1
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Pieri NCG, de Souza AF, Botigelli RC, Pessôa LVDF, Recchia K, Machado LS, Glória MH, de Castro RVG, Leal DF, Fantinato Neto P, Martins SMMK, Dos Santos Martins D, Bressan FF, de Andrade AFC. Porcine Primordial Germ Cell-Like Cells Generated from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Under Different Culture Conditions. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 18:1639-1656. [PMID: 34115317 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-021-10198-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Culture conditions regulate the process of pluripotency acquisition and self-renewal. This study aimed to analyse the influence of the in vitro environment on the induction of porcine induced pluripotent stem cell (piPSCs) differentiation into primordial germ cell-like cells (pPGCLCs). piPSC culture with different supplementation strategies (LIF, bFGF, or LIF plus bFGF) promoted heterogeneous phenotypic profiles. Continuous bFGF supplementation during piPSCs culture was beneficial to support a pluripotent state and the differentiation of piPSCs into pPGCLCs. The pPGCLCs were positive for the gene and protein expression of pluripotent and germinative markers. This study can provide a suitable in vitro model for use in translational studies and to help answer numerous remaining questions about germ cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naira Caroline Godoy Pieri
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil.
| | - Aline Fernanda de Souza
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, SP, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Ramon Cesar Botigelli
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Kaiana Recchia
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucas Simões Machado
- Department of Biochemistry, Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo/SP, Brazil
| | - Mayra Hirakawa Glória
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, SP, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Raquel Vasconcelos Guimarães de Castro
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil
| | - Diego Feitosa Leal
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
| | - Paulo Fantinato Neto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, SP, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | | | - Daniele Dos Santos Martins
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Fernandes Bressan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Animal Sciences and Food Engineering, SP, Pirassununga, Brazil
| | - André Furugen Cesar de Andrade
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, SP, Brazil
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2
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Amini Mahabadi J, Karimian M, Aghighi F, Enderami SE, Seyyed Hosseini E, Talaei SA, Gheibi Hayat SM, Nikzad H. Retinoic acid and 17β-estradiol improve male germ cell differentiation from mouse-induced pluripotent stem cells. Andrologia 2019; 52:e13466. [PMID: 31736115 DOI: 10.1111/and.13466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This research aimed to explore the impacts of retinoic acid (RA)/17β-estradiol (E) induction and embryoid body formation to enhance differentiation of mouse-induced pluripotent stem cells (miPSCs) into male germ cells in vitro. Flow cytometry and qPCR were conducted to describe miPSCs differentiation process. Various temporal expression profiles of germ cell-related genes were traced. Stra8 gene expression increased in the RA group on the 4th day compared to other groups. The RA group experienced a more significant increase than E group. The expression of Sycp3 increased in RA + E group on 4th day compared with other groups. Expression of AKAP3 enhanced in the RA + E group than other groups on day 4. Moreover, miPSCs showed that this gene expression in the RA + E group was increased in comparison to RA and E groups on day 7. AKAP3 gene expression on day 7 of miPSCs decreased in RA and E groups. Flow cytometry data indicated that 3%-8% of the cells in sub-G1 stage were haploid after RA and E induction compared to other groups on day 4. This study showed that miPSCs possess the power for differentiating into male germ cells in vitro via formation of embryoid body by RA with/or E induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javad Amini Mahabadi
- Gametogenesis Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Karimian
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.,Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Aghighi
- Physiology Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Seyed Ehsan Enderami
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Immunogenetics Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | | | - Sayyed Alireza Talaei
- Physiology Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Gheibi Hayat
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Hossein Nikzad
- Gametogenesis Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
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3
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Martin JJ, Woods DC, Tilly JL. Implications and Current Limitations of Oogenesis from Female Germline or Oogonial Stem Cells in Adult Mammalian Ovaries. Cells 2019; 8:E93. [PMID: 30696098 PMCID: PMC6407002 DOI: 10.3390/cells8020093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A now large body of evidence supports the existence of mitotically active germ cells in postnatal ovaries of diverse mammalian species, including humans. This opens the possibility that adult stem cells naturally committed to a germline fate could be leveraged for the production of female gametes outside of the body. The functional properties of these cells, referred to as female germline or oogonial stem cells (OSCs), in ovaries of women have recently been tested in various ways, including a very recent investigation of the differentiation capacity of human OSCs at a single cell level. The exciting insights gained from these experiments, coupled with other data derived from intraovarian transplantation and genetic tracing analyses in animal models that have established the capacity of OSCs to generate healthy eggs, embryos and offspring, should drive constructive discussions in this relatively new field to further exploring the value of these cells to the study, and potential management, of human female fertility. Here, we provide a brief history of the discovery and characterization of OSCs in mammals, as well as of the in-vivo significance of postnatal oogenesis to adult ovarian function. We then highlight several key observations made recently on the biology of OSCs, and integrate this information into a broader discussion of the potential value and limitations of these adult stem cells to achieving a greater understanding of human female gametogenesis in vivo and in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica J Martin
- Laboratory of Aging and Infertility Research, Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Dori C Woods
- Laboratory of Aging and Infertility Research, Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Jonathan L Tilly
- Laboratory of Aging and Infertility Research, Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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4
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Zhao H, Nie J, Zhu X, Lu Y, Liang X, Xu H, Yang X, Zhang Y, Lu K, Lu S. In vitro differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells using testicular cells from Guangxi Bama mini-pig. J Vet Sci 2018; 19:592-599. [PMID: 29929354 PMCID: PMC6167331 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.2018.19.5.592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 04/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we attempted to establish a culture system for in vitro spermatogenesis from spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) of Bama mini-pig. Dissociated testicular cells from 1-month-old pigs were co-cultured to mimic in vivo spermatogenesis. The testicular cells were seeded in minimum essential medium alpha (α-MEM) supplemented with Knockout serum replacement (KSR). Three-dimensional colonies formed after 10 days of culture. The colonies showed positive staining for SSC-associated markers such as UCHL1, PLZF, THY1, OCT4, Dolichos biflorus agglutinin, and alkaline phosphatase. Induction of SSCs was performed in α-MEM + KSR supplemented with retinoic acid, bone morphogenetic protein 4, activin A, follicle-stimulating hormone, or testosterone. The results showed that STRA8, DMC1, PRM1, and TNP1 were upregulated significantly in the colonies after induction compared to that in testis from 1-month-old pigs, while expression levels of those genes were significantly low compared to those in 2-month-old testis. However, upregulation of ACROSIN was not significant. Replacement of α-MEM and KSR with Iscove's modified Dulbecco's medium and fetal bovine serum did not upregulate expression of these genes significantly. These results indicate that SSCs of Bama mini-pig could undergo differentiation and develop to a post-meiotic stage in α-MEM supplemented with KSR and induction factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi High Education Key Laboratory for Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China.,College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China
| | - Junyu Nie
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi High Education Key Laboratory for Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China
| | - Xiangxing Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi High Education Key Laboratory for Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China
| | - Yangqing Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi High Education Key Laboratory for Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China
| | - Xingwei Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi High Education Key Laboratory for Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China
| | - Huiyan Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi High Education Key Laboratory for Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China
| | - Xiaogan Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi High Education Key Laboratory for Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China
| | - Yunkai Zhang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China
| | - Kehuan Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi High Education Key Laboratory for Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China
| | - Shengsheng Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Guangxi High Education Key Laboratory for Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530005, China
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5
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Rombaut C, Mertes H, Heindryckx B, Goossens E. Human in vitro spermatogenesis from pluripotent stem cells: in need of a stepwise differentiation protocol? Mol Hum Reprod 2017; 24:47-54. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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6
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Shirzeyli MH, Khanlarkhani N, Amidi F, Shirzeyli FH, Aval FS, Sobhani A. Bones Morphogenic Protein-4 and retinoic acid combined treatment comparative analysis for in vitro differentiation potential of murine mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow and adipose tissue into germ cells. Microsc Res Tech 2017; 80:1151-1160. [PMID: 28921810 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.22880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Revised: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, infertility is no longer considered as an unsolvable disorder due to progresses in germ cells derived from stem lineage with diverse origins. Technical and ethical challenges push researchers to investigate various tissue sources to approach more efficient gametes. The purpose of the current study is to investigate the efficacy of a combined medium, retinoic acid (RA) together with Bone Morphogenic Protein-4 (BMP4), on differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMMSCs) and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) into germ cells. Murine MSCs were obtained from both Bone Marrow (BM) and Adipose Tissue (AT) samples and were analyzed for surface markers to get further verification of their nature. BMMSCs and ADMSCs were induced into osteogenic and adipogenic lineage cells respectively, to examine their multipotency. They were finally differentiated into germ cells using media enriched with BMP4 for 4 days followed by addition of RA for 7 days (11 days in total). Analyzing of differentiation potential of BMMSCs- and ADMSCs were performed via Immunofluorescence, Flowcytometry and Real time-PCR techniques for germ cell-specific markers (Mvh, Dazl, Stra8 and Scp3). Mesenchymal surface markers (CD90 and CD44) were expressed on both BMMSCs and ADMSCs, while endothelial and hematopoietic cell markers (CD31 and CD45) had no expression. Finally, all germ-specific markers were expressed in both BM and AT. Although germ cells differentiated from ADMSCs showed faster growth and proliferation as well as easy collection, they significantly expressed germ-specific markers lower than BMMSCs. This suggests stronger differentiation potential of murine BMMSCs than ADMSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam H Shirzeyli
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Neda Khanlarkhani
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fardin Amidi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farshad H Shirzeyli
- Department of Animal Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fereydoon S Aval
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Aligholi Sobhani
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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7
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Fattahi A, Latifi Z, Ghasemnejad T, Nejabati HR, Nouri M. Insights into in vitro spermatogenesis in mammals: Past, present, future. Mol Reprod Dev 2017; 84:560-575. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amir Fattahi
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine; Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz Iran
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences; Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz Iran
| | - Zeinab Latifi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine; Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz Iran
| | - Tohid Ghasemnejad
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center; Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Nejabati
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center; Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz Iran
| | - Mohammad Nouri
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences; Tabriz University of Medical Sciences; Tabriz Iran
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8
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Afsartala Z, Rezvanfar MA, Hodjat M, Tanha S, Assadollahi V, Bijangi K, Abdollahi M, Ghasemzadeh-Hasankolaei M. Amniotic membrane mesenchymal stem cells can differentiate into germ cells in vitro. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2016; 52:1060-1071. [PMID: 27503516 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-016-0073-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This is the first report on differentiation of mouse amniotic membrane mesenchymal stem cells (AM-MSCs) into male germ cells (GCs). AM-MSCs have the multipotent differentiation capacity and can be differentiated into various cell types. In the present study, AM-MSCs were induced for differentiation into GCs. AM-MSCs were isolated from mouse embryonic membrane by enzymatic digestion. AM-MSCs were characterized with osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation test and flow cytometric analysis of some CD-markers. AM-MSCs were induced to differentiate into GCs using a creative two-step method. Passage-3 AM-MSCs were firstly treated with 25 ng/ml bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) for 5 d and in continuing with 1 μM retinoic acid (RA) for 12 d (total treatment time was 17 d). At the end of the treatment period, real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR was performed to evaluate the expression of GC-specific markers-Itgb1, Dazl, Stra8, Piwil2, Mvh, Oct4, and c-Kit- in the cells. Moreover, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence staining were performed to evaluate the expression of Mvh and Dazl at protein level. Real-time RT-PCR showed that most of the tested markers were upregulated in the treated AM-MSCs. Furthermore, flow cytometric and immunofluorescence analyses both revealed that a considerable part of the treated cells expressed GC-specific markers. The percentage of positive cells for Mvh and Dazl was about 23 and 46%, respectively. Our results indicated that a number of AM-MSCs successfully differentiated into the GCs. Finally, it seems that AM-MSCs would be a potential source of adult pluripotent stem cells for in vitro generation of GCs and cell-based therapies for treatment of infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh Afsartala
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Rezvanfar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (PSRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahshid Hodjat
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shima Tanha
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahideh Assadollahi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Abdollahi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (PSRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ghasemzadeh-Hasankolaei
- Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 47318-38711, Amirkola, Babol, Iran.
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9
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Retinoic Acid Is Sufficient for the In Vitro Induction of Mouse Spermatocytes. Stem Cell Reports 2016; 7:80-94. [PMID: 27346680 PMCID: PMC4944723 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2016.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Revised: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Meiosis is the key step in gametogenesis. However, the mechanism of mammalian meiosis remains poorly understood due to the lack of an in vitro model. Here, we report that retinoic acid (RA) is sufficient for inducing leptotene/zygotene spermatocytes from cultured mouse spermatogonial stem cells. Multiple genes regulated by RA were identified by RNA sequencing. RA in combination with pup Sertoli cell co-culture resulted in a higher induction efficiency of 28%. Comparisons in the transcriptomic profiles of the induced spermatogenic cells and the isolated ones revealed the progressive induction of the germ cells. Using this model, we showed that Stra8, Agpat3, Fam57a, Wdr91, and Sox30 contributed to the proliferation and meiosis initiation differentially. In conclusion, we have efficiently generated spermatocytes using an RA/pup Sertoli cell-based in vitro model and provided proof-of-concept evidence for its application in identifying genes involved in mammalian meiosis. Retinoic acid (RA) is sufficient for the induction of spermatocytes RA activates meiotic genes while repressing genes for SSC self-renewal An in vitro model for meiosis based on RA and pup Sertoli cells is established Genes for meiosis have been identified using the in vitro model
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10
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Jung D, Kee K. Insights into female germ cell biology: from in vivo development to in vitro derivations. Asian J Androl 2016; 17:415-20. [PMID: 25652637 PMCID: PMC4430939 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.148077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms of human germ cell biology is important for developing infertility treatments. However, little is known about the mechanisms that regulate human gametogenesis due to the difficulties in collecting samples, especially germ cells during fetal development. In contrast to the mitotic arrest of spermatogonia stem cells in the fetal testis, female germ cells proceed into meiosis and began folliculogenesis in fetal ovaries. Regulations of these developmental events, including the initiation of meiosis and the endowment of primordial follicles, remain an enigma. Studying the molecular mechanisms of female germ cell biology in the human ovary has been mostly limited to spatiotemporal characterizations of genes or proteins. Recent efforts in utilizing in vitro differentiation system of stem cells to derive germ cells have allowed researchers to begin studying molecular mechanisms during human germ cell development. Meanwhile, the possibility of isolating female germline stem cells in adult ovaries also excites researchers and generates many debates. This review will mainly focus on presenting and discussing recent in vivo and in vitro studies on female germ cell biology in human. The topics will highlight the progress made in understanding the three main stages of germ cell developments: namely, primordial germ cell formation, meiotic initiation, and folliculogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kehkooi Kee
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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11
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Kjartansdóttir KR, Reda A, Panula S, Day K, Hultenby K, Söder O, Hovatta O, Stukenborg JB. A Combination of Culture Conditions and Gene Expression Analysis Can Be Used to Investigate and Predict hES Cell Differentiation Potential towards Male Gonadal Cells. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0144029. [PMID: 26630562 PMCID: PMC4667967 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0144029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human embryonic stem cell differentiation towards various cell types belonging to ecto-, endo- and mesodermal cell lineages has been demonstrated, with high efficiency rates using standardized differentiation protocols. However, germ cell differentiation from human embryonic stem cells has been very inefficient so far. Even though the influence of various growth factors has been evaluated, the gene expression of different cell lines in relation to their differentiation potential has not yet been extensively examined. In this study, the potential of three male human embryonic stem cell lines to differentiate towards male gonadal cells was explored by analysing their gene expression profiles. The human embryonic stem cell lines were cultured for 14 days as monolayers on supporting human foreskin fibroblasts or as spheres in suspension, and were differentiated using BMP7, or spontaneous differentiation by omitting exogenous FGF2. TLDA analysis revealed that in the undifferentiated state, these cell lines have diverse mRNA profiles and exhibit significantly different potentials for differentiation towards the cell types present in the male gonads. This potential was associated with important factors directing the fate of the male primordial germ cells in vivo to form gonocytes, such as SOX17 or genes involved in the NODAL/ACTIVIN pathway, for example. Stimulation with BMP7 in suspension culture resulted in up-regulation of cytoplasmic SOX9 protein expression in all three lines. The observation that human embryonic stem cells differentiate towards germ and somatic cells after spontaneous and BMP7-induced stimulation in suspension emphasizes the important role of somatic cells in germ cell differentiation in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristín Rós Kjartansdóttir
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Q2:08, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 86, Huddinge, Sweden
- Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Scientific Unit, Horsens Hospital, DK-8700, Horsens, Denmark
| | - Ahmed Reda
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Q2:08, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sarita Panula
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 86, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Kelly Day
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 86, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Kjell Hultenby
- Division of Clinical Research Centre, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 86, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Olle Söder
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Q2:08, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Outi Hovatta
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 86, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Jan-Bernd Stukenborg
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Q2:08, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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12
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Easley CA, Simerly CR, Schatten G. Gamete derivation from embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells or somatic cell nuclear transfer-derived embryonic stem cells: state of the art. Reprod Fertil Dev 2015; 27:89-92. [PMID: 25472048 DOI: 10.1071/rd14317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Generating gametes from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) has many scientific justifications and several biomedical rationales. Here, we consider several strategies for deriving gametes from PSCs from mice and primates (human and non-human) and their anticipated strengths, challenges and limitations. Although the 'Weismann barrier', which separates the mortal somatic cell lineages from the potentially immortal germline, has long existed, breakthroughs first in mice and now in humans are artificially creating germ cells from somatic cells. Spermatozoa with full reproductive viability establishing multiple generations of seemingly normal offspring have been reported in mice and, in humans, haploid spermatids with correct parent-of-origin imprints have been obtained. Similar progress with making oocytes has been published using mouse PSCs differentiated in vitro into primordial germ cells, which are then cultured after xenografting reconstructed artificial ovaries. Progress in making human oocytes artificially is proving challenging. The usefulness of these artificial gametes, from assessing environmental exposure toxicity to optimising medical treatments to prevent negative off-target effects on fertility, may prove invaluable, as may basic discoveries on the fundamental mechanisms of gametogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles A Easley
- Laboratory of Translational Cell Biology, Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael Street, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Calvin R Simerly
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15108, USA
| | - Gerald Schatten
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15108, USA
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13
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Easley CA, Bradner JM, Moser A, Rickman CA, McEachin ZT, Merritt MM, Hansen JM, Caudle WM. Assessing reproductive toxicity of two environmental toxicants with a novel in vitro human spermatogenic model. Stem Cell Res 2015; 14:347-55. [PMID: 25863443 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2015.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Revised: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental influences and insults by reproductive toxicant exposure can lead to impaired spermatogenesis or infertility. Understanding how toxicants disrupt spermatogenesis is critical for determining how environmental factors contribute to impaired fertility. While current animal models are available, understanding of the reproductive toxic effects on human fertility requires a more robust model system. We recently demonstrated that human pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into spermatogonial stem cells/spermatogonia, primary and secondary spermatocytes, and haploid spermatids; a model that mimics many aspects of human spermatogenesis. Here, using this model system, we examine the effects of 2-bromopropane (2-BP) and 1,2,dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP) on in vitro human spermatogenesis. 2-BP and DBCP are non-endocrine disrupting toxicants that are known to impact male fertility. We show that acute treatment with either 2-BP or DBCP induces a reduction in germ cell viability through apoptosis. 2-BP and DBCP affect viability of different cell populations as 2-BP primarily reduces spermatocyte viability, whereas DBCP exerts a much greater effect on spermatogonia. Acute treatment with 2-BP or DBCP also reduces the percentage of haploid spermatids. Both 2-BP and DBCP induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation leading to an oxidized cellular environment. Taken together, these results suggest that acute exposure with 2-BP or DBCP causes human germ cell death in vitro by inducing ROS formation. This system represents a unique platform for assessing human reproductive toxicity potential of various environmental toxicants in a rapid, efficient, and unbiased format.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles A Easley
- Laboratory of Translational Cell Biology, Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
| | - Joshua M Bradner
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Heath, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Amber Moser
- Laboratory of Translational Cell Biology, Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Chelsea A Rickman
- Laboratory of Translational Cell Biology, Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Zachary T McEachin
- Laboratory of Translational Cell Biology, Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Tech College of Engineering, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Megan M Merritt
- Laboratory of Translational Cell Biology, Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Jason M Hansen
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - W Michael Caudle
- Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Heath, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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14
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Zeng F, Huang F, Guo J, Hu X, Liu C, Wang H. Emerging methods to generate artificial germ cells from stem cells. Biol Reprod 2015; 92:89. [PMID: 25715792 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.124800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Germ cells are responsible for the transmission of genetic and epigenetic information across generations. At present, the number of infertile couples is increasing worldwide; these infertility problems can be traced to environmental pollutions, infectious diseases, cancer, psychological or work-related stress, and other factors, such as lifestyle and genetics. Notably, lack of germ cells and germ cell loss present real obstacles in infertility treatment. Recent research aimed at producing gametes through artificial germ cell generation from stem cells may offer great hope for affected couples to treat infertility in the future. Therefore, this rapidly emerging area of artificial germ cell generation from nongermline cells has gained considerable attention from basic and clinical research in the fields of stem cell biology, developmental biology, and reproductive biology. Here, we review the state of the art in artificial germ cell generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanhui Zeng
- The Central Hospital of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Enshi, China
| | - Fajun Huang
- School of Medical Science, Hubei University for Nationalities, Enshi, China
| | - Jingjing Guo
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingchang Hu
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Changbai Liu
- The Institute of Molecular Biology, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Hu Wang
- Medical School, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
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15
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Hendriks S, Dancet EA, van Pelt AM, Hamer G, Repping S. Artificial gametes: a systematic review of biological progress towards clinical application. Hum Reprod Update 2015; 21:285-96. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2013] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
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16
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Lu Y, West FD, Jordan BJ, Jordan ET, West RC, Yu P, He Y, Barrios MA, Zhu Z, Petitte JN, Beckstead RB, Stice SL. Induced Pluripotency in Chicken Embryonic Fibroblast Results in a Germ Cell Fate. Stem Cells Dev 2014; 23:1755-64. [DOI: 10.1089/scd.2014.0080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yangqing Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Franklin D. West
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Brian J. Jordan
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Erin T. Jordan
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Rachel C. West
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Ping Yu
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Ying He
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Vaccines and New Technology, Guangxi Veterinary Research Institute, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Miguel A. Barrios
- Department of Poultry Science, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Ziying Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - James N. Petitte
- Prestage Department of Poultry Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | | | - Steven L. Stice
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
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17
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Yu P, Lu Y, Jordan BJ, Liu Y, Yang JY, Hutcheson JM, Ethridge CL, Mumaw JL, Kinder HA, Beckstead RB, Stice SL, West FD. Nonviral minicircle generation of induced pluripotent stem cells compatible with production of chimeric chickens. Cell Reprogram 2014; 16:366-78. [PMID: 25084370 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2014.0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Chickens are vitally important in numerous countries as a primary food source and a major component of economic development. Efforts have been made to produce transgenic birds through pluripotent stem cell [primordial germ cells and embryonic stem cells (ESCs)] approaches to create animals with improved traits, such as meat and egg production or even disease resistance. However, these cell types have significant limitations because they are hard to culture long term while maintaining developmental plasticity. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a novel class of stem cells that have proven to be robust, leading to the successful development of transgenic mice, rats, quail, and pigs and may potentially overcome the limitations of previous pluripotent stem cell systems in chickens. In this study we generated chicken (c) iPSCs from fibroblast cells for the first time using a nonviral minicircle reprogramming approach. ciPSCs demonstrated stem cell morphology and expressed key stem cell markers, including alkaline phosphatase, POU5F1, SOX2, NANOG, and SSEA-1. These cells were capable of rapid growth and expressed high levels of telomerase. Late-passage ciPSCs transplanted into stage X embryos were successfully incorporated into tissues of all three germ layers, and the gonads demonstrated significant cellular plasticity. These cells provide an exciting new tool to create transgenic chickens with broad implications for agricultural and transgenic animal fields at large.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Yu
- 1 Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia , Athens, GA, 30602
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18
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Petkova R, Arabadjiev B, Chakarov S, Pankov R. Current state of the opportunities for derivation of germ-like cells from pluripotent stem cells: are you a man, or a mouse? BIOTECHNOL BIOTEC EQ 2014; 28:184-191. [PMID: 26019504 PMCID: PMC4434091 DOI: 10.1080/13102818.2014.907037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 11/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The concept of pluripotency as a prerogative of cells of early mammal embryos and cultured embryonic stem cells (ESC) has been invalidated with the advent of induced pluripotent stem cells. Later, it became clear that the ability to generate all cell types of the adult organism is also a questionable aspect of pluripotency, as there are cell types, such as germ cells, which are difficult to produce from pluripotent stem cells. Recently it has been proposed that there are at least two different states of pluripotency; namely, the naïve, or ground state, and the primed state, which may differ radically in terms of timeline of existence, signalling mechanisms, cell properties, capacity for differentiation into different cell types, etc. Germ-like male and female rodent cells have been successfully produced in vitro from ESC and induced pluripotent stem cells. The attempts to derive primate primordial germ cells (PGC) and germ cells in vitro from pluripotent stem cells, however, still have a low success rate, especially with the female germline. The paper reviews the properties of rodent and primate ESC with regard to their capacity for differentiation in vitro to germ-like cells, outlining the possible caveats to derivation of PGC and germ cells from primate and human pluripotent cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rumena Petkova
- Scientific Technological Service (STS) Ltd., Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Borislav Arabadjiev
- Scientific Technological Service (STS) Ltd., Sofia, Bulgaria
- Department of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, and Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, Sofia University ‘St. Kliment Ohridsky’, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Stoyan Chakarov
- Department of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, and Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, Sofia University ‘St. Kliment Ohridsky’, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Roumen Pankov
- Department of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, and Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, Sofia University ‘St. Kliment Ohridsky’, Sofia, Bulgaria
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19
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Hendriks S, Dancet EAF, Meissner A, van der Veen F, Mochtar MH, Repping S. Perspectives of infertile men on future stem cell treatments for nonobstructive azoospermia. Reprod Biomed Online 2014; 28:650-7. [PMID: 24656558 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2014.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2013] [Revised: 11/14/2013] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Concerns have been expressed about the rapid introduction of new fertility treatments into clinical practice. Patients' perspectives on new treatments and their introduction into clinical practice are unexplored. Two alternative treatments for testicular sperm extraction followed by intracytoplasmic sperm injection in men with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA), the formation of artificial sperm and autotransplantation of in vitro proliferated spermatogonial stem cells, are in a preclinical phase of development. This study aimed to explore, prior to future clinical introduction, which treatment aspects are valued by NOA patients and would be taken into account in deciding to undergo these future treatment options. In-depth telephone interviews were conducted with 14 men with NOA. Interviews were transcribed, analysed with content analysis and data saturation was reached. Besides the obvious factors, success rates and safety, patients valued 'the intensity of the procedure', 'the treatments' resemblance to natural conception' and 'feeling cured'. Patients supported the development of these treatments and were eager to take part if such treatments would become available in the future. The patient's perspective on innovative treatments can (co)direct reproductive research. More research into the patients' perspectives on innovations and minimal thresholds to be met prior to their introduction into clinical practice is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Hendriks
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - E A F Dancet
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Leuven University Fertility Centre, Leuven University Hospital, Leuven, Belgium
| | - A Meissner
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - F van der Veen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M H Mochtar
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S Repping
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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20
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Imamura M, Hikabe O, Lin ZYC, Okano H. Generation of germ cells in vitro in the era of induced pluripotent stem cells. Mol Reprod Dev 2013; 81:2-19. [PMID: 23996404 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2013] [Accepted: 08/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are stem cells that can be artificially generated via "cellular reprogramming" using gene transduction in somatic cells. iPSCs have enormous potential in stem-cell biology as they can give rise to numerous cell lineages, including the three germ layers. An evaluation of germ-line competency by blastocyst injection or tetraploid complementation, however, is critical for determining the developmental potential of mouse iPSCs towards germ cells. Recent studies have demonstrated that primordial germ cells obtained by the in vitro differentiation of iPSCs produce functional gametes as well as healthy offspring. These findings illustrate not only that iPSCs are developmentally similar to embryonic stem cells (ESCs), but also that somatic cells from adult tissues can produce gametes in vitro, that is, if they are reprogrammed into iPSCs. In this review, we discuss past and recent advances in the in vitro differentiation of germ cells using pluripotent stem cells, with an emphasis on ESCs and iPSCs. While this field of research is still at a stage of infancy, it holds great promises for investigating the mechanisms of germ-cell development, especially in humans, and for advancing reproductive and developmental engineering technologies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Imamura
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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21
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Pera RAR. Status of human germ cell differentiation from pluripotent stem cells. Reprod Fertil Dev 2013; 25:396-404. [PMID: 23445816 DOI: 10.1071/rd12047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2012] [Accepted: 03/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Historically, the quality of life of infertile couples has been greatly diminished by the loss of opportunity to conceive. However, beginning with the advent of IVF in the late 1970s, novel clinical interventions have greatly changed the outlook for those with severe forms of infertility. Yet, in cases in which the quality and quantity of germ cells are most compromised, there are few options. In the present paper, the current status of germ cell development from stem cells is reviewed in light of potential utility for basic science and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee A Reijo Pera
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-5463, USA.
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22
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Liu Y, Yang JY, Lu Y, Yu P, Dove CR, Hutcheson JM, Mumaw JL, Stice SL, West FD. α-1,3-Galactosyltransferase Knockout Pig Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: A Cell Source for the Production of Xenotransplant Pigs. Cell Reprogram 2013; 15:107-16. [DOI: 10.1089/cell.2012.0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yubing Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602
| | - Jeong Yeh Yang
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602
| | - Yangqing Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources, Animal Reproduction Institute, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602
| | - Ping Yu
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602
| | - C. Robert Dove
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602
| | - Jessica M. Hutcheson
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602
| | - Jennifer L. Mumaw
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602
| | - Steven L. Stice
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602
| | - Franklin D. West
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602
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23
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Evron A, Goldman S, Shalev E. Human amniotic epithelial cells differentiate into cells expressing germ cell specific markers when cultured in medium containing serum substitute supplement. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2012; 10:108. [PMID: 23241213 PMCID: PMC3599708 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-10-108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2012] [Accepted: 12/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) maintain the plasticity of pregastrulation embryonic cells, having the potential to differentiate into all three germ layers. The potential of these cells to differentiate into cells expressing germ cell specific markers has never been described before. METHODS In the present study, hAECs were cultured in medium containing serum substitute supplement (SSS). Gene and protein expression of germ cell and oocyte specific markers was assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunofluorescence staining and flow activated cell sorter analysis (FACS) in hAECs at different time points during the differentiation into cells expressing germ cell specific markers. RESULTS When cultured with SSS, already at passage 1, hAECs start to express the germ cell specific genes C-KIT, DAZL, VASA and ZP3 and at passage 5 large round cells, resembling oocytes, appeared. The cells express the germ cell specific marker DAZL, the oocyte specific markers GDF9 and ZP3 and the meiosis specific markers DMC1 and SCP3 at the protein level. CONCLUSIONS From our preliminary results we can conclude that hAECs have the potential to differentiate into cells expressing germ cell specific markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayelet Evron
- Laboratory for Research in Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emek Medical Center, Afula, Israel
- Rappaport, Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Shlomit Goldman
- Laboratory for Research in Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emek Medical Center, Afula, Israel
| | - Eliezer Shalev
- Laboratory for Research in Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emek Medical Center, Afula, Israel
- Rappaport, Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
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24
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Forschung mit humanen embryonalen Stammzellen in Deutschland. GYNAKOLOGISCHE ENDOKRINOLOGIE 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s10304-012-0477-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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25
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Sabour D, Schöler HR. Reprogramming and the mammalian germline: the Weismann barrier revisited. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2012; 24:716-23. [PMID: 22947493 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2012.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2012] [Revised: 08/08/2012] [Accepted: 08/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The germline represents a unique cell type that can transmit genetic material to the next generation. During early embryonic development, somatic cells give rise to a small population of cells known as germ cells, which eventually differentiate into mature gametes. Germ cells undergo a process of removing and resetting relevant epigenetic information, mainly by DNA demethylation. This extensive epigenetic reprogramming leads to the conversion of germ cells into immortal cells that can pass on the genome to the next generation. In the absence of germline-specific reprogramming, germ cells would preserve the old, parental epigenetic memory, which would prevent the transfer of heritable information to the offspring. On the contrary, somatic cells cannot reset epigenetic information by preserving the full methylation pattern on imprinting genes. In this review, we focus on the capacity of germ cells and somatic cells (soma) to transfer genetic information to the next generation, and thus revisit the Weismann theory of heredity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davood Sabour
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Röntgenstraße 20, D-48149 Münster, Germany
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26
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Kjartansdóttir KR, Gabrielsen A, Reda A, Söder O, Bergström-Tengzelius R, Andersen CY, Hovatta O, Stukenborg JB, Fedder J. Differentiation of stem cells upon deprivation of exogenous FGF2: a general approach to study spontaneous differentiation of hESCs in vitro. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2012; 58:330-8. [PMID: 22708801 PMCID: PMC3507279 DOI: 10.3109/19396368.2012.694009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Establishing a model for in vitro differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) towards the germ cell lineage could be used to identify molecular mechanisms behind germ cell differentiation that may help in understanding human infertility. Here, we evaluate whether a lack of exogenous fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) is supporting spontaneous differentiation of hESCs cultured on human foreskin fibroblast (hFF) monolayers towards germ cell lineage. Additionally to depriving the hESCs of exogenous FGF2, cells were stimulated with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). To get a more comprehensive impression on effects of removal of FGF2 and stimulation with ATRA, we combined the results of three cell lines for each experimental setting. When combining gene expression profiles of three cell lines for 96 genes, only 6 genes showed a significant up-regulation in all cell lines, when no FGF2 was added to the media for 12 weeks. None of these genes are related to the germ lineage, whereas genes for neuronal cells (PAX6 and NR6A1) and endothelial cells (FLT-1 and PTF1A) were up-regulated. To induce and support the differentiation towards the germ lineage we stimulated hESCs with different concentrations of ATRA for 7 and 14 days. We observed no significant difference in gene expression on RNA level when combining all cell lines. Whereas, the overall outcome was negative, one of these cell lines demonstrated an up-regulation of DDX4 on RNA and protein level after 7 days of ATRA stimulation. In summary, our data showed that the lack of exogenous FGF2 results in up-regulation of genes crucial for neuronal and endothelial cell differentiation of hESCs, but not in the up-regulation of genes related to germ cell differentiation when cultured on hFFs. Additionally, we demonstrated that ATRA supplementation did not result in a general specific direction of hESCs towards the germ lineage.
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27
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Oocyte formation by mitotically active germ cells purified from ovaries of reproductive-age women. Nat Med 2012; 18:413-21. [PMID: 22366948 PMCID: PMC3296965 DOI: 10.1038/nm.2669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 459] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2011] [Accepted: 01/11/2011] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Germline stem cells that produce oocytes in vitro and fertilization-competent eggs in vivo have been identified in and isolated from adult mouse ovaries. Here we describe and validate a FACS-based protocol that can be used with adult mouse ovaries and human ovarian cortical tissue to purify rare mitotically-active cells that exhibit a gene expression profile consistent with primitive germ cells. Once established in vitro, these cells can be expanded for months and spontaneously generate 35–50 µm oocytes, as determined by morphology, gene expression and attainment of haploid (1n) status. Injection of the human germline cells, engineered to stably express GFP, into human ovarian cortical biopsies leads to formation of follicles containing GFP-positive oocytes 1–2 weeks after xenotransplantation into immunodeficient female mice. Thus, ovaries of reproductive-age women, like adult mice, possess rare mitotically-active germ cells that can be propagated in vitro as well as generate oocytes in vitro and in vivo.
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28
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Lin ZYC, Imamura M, Sano C, Nakajima R, Suzuki T, Yamadera R, Takehara Y, Okano HJ, Sasaki E, Okano H. Molecular signatures to define spermatogenic cells in common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). Reproduction 2012; 143:597-609. [PMID: 22323619 DOI: 10.1530/rep-11-0215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Germ cell development is a fundamental process required to produce offspring. The developmental program of spermatogenesis has been assumed to be similar among mammals. However, recent studies have revealed differences in the molecular properties of primate germ cells compared with the well-characterized mouse germ cells. This may prevent simple application of rodent insights into higher primates. Therefore, thorough investigation of primate germ cells is necessary, as this may lead to the development of more appropriate animal models. The aim of this study is to define molecular signatures of spermatogenic cells in the common marmoset, Callithrix jacchus. Interestingly, NANOG, PRDM1, DPPA3 (STELLA), IFITM3, and ZP1 transcripts, but no POU5F1 (OCT4), were detected in adult marmoset testis. Conversely, mouse testis expressed Pou5f1 but not Nanog, Prdm1, Dppa3, Ifitm3, and Zp1. Other previously described mouse germ cell markers were conserved in marmoset and mouse testes. Intriguingly, marmoset spermatogenic cells underwent dynamic protein expression in a developmental stage-specific manner; DDX4 (VASA) protein was present in gonocytes, diminished in spermatogonial cells, and reexpressed in spermatocytes. To investigate epigenetic differences between adult marmoset and mice, DNA methylation analyses identified unique epigenetic profiles to marmoset and mice. Marmoset NANOG and POU5F1 promoters in spermatogenic cells exhibited a methylation status opposite to that in mice, while the DDX4 and LEFTY1 loci, as well as imprinted genes, displayed an evolutionarily conserved methylation pattern. Marmosets have great advantages as models for human reproductive biology and are also valuable as experimental nonhuman primates; thus, the current study provides an important platform for primate reproductive biology, including possible applications to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Yu-Ching Lin
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
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