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Wildey A, Harrington S, Stehno-Bittel L, Karanu F. Reduction of Activin A gives rise to comparable expression of key definitive endoderm and mature beta cell markers. Regen Med 2024; 19:47-63. [PMID: 38240144 DOI: 10.2217/rme-2023-0187] [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: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: Cell therapies for diabetes rely on differentiation of stem cells into insulin-producing cells, which is complex and expensive. Our goal was to evaluate production costs and test ways to reduce it. Methods: Cost of Goods (COGs) analysis for differentiation was completed and the effects of replacement or reduction of the most expensive item was tested using qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry along with glucose-stimulated insulin release. Results: Activin A (AA) was responsible for significant cost. Replacement with small molecules failed to form definitive endoderm (DE). Reducing AA by 50% did not negatively affect expression of beta cell markers. Conclusion: Reduction of AA concentration is feasible without adversely affecting DE and islet-like cell differentiation, leading to significant cost savings in manufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lisa Stehno-Bittel
- Likarda LLC, Kansas City, MO 64137, USA
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
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2
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Chemically defined and xenogeneic-free differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into definitive endoderm in 3D culture. Sci Rep 2019; 9:996. [PMID: 30700818 PMCID: PMC6353891 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-37650-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into definitive endoderm (DE) represents a key step towards somatic cells of lung, liver and pancreas. For future clinical applications, mass production of differentiated cells at chemically defined conditions and free of xenogeneic substances is envisioned. In this study we adapted our previously published two-dimensional (2D) DE induction protocol to three-dimensional (3D) static suspension culture in the absence of the xenogeneic extracellular matrix Matrigel. Next, fetal calf serum and bovine serum albumin present in the standard medium were replaced by a custom-made and xeno-free B-27. This yielded in a chemically defined and xenogeneic-free 3D culture protocol for differentiation of hPSCs into DE at efficiencies similar to standard 2D conditions. This novel protocol successfully worked with different hPSC lines including hESCs and hiPSCs maintained in two different stem cell media prior to differentiation. DE cells obtained by our novel BSA-free 3D protocol could be further differentiated into PDX1- or NKX6.1-expressing pancreatic progenitor cells. Notably, upon DE differentiation, we also identified a CXCR4+/NCAM+/EpCAMlow cell population with reduced DE marker gene expression. These CXCR4+/NCAM+/EpCAMlow cells emerge as a result of Wnt/beta-catenin hyperactivation via elevated CHIR-99021 concentrations and likely represent misspecified DE.
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3
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Network Analysis Identifies Crosstalk Interactions Governing TGF-β Signaling Dynamics during Endoderm Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells. Processes (Basel) 2015. [DOI: 10.3390/pr3020286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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4
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Diekmann U, Lenzen S, Naujok O. A Reliable and Efficient Protocol for Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Differentiation into the Definitive Endoderm Based on Dispersed Single Cells. Stem Cells Dev 2015; 24:190-204. [DOI: 10.1089/scd.2014.0143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ulf Diekmann
- Institute of Clinical Biochemistry, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sigurd Lenzen
- Institute of Clinical Biochemistry, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ortwin Naujok
- Institute of Clinical Biochemistry, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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5
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Kumar SS, Alarfaj AA, Munusamy MA, Singh AJAR, Peng IC, Priya SP, Hamat RA, Higuchi A. Recent developments in β-cell differentiation of pluripotent stem cells induced by small and large molecules. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:23418-47. [PMID: 25526563 PMCID: PMC4284775 DOI: 10.3390/ijms151223418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Revised: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells, including human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), hold promise as novel therapeutic tools for diabetes treatment because of their self-renewal capacity and ability to differentiate into beta (β)-cells. Small and large molecules play important roles in each stage of β-cell differentiation from both hESCs and hiPSCs. The small and large molecules that are described in this review have significantly advanced efforts to cure diabetic disease. Lately, effective protocols have been implemented to induce hESCs and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) to differentiate into functional β-cells. Several small molecules, proteins, and growth factors promote pancreatic differentiation from hESCs and hMSCs. These small molecules (e.g., cyclopamine, wortmannin, retinoic acid, and sodium butyrate) and large molecules (e.g. activin A, betacellulin, bone morphogentic protein (BMP4), epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), noggin, transforming growth factor (TGF-α), and WNT3A) are thought to contribute from the initial stages of definitive endoderm formation to the final stages of maturation of functional endocrine cells. We discuss the importance of such small and large molecules in uniquely optimized protocols of β-cell differentiation from stem cells. A global understanding of various small and large molecules and their functions will help to establish an efficient protocol for β-cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Suresh Kumar
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Universities Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Abdullah A Alarfaj
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Murugan A Munusamy
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
| | - A J A Ranjith Singh
- Department of Bioscience, Jacintha Peter College of Arts and Sciences, Ayakudi, Tenkasi, Tamilnadu 627852, India.
| | - I-Chia Peng
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, No. 300, Jhongda RD., Jhongli, Taoyuan 32001, Taiwan.
| | - Sivan Padma Priya
- Department of Basic Science and Department of Surgical Sciences, Ajman University of Science and Technology-Fujairah Campus, P.O. Box 9520, Al Fujairah, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Rukman Awang Hamat
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Universities Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Akon Higuchi
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
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6
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Lopez AD, Kayali AG, Hayek A, King CC. Isolation, culture, and imaging of human fetal pancreatic cell clusters. J Vis Exp 2014. [PMID: 24895054 PMCID: PMC4193289 DOI: 10.3791/50796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
For almost 30 years, scientists have demonstrated that human fetal ICCs transplanted under the kidney capsule of nude mice matured into functioning endocrine cells, as evidenced by a significant increase in circulating human C-peptide following glucose stimulation1-9. However in vitro, genesis of insulin producing cells from human fetal ICCs is low10; results reminiscent of recent experiments performed with human embryonic stem cells (hESC), a renewable source of cells that hold great promise as a potential therapeutic treatment for type 1 diabetes. Like ICCs, transplantation of partially differentiated hESC generate glucose responsive, insulin producing cells, but in vitro genesis of insulin producing cells from hESC is much less robust11-17. A complete understanding of the factors that influence the growth and differentiation of endocrine precursor cells will likely require data generated from both ICCs and hESC. While a number of protocols exist to generate insulin producing cells from hESC in vitro11-22, far fewer exist for ICCs10,23,24. Part of that discrepancy likely comes from the difficulty of working with human fetal pancreas. Towards that end, we have continued to build upon existing methods to isolate fetal islets from human pancreases with gestational ages ranging from 12 to 23 weeks, grow the cells as a monolayer or in suspension, and image for cell proliferation, pancreatic markers and human hormones including glucagon and C-peptide. ICCs generated by the protocol described below result in C-peptide release after transplantation under the kidney capsule of nude mice that are similar to C-peptide levels obtained by transplantation of fresh tissue6. Although the examples presented here focus upon the pancreatic endoderm proliferation and β cell genesis, the protocol can be employed to study other aspects of pancreatic development, including exocrine, ductal, and other hormone producing cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana D Lopez
- Pediatric Diabetes Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego
| | - Ayse G Kayali
- Pediatric Diabetes Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego
| | - Alberto Hayek
- Pediatric Diabetes Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego
| | - Charles C King
- Pediatric Diabetes Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego;
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7
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Massumi M, Hoveizi E, Baktash P, Hooti A, Ghazizadeh L, Nadri S, Pourasgari F, Hajarizadeh A, Soleimani M, Nabiuni M, Khorramizadeh MR. Efficient programming of human eye conjunctiva-derived induced pluripotent stem (ECiPS) cells into definitive endoderm-like cells. Exp Cell Res 2014; 322:51-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2014.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2013] [Revised: 12/15/2013] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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8
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Sui L, Mfopou JK, Chen B, Sermon K, Bouwens L. Transplantation of human embryonic stem cell-derived pancreatic endoderm reveals a site-specific survival, growth, and differentiation. Cell Transplant 2013; 22:821-30. [PMID: 22472700 DOI: 10.3727/096368912x636812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of β-cells from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) could compensate for the shortage of islet donors required for diabetes therapy. Although pancreatic progenitors have been derived from hESCs using various protocols, no fully functional b-cells could be generated in vitro. We evaluated the in vivo growth and differentiation of PDX1+ pancreatic endoderm cells obtained from hESCs. Here we show site-specific survival and differentiation when comparing cells grafted in the epididymal fat pad or the subcutaneous space of NOD/SCID mice after 12 weeks follow-up. Subcutaneous grafts persisted and expressed PDX1 at all time points analyzed, showed PDX1 and NKX6.1 coexpression after 6 weeks, and contained NGN3+ cells after 12 weeks.These findings suggest that further specification along the pancreatic lineage occured at the subcutaneous site.In sharp contrast, in the fat pad grafts only a minority of PDX1+ cells remained after 2 weeks, and no further pancreatic differentiation was observed later on. In addition, contaminating mesenchymal cells present in the implants further developed into cartilage tissue after 6 weeks implantation in the fat pad, but not in the subcutaneous space. These findings indicate that the in vivo microenvironment plays a critical role in the further differentiation of transplanted pancreatic endoderm cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Sui
- Cell Differentiation Unit, Diabetes Research Center, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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9
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Chen AE, Borowiak M, Sherwood RI, Kweudjeu A, Melton DA. Functional evaluation of ES cell-derived endodermal populations reveals differences between Nodal and Activin A-guided differentiation. Development 2013; 140:675-86. [PMID: 23293299 DOI: 10.1242/dev.085431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic stem (ES) cells hold great promise with respect to their potential to be differentiated into desired cell types. Of interest are organs derived from the definitive endoderm, such as the pancreas and liver, and animal studies have revealed an essential role for Nodal in development of the definitive endoderm. Activin A is a related TGFβ member that acts through many of the same downstream signaling effectors as Nodal and is thought to mimic Nodal activity. Detailed characterization of ES cell-derived endodermal cell types by gene expression analysis in vitro and functional analysis in vivo reveal that, despite their similarity in gene expression, Nodal and Activin-derived endodermal cells exhibit a distinct difference in functional competence following transplantation into the developing mouse embryo. Pdx1-expressing cells arising from the respective endoderm populations exhibit extended differences in their competence to mature into insulin/c-peptide-expressing cells in vivo. Our findings underscore the importance of functional cell-type evaluation during stepwise differentiation of stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice E Chen
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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10
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Diekmann U, Naujok O, Blasczyk R, Müller T. Embryonic stem cells of the non-human primate Callithrix jacchus can be differentiated into definitive endoderm by Activin-A but not IDE-1/2. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2013; 9:473-9. [PMID: 23418163 DOI: 10.1002/term.1709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2012] [Revised: 11/01/2012] [Accepted: 12/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells hold great promise for regenerative medicine, due to their unlimited self-renewal potential and the ability to differentiate into all somatic cell types. Differences between the rodent disease models and the situation in humans can be narrowed down with non-human primate models. The common marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus) is an interesting model for biomedical research because these animals are easy to breed, get relatively old (≤ 13 years), are small in size, are relatively cost-effective and have a high genetic proximity to the human. In particular, diseases of the liver and pancreas are interesting for cell replacement therapies but the in vitro differentiation of ESCs into the definitive endoderm germ layer is still a demanding task. Membrane-permeable, chemically defined small molecules can possibly replace recombinant growth factors used in most directed differentiation protocols. However, the potent small molecules IDE-1 and IDE-2 were not able to induce definitive endoderm-like cells when ESCs from the common marmoset were treated with these compounds, whereas the recombinant growth factor Activin A could force the differentiation into this lineage. Our results indicate that ESCs from the common marmoset are less sensitive or even insensitive to these small molecules. Thus, differences between the species of human ESCs and ESCs of this non-human primate might be a useful model to further evaluate the exact mode of action of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulf Diekmann
- Institute of Clinical Biochemistry, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Institute for Transfusion Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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11
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Efrat S, Russ HA. Making β cells from adult tissues. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2012; 23:278-85. [PMID: 22537825 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2012.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2012] [Revised: 03/12/2012] [Accepted: 03/22/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
β-Cell replacement represents an attractive prospect for diabetes therapy. Although much hope has been placed on derivation of insulin-producing cells from human pluripotent stem cells, this approach continues to face considerable challenges. Cells from adult human tissues, with both stem/progenitor and mature phenotypes, offer a possible alternative. This review summarizes recent progress in two major strategies based on this cell source, ex vivo expansion of human islet β cells and conversion of non-β cells into insulin-producing cells by nuclear reprogramming, and examines the obstacles that remain to be overcome for bringing these strategies closer to clinical application in diabetes therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimon Efrat
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel.
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12
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Mfopou JK, Chen B, Mateizel I, Sermon K, Bouwens L. Noggin, retinoids, and fibroblast growth factor regulate hepatic or pancreatic fate of human embryonic stem cells. Gastroenterology 2010; 138:2233-45, 2245.e1-14. [PMID: 20206178 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2010.02.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2009] [Revised: 01/27/2010] [Accepted: 02/23/2010] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS New sources of beta cells are needed to develop cell therapies for patients with diabetes. An in vitro, sequential method has been developed to derive pancreatic progenitors, but this technique has not been used for other cell lines. We investigated whether definitive endoderm derived from human embryonic stem (hES) cells might be used to create beta cells. METHODS Five hES cell lines were induced to form pancreatic progenitors and analyzed for pancreas markers. Cells were incubated with a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonist, retinoids, a Hedgehog antagonist, or fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and phenotypes were analyzed. RESULTS Four hES cell lines sequentially generated definitive endoderm, primitive gut, and posterior foregut equivalents, as described previously. However, functional hepatocytes, rather than pancreas progenitors, developed. Consistent with liver development, FGF and BMP signaling pathways were involved in this process; their inhibition disrupted hepatocyte differentiation. During early stages of development, exposure of cells to noggin and retinoid acid, followed by FGF10, generated pancreatic cells (PDX1+; 50%-80%) that coexpressed FOXA2, HNF6, and SOX9. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate the combined functions of endogenous BMP and supplemented FGF in inducing differentiation of hepatocytes from hES cells and the ability to shift developmental pathways from hepatic to pancreatic cell differentiation. Although additional signals appear to be required for full specification of PDX1(+) early pancreatic progenitors (via PTF1a and NKX6.1 coexpression), these findings indicate the signaling pathways required for differentiation of bipotential progenitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josué Kunjom Mfopou
- Cell Differentiation Unit, Diabetes Research Centre, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Abstract
Defective insulin secretion is a hallmark of all forms of diabetes. Whereas Type 1 diabetes has long been known to result from the immune-mediated destruction of beta-cells, Type 2 diabetes appears to involve both loss of beta-cell mass and glucose sensitivity in the face of extrapancreatic insulin resistance. We summarize here the proceedings of a Biochemical Society Focused Meeting, held at the St Thomas campus of King's College London in December 2007, which highlighted recent research advances targeting the beta-cell.
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