Two-step oligoclonal development of male germ cells

Primordial germ cell DNA demethylation and development require DNA translesion synthesis

Mutations in DNA damage response (DDR) factors are associated with human infertility, which affects up to 15% of the population. The DDR is required during germ cell development and meiosis. One pathway implicated in human fertility is DNA translesion synthesis (TLS), which allows replication impediments to be bypassed. We find that TLS is essential for pre-meiotic germ cell development in the embryo. Loss of the central TLS component, REV1, significantly inhibits the induction of human PGC-like cells (hPGCLCs). This is recapitulated in mice, where deficiencies in TLS initiation (Rev1-/- or PcnaK164R/K164R) or extension (Rev7 -/-) result in a > 150-fold reduction in the number of primordial germ cells (PGCs) and complete sterility. In contrast, the absence of TLS does not impact the growth, function, or homeostasis of somatic tissues. Surprisingly, we find a complete failure in both activation of the germ cell transcriptional program and in DNA demethylation, a critical step in germline epigenetic reprogramming. Our findings show that for normal fertility, DNA repair is required not only for meiotic recombination but for progression through the earliest stages of germ cell development in mammals.

Primordial germ cell DNA demethylation and development require DNA translesion synthesis.. [DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.05.547775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0]

Mutations in DNA damage response (DDR) factors are associated with human infertility, which affects up to 15% of the population. It remains unclear if the role of DDR is solely in meiosis. One pathway implicated in human fertility is DNA translesion synthesis (TLS), which allows replication impediments to be bypassed. We find that TLS is essential for pre-meiotic germ cell development in the embryo. Loss of the central TLS component, REV1, significantly inhibits the induction of human PGC-like cells (hPGCLCs). This is recapitulated in mice, where deficiencies in TLS initiation (Rev1-/-orPcnaK164R/K164R) or extension (Rev7-/-) result in a >150-fold reduction in the number of primordial germ cells (PGCs) and complete sterility. In contrast, the absence of TLS does not impact the growth, function, or homeostasis of somatic tissues. Surprisingly, we find a complete failure in both activation of the germ cell transcriptional program and in DNA demethylation, a critical step in germline epigenetic reprogramming. Our findings show that for normal fertility, DNA repair is required not only for meiotic recombination but for progression through the earliest stages of germ cell development in mammals.

Structural maturation of SYCP1-mediated meiotic chromosome synapsis by SYCE3

In meiosis, a supramolecular protein structure, the synaptonemal complex (SC), assembles between homologous chromosomes to facilitate their recombination. Mammalian SC formation is thought to involve hierarchical zipper-like assembly of an SYCP1 protein lattice that recruits stabilizing central element (CE) proteins as it extends. Here we combine biochemical approaches with separation-of-function mutagenesis in mice to show that, rather than stabilizing the SYCP1 lattice, the CE protein SYCE3 actively remodels this structure during synapsis. We find that SYCP1 tetramers undergo conformational change into 2:1 heterotrimers on SYCE3 binding, removing their assembly interfaces and disrupting the SYCP1 lattice. SYCE3 then establishes a new lattice by its self-assembly mimicking the role of the disrupted interface in tethering together SYCP1 dimers. SYCE3 also interacts with CE complexes SYCE1-SIX6OS1 and SYCE2-TEX12, providing a mechanism for their recruitment. Thus, SYCE3 remodels the SYCP1 lattice into a CE-binding integrated SYCP1-SYCE3 lattice to achieve long-range synapsis by a mature SC.

Multicellularity in animals: The potential for within-organism conflict

Metazoans function as individual organisms but also as “colonies” of cells whose single-celled ancestors lived and reproduced independently. Insights from evolutionary biology about multicellular group formation help us understand the behavior of cells: why they cooperate, and why cooperation sometimes breaks down. Current explanations for multicellularity focus on two aspects of development which promote cooperation and limit conflict among cells: a single-cell bottleneck, which creates organisms composed of clones, and a separation of somatic and germ cell lineages, which reduces the selective advantage of cheating. However, many obligately multicellular organisms thrive with neither, creating the potential for within-organism conflict. Here, we argue that the prevalence of such organisms throughout the Metazoa requires us to refine our preconceptions of conflict-free multicellularity. Evolutionary theory must incorporate developmental mechanisms across a broad range of organisms—such as unusual reproductive strategies, totipotency, and cell competition—while developmental biology must incorporate evolutionary principles. To facilitate this cross-disciplinary approach, we provide a conceptual overview from evolutionary biology for developmental biologists, using analogous examples in the well-studied social insects.

Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Revealed the Heterogeneity of Gonadal Primordial Germ Cells in Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia guttata)

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are undifferentiated gametes with heterogeneity, an evolutionarily conserved characteristic across various organisms. Although dynamic selection at the level of early germ cell populations is an important biological feature linked to fertility, the heterogeneity of PGCs in avian species has not been characterized. In this study, we sought to evaluate PGC heterogeneity in zebra finch using a single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) approach. Using scRNA-seq of embryonic gonadal cells from male and female zebra finches at Hamburger and Hamilton (HH) stage 28, we annotated nine cell types from 20 cell clusters. We found that PGCs previously considered a single population can be separated into three subtypes showing differences in apoptosis, proliferation, and other biological processes. The three PGC subtypes were specifically enriched for genes showing expression patterns related to germness or pluripotency, suggesting functional differences in PGCs according to the three subtypes. Additionally, we discovered a novel biomarker, SMC1B, for gonadal PGCs in zebra finch. The results provide the first evidence of substantial heterogeneity in PGCs previously considered a single population in birds. This discovery expands our understanding of PGCs to avian species, and provides a basis for further research.

Botryllus schlosseri as a Unique Colonial Chordate Model for the Study and Modulation of Innate Immune Activity

Understanding the mechanisms that sustain immunological nonreactivity is essential for maintaining tissue in syngeneic and allogeneic settings, such as transplantation and pregnancy tolerance. While most transplantation rejections occur due to the adaptive immune response, the proinflammatory response of innate immunity is necessary for the activation of adaptive immunity. Botryllus schlosseri, a colonial tunicate, which is the nearest invertebrate group to the vertebrates, is devoid of T- and B-cell-based adaptive immunity. It has unique characteristics that make it a valuable model system for studying innate immunity mechanisms: (i) a natural allogeneic transplantation phenomenon that results in either fusion or rejection; (ii) whole animal regeneration and noninflammatory resorption on a weekly basis; (iii) allogeneic resorption which is comparable to human chronic rejection. Recent studies in B. schlosseri have led to the recognition of a molecular and cellular framework underlying the innate immunity loss of tolerance to allogeneic tissues. Additionally, B. schlosseri was developed as a model for studying hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation, and it provides further insights into the similarities between the HSC niches of human and B. schlosseri. In this review, we discuss why studying the molecular and cellular pathways that direct successful innate immune tolerance in B. schlosseri can provide novel insights into and potential modulations of these immune processes in humans.

Identification and characterization of the antigen recognized by the germ cell mAb TRA98 using a human comprehensive wet protein array

TRA98 is a rat monoclonal antibody (mAb) which recognizes a specific antigen in the nuclei of germ cells. mAb TRA98 has been used to understand the mechanism of germ cell development and differentiation in many studies. In mice, the antigen recognized by mAb TRA98 or GCNA1 has been reported to be a GCNA gene product, but despite the demonstration of the immunoreactivity of this mAb in human testis and sperm in 1997, the antigen in humans remains unknown, as of date. To identify the human antigen recognized by mAb TRA98, a human comprehensive wet protein array was developed containing 19,446 proteins derived from human cDNAs. Using this array, it was found that the antigen of mAb TRA98 is not a GCNA gene product, but nuclear factor-κB activating protein (NKAP). In mice, mAb TRA98 recognized both the GCNA gene product and NKAP. Furthermore, conditional knockout of Nkap in mice revealed a phenotype of Sertoli cell-only syndrome. Although NKAP is a ubiquitously expressed protein, NKAP recognized by mAb TRA98 in mouse testis was SUMOylated. These results suggest that NKAP undergoes modifications, such as SUMOylation in the testis, and plays an important role in spermatogenesis.

Sexual and asexual development: two distinct programs producing the same tunicate

Colonial tunicates are the only chordate that possess two distinct developmental pathways to produce an adult body: either sexually through embryogenesis or asexually through a stem cell-mediated renewal termed blastogenesis. Using the colonial tunicate Botryllus schlosseri, we combine transcriptomics and microscopy to build an atlas of the molecular and morphological signatures at each developmental stage for both pathways. The general molecular profiles of these processes are largely distinct. However, the relative timing of organogenesis and ordering of tissue-specific gene expression are conserved. By comparing the developmental pathways of B. schlosseri with other chordates, we identify hundreds of putative transcription factors with conserved temporal expression. Our findings demonstrate that convergent morphology need not imply convergent molecular mechanisms but that it showcases the importance that tissue-specific stem cells and transcription factors play in producing the same mature body through different pathways.

Heterogeneity of primordial germ cells

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) must complete a complex and dynamic developmental program during embryogenesis to establish the germline. This process is highly conserved and involves a diverse array of tasks required of PGCs, including migration, survival, sex differentiation, and extensive epigenetic reprogramming. A common theme across many organisms is that PGC success is heterogeneous: only a portion of all PGCs complete all these steps while many other PGCs are eliminated from further germline contribution. The differences that distinguish successful PGCs as a population are not well understood. Here, we examine variation that exists in PGCs as they navigate the many stages of this developmental journey. We explore potential sources of PGC heterogeneity and their potential implications in affecting germ cell behaviors. Lastly, we discuss the potential for PGC development to function as a multistage selection process that assesses heterogeneity in PGCs to refine germline quality.

Ebselen alleviates testicular pathology in mice with Zika virus infection and prevents its sexual transmission

Despite the low case fatality, Zika virus (ZIKV) infection has been associated with microcephaly in infants and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Antiviral and vaccine developments against ZIKV are still ongoing; therefore, in the meantime, preventing the disease transmission is critical. Primarily transmitted by Aedes species mosquitoes, ZIKV also can be sexually transmitted. We used AG129 mice lacking interferon-α/β and -γ receptors to study the testicular pathogenesis and sexual transmission of ZIKV. Infection of ZIKV progressively damaged mouse testes, increased testicular oxidative stress as indicated by the levels of reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, glutathione peroxidase 4, spermatogenesis-associated-18 homolog in sperm and pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, and G-CSF. We then evaluated the potential role of the antioxidant ebselen (EBS) in alleviating the testicular pathology with ZIKV infection. EBS treatment significantly reduced ZIKV-induced testicular oxidative stress, leucocyte infiltration and production of pro-inflammatory response. Furthermore, it improved testicular pathology and prevented the sexual transmission of ZIKV in a male-to-female mouse sperm transfer model. EBS is currently in clinical trials for various diseases. ZIKV infection could be on the list for potential use of EBS, for alleviating the testicular pathogenesis with ZIKV infection and preventing its sexual transmission.

How One Thing Led to Another

I started research in high school, experimenting on immunological tolerance to transplantation antigens. This led to studies of the thymus as the site of maturation of T cells, which led to the discovery, isolation, and clinical transplantation of purified hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). The induction of immune tolerance with HSCs has led to isolation of other tissue-specific stem cells for regenerative medicine. Our studies of circulating competing germline stem cells in colonial protochordates led us to document competing HSCs. In human acute myelogenous leukemia we showed that all preleukemic mutations occur in HSCs, and determined their order; the final mutations occur in a multipotent progenitor derived from the preleukemic HSC clone. With these, we discovered that CD47 is an upregulated gene in all human cancers and is a "don't eat me" signal; blocking it with antibodies leads to cancer cell phagocytosis. CD47 is the first known gene common to all cancers and is a target for cancer immunotherapy.

Intestinal stem cells contribute to the maturation of the neonatal small intestine and colon independently of digestive activity

The murine intestine, like that of other mammalians, continues to develop after birth until weaning; however, whether this occurs in response to an intrinsic developmental program or food intake remains unclear. Here, we report a novel system for the allotransplantation of small intestine and colon harvested from Lgr5^{EGFP-IRES-CreERT2/+}; Rosa26^rbw/+ mice immediately after birth into the subrenal capsule of wild-type mice. By histological and immunohistochemical analysis, the developmental process of transplanted small intestine and colon was shown to be comparable with that of the native tissues: mature intestines equipped with all cell types were formed, indicating that these organs do not require food intake for development. The intestinal stem cells in transplanted tissues were shown to self-renew and produce progeny, resulting in the descendants of the stem cells occupying the crypt-villus unit of the small intestine or the whole crypt of the colon. Collectively, these findings indicate that neonatal intestine development follows an intrinsic program even in the absence of food stimuli.

Localized hepatic lobular regeneration by central-vein-associated lineage-restricted progenitors

The regeneration of organ morphology and function following tissue loss is critical to restore normal physiology, yet few cases are documented in mammalian postnatal life. Partial hepatectomy of the adult mammalian liver activates compensatory hepatocyte hypertrophy and cell division across remaining lobes, resulting in restitution of organ mass but with permanent alteration of architecture. Here, we identify a time window in early postnatal life wherein partial amputation culminates in a localized regeneration instead of global hypertrophy and proliferation. Quantifications of liver mass, enzymatic activity, and immunohistochemistry demonstrate that damaged lobes underwent multilineage regeneration, reforming a lobe often indistinguishable from undamaged ones. Clonal analysis during regeneration reveals local clonal expansions of hepatocyte stem/progenitors at injured sites that are lineage but not fate restricted. Tetrachimeric mice show clonal selection occurs during development with further selections following injury. Surviving progenitors associate mainly with central veins, in a pattern of selection different from that of normal development. These results illuminate a previously unknown program of liver regeneration after acute injury and allow for exploration of latent regenerative programs with potential applications to adult liver regeneration.

Current Bioengineering and Regenerative Strategies for the Generation of Kidney Grafts on Demand

Currently in the USA, one name is added to the organ transplant waiting list every 15 min. As this list grows rapidly, fewer than one-third of waiting patients can receive matched organs from donors. Unfortunately, many patients who require a transplant have to wait for long periods of time, and many of them die before receiving the desired organ. In the USA alone, over 100,000 patients are waiting for a kidney transplant. However, it is a problem that affects around 6% of the word population. Therefore, seeking alternative solutions to this problem is an urgent work. Here, we review the current promising regenerative technologies for kidney function replacement. Despite many approaches being applied in the different ways outlined in this work, obtaining an organ capable of performing complex functions such as osmoregulation, excretion or hormone synthesis is still a long-term goal. However, in the future, the efforts in these areas may eliminate the long waiting list for kidney transplants, providing a definitive solution for patients with end-stage renal disease.

Intestinal cancer stem cells marked by Bmi1 or Lgr5 expression contribute to tumor propagation via clonal expansion

Although the existence of cancer stem cells in intestine tumors has been suggested, direct evidence has not been yet provided. Here, we showed, using the multicolor lineage-tracing method and mouse models of intestinal adenocarcinoma and adenoma that Bmi1- or Lgr5- positive tumorigenic cells clonally expanded in proliferating tumors. At tumor initiation and during tumor propagation in the colon, the descendants of Lgr5-positive cells clonally proliferated to form clusters. Clonal analysis using ubiquitous multicolor lineage tracing revealed that colon tumors derived from Lgr5-positive cells were monoclonal in origin but eventually merged with neighboring tumors, producing polyclonal tumors at the later stage. In contrast, the origin of small intestine tumors was likely polyclonal, and during cancer progression some clones were eliminated, resulting in the formation of monoclonal tumors, which could merge similar to colon tumors. These results suggest that in proliferating intestinal neoplasms, Bmi1- or Lgr5-positive cells represent a population of cancer stem cells, whereas Lgr5-positive cells also function as cells-of-origin for intestinal tumors.

Mechanisms of Vertebrate Germ Cell Determination

Two unique characteristics of the germ line are the ability to persist from generation to generation and to retain full developmental potential while differentiating into gametes. How the germ line is specified that allows it to retain these characteristics within the context of a developing embryo remains unknown and is one focus of current research. Germ cell specification proceeds through one of two basic mechanisms: cell autonomous or inductive. Here, we discuss how germ plasm driven germ cell specification (cell autonomous) occurs in both zebrafish and the frog Xenopus. We describe the segregation of germ cells during embryonic development of solitary and colonial ascidians to provide an evolutionary context to both mechanisms. We conclude with a discussion of the inductive mechanism as exemplified by both the mouse and axolotl model systems. Regardless of mechanism, several general themes can be recognized including the essential role of repression and posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression.

Bmi1-positive cells in the lingual epithelium could serve as cancer stem cells in tongue cancer

We recently reported that the polycomb complex protein Bmi1 is a marker for lingual epithelial stem cells (LESCs), which are involved in the long-term maintenance of lingual epithelial tissue in the physiological state. However, the precise role of LESCs in generating tongue tumors and Bmi1-positive cell lineage dynamics in tongue cancers are unclear. Here, using a mouse model of chemically (4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide: 4-NQO) induced tongue cancer and the multicolor lineage tracing method, we found that each unit of the tumor was generated by a single cell and that the assembly of such cells formed a polyclonal tumor. Although many Bmi1-positive cells within the tongue cancer specimens failed to proliferate, some proliferated continuously and supplied tumor cells to the surrounding area. This process eventually led to the formation of areas derived from single cells after 1–3 months, as determined using the multicolor lineage tracing method, indicating that such cells could serve as cancer stem cells. These results indicate that LESCs could serve as the origin for tongue cancer and that cancer stem cells are present in tongue tumors.

Identification of normal and neoplastic stem cells by the multicolor lineage tracing methods

Adult stem cells and embryonic (ES) and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are two major focus areas of stem cell research. Studies on adult stem cells are important not only as sources for regenerative medicine but for analyzing the mechanisms of tissue homeostasis, tissue repair after injury, cancinogenesis, and aging. On the other hand, ES and iPS cells are mainly important for regenerative medicine. However, many adult stem cells, especially those in low-turnover tissues, have remained unidentified. We have been working on the development of methods using multiple fluorescent markers, to improve the accuracy of lineage-tracing analyses of adult stem cells and their fetal progenitors. With this method, we were able to identify lingual epithelial stem cells (LESCs). By using the same strategy, we could potentially identify candidate cancer stem cells. In this review, we would like to introduce how the multicolor lineage tracing method could be used in various stem cell studies.

Dynamic Patterns of Clonal Evolution in Tumor Vasculature Underlie Alterations in Lymphocyte-Endothelial Recognition to Foster Tumor Immune Escape

Although tumor blood vessels have been a major therapeutic target for cancer chemotherapy, little is known regarding the stepwise development of the tumor microenvironment. Here, we use a multicolor Cre-dependent marker system to trace clonality within the tumor microenvironment to show that tumor blood vessels follow a pattern of dynamic clonal evolution. In an advanced melanoma tumor microenvironment, the vast majority of tumor vasculature clones are derived from a common precursor. Quantitative lineage analysis reveals founder clones diminish in frequency and are replaced by subclones as tumors evolve. These tumor-specific blood vessels are characterized by a developmental switch to a more invasive and immunologically silent phenotype. Gene expression profiling and pathway analysis reveals selection for traits promoting upregulation of alternative angiogenic programs such as unregulated HGF-MET signaling and enhanced autocrine signaling through VEGF and PDGF. Furthermore, we show a developmental switch in the expression of functionally significant primary lymphocyte adhesion molecules on tumor endothelium, such as the loss in expression of the mucosal addressin MAdCAM-1, whose counter receptor a4β7 on lymphocytes controls lymphocyte homing. Changes in adhesive properties on tumor endothelial subclones are accompanied by decreases in expression of lymphocyte chemokines CXCL16, CXCL13, CXCL12, CXCL9, CXCL10, and CCL19. These evolutionary patterns in the expressed genetic program within tumor endothelium will have both a quantitative and functional impact on lymphocyte distribution that may well influence tumor immune function and underlie escape mechanisms from current antiangiogenic pharmacotherapies.

Evolution of normal and neoplastic tissue stem cells: progress after Robert Hooke

The appearance of stem cells coincides with the transition from single-celled organisms to metazoans. Stem cells are capable of self-renewal as well as differentiation. Each tissue is maintained by self-renewing tissue-specific stem cells. The accumulation of mutations that lead to preleukaemia are in the blood-forming stem cell, while the transition to leukaemia stem cells occurs in the clone at a progenitor stage. All leukaemia and cancer cells escape being removed by scavenger macrophages by expressing the 'don't eat me' signal CD47. Blocking antibodies to CD47 are therapeutics for all cancers, and are currently being tested in clinical trials in the US and UK.

Stem cells are units of natural selection for tissue formation, for germline development, and in cancer development

It is obvious that natural selection operates at the level of individuals and collections of individuals. Nearly two decades ago we showed that in multi-individual colonies of protochordate colonial tunicates sharing a blood circulation, there exists an exchange of somatic stem cells and germline stem cells, resulting in somatic chimeras and stem cell competitions for gonadal niches. Stem cells are unlike other cells in the body in that they alone self-renew, so that they form clones that are perpetuated for the life of the organism. Stem cell competitions have allowed the emergence of competitive somatic and germline stem cell clones. Highly successful germline stem cells usually outcompete less successful competitors both in the gonads of the genotype partner from which they arise and in the gonads of the natural parabiotic partners. Therefore, natural selection also operates at the level of germline stem cell clones. In the colonial tunicate Botryllus schlosseri the formation of natural parabionts is prevented by a single-locus highly polymorphic histocompatibility gene called Botryllus histocompatibility factor. This limits germline stem cell predation to kin, as the locus has hundreds of alleles. We show that in mice germline stem cells compete for gonad niches, and in mice and humans, blood-forming stem cells also compete for bone marrow niches. We show that the clonal progression from blood-forming stem cells to acute leukemias by successive genetic and epigenetic events in blood stem cells also involves competition and selection between clones and propose that this is a general theme in cancer.

Maintenance of sweat glands by stem cells located in the acral epithelium

The skin is responsible for a variety of physiological functions and is critical for wound healing and repair. Therefore, the regenerative capacity of the skin is important. However, stem cells responsible for maintaining the acral epithelium had not previously been identified. In this study, we identified the specific stem cells in the acral epithelium that participate in the long-term maintenance of sweat glands, ducts, and interadnexal epidermis and that facilitate the regeneration of these structures following injury. Lgr6-positive cells and Bmi1-positive cells were found to function as long-term multipotent stem cells that maintained the entire eccrine unit and the interadnexal epidermis. However, while Lgr6-positive cells were rapidly cycled and constantly supplied differentiated cells, Bmi1-positive cells were slow to cycle and occasionally entered the cell cycle under physiological conditions. Upon irradiation-induced injury, Bmi1-positive cells rapidly proliferated and regenerated injured epithelial tissue. Therefore, Bmi1-positive stem cells served as reservoir stem cells. Lgr5-positive cells were rapidly cycled and maintained only sweat glands; therefore, we concluded that these cells functioned as lineage-restricted progenitors. Taken together, our data demonstrated the identification of stem cells that maintained the entire acral epithelium and supported the different roles of three cellular classes.

Current Bioengineering Methods for Whole Kidney Regeneration

Kidney regeneration is likely to provide an inexhaustible source of tissues and organs for immunosuppression-free transplantation. It is currently garnering considerable attention and might replace kidney dialysis as the ultimate therapeutic strategy for renal failure. However, anatomical complications make kidney regeneration difficult. Here, we review recent advances in the field of kidney regeneration, including (i) the directed differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells/embryonic stem cells into kidney cells; (ii) blastocyst decomplementation; (iii) use of a decellularized cadaveric scaffold; (iv) embryonic organ transplantation; and (v) use of a nephrogenic niche for growing xenoembryos for de novo kidney regeneration from stem cells. All these approaches represent potentially promising therapeutic strategies for the treatment of patients with chronic kidney disease. Although many obstacles to kidney regeneration remain, we hope that innovative strategies and reliable research will ultimately allow the restoration of renal function in patients with end-stage kidney disease.

Bmi1 expression in long-term germ stem cells

Asingle cells in undifferentiated spermatogonia are considered to be the most primitive forms of germ stem cells (GSCs). Although GFRα1 is thought to be a marker of Asingle cells, we found that Bmi1(High) is more specific than GFRα1 for Asingle cells. Bmi1(High) expression in Asingle cells is correlated with seminiferous stages, and its expression was followed by the proliferative stage of Asingle GSCs. In contrast, GFRα1 expression was seminiferous stage-independent. Fate analyses of EdU-positive Bmi1(High)-positive cell-derived Asingle cells revealed that these cells self-renewed or generated transient amplifying Apaired cells. Bmi1(High)-positive cells were resistant to irradiation-induced injury, after which they regenerated. Elimination of Bmi1(High)-positive cells from seminiferous tubules resulted in the appearance of tubules with seminiferous stage mismatches. Thus, in this study, we found that Bmi1(High) is a seminiferous stage-dependent marker for long-term GSCs and that Bmi1(High)-positive cells play important roles in maintaining GSCs and in regenerating spermatogenic progenitors after injury.

Primordial germ-cell development and epigenetic reprogramming in mammals

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the embryonic precursors of the gametes and represent the founder cells of the germline. Specification of PGCs is a critical divergent point during embryogenesis. Whereas the somatic lineages will ultimately perish, cells of the germline have the potential to form a new individual and hence progress to the next generation. It is therefore critical that the genome emerges intact and carrying the appropriate epigenetic information during its passage through the germline. To ensure this fidelity of transmission, PGC development encompasses extensive epigenetic reprogramming. The low cell numbers and relative inaccessibility of PGCs present a challenge to those seeking mechanistic understanding of the crucial developmental and epigenetic processes in this most fascinating of lineages. Here, we present an overview of PGC development in the mouse and compare this with the limited information available for other mammalian species. We believe that a comparative approach will be increasingly important to uncover the extent to which mechanisms are conserved and reveal the critical steps during PGC development in humans.

Multicolor lineage tracing methods and intestinal tumors

The generation of chimeras, which is now a standard technology for producing gene modified mutant mice, was originally developed as a tool for developmental biology. However, the application of conventional single marker chimeric mice for developmental study was initially limited. This situation has been dramatically changed by development of multicolor chimeric mice using various kinds of fluorescent proteins. Now using our technology, up to ten different clones could be distinguished by their colors, which enable us to perform more accurate statistical analyses and lineage tracing experiments than by conventional methods. This method could be applied to visualize not only cell turnover of normal stem cells but also cancer development of live tissues in vivo. In the present review, we will discuss how these methods have been developed and what questions they are now answering by mainly focusing on intestinal stem cells and intestinal tumors.

Generation of kidney from pluripotent stem cells via blastocyst complementation

Because a shortage of donor organs has been a major obstacle to the expansion of organ transplantation programs, the generation of transplantable organs is among the ultimate goals of regenerative medicine. However, the complex cellular interactions among and within tissues that are required for organogenesis are difficult to recapitulate in vitro. As an alternative, we used blastocyst complementation to generate pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-derived donor organs in vivo. We hypothesized that if we injected PSCs into blastocysts obtained from mutant mice in which the development of a certain organ was precluded by genetic manipulation, thereby leaving a niche for organ development, the PSC-derived cells would developmentally compensate for the defect and form the missing organ. In our previous work, we showed proof-of-principle findings of pancreas generation by injection of PSCs into pancreas-deficient Pdx1(-/-) mouse blastocysts. In this study, we have extended this technique to kidney generation using Sall1(-/-) mouse blastocysts. As a result, the defective cells were totally replaced, and the kidneys were entirely formed by the injected mouse PSC-derived cells, except for structures not under the influence of Sall1 expression (ie, collecting ducts and microvasculature). These findings indicate that blastocyst complementation can be extended to generate PSC-derived kidneys. This system may therefore provide novel insights into renal organogenesis.

Cell lineage analysis of the mammalian female germline

Fundamental aspects of embryonic and post-natal development, including maintenance of the mammalian female germline, are largely unknown. Here we employ a retrospective, phylogenetic-based method for reconstructing cell lineage trees utilizing somatic mutations accumulated in microsatellites, to study female germline dynamics in mice. Reconstructed cell lineage trees can be used to estimate lineage relationships between different cell types, as well as cell depth (number of cell divisions since the zygote). We show that, in the reconstructed mouse cell lineage trees, oocytes form clusters that are separate from hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells, both in young and old mice, indicating that these populations belong to distinct lineages. Furthermore, while cumulus cells sampled from different ovarian follicles are distinctly clustered on the reconstructed trees, oocytes from the left and right ovaries are not, suggesting a mixing of their progenitor pools. We also observed an increase in oocyte depth with mouse age, which can be explained either by depth-guided selection of oocytes for ovulation or by post-natal renewal. Overall, our study sheds light on substantial novel aspects of female germline preservation and development.

Many aspects of mammalian female germline development during embryogenesis and throughout adulthood are either unknown or under debate. In this study we applied a novel method for the reconstruction of cell lineage trees utilizing microsatellite mutations, accumulated during mouse life, in oocytes and other cells, sampled from young and old mice. Analysis of the reconstructed cell lineage trees shows that oocytes are clustered separately from bone-marrow derived cells, that oocytes from different ovaries share common progenitors, and that oocyte depth (number of cell divisions since the zygote) increases significantly with mouse age.

Generation of rat pancreas in mouse by interspecific blastocyst injection of pluripotent stem cells

The complexity of organogenesis hinders in vitro generation of organs derived from a patient's pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), an ultimate goal of regenerative medicine. Mouse wild-type PSCs injected into Pdx1(-/-) (pancreatogenesis-disabled) mouse blastocysts developmentally compensated vacancy of the pancreatic "developmental niche," generating almost entirely PSC-derived pancreas. To examine the potential for xenogenic approaches in blastocyst complementation, we injected mouse or rat PSCs into rat or mouse blastocysts, respectively, generating interspecific chimeras and thus confirming that PSCs can contribute to xenogenic development between mouse and rat. The development of these mouse/rat chimeras was primarily influenced by host blastocyst and/or foster mother, evident by body size and species-specific organogenesis. We further injected rat wild-type PSCs into Pdx1(-/-) mouse blastocysts, generating normally functioning rat pancreas in Pdx1(-/-) mice. These data constitute proof of principle for interspecific blastocyst complementation and for generation in vivo of organs derived from donor PSCs using a xenogenic environment.

Generation of primordial germ cells from pluripotent stem cells

Embryonic stem (ES) cells, derived from pre-implantation embryo, embryonic germ (EG) cells, derived from embryonic precursors of gametes, primordial germ cells (PGCs), can differentiate into any cell type in the body. Moreover, ES cells have the capacity to differentiate into PGCs in vitro. In the present study we have shown the differentiation capacity of six EG cell lines to form PGCs in vitro, in comparison to ES cells. Cell lines were differentiated via embryoid body (EB) formation using the co-expression of mouse vasa homolog (Mvh) and Oct-4 to identify newly formed PGCs in vitro. We found an increase of PGC numbers in almost all analysed cell lines in 5-day-old EBs, thus suggesting that EG and ES cells have similar efficiency to generate PGCs. The addition of retinoic acid confirmed that the cultures had attained a PGC-like identity and continued to proliferate. Furthermore we have shown that the expression pattern of Prmt5 and H3K27me3 in newly formed PGCs is similar to that observed in embryonic day E11.5 PGCs in vivo. By co-culturing EBs with Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells some of the PGCs entered into meiosis, as judged by Scp3 expression. The derivation of germ cells from pluripotent stem cells in vitro could provide an invaluable model system to study both the genetic and epigenetic programming of germ cell development in vivo.

Jak-STAT regulation of male germline stem cell establishment during Drosophila embryogenesis

Germline stem cells (GSCs) in Drosophila are descendants of primordial germ cells (PGCs) specified during embryogenesis. The precise timing of GSC establishment in the testis has not been determined, nor is it known whether mechanisms that control GSC maintenance in the adult are involved in GSC establishment. Here, we determine that PGCs in the developing male gonad first become GSCs at the embryo to larval transition. This coincides with formation of the embryonic hub; the critical signaling center that regulates adult GSC behavior within the stem cell microenvironment (niche). We find that the Jak-STAT signaling pathway is activated in a subset of PGCs that associate with the newly-formed embryonic hub. These PGCs express GSC markers and function like GSCs, while PGCs that do not associate with the hub begin to differentiate. In the absence of Jak-STAT activation, PGCs adjacent to the hub fail to exhibit the characteristics of GSCs, while ectopic activation of the Jak-STAT pathway prevents differentiation. These findings show that stem cell formation is closely linked to development of the stem cell niche, and suggest that Jak-STAT signaling is required for initial establishment of the GSC population in developing testes.

Resetting the epigenome beyond pluripotency in the germline

Germ cells undergo comprehensive epigenetic reprogramming toward acquiring fitness for pluripotency and totipotency. Notably, the full extent of the epigenetic reprogramming experienced by germ cells remains unmatched by attempts to experimentally restore pluripotency in somatic cells. We propose that the defects present in experimentally generated cells are corrected upon differentiation into the germ cell lineage, as has been observed in cases of germline transmission. Unraveling the mechanisms responsible for germ cell-specific epigenetic reprogramming will likely have important implications for both basic and clinical stem cell research.