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Emig AA, Williams MLK. Gastrulation morphogenesis in synthetic systems. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2023; 141:3-13. [PMID: 35817656 PMCID: PMC9825685 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in pluripotent stem cell culture allow researchers to generate not only most embryonic cell types, but also morphologies of many embryonic structures, entirely in vitro. This recreation of embryonic form from naïve cells, known as synthetic morphogenesis, has important implications for both developmental biology and regenerative medicine. However, the capacity of stem cell-based models to recapitulate the morphogenetic cell behaviors that shape natural embryos remains unclear. In this review, we explore several examples of synthetic morphogenesis, with a focus on models of gastrulation and surrounding stages. By varying cell types, source species, and culture conditions, researchers have recreated aspects of primitive streak formation, emergence and elongation of the primary embryonic axis, neural tube closure, and more. Here, we describe cell behaviors within in vitro/ex vivo systems that mimic in vivo morphogenesis and highlight opportunities for more complete models of early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa A Emig
- Center for Precision Environmental Health & Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, USA
| | - Margot L K Williams
- Center for Precision Environmental Health & Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, USA.
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Afjeh-Dana E, Naserzadeh P, Moradi E, Hosseini N, Seifalian AM, Ashtari B. Stem Cell Differentiation into Cardiomyocytes: Current Methods and Emerging Approaches. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 18:2566-2592. [PMID: 35508757 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-021-10280-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are globally known to be important causes of mortality and disabilities. Common treatment strategies for CVDs, such as pharmacological therapeutics impose serious challenges due to the failure of treatments for myocardial necrosis. By contrast, stem cells (SCs) based therapies are seen to be promising approaches to CVDs treatment. In such approaches, cardiomyocytes are differentiated from SCs. To fulfill SCs complete potential, the method should be appointed to generate cardiomyocytes with more mature structure and well-functioning operations. For heart repairing applications, a greatly scalable and medical-grade cardiomyocyte generation must be used. Nonetheless, there are some challenges such as immune rejection, arrhythmogenesis, tumorigenesis, and graft cell death potential. Herein, we discuss the types of potential SCs, and commonly used methods including embryoid bodies related techniques, co-culture, mechanical stimulation, and electrical stimulation and their applications, advantages and limitations in this field. An estimated 17.9 million people died from CVDs in 2019, representing 32 % of all global deaths. Of these deaths, 85 % were due to heart attack and stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Afjeh-Dana
- Radiation Biology Research Centre, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parvaneh Naserzadeh
- Radiation Biology Research Centre, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Moradi
- Radiation Biology Research Centre, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Endocrine Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasrin Hosseini
- Neuroscience Research Centre, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Alexander Marcus Seifalian
- Nanotechnology & Regenerative Medicine Commercialisation Centre (NanoRegMed Ltd), London BioScience Innovation Centre, London, UK
| | - Behnaz Ashtari
- Radiation Biology Research Centre, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Endocrine Research Center, Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Cellular and Molecular Research Centre, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Shankar V, van Blitterswijk C, Vrij E, Giselbrecht S. From Snapshots to Development: Identifying the Gaps in the Development of Stem Cell-based Embryo Models along the Embryonic Timeline. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2004250. [PMID: 33898195 PMCID: PMC8061376 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202004250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, stem cell-based models that reconstruct mouse and human embryogenesis have gained significant traction due to their near-physiological similarity to natural embryos. Embryo models can be generated in large numbers, provide accessibility to a variety of experimental tools such as genetic and chemical manipulation, and confer compatibility with automated readouts, which permits exciting experimental avenues for exploring the genetic and molecular principles of self-organization, development, and disease. However, the current embryo models recapitulate only snapshots within the continuum of embryonic development, allowing the progression of the embryonic tissues along a specific direction. Hence, to fully exploit the potential of stem cell-based embryo models, multiple important gaps in the developmental landscape need to be covered. These include recapitulating the lesser-explored interactions between embryonic and extraembryonic tissues such as the yolk sac, placenta, and the umbilical cord; spatial and temporal organization of tissues; and the anterior patterning of embryonic development. Here, it is detailed how combinations of stem cells and versatile bioengineering technologies can help in addressing these gaps and thereby extend the implications of embryo models in the fields of cell biology, development, and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinidhra Shankar
- Maastricht UniversityUniversiteitssingel 40Maastricht6229 ERThe Netherlands
| | | | - Erik Vrij
- Maastricht UniversityUniversiteitssingel 40Maastricht6229 ERThe Netherlands
| | - Stefan Giselbrecht
- Maastricht UniversityUniversiteitssingel 40Maastricht6229 ERThe Netherlands
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Zeevaert K, Elsafi Mabrouk MH, Wagner W, Goetzke R. Cell Mechanics in Embryoid Bodies. Cells 2020; 9:E2270. [PMID: 33050550 PMCID: PMC7599659 DOI: 10.3390/cells9102270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryoid bodies (EBs) resemble self-organizing aggregates of pluripotent stem cells that recapitulate some aspects of early embryogenesis. Within few days, the cells undergo a transition from rather homogeneous epithelial-like pluripotent stem cell colonies into a three-dimensional organization of various cell types with multifaceted cell-cell interactions and lumen formation-a process associated with repetitive epithelial-mesenchymal transitions. In the last few years, culture methods have further evolved to better control EB size, growth, cellular composition, and organization-e.g., by the addition of morphogens or different extracellular matrix molecules. There is a growing perception that the mechanical properties, cell mechanics, and cell signaling during EB development are also influenced by physical cues to better guide lineage specification; substrate elasticity and topography are relevant, as well as shear stress and mechanical strain. Epithelial structures outside and inside EBs support the integrity of the cell aggregates and counteract mechanical stress. Furthermore, hydrogels can be used to better control the organization and lineage-specific differentiation of EBs. In this review, we summarize how EB formation is accompanied by a variety of biomechanical parameters that need to be considered for the directed and reproducible self-organization of early cell fate decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kira Zeevaert
- Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Stem Cell Biology and Cellular Engineering, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (K.Z.); (M.H.E.M.)
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering–Cell Biology, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Mohamed H. Elsafi Mabrouk
- Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Stem Cell Biology and Cellular Engineering, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (K.Z.); (M.H.E.M.)
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering–Cell Biology, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wagner
- Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Stem Cell Biology and Cellular Engineering, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (K.Z.); (M.H.E.M.)
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering–Cell Biology, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Roman Goetzke
- Helmholtz-Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Stem Cell Biology and Cellular Engineering, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (K.Z.); (M.H.E.M.)
- Institute for Biomedical Engineering–Cell Biology, RWTH Aachen University Medical School, 52074 Aachen, Germany
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A microparticle approach to morphogen delivery within pluripotent stem cell aggregates. Biomaterials 2013; 34:7227-35. [PMID: 23827184 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2013.05.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2013] [Accepted: 05/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Stem cell fate and specification is largely controlled by extrinsic cues that comprise the 3D microenvironment. Biomaterials can serve to control the spatial and temporal presentation of morphogenic molecules in order to direct stem cell fate decisions. Here we describe a microparticle (MP)-based approach to deliver growth factors within multicellular aggregates to direct pluripotent stem cell differentiation. Compared to conventional soluble delivery methods, gelatin MPs laden with BMP4 or noggin induced efficient gene expression of mesoderm and ectoderm lineages, respectively, despite using nearly 12-fold less total growth factor. BMP4-laden MPs increased the percentage of cells expressing GFP under the control of the Brachyury-T promoter as visualized by whole-mount confocal imaging and quantified by flow cytometry. Furthermore, the ability to localize MPs laden with different morphogens within a particular hemisphere of stem cell aggregates allowed for spatial control of differentiation within 3D cultures. Overall, localized delivery of growth factors within multicellular aggregates from microparticle delivery vehicles is an important step towards scalable differentiation technologies and the study of morphogen gradients in pluripotent stem cell differentiation.
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Serup P, Gustavsen C, Klein T, Potter LA, Lin R, Mullapudi N, Wandzioch E, Hines A, Davis A, Bruun C, Engberg N, Petersen DR, Peterslund JML, Macdonald RJ, Grapin-Botton A, Magnuson MA, Zaret KS. Partial promoter substitutions generating transcriptional sentinels of diverse signaling pathways in embryonic stem cells and mice. Dis Model Mech 2012; 5:956-66. [PMID: 22888097 PMCID: PMC3484877 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.009696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular signals in development, physiology, homeostasis and disease often act by regulating transcription. Herein we describe a general method and specific resources for determining where and when such signaling occurs in live animals and for systematically comparing the timing and extent of different signals in different cellular contexts. We used recombinase-mediated cassette exchange (RMCE) to test the effect of successively deleting conserved genomic regions of the ubiquitously active Rosa26 promoter and substituting the deleted regions for regulatory sequences that respond to diverse extracellular signals. We thereby created an allelic series of embryonic stem cells and mice, each containing a signal-responsive sentinel with different fluorescent reporters that respond with sensitivity and specificity to retinoic acids, bone morphogenic proteins, activin A, Wnts or Notch, and that can be adapted to any pathway that acts via DNA elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palle Serup
- Hagedorn Research Institute, Department of Developmental Biology, Niels Steensens Vej 6, DK-2820, Denmark
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