive) erythroid cells that arise from mesoderm-derived progenitors. Moreover, studies examining primitive erythropoiesis in rare early human embryo samples reveal an overall conservation of primitive erythroid ontogeny in mammals, albeit with some interesting differences such as localization of erythropoietin (EPO) production in the early embryo. Mechanistically, the repertoire of transcription factors that critically regulate primitive erythropoiesis has been expanded to include regulators of transcription elongation, as well as epigenetic modifiers such as the histone methyltransferase DOT1L. For the latter, noncanonical roles aside from enzymatic activity are being uncovered. Lastly, detailed surveys of the metabolic and proteomic landscape of primitive erythroid precursors reveal the activation of key metabolic pathways such as pentose phosphate pathway that are paralleled by a striking loss of mRNA translation machinery. SUMMARY The ability to interrogate single cells in vivo continues to yield new insights into the birth of the first essential organ system of the developing embryo. A comparison of the regulation of primitive and definitive erythropoiesis, as well as the interplay of the different layers of regulation - transcriptional, epigenetic, and metabolic - will be critical in achieving the goal of faithfully generating erythroid cells in vitro for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlies P Rossmann
- Department of Biomedical Genetics and Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center
| | - James Palis
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
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11
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Rossant J. Why study human embryo development? Dev Biol 2024; 509:43-50. [PMID: 38325560 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the processes and mechanisms underlying early human embryo development has become an increasingly active and important area of research. It has potential for insights into important clinical issues such as early pregnancy loss, origins of congenital anomalies and developmental origins of adult disease, as well as fundamental insights into human biology. Improved culture systems for preimplantation embryos, combined with the new tools of single cell genomics and live imaging, are providing new insights into the similarities and differences between human and mouse development. However, access to human embryo material is still restricted and extended culture of early embryos has regulatory and ethical concerns. Stem cell-derived models of different phases of human development can potentially overcome these limitations and provide a scalable source of material to explore the early postimplantation stages of human development. To date, such models are clearly incomplete replicas of normal development but future technological improvements can be envisaged. The ethical and regulatory environment for such studies remains to be fully resolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Rossant
- The Gairdner Foundation and the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, MaRS Centre, Heritage Building, 101 College Street, Suite 335, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada.
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12
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Saadeldin IM, Ehab S, Noreldin AE, Swelum AAA, Bang S, Kim H, Yoon KY, Lee S, Cho J. Current strategies using 3D organoids to establish in vitro maternal-embryonic interaction. J Vet Sci 2024; 25:e40. [PMID: 38834510 PMCID: PMC11156602 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.24004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The creation of robust maternal-embryonic interactions and implantation models is important for comprehending the early stages of embryonic development and reproductive disorders. Traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture systems often fail to accurately mimic the highly complex in vivo conditions. The employment of three-dimensional (3D) organoids has emerged as a promising strategy to overcome these limitations in recent years. The advancements in the field of organoid technology have opened new avenues for studying the physiology and diseases affecting female reproductive tract. OBSERVATIONS This review summarizes the current strategies and advancements in the field of 3D organoids to establish maternal-embryonic interaction and implantation models for use in research and personalized medicine in assisted reproductive technology. The concepts of endometrial organoids, menstrual blood flow organoids, placental trophoblast organoids, stem cell-derived blastoids, and in vitro-generated embryo models are discussed in detail. We show the incorportaion of organoid systems and microfluidic technology to enhance tissue performance and precise management of the cellular surroundings. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This review provides insights into the future direction of modeling maternal-embryonic interaction research and its combination with other powerful technologies to interfere with this dialogue either by promoting or hindering it for improving fertility or methods for contraception, respectively. The merging of organoid systems with microfluidics facilitates the creation of sophisticated and functional organoid models, enhancing insights into organ development, disease mechanisms, and personalized medical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Islam Mohamed Saadeldin
- Comparative Medicine Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Seif Ehab
- Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Science and Technology, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza 11341, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Elsayed Noreldin
- Department of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, the Scientific Campus, Damanhour 22511, Egypt
| | - Ayman Abdel-Aziz Swelum
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Seonggyu Bang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Hyejin Kim
- Division in Biomedical Art, Department of Fine Art, Incheon Catholic University Graduate School, Incheon 21986, Korea
| | - Ki Young Yoon
- Department of Companion Animal, Shingu College, Seongnam 13174, Korea
| | - Sanghoon Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea
| | - Jongki Cho
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea.
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13
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Cerneckis J, Cai H, Shi Y. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs): molecular mechanisms of induction and applications. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:112. [PMID: 38670977 PMCID: PMC11053163 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01809-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology has transformed in vitro research and holds great promise to advance regenerative medicine. iPSCs have the capacity for an almost unlimited expansion, are amenable to genetic engineering, and can be differentiated into most somatic cell types. iPSCs have been widely applied to model human development and diseases, perform drug screening, and develop cell therapies. In this review, we outline key developments in the iPSC field and highlight the immense versatility of the iPSC technology for in vitro modeling and therapeutic applications. We begin by discussing the pivotal discoveries that revealed the potential of a somatic cell nucleus for reprogramming and led to successful generation of iPSCs. We consider the molecular mechanisms and dynamics of somatic cell reprogramming as well as the numerous methods available to induce pluripotency. Subsequently, we discuss various iPSC-based cellular models, from mono-cultures of a single cell type to complex three-dimensional organoids, and how these models can be applied to elucidate the mechanisms of human development and diseases. We use examples of neurological disorders, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and cancer to highlight the diversity of disease-specific phenotypes that can be modeled using iPSC-derived cells. We also consider how iPSC-derived cellular models can be used in high-throughput drug screening and drug toxicity studies. Finally, we discuss the process of developing autologous and allogeneic iPSC-based cell therapies and their potential to alleviate human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Cerneckis
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
- Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Hongxia Cai
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Yanhong Shi
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA.
- Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA.
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14
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Saha D, Animireddy S, Bartholomew B. The SWI/SNF ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complex in cell lineage priming and early development. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:603-616. [PMID: 38572912 PMCID: PMC11088921 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
ATP dependent chromatin remodelers have pivotal roles in transcription, DNA replication and repair, and maintaining genome integrity. SWI/SNF remodelers were first discovered in yeast genetic screens for factors involved in mating type switching or for using alternative energy sources therefore termed SWI/SNF complex (short for SWItch/Sucrose NonFermentable). The SWI/SNF complexes utilize energy from ATP hydrolysis to disrupt histone-DNA interactions and shift, eject, or reposition nucleosomes making the underlying DNA more accessible to specific transcription factors and other regulatory proteins. In development, SWI/SNF orchestrates the precise activation and repression of genes at different stages, safe guards the formation of specific cell lineages and tissues. Dysregulation of SWI/SNF have been implicated in diseases such as cancer, where they can drive uncontrolled cell proliferation and tumor metastasis. Additionally, SWI/SNF defects are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, leading to disruption of neural development and function. This review offers insights into recent developments regarding the roles of the SWI/SNF complex in pluripotency and cell lineage primining and the approaches that have helped delineate its importance. Understanding these molecular mechanisms is crucial for unraveling the intricate processes governing embryonic stem cell biology and developmental transitions and may potentially apply to human diseases linked to mutations in the SWI/SNF complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhurjhoti Saha
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Epigenetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, U.S.A
| | - Srinivas Animireddy
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Epigenetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, U.S.A
| | - Blaine Bartholomew
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Epigenetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, U.S.A
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15
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Azagury M, Buganim Y. Unlocking trophectoderm mysteries: In vivo and in vitro perspectives on human and mouse trophoblast fate induction. Dev Cell 2024; 59:941-960. [PMID: 38653193 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, the pursuit of inducing the trophoblast stem cell (TSC) state has gained prominence as a compelling research objective, illuminating the establishment of the trophoblast lineage and unlocking insights into early embryogenesis. In this review, we examine how advancements in diverse technologies, including in vivo time course transcriptomics, cellular reprogramming to TSC state, chemical induction of totipotent stem-cell-like state, and stem-cell-based embryo-like structures, have enriched our insights into the intricate molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways that define the mouse and human trophectoderm/TSC states. We delve into disparities between mouse and human trophectoderm/TSC fate establishment, with a special emphasis on the intriguing role of pluripotency in this context. Additionally, we re-evaluate recent findings concerning the potential of totipotent-stem-like cells and embryo-like structures to fully manifest the trophectoderm/trophoblast lineage's capabilities. Lastly, we briefly discuss the potential applications of induced TSCs in pregnancy-related disease modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meir Azagury
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Yosef Buganim
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel.
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16
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Rodriguez-Polo I, Moris N. Using embryo models to understand the development and progression of embryonic lineages: a focus on primordial germ cell development. Cells Tissues Organs 2024:000538275. [PMID: 38479364 DOI: 10.1159/000538275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recapitulating mammalian cell type differentiation in vitro promises to improve our understanding of how these processes happen in vivo, while bringing additional prospects for biomedical applications. The establishment of stem cell-derived embryo models and embryonic organoids, which have experienced explosive growth over the last few years, open new avenues for research due to their scale, reproducibility, and accessibility. Embryo models mimic various developmental stages, exhibit different degrees of complexity, and can be established across species. Since embryo models exhibit multiple lineages organised spatially and temporally, they are likely to provide cellular niches that, to some degree, recapitulate the embryonic setting and enable "co-development" between cell types and neighbouring populations. One example where this is already apparent is in the case of primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs). SUMMARY While directed differentiation protocols enable the efficient generation of high PGCLC numbers, embryo models provide an attractive alternative as they enable the study of interactions of PGCLCs with neighbouring cells, alongside the regulatory molecular and biophysical mechanisms of PGC competency. Additionally, some embryo models can recapitulate post-specification stages of PGC development (including migration or gametogenesis), mimicking the inductive signals pushing PGCLCs to mature and differentiate, and enabling the study of PGCLC development across stages. Therefore, in vitro models may allow us to address questions of cell type differentiation, and PGC development specifically, that have hitherto been out of reach with existing systems. KEY MESSAGE This review evaluates the current advances in stem cell-based embryo models, with a focus on their potential to model cell type-specific differentiation in general, and in particular to address open questions in PGC development and gametogenesis.
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17
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Lodewijk GA, Kozuki S, Han C, Topacio BR, Zargari A, Lee S, Knight G, Ashton R, Qi LS, Shariati SA. Self-organization of embryonic stem cells into a reproducible embryo model through epigenome editing. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.05.583597. [PMID: 38496557 PMCID: PMC10942404 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.05.583597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) can self-organize in vitro into developmental patterns with spatial organization and molecular similarity to that of early embryonic stages. This self-organization of ESCs requires transmission of signaling cues, via addition of small molecule chemicals or recombinant proteins, to induce distinct embryonic cellular fates and subsequent assembly into structures that can mimic aspects of early embryonic development. During natural embryonic development, different embryonic cell types co-develop together, where each cell type expresses specific fate-inducing transcription factors through activation of non-coding regulatory elements and interactions with neighboring cells. However, previous studies have not fully explored the possibility of engineering endogenous regulatory elements to shape self-organization of ESCs into spatially-ordered embryo models. Here, we hypothesized that cell-intrinsic activation of a minimum number of such endogenous regulatory elements is sufficient to self-organize ESCs into early embryonic models. Our results show that CRISPR-based activation (CRISPRa) of only two endogenous regulatory elements in the genome of pluripotent stem cells is sufficient to generate embryonic patterns that show spatial and molecular resemblance to that of pre-gastrulation mouse embryonic development. Quantitative single-cell live fluorescent imaging showed that the emergence of spatially-ordered embryonic patterns happens through the intrinsic induction of cell fate that leads to an orchestrated collective cellular motion. Based on these results, we propose a straightforward approach to efficiently form 3D embryo models through intrinsic CRISPRa-based epigenome editing and independent of external signaling cues. CRISPRa-Programmed Embryo Models (CPEMs) show highly consistent composition of major embryonic cell types that are spatially-organized, with nearly 80% of the structures forming an embryonic cavity. Single cell transcriptomics confirmed the presence of main embryonic cell types in CPEMs with transcriptional similarity to pre-gastrulation mouse embryos and revealed novel signaling communication links between different embryonic cell types. Our findings offer a programmable embryo model and demonstrate that minimum intrinsic epigenome editing is sufficient to self-organize ESCs into highly consistent pre-gastrulation embryo models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerrald A Lodewijk
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
- Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
- Institute for The Biology of Stem Cells, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
- Equal contribution to this work
| | - Sayaka Kozuki
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
- Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
- Institute for The Biology of Stem Cells, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
- Equal contribution to this work
| | - Clara Han
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
- Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
- Institute for The Biology of Stem Cells, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
| | - Benjamin R Topacio
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
- Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
- Institute for The Biology of Stem Cells, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
| | - Abolfazl Zargari
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
| | - Seungho Lee
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
- Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
- Institute for The Biology of Stem Cells, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
| | - Gavin Knight
- Neurosetta LLC, Madison, WI
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, Madison, WI
| | - Randolph Ashton
- Neurosetta LLC, Madison, WI
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, Madison, WI
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Lei S Qi
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
- Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - S Ali Shariati
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
- Genomics Institute, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
- Institute for The Biology of Stem Cells, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA
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18
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Du P, Wu J. Hallmarks of totipotent and pluripotent stem cell states. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:312-333. [PMID: 38382531 PMCID: PMC10939785 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Though totipotency and pluripotency are transient during early embryogenesis, they establish the foundation for the development of all mammals. Studying these in vivo has been challenging due to limited access and ethical constraints, particularly in humans. Recent progress has led to diverse culture adaptations of epiblast cells in vitro in the form of totipotent and pluripotent stem cells, which not only deepen our understanding of embryonic development but also serve as invaluable resources for animal reproduction and regenerative medicine. This review delves into the hallmarks of totipotent and pluripotent stem cells, shedding light on their key molecular and functional features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Du
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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19
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Hislop J, Song Q, Keshavarz F K, Alavi A, Schoenberger R, LeGraw R, Velazquez JJ, Mokhtari T, Taheri MN, Rytel M, Chuva de Sousa Lopes SM, Watkins S, Stolz D, Kiani S, Sozen B, Bar-Joseph Z, Ebrahimkhani MR. Modelling post-implantation human development to yolk sac blood emergence. Nature 2024; 626:367-376. [PMID: 38092041 PMCID: PMC10849971 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06914-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Implantation of the human embryo begins a critical developmental stage that comprises profound events including axis formation, gastrulation and the emergence of haematopoietic system1,2. Our mechanistic knowledge of this window of human life remains limited due to restricted access to in vivo samples for both technical and ethical reasons3-5. Stem cell models of human embryo have emerged to help unlock the mysteries of this stage6-16. Here we present a genetically inducible stem cell-derived embryoid model of early post-implantation human embryogenesis that captures the reciprocal codevelopment of embryonic tissue and the extra-embryonic endoderm and mesoderm niche with early haematopoiesis. This model is produced from induced pluripotent stem cells and shows unanticipated self-organizing cellular programmes similar to those that occur in embryogenesis, including the formation of amniotic cavity and bilaminar disc morphologies as well as the generation of an anterior hypoblast pole and posterior domain. The extra-embryonic layer in these embryoids lacks trophoblast and shows advanced multilineage yolk sac tissue-like morphogenesis that harbours a process similar to distinct waves of haematopoiesis, including the emergence of erythroid-, megakaryocyte-, myeloid- and lymphoid-like cells. This model presents an easy-to-use, high-throughput, reproducible and scalable platform to probe multifaceted aspects of human development and blood formation at the early post-implantation stage. It will provide a tractable human-based model for drug testing and disease modelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Hislop
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Division of Experimental Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Qi Song
- Computational Biology Department, School of Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Machine Learning Department, School of Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kamyar Keshavarz F
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Division of Experimental Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Amir Alavi
- Computational Biology Department, School of Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Machine Learning Department, School of Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Rayna Schoenberger
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Division of Experimental Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ryan LeGraw
- Department of Pathology, Division of Experimental Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jeremy J Velazquez
- Department of Pathology, Division of Experimental Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Tahere Mokhtari
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Division of Experimental Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mohammad Naser Taheri
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Division of Experimental Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Matthew Rytel
- Department of Pathology, Division of Experimental Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Simon Watkins
- Center for Biologic Imaging, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Physiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Donna Stolz
- Center for Biologic Imaging, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Physiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Samira Kiani
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Division of Experimental Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Berna Sozen
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ziv Bar-Joseph
- Computational Biology Department, School of Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Machine Learning Department, School of Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mo R Ebrahimkhani
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Division of Experimental Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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20
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Okubo T, Rivron N, Kabata M, Masaki H, Kishimoto K, Semi K, Nakajima-Koyama M, Kunitomi H, Kaswandy B, Sato H, Nakauchi H, Woltjen K, Saitou M, Sasaki E, Yamamoto T, Takashima Y. Hypoblast from human pluripotent stem cells regulates epiblast development. Nature 2024; 626:357-366. [PMID: 38052228 PMCID: PMC10849967 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06871-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Recently, several studies using cultures of human embryos together with single-cell RNA-seq analyses have revealed differences between humans and mice, necessitating the study of human embryos1-8. Despite the importance of human embryology, ethical and legal restrictions have limited post-implantation-stage studies. Thus, recent efforts have focused on developing in vitro self-organizing models using human stem cells9-17. Here, we report genetic and non-genetic approaches to generate authentic hypoblast cells (naive hPSC-derived hypoblast-like cells (nHyCs))-known to give rise to one of the two extraembryonic tissues essential for embryonic development-from naive human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). Our nHyCs spontaneously assemble with naive hPSCs to form a three-dimensional bilaminar structure (bilaminoids) with a pro-amniotic-like cavity. In the presence of additional naive hPSC-derived analogues of the second extraembryonic tissue, the trophectoderm, the efficiency of bilaminoid formation increases from 20% to 40%, and the epiblast within the bilaminoids continues to develop in response to trophectoderm-secreted IL-6. Furthermore, we show that bilaminoids robustly recapitulate the patterning of the anterior-posterior axis and the formation of cells reflecting the pregastrula stage, the emergence of which can be shaped by genetically manipulating the DKK1/OTX2 hypoblast-like domain. We have therefore successfully modelled and identified the mechanisms by which the two extraembryonic tissues efficiently guide the stage-specific growth and progression of the epiblast as it establishes the post-implantation landmarks of human embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Okubo
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Nicolas Rivron
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Mio Kabata
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hideki Masaki
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Advanced Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Katsunori Semi
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - May Nakajima-Koyama
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Haruko Kunitomi
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Belinda Kaswandy
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Sato
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Advanced Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiromitsu Nakauchi
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Advanced Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Knut Woltjen
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mitinori Saitou
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (WPI-ASHBi), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Erika Sasaki
- Central Institute for Experimental Animals, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Takuya Yamamoto
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
- Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (WPI-ASHBi), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
- Medical-risk Avoidance Based on iPS Cells Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project (AIP), Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Yasuhiro Takashima
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
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21
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Handford CE, Junyent S, Jorgensen V, Zernicka-Goetz M. Topical section: embryonic models (2023) for Current Opinion in Genetics & Development. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2024; 84:102134. [PMID: 38052116 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Stem cell-based mammalian embryo models facilitate the discovery of developmental mechanisms because they are more amenable to genetic and epigenetic perturbations than natural embryos. Here, we highlight exciting recent advances that have yielded a plethora of models of embryonic development. Imperfections in these models highlight gaps in our current understanding and outline future research directions, ushering in an exciting new era for embryology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte E Handford
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA. https://twitter.com/@CEHandford
| | - Sergi Junyent
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA. https://twitter.com/@JunyentSergi
| | - Victoria Jorgensen
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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22
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Martinez JL, Piciw JG, Crockett M, Sorci IA, Makwana N, Sirois CL, Giffin-Rao Y, Bhattacharyya A. Transcriptional consequences of trisomy 21 on neural induction. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1341141. [PMID: 38357436 PMCID: PMC10865501 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1341141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Down syndrome, caused by trisomy 21, is a complex developmental disorder associated with intellectual disability and reduced growth of multiple organs. Structural pathologies are present at birth, reflecting embryonic origins. A fundamental unanswered question is how an extra copy of human chromosome 21 contributes to organ-specific pathologies that characterize individuals with Down syndrome, and, relevant to the hallmark intellectual disability in Down syndrome, how trisomy 21 affects neural development. We tested the hypothesis that trisomy 21 exerts effects on human neural development as early as neural induction. Methods Bulk RNA sequencing was performed on isogenic trisomy 21 and euploid human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) at successive stages of neural induction: embryoid bodies at Day 6, early neuroectoderm at Day 10, and differentiated neuroectoderm at Day 17. Results Gene expression analysis revealed over 1,300 differentially expressed genes in trisomy 21 cells along the differentiation pathway compared to euploid controls. Less than 5% of the gene expression changes included upregulated chromosome 21 encoded genes at every timepoint. Genes involved in specific growth factor signaling pathways (WNT and Notch), metabolism (including oxidative stress), and extracellular matrix were altered in trisomy 21 cells. Further analysis uncovered heterochronic expression of genes. Conclusion Trisomy 21 impacts discrete developmental pathways at the earliest stages of neural development. The results suggest that metabolic dysfunction arises early in embryogenesis in trisomy 21 and may affect development and function more broadly.
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Affiliation(s)
- José L. Martinez
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Jennifer G. Piciw
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Madeline Crockett
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Isabella A. Sorci
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Nikunj Makwana
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Carissa L. Sirois
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | | | - Anita Bhattacharyya
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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23
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Guo M, Wu J, Chen C, Wang X, Gong A, Guan W, Karvas RM, Wang K, Min M, Wang Y, Theunissen TW, Gao S, Silva JCR. Self-renewing human naïve pluripotent stem cells dedifferentiate in 3D culture and form blastoids spontaneously. Nat Commun 2024; 15:668. [PMID: 38253551 PMCID: PMC10803796 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44969-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Human naïve pluripotent stem cells (hnPSCs) can generate integrated models of blastocysts termed blastoids upon switch to inductive medium. However, the underlying mechanisms remain obscure. Here we report that self-renewing hnPSCs spontaneously and efficiently give rise to blastoids upon three dimensional (3D) suspension culture. The spontaneous blastoids mimic early stage human blastocysts in terms of structure, size, and transcriptome characteristics and are capable of progressing to post-implantation stages. This property is conferred by the glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) signalling inhibitor IM-12 present in 5iLAF self-renewing medium. IM-12 upregulates oxidative phosphorylation-associated genes that underly the capacity of hnPSCs to generate blastoids spontaneously. Starting from day one of self-organization, hnPSCs at the boundary of all 3D aggregates dedifferentiate into E5 embryo-like intermediates. Intermediates co-express SOX2/OCT4 and GATA6 and by day 3 specify trophoblast fate, which coincides with cavity and blastoid formation. In summary, spontaneous blastoid formation results from 3D culture triggering dedifferentiation of hnPSCs into earlier embryo-like intermediates which are then competent to segregate blastocyst fates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyue Guo
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong, China.
- Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong, China.
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510700, China.
| | - Jinyi Wu
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong, China
- Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong, China
| | - Chuanxin Chen
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong, China
- Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong, China
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510700, China
| | - Xinggu Wang
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong, China
| | - An Gong
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong, China
- Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong, China
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510700, China
| | - Wei Guan
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong, China
| | - Rowan M Karvas
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Kexin Wang
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong, China
| | - Mingwei Min
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong, China
| | - Yixuan Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Thorold W Theunissen
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Shaorong Gao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - José C R Silva
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong, China.
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24
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Yang Y, Jia W, Luo Z, Li Y, Liu H, Fu L, Li J, Jiang Y, Lai J, Li H, Saeed BJ, Zou Y, Lv Y, Wu L, Zhou T, Shan Y, Liu C, Lai Y, Liu L, Hutchins AP, Esteban MA, Mazid MA, Li W. VGLL1 cooperates with TEAD4 to control human trophectoderm lineage specification. Nat Commun 2024; 15:583. [PMID: 38233381 PMCID: PMC10794710 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44780-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
In contrast to rodents, the mechanisms underlying human trophectoderm and early placenta specification are understudied due to ethical barriers and the scarcity of embryos. Recent reports have shown that human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) can differentiate into trophectoderm (TE)-like cells (TELCs) and trophoblast stem cells (TSCs), offering a valuable in vitro model to study early placenta specification. Here, we demonstrate that the VGLL1 (vestigial-like family member 1), which is highly expressed during human and non-human primate TE specification in vivo but is negligibly expressed in mouse, is a critical regulator of cell fate determination and self-renewal in human TELCs and TSCs derived from naïve PSCs. Mechanistically, VGLL1 partners with the transcription factor TEAD4 (TEA domain transcription factor 4) to regulate chromatin accessibility at target gene loci through histone acetylation and acts in cooperation with GATA3 and TFAP2C. Our work is relevant to understand primate early embryogenesis and how it differs from other mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueli Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wenqi Jia
- Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiwei Luo
- Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunpan Li
- Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Liu
- Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lixin Fu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jinxiu Li
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Junjian Lai
- Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
| | - Haiwei Li
- Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Babangida Jabir Saeed
- Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Zou
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuan Lv
- Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liang Wu
- Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting Zhou
- Stem Cell Research Facility, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yongli Shan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Yiwei Lai
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
- BGI Research, Hangzhou, China
| | - Longqi Liu
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, China
- BGI Research, Hangzhou, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Andrew P Hutchins
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Miguel A Esteban
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Key Laboratory for Zoonosis Research of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China.
- Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Guangzhou, China.
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China.
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, China.
- BGI Research, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Md Abdul Mazid
- Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Guangzhou, China.
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Wenjuan Li
- Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Guangzhou, China.
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China.
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25
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De Santis R, Rice E, Croft G, Yang M, Rosado-Olivieri EA, Brivanlou AH. The emergence of human gastrulation upon in vitro attachment. Stem Cell Reports 2024; 19:41-53. [PMID: 38101401 PMCID: PMC10828709 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
While studied extensively in model systems, human gastrulation remains obscure. The scarcity of fetal biological material as well as ethical considerations limit our understanding of this process. In vitro attachment of natural blastocysts shed light on aspects of the second week of human development in the absence of the morphological manifestation of gastrulation. Stem cell-derived blastocyst models, blastoids, provide the opportunity to reconstitute pre- to post-implantation development in vitro. Here we show that upon in vitro attachment, human blastoids self-organize a BRA+ population and undergo gastrulation. Single-cell RNA sequencing of these models replicates the transcriptomic signature of the human gastrula. Analysis of developmental timing reveals that in both blastoid models and natural human embryos, the onset of gastrulation as defined by molecular markers, can be traced to timescales equivalent to 12 days post fertilization. In all, natural human embryos and blastoid models self-organize primitive streak and mesoderm derivatives upon in vitro attachment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo De Santis
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Molecular Embryology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eleni Rice
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Molecular Embryology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gist Croft
- The New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Min Yang
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Molecular Embryology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Edwin A Rosado-Olivieri
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Molecular Embryology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ali H Brivanlou
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Molecular Embryology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
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26
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Venkatesh A, Iltis AS, Matthews KRW. Transparency in controversial research: A review of human embryo research publication ethical disclosure statements. Stem Cell Reports 2024; 19:28-36. [PMID: 38134926 PMCID: PMC10828690 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2021, the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) released updated guidelines that included human embryo research guidance. Requiring ethics statements in publications using human embryos is one way to verify adherence to these guidelines. A review of top-tier biomedical journal requirements identified only one publisher that requires a human embryo statement. A review of articles using human embryos from top-tier biomedical journals found that all contain some form of ethics statement, but they differ in content and location. Requiring ethics statements with specific elements could improve transparency and adherence to research guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshaya Venkatesh
- Baker Institute of Public Policy, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Ana S Iltis
- Baker Institute of Public Policy, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA; Department of Philosophy and Center for Bioethics, Health and Society, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27109, USA
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27
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Yang Q, Burstein E, Jia D. Human peri-gastruloids: a significant advancement in embryology research. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e445. [PMID: 38163088 PMCID: PMC10757121 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The peri-gastruloids comprise both embryonic (epiblast) and extraembryonic (hypoblast) tissues, faithfully mirroring crucial developmental events spanning from the immediate post-implantation phase to early organogenesis, encompassing the emergence of amniotic and yolk sac cavities, as well as the progression from bilaminar to trilaminar embryonic discs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and ChildrenDepartment of PaediatricsWest China Second University Hospital, State Key Laboratory of BiotherapySichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Ezra Burstein
- Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTexasUSA
| | - Da Jia
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and ChildrenDepartment of PaediatricsWest China Second University Hospital, State Key Laboratory of BiotherapySichuan UniversityChengduChina
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28
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Guo Y, Li TD, Modzelewski AJ, Siomi H. Retrotransposon renaissance in early embryos. Trends Genet 2024; 40:39-51. [PMID: 37949723 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2023.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite being the predominant genetic elements in mammalian genomes, retrotransposons were often dismissed as genomic parasites with ambiguous biological significance. However, recent studies reveal their functional involvement in early embryogenesis, encompassing crucial processes such as zygotic genome activation (ZGA) and cell fate decision. This review underscores the paradigm shift in our understanding of retrotransposon roles during early preimplantation development, as well as their rich functional reservoir that is exploited by the host to provide cis-regulatory elements, noncoding RNAs, and functional proteins. The rapid advancement in long-read sequencing, low input multiomics profiling, advanced in vitro systems, and precise gene editing techniques encourages further dissection of retrotransposon functions that were once obscured by the intricacies of their genomic footprints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youjia Guo
- Department of Molecular Biology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Ten D Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4539, USA
| | - Andrew J Modzelewski
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4539, USA.
| | - Haruhiko Siomi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Human Biology Microbiome Quantum Research Center (WPI-Bio2Q), Keio University, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
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29
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Denker HW. Embryoids, models, embryos? We need to take a new look at legal norms concerning the beginning of organismic development. Mol Hum Reprod 2023; 30:gaad047. [PMID: 38113415 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaad047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
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30
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Stringa B, Solnica-Krezel L. Signaling mechanisms that direct cell fate specification and morphogenesis in human embryonic stem cells-based models of human gastrulation. Emerg Top Life Sci 2023; 7:383-396. [PMID: 38087898 DOI: 10.1042/etls20230084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
During mammalian gastrulation, a mass of pluripotent cells surrounded by extraembryonic tissues differentiates into germ layers, mesoderm, endoderm, and ectoderm. The three germ layers are then organized into a body plan with organ rudiments via morphogenetic gastrulation movements of emboly, epiboly, convergence, and extension. Emboly is the most conserved gastrulation movement, whereby mesodermal and endodermal progenitors undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and move via a blastopore/primitive streak beneath the ectoderm. Decades of embryologic, genetic, and molecular studies in invertebrates and vertebrates, delineated a BMP > WNT > NODAL signaling cascade underlying mesoderm and endoderm specification. Advances have been made in the research animals in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying gastrulation morphogenesis. In contrast, little is known about human gastrulation, which occurs in utero during the third week of gestation and its investigations face ethical and methodological limitations. This is changing with the unprecedented progress in modeling aspects of human development, using human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), including embryonic stem cells (hESC)-based embryo-like models (SCEMs). In one approach, hESCs of various pluripotency are aggregated to self-assemble into structures that resemble pre-implantation or post-implantation embryo-like structures that progress to early gastrulation, and some even reach segmentation and neurulation stages. Another approach entails coaxing hESCs with biochemical signals to generate germ layers and model aspects of gastrulation morphogenesis, such as EMT. Here, we review the recent advances in understanding signaling cascades that direct germ layers specification and the early stages of gastrulation morphogenesis in these models. We discuss outstanding questions, challenges, and opportunities for this promising area of developmental biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blerta Stringa
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, U.S.A
| | - Lilianna Solnica-Krezel
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, U.S.A
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31
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Simpson L, Alberio R. Interspecies control of development during mammalian gastrulation. Emerg Top Life Sci 2023; 7:397-408. [PMID: 37933589 PMCID: PMC10754326 DOI: 10.1042/etls20230083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Gastrulation represents a pivotal phase of development and aberrations during this period can have major consequences, from minor anatomical deviations to severe congenital defects. Animal models are used to study gastrulation, however, there is considerable morphological and molecular diversity of gastrula across mammalian species. Here, we provide an overview of the latest research on interspecies developmental control across mammals. This includes single-cell atlases of several mammalian gastrula which have enabled comparisons of the temporal and molecular dynamics of differentiation. These studies highlight conserved cell differentiation regulators and both absolute and relative differences in differentiation dynamics between species. Recent advances in in vitro culture techniques have facilitated the derivation, maintenance and differentiation of cell lines from a range of species and the creation of multi-species models of gastrulation. Gastruloids are three-dimensional aggregates capable of self-organising and recapitulating aspects of gastrulation. Such models enable species comparisons outside the confines of the embryo. We highlight recent in vitro evidence that differentiation processes such as somitogenesis and neuronal maturation scale with known in vivo differences in developmental tempo across species. This scaling is likely due to intrinsic differences in cell biochemistry. We also highlight several studies which provide examples of cell differentiation dynamics being influenced by extrinsic factors, including culture conditions, chimeric co-culture, and xenotransplantation. These collective studies underscore the complexity of gastrulation across species, highlighting the necessity of additional datasets and studies to decipher the intricate balance between intrinsic cellular programs and extrinsic signals in shaping embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Simpson
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, U.K
| | - Ramiro Alberio
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, U.K
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32
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Lin HC, Makhlouf A, Vazquez Echegaray C, Zawada D, Simões F. Programming human cell fate: overcoming challenges and unlocking potential through technological breakthroughs. Development 2023; 150:dev202300. [PMID: 38078653 PMCID: PMC10753584 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, there have been notable advancements in the ability to programme human cell identity, enabling us to design and manipulate cell function in a Petri dish. However, current protocols for generating target cell types often lack efficiency and precision, resulting in engineered cells that do not fully replicate the desired identity or functional output. This applies to different methods of cell programming, which face similar challenges that hinder progress and delay the achievement of a more favourable outcome. However, recent technological and analytical breakthroughs have provided us with unprecedented opportunities to advance the way we programme cell fate. The Company of Biologists' 2023 workshop on 'Novel Technologies for Programming Human Cell Fate' brought together experts in human cell fate engineering and experts in single-cell genomics, manipulation and characterisation of cells on a single (sub)cellular level. Here, we summarise the main points that emerged during the workshop's themed discussions. Furthermore, we provide specific examples highlighting the current state of the field as well as its trajectory, offering insights into the potential outcomes resulting from the application of these breakthrough technologies in precisely engineering the identity and function of clinically valuable human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiu-Chuan Lin
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, 4057 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Aly Makhlouf
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Camila Vazquez Echegaray
- Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund Stem Cell Centre, Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Dorota Zawada
- First Department of Medicine, Cardiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health, 81675 Munich, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Munich Heart Alliance, 80636 Munich, Germany
- Regenerative Medicine in Cardiovascular Diseases, First Department of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Filipa Simões
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7TY, UK
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33
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Brumbaugh J, Aguado BA, Lysaght T, Goldstein LSB. Human fetal tissue is critical for biomedical research. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:2300-2312. [PMID: 37977142 PMCID: PMC10724055 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Human fetal tissue and cells derived from fetal tissue are crucial for biomedical research. Fetal tissues and cells are used to study both normal development and developmental disorders. They are broadly applied in vaccine development and production. Further, research using cells from fetal tissue is instrumental for studying many infectious diseases, including a broad range of viruses. These widespread applications underscore the value of fetal tissue research and reflect an important point: cells derived from fetal tissues have capabilities that cells from other sources do not. In many cases, increased functionality of cells derived from fetal tissues arises from increased proliferative capacity, ability to survive in culture, and developmental potential that is attenuated in adult tissues. This review highlights important, representative applications of fetal tissue for science and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Brumbaugh
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA; University of Colorado Cancer Center, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Charles C. Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Brian A Aguado
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Tamra Lysaght
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lawrence S B Goldstein
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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34
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Wilkinson AL, Zorzan I, Rugg-Gunn PJ. Epigenetic regulation of early human embryo development. Cell Stem Cell 2023; 30:1569-1584. [PMID: 37858333 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Studies of mammalian development have advanced our understanding of the genetic, epigenetic, and cellular processes that orchestrate embryogenesis and have uncovered new insights into the unique aspects of human embryogenesis. Recent studies have now produced the first epigenetic maps of early human embryogenesis, stimulating new ideas about epigenetic reprogramming, cell fate control, and the potential mechanisms underpinning developmental plasticity in human embryos. In this review, we discuss these new insights into the epigenetic regulation of early human development and the importance of these processes for safeguarding development. We also highlight unanswered questions and key challenges that remain to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Irene Zorzan
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Peter J Rugg-Gunn
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, UK.
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35
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Method of the Year 2023: methods for modeling development. Nat Methods 2023; 20:1831-1832. [PMID: 38057526 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-023-02134-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
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36
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Bowlby B. Cradle cultures: growing stem cell-derived developmental cell models in vitro. Biotechniques 2023; 75:227-230. [PMID: 37968924 DOI: 10.2144/btn-2023-0100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
How are three stem cell-derived developmental cell models furthering our understanding of post-implantation human embryo development? And why have recent advancements in these human embryo-like models spurred ethical discussion and the need to refine our definition of 'embryo'? [Formula: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Bowlby
- Future Science Group, Unitec House, 2 Albert Place, London, N3 1QB, UK
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37
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz
- Division of Biology, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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38
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Hasler JF. Looking back at five decades of embryo technology in practice. Reprod Fertil Dev 2023; 36:1-15. [PMID: 38064185 DOI: 10.1071/rd23120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper covers developments from International Embryo Technology Society (IETS) meetings over the past 50years. The IETS was officially 'born' at a meeting in Denver, Colorado on Sunday 26 May 1974. There have been 51 IETS meetings (the first was in May 1974), and the first conference at which papers were presented was in 1975. The name of the IETS was changed from International Embryo Transfer Society to International Embryo Technology Society in 2016. The annual IETS conferences are held once a year in January. Embryo technology advanced from the laborious and slow techniques of surgical recovery and transfer of bovine embryos to non-surgical recovery and transfer in many species. Cryopreservation of embryos was initially a slow process that met with only moderate technical success before the development of technology that resulted in high embryo survival rates. The polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the sex of embryos following laminar flow cytology, which came into use to separate X- and Y-bearing spermatozoa. IVF has grown to become widely used, and several factors make it more useful than superovulation and embryo recovery/transfer. Perhaps the most important tool of all was the system that allowed the genetic 'mapping' of the genomic sequence of Bos taurus cattle. Charting key DNA differences by scientists, 'haplotypes' are now used routinely to identify animals with desirable traits of economic importance, discover new genetic disorders, and track carrier status of genotyped animals. Future technology is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- John F Hasler
- Vetoquinol USA, Inc., 4250 N. Sylvania Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76137, USA
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Haniffa M, Maartens A, Teichmann SA. How developmental cell atlases inform stem cell embryo models. Nat Methods 2023; 20:1849-1851. [PMID: 38057509 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-023-02072-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Muzlifah Haniffa
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK.
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
- Department of Dermatology and NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
| | | | - Sarah A Teichmann
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK.
- Theory of Condensed Matter Group, Department of Physics, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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41
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From AI to the Y chromosome (and everything in between). Nat Biotechnol 2023; 41:1661-1662. [PMID: 38049559 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-02076-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
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42
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Koshy AM, Mendoza-Parra MA. Retinoids: Mechanisms of Action in Neuronal Cell Fate Acquisition. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2279. [PMID: 38137880 PMCID: PMC10744663 DOI: 10.3390/life13122279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal differentiation has been shown to be directed by retinoid action during embryo development and has been exploited in various in vitro cell differentiation systems. In this review, we summarize the role of retinoids through the activation of their specific retinoic acid nuclear receptors during embryo development and also in a variety of in vitro strategies for neuronal differentiation, including recent efforts in driving cell specialization towards a range of neuronal subtypes and glial cells. Finally, we highlight the role of retinoic acid in recent protocols recapitulating nervous tissue complexity (cerebral organoids). Overall, we expect that this effort might pave the way for exploring the usage of specific synthetic retinoids for directing complex nervous tissue differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Antonio Mendoza-Parra
- UMR 8030 Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, University of Evry-val-d’Essonne, University Paris-Saclay, 91057 Évry, France;
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43
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Lin M, Sigal M. Human embryo models: unveiling sophisticated self-organization of stem cells during post-implantation stages. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:419. [PMID: 37926715 PMCID: PMC10625954 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01677-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Manqiang Lin
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology (BIMSB), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Sigal
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology (BIMSB), Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 10115, Berlin, Germany.
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44
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Ishiuchi T, Sakamoto M. Molecular mechanisms underlying totipotency. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202302225. [PMID: 37666667 PMCID: PMC10480501 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous efforts to understand pluripotency in mammals, using pluripotent stem cells in culture, have enabled the generation of artificially induced pluripotent stem cells, which serve as a valuable source for regenerative medicine and the creation of disease models. In contrast to these tremendous successes in the pluripotency field in the past few decades, our understanding of totipotency, which is highlighted by its broader plasticity than pluripotency, is still limited. This is largely attributable to the scarcity of available materials and the lack of in vitro models. However, recent technological advances have unveiled molecular features that characterize totipotent cells. Single-cell or low-input sequencing technologies allow the dissection of pre- and post-fertilization developmental processes at the molecular level with high resolution. In this review, we describe some of the key findings in understanding totipotency and discuss how totipotency is acquired at the beginning of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Ishiuchi
- https://ror.org/059x21724 Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Mizuki Sakamoto
- https://ror.org/059x21724 Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
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45
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Rossant J. Studying human embryo development with E-assembloids. Cell Res 2023; 33:737-738. [PMID: 37563444 PMCID: PMC10543364 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-023-00863-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Janet Rossant
- The Gairdner Foundation and the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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46
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Agarwal P, Cadart C, Fort L, Gahan J, Greenspan L, Juan T, Kameneva P, Miao Y. Pathway to Independence: the future of developmental biology. Development 2023; 150:dev202360. [PMID: 37812057 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
In 2022, Development launched its Pathway to Independence (PI) Programme, aimed at supporting postdocs as they transition to their first independent position. We selected eight talented researchers as the first cohort of PI Fellows. In this article, each of our Fellows provides their perspective on the future of their field. Together, they paint an exciting picture of the current state of and open questions in developmental biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priti Agarwal
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Clotilde Cadart
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-3200, USA
| | - Loic Fort
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 465 21st Avenue South, U 3200 MRB III, Nashville, TN 37240-7935, USA
| | - James Gahan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Leah Greenspan
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Thomas Juan
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, D-61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Polina Kameneva
- The Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Yuchuan Miao
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School and Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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47
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Oldak B, Wildschutz E, Bondarenko V, Comar MY, Zhao C, Aguilera-Castrejon A, Tarazi S, Viukov S, Pham TXA, Ashouokhi S, Lokshtanov D, Roncato F, Ariel E, Rose M, Livnat N, Shani T, Joubran C, Cohen R, Addadi Y, Chemla M, Kedmi M, Keren-Shaul H, Pasque V, Petropoulos S, Lanner F, Novershtern N, Hanna JH. Complete human day 14 post-implantation embryo models from naive ES cells. Nature 2023; 622:562-573. [PMID: 37673118 PMCID: PMC10584686 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06604-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
The ability to study human post-implantation development remains limited owing to ethical and technical challenges associated with intrauterine development after implantation1. Embryo-like models with spatially organized morphogenesis and structure of all defining embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues of the post-implantation human conceptus (that is, the embryonic disc, the bilaminar disc, the yolk sac, the chorionic sac and the surrounding trophoblast layer) remain lacking1,2. Mouse naive embryonic stem cells have recently been shown to give rise to embryonic and extra-embryonic stem cells capable of self-assembling into post-gastrulation structured stem-cell-based embryo models with spatially organized morphogenesis (called SEMs)3. Here we extend those findings to humans using only genetically unmodified human naive embryonic stem cells (cultured in human enhanced naive stem cell medium conditions)4. Such human fully integrated and complete SEMs recapitulate the organization of nearly all known lineages and compartments of post-implantation human embryos, including the epiblast, the hypoblast, the extra-embryonic mesoderm and the trophoblast layer surrounding the latter compartments. These human complete SEMs demonstrated developmental growth dynamics that resemble key hallmarks of post-implantation stage embryogenesis up to 13-14 days after fertilization (Carnegie stage 6a). These include embryonic disc and bilaminar disc formation, epiblast lumenogenesis, polarized amniogenesis, anterior-posterior symmetry breaking, primordial germ-cell specification, polarized yolk sac with visceral and parietal endoderm formation, extra-embryonic mesoderm expansion that defines a chorionic cavity and a connecting stalk, and a trophoblast-surrounding compartment demonstrating syncytium and lacunae formation. This SEM platform will probably enable the experimental investigation of previously inaccessible windows of human early post implantation up to peri-gastrulation development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernardo Oldak
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Emilie Wildschutz
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Vladyslav Bondarenko
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Mehmet-Yunus Comar
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Cheng Zhao
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Shadi Tarazi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Sergey Viukov
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Thi Xuan Ai Pham
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Leuven Stem Cell Institute, Leuven Institute for Single-cell Omics (LISCO), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Shahd Ashouokhi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Dmitry Lokshtanov
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Francesco Roncato
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Eitan Ariel
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Max Rose
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nir Livnat
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tom Shani
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Carine Joubran
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Roni Cohen
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yoseph Addadi
- Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Muriel Chemla
- Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Merav Kedmi
- Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Hadas Keren-Shaul
- Department of Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Vincent Pasque
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Leuven Stem Cell Institute, Leuven Institute for Single-cell Omics (LISCO), KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sophie Petropoulos
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
- Département de Médecine, Université de Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du Centre, Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal Axe Immunopathologie, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Fredrik Lanner
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden
- Ming Wai Lau Center for Reparative Medicine, Stockholm Node, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Noa Novershtern
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Jacob H Hanna
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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48
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Kim Y, Kim I, Shin K. A new era of stem cell and developmental biology: from blastoids to synthetic embryos and beyond. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:2127-2137. [PMID: 37779144 PMCID: PMC10618288 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01097-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent discoveries in stem cell and developmental biology have introduced a new era marked by the generation of in vitro models that recapitulate early mammalian development, providing unprecedented opportunities for extensive research in embryogenesis. Here, we present an overview of current techniques that model early mammalian embryogenesis, specifically noting models created from stem cells derived from two significant species: Homo sapiens, for its high relevance, and Mus musculus, a historically common and technically advanced model organism. We aim to provide a holistic understanding of these in vitro models by tracing the historical background of the progress made in stem cell biology and discussing the fundamental underlying principles. At each developmental stage, we present corresponding in vitro models that recapitulate the in vivo embryo and further discuss how these models may be used to model diseases. Through a discussion of these models as well as their potential applications and future challenges, we hope to demonstrate how these innovative advances in stem cell research may be further developed to actualize a model to be used in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhee Kim
- School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Inha Kim
- School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Kunyoo Shin
- School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
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49
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Seo S, Patil SL, Ahn YO, Armetta J, Hegewisch-Solloa E, Castillo M, Guilz NC, Patel A, Corneo B, Borowiak M, Gunaratne P, Mace EM. iPSC-based modeling of helicase deficiency reveals impaired cell proliferation and increased apoptosis after NK cell lineage commitment. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.25.559149. [PMID: 37808662 PMCID: PMC10557596 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.25.559149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Cell proliferation is a ubiquitous process required for organismal development and homeostasis. However, individuals with partial loss-of-function variants in DNA replicative helicase components often present with immunodeficiency due to specific loss of natural killer (NK) cells. Such lineage-specific disease phenotypes raise questions on how the proliferation is regulated in cell type-specific manner. We aimed to understand NK cell-specific proliferative dynamics and vulnerability to impaired helicase function using iPSCs from individuals with NK cell deficiency (NKD) due to hereditary compound heterozygous GINS4 variants. We observed and characterized heterogeneous cell populations that arise during the iPSC differentiation along with NK cells. While overall cell proliferation decreased with differentiation, early NK cell precursors showed a short burst of cell proliferation. GINS4 deficiency induced replication stress in these early NK cell precursors, which are poised for apoptosis, and ultimately recapitulate the NKD phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungmae Seo
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York NY 10032
| | - Sagar L Patil
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York NY 10032
| | - Yong-Oon Ahn
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York NY 10032
| | - Jacqueline Armetta
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York NY 10032
| | - Everardo Hegewisch-Solloa
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York NY 10032
| | - Micah Castillo
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA, 77204
| | - Nicole C Guilz
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York NY 10032
| | - Achchhe Patel
- Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA, 10032
| | - Barbara Corneo
- Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA, 10032
| | - Malgorzata Borowiak
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
| | - Preethi Gunaratne
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA, 77204
| | - Emily M Mace
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York NY 10032
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50
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Li H, Chen C, Silva JCR. 3D in vitro culture: a peek into primate gastrulation and organogenesis. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2023; 68:1853-1856. [PMID: 37550148 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2023.07.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Li
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou 510005, China
| | - Chuanxin Chen
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou 510005, China
| | - José C R Silva
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou 510005, China.
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