TAZ Induction Directs Differentiation of Thyroid Follicular Cells from Human Embryonic Stem Cells

Dual targeting of MAPK and PI3K pathways unlocks redifferentiation of Braf-mutated thyroid cancer organoids

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy and several genetic events have been described to promote the development of thyroid carcinogenesis. Besides the effects of specific mutations on thyroid cancer development, the molecular mechanisms controlling tumorigenesis, tumor behavior, and drug resistance are still largely unknown. Cancer organoids have been proposed as a powerful tool to study aspects related to tumor development and progression and appear promising to test individual responses to therapies. Here, using mESC-derived thyroid organoids, we developed a BrafV637E-inducible model able to recapitulate the features of papillary thyroid cancer in vitro. Overexpression of the murine BrafV637E mutation, equivalent to BrafV600E in humans, rapidly triggers to MAPK activation, cell dedifferentiation, and disruption of follicular organization. BrafV637E-expressing organoids show a transcriptomic signature for p53, focal adhesion, ECM-receptor interactions, EMT, and inflammatory signaling pathways. Finally, PTC-like thyroid organoids were used for drug screening assays. The combination of MAPK and PI3K inhibitors reversed BrafV637E oncogene-promoted cell dedifferentiation while restoring thyroid follicle organization and function in vitro. Our results demonstrate that pluripotent stem cells-derived thyroid cancer organoids can mimic tumor development and features while providing an efficient tool for testing novel targeted therapies.

Progress Toward and Challenges Remaining for Thyroid Tissue Regeneration

Thyroid hormones play a pivotal role in diverse physiological processes, and insufficient synthesis of these hormones results in hypothyroidism, a prevalent disorder with a significant global impact. Research has shown that the residual thyroid tissue following surgery fails to fully regenerate the gland and restore normal function. The slow turnover rate of the thyroid gland and the presence of resident stem cells, which may contribute to regeneration within adult thyroid tissue, are topics of ongoing debate. This comprehensive review summarizes current research findings concerning the regeneration of the adult thyroid. Investigations have identified potential cellular mechanisms implicated in thyroid regeneration following partial tissue damage, including cells within microfollicles and a cluster of potential thyroid progenitors cells. Nevertheless, the exact mechanisms remain elusive. In cases of complete removal of the thyroid gland, regeneration does not occur, underscoring the necessity for an external source of thyroid tissue. The transplantation of thyroid organoids has emerged as a promising approach to restore thyroid function. Researchers have successfully derived thyroid organoids from various sources and demonstrated their functionality in both in vitro and in vivo animal models. Despite the challenges that still need to be addressed in achieving full maturation and functionality of human thyroid organoids, significant strides have been made in this regard. This review explores the potential of thyroid organoid transplantation and its implications for the field of regenerative medicine.

Thyroid Stem Cell Speciation-a Major Role for PKC

Instructive signals that delineate the formation of thyroid follicles by thyrotropin (TSH) in stem cells are complex. Here, we have examined the role of protein kinase C (PKC) by using a unique Gαq/11 biased small molecule (MSq1) to develop thyroid progenitor cells. Mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) were differentiated into anterior endoderm cells and treated with either TSH or MSq1 in the presence or absence of PKC inhibitors. The transcriptional and translational response of key thyroid markers-sodium iodide symporter (NIS), thyroglobulin (TG), and thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) as well as potential signaling molecules-were then analyzed. The data confirmed that MSq1 is a potent Gαq/11 activator with a major increase in Gαq/11 signaling when compared to TSH. MSq1 activation resulted in an increase in thyroid-specific genes, demonstrating that enhanced PKC signaling was able to induce their expression. The specificity of the PKC signals over the protein kinase A (PKA) pathway in regulating thyroid gene expression was shown by using a specific PKC enzyme inhibitor. The data revealed that TG and NIS expression were suppressed in the presence of the PKC inhibition but, in contrast, were not influenced by PKA inhibition. This indicated that PKC activation was the dominant pathway in the inductive process for thyroid hormone production. Furthermore, by examining PKC isoforms we found that PKCξ was the predominant form in the ES cells that mediated the effects. Since PKCξ can lead to activation of transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase (pTAK1), and its downstream effector nuclear factor κB (NFκB) complex, this demonstrated the involvement of the TAK1/NFκB pathway in thyroid speciation.

Thyroid-on-a-Chip: An Organoid Platform for In Vitro Assessment of Endocrine Disruption

Thyroid is a glandular tissue in the human body in which the function can be severely affected by endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Current in vitro assays to test endocrine disruption by chemical compounds are largely based on 2D thyroid cell cultures, which often fail to precisely evaluate the safety of these compounds. New and more advanced 3D cell culture systems are urgently needed to better recapitulate the thyroid follicular architecture and functions and help to improve the predictive power of such assays. Herein, the development of a thyroid organoid-on-a-chip (OoC) device using polymeric membranous carriers is described. Mouse embryonic stem cell derived thyroid follicles are incorporated in a microfluidic chip for a 4 day experiment at a flow rate of 12 µL min-1 . A reversible seal provides a leak-tight sealing while enabling quick and easy loading/unloading of thyroid follicles. The OoC model shows a high degree of functionality, where organoids retain expression of key thyroid genes and a typical follicular structure. Finally, transcriptional changes following benzo[k]fluoranthene exposure in the OoC device demonstrate activation of the xenobiotic aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway. Altogether, this OoC system is a physiologically relevant thyroid model, which will represent a valuable tool to test potential EDCs.

Transplantable human thyroid organoids generated from embryonic stem cells to rescue hypothyroidism

The thyroid gland captures iodide in order to synthesize hormones that act on almost all tissues and are essential for normal growth and metabolism. Low plasma levels of thyroid hormones lead to hypothyroidism, which is one of the most common disorder in humans and is not always satisfactorily treated by lifelong hormone replacement. Therefore, in addition to the lack of in vitro tractable models to study human thyroid development, differentiation and maturation, functional human thyroid organoids could pave the way to explore new therapeutic approaches. Here we report the generation of transplantable thyroid organoids derived from human embryonic stem cells capable of restoring plasma thyroid hormone in athyreotic mice as a proof of concept for future therapeutic development.

A Critical Balance Between PAX8 and the Hippo Mediator TAZ Determines Sodium/Iodide Symporter Expression and Function

Background: The Hippo pathway has a fundamental role in tissue homeostasis, but little is known about how this signaling cascade is controlled in the thyroid. PAX8 is an essential driver of thyroid differentiation and is involved in the control of genes crucial for thyroid hormone biosynthesis, including the sodium/iodide symporter (NIS; SLC5A5). A role for the Hippo mediator transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) as a coactivator of PAX8 to promote thyroglobulin expression has been previously described. Here, we studied the role of TAZ on thyroid differentiation focusing on PAX8-mediated Slc5a5 transcription. Methods: Gene silencing and overexpression assays were performed in rat PCCl3 thyroid follicular cells (TFCs) to determine the role of TAZ in the regulation of Slc5a5. Transcriptional activity of the Hippo mediators was investigated by chromatin immunoprecipitation and promoter-reporter gene activity. Hippo component levels and location were analyzed in PCCl3 cells and in mouse thyroid under different treatment conditions. Results: By suppressing the expression of PAX8 and its binding to the Slc5a5 upstream enhancer, TAZ inhibits Slc5a5 expression, impairing NIS membrane location and activity. Other Hippo effectors such as YAP1 and TEAD1 were not required for the repressor effect of TAZ. We also found an interplay between the Hippo, thyrotropin (TSH), and transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ) pathways in TFCs. TSH via cyclic adenosine monophosphate activated Hippo signaling pathway and, consequently, TAZ was excluded from the nucleus. We confirmed this in hypothyroid mice, characterized by elevated TSH serum levels, which showed downregulated activation of Hippo signaling in thyroid. Conversely, TAZ nuclear retention was promoted by TGFβ, a potent NIS repressor, and TAZ silencing markedly relieved the TGFβ-induced inhibition of the symporter. Conclusions: We demonstrate that the effects of TAZ are promoter specific, as it functions as a corepressor of PAX8 to modulate Slc5a5 expression in TFCs. Overall, our data place TAZ as an integrator of the different signaling pathways that control NIS expression, pointing to a role for TAZ in thyroid differentiation and identifying the Hippo pathway as a relevant target to recover NIS levels in thyroid cancer cells.

Functional and regulatory aspects of oxidative stress response in X monosomy

The partial/complete loss of one X chromosome in a human female leads to Turner syndrome (TS). TS individuals display a range of phenotypes including short stature, osteoporosis, ovarian malfunction, diabetes, and thyroid dysfunction. Epigenetic factors and regulatory networks are distinctly different in X monosomy (45, X). In a lifetime, an individual is exposed to a variety of stress conditions. To study whether X monosomy cells display a differential response upon exposure to mild stress as compared to normal 46, XX cells and whether this may contribute to various co-morbidities in aneuploid individuals, we have carried out a transcriptomic analysis of human fibroblasts 45, X and 46, XX after exposure to mild oxidative stress. Under these conditions, over 350 transcripts were seen to be differentially expressed in 45, X and 46, XX cells. Pathways associated with oxidative stress were differentially expressed highlighting the differential regulation of genes and associated phenotypes. It could be seen that X monosomy cells are more susceptible to oxidative stress as compared to normal cells and have altered molecular pathways both in normal conditions and also upon exposure to mild oxidative stress. To explore this aspect in detail, we have mapped the expressions of transcription factors (TFs) in 45, X and 46, XX cells. The network of transcription activating factors is differentially regulated in 45, X and 46, XX cells under stress exposure. It is tempting to speculate that the altered ability of 45, X (Turner) cells to respond to stress may play a significant role in the physiological function and altered phenotypes in Turner syndrome.

The Transient Human Thyroid Progenitor Cell: Examining the Thyroid Continuum from Stem Cell to Follicular Cell

Background: The development of the thyroid follicular cell has been well characterized as it progresses from the original stem cell, either embryonic or adult, through a series of transitions to form a differentiated and functional thyroid cell. Summary: In this review, we briefly outline what is known about this transitional process with emphasis on characterizing the thyroid progenitor stem cell by using data obtained from both in vitro and in vivo studies and both mouse and human cells. It is of particular importance to note the influence of independent factors that guide the transcriptional control of the developing thyroid cell as it is subjected to extracellular signals, often working via epigenetic changes, and initiating intrinsic transcriptional changes leading to a functional cell. Conclusion: Thyroid stem cells fall into the category of dispositional stem cells and are greatly influenced by their environment.

Unraveling the Complex Interplay Between Transcription Factors and Signaling Molecules in Thyroid Differentiation and Function, From Embryos to Adults

Thyroid differentiation of progenitor cells occurs during embryonic development and in the adult thyroid gland, and the molecular bases of these complex and finely regulated processes are becoming ever more clear. In this Review, we describe the most recent advances in the study of transcription factors, signaling molecules and regulatory pathways controlling thyroid differentiation and development in the mammalian embryo. We also discuss the maintenance of the adult differentiated phenotype to ensure the biosynthesis of thyroid hormones. We will focus on endoderm-derived thyroid epithelial cells, which are responsible for the formation of the thyroid follicle, the functional unit of the thyroid gland. The use of animal models and pluripotent stem cells has greatly aided in providing clues to the complicated puzzle of thyroid development and function in adults. The so-called thyroid transcription factors - Nkx2-1, Foxe1, Pax8 and Hhex - were the first pieces of the puzzle identified in mice. Other transcription factors, either acting upstream of or directly with the thyroid transcription factors, were subsequently identified to, almost, complete the puzzle. Among them, the transcription factors Glis3, Sox9 and the cofactor of the Hippo pathway Taz, have emerged as important players in thyroid differentiation and development. The involvement of signaling molecules increases the complexity of the puzzle. In this context, the importance of Bmps, Fgfs and Shh signaling at the onset of development, and of TSH, IGF1 and TGFβ both at the end of terminal differentiation in embryos and in the adult thyroid, are well recognized. All of these aspects are covered herein. Thus, readers will be able to visualize the puzzle of thyroid differentiation with most - if not all - of the pieces in place.

Epigenetic Changes During Human Thyroid Cell Differentiation

Objective: It has been demonstrated that the transcription factors TAZ (transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif), paired box gene 8 (PAX8), and NK2 homeobox 1 (NKX2-1) are coexpressed in the nucleus of thyroid cells. Furthermore, TAZ is known to enhance the transcriptional activity of PAX8 and NKX2-1 as well as the key thyroid-specific gene, thyroglobulin (TG), suggesting a critical role for TAZ in the control of thyroid cell speciation. We previously reported that the small molecule ethacridine, identified as a TAZ activator, was able to induce thyroid-specific transcription in endodermal cells differentiated from human embryonic stem (hES) cells using activin A. Since transcription factors are epigenetically regulated in cell differentiation, we investigated the epigenetic changes in the promoter regions of these key transcription factors during in vitro differentiation of hES cells into thyrocytes. Methods: We initially profiled chromatin accessibility using the technique of Assay for Transposase Accessible Chromatin sequencing (ATAC-seq), and then examined DNA methylation and histone acetylation in the promoter regions of the three selected thyroid transcription factors and the thyroid-specific genes during hES cell differentiation. Results: ATAC-seq analysis showed enriched chromatin accessibility of TAZ, NKX2-1, and PAX8 after exposure to activin A and ethacridine. There were no methylation changes found in the NKX2-1, PAX8, and TAZ promoters by bisulfite sequencing. In contrast, acetylation of histone H4, specifically acetylation of lysine 16, was observed in each of the promoters when measured by chromatin immunoprecipitation polymerase chain reaction assays, which correlated with the activity and expression of NKX2-1 and PAX8 as well as sodium/iodide symporter, thyroid stimulating hormone receptor, and TG genes. Conclusions: These results indicate that ethacridine treatment of activin A-derived endodermal hES cells leads to enhanced chromatin accessibility, which, in turn, allows histone H4 acetylation in the regulation of active genes for speciation of thyroid follicular cells from hES cells.

Characterization of a novel compound that promotes myogenesis via Akt and transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) in mouse C2C12 cells

Transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) plays versatile roles in the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation. TAZ activity changes in response to the cellular environment such as mechanic and nutritional stimuli, osmolarity, and hypoxia. To understand the physiological roles of TAZ, chemical compounds that activate TAZ in cells are useful as experimental reagents. Kaempferol, TM-25659, and ethacridine are reported as TAZ activators. However, as each TAZ activator has a distinct property in cellular functions, additional TAZ activators are awaiting. We screened for TAZ activators and previously reported IB008738 as a TAZ activator that promotes myogenesis in C2C12 cells. In this study, we have characterized IBS004735 that was obtained in the same screening. IBS004735 also promotes myogenesis in C2C12 cells, but is not similar to IBS008738 in the structure. IBS004735 activates TAZ via Akt and has no effect on TAZ phosphorylation, which is the well-described key modification to regulate TAZ activity. Thus, we introduce IBS004735 as a novel TAZ activator that regulates TAZ in a yet unidentified mechanism.

Differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells toward pharyngeal endoderm derivatives: Current status and potential

The pharyngeal apparatus, a transient embryological structure, includes diverse cells from all three germ layers that ultimately contribute to a variety of adult tissues. In particular, pharyngeal endoderm produces cells of the inner ear, palatine tonsils, the thymus, parathyroid and thyroid glands, and ultimobranchial bodies. Each of these structures and organs contribute to vital human physiological processes, including central immune tolerance (thymus) and metabolic homeostasis (parathyroid and thyroid glands, and ultimobranchial bodies). Thus, improper development or damage to pharyngeal endoderm derivatives leads to complicated and severe human maladies, such as autoimmunity, immunodeficiency, hypothyroidism, and/or hypoparathyroidism. To study and treat such diseases, we can utilize human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), which differentiate into functionally mature cells in vitro given the proper developmental signals. Here, we discuss current efforts regarding the directed differentiation of hPSCs toward pharyngeal endoderm derivatives. We further discuss model system and therapeutic applications of pharyngeal endoderm cell types produced from hPSCs. Finally, we provide suggestions for improving hPSC differentiation approaches to pharyngeal endoderm derivatives with emphasis on current single cell-omics and 3D culture system technologies.

Derivation and 97% Purification of Human Thyroid Cells From Dermal Fibroblasts

Background: The success in rescuing thyroid deficiency in mice using thyroid cells derived from embryonic stem (ES) cells, together with the discovery of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from somatic cells, has raised the possibility of patient-specific thyroid cell replacement. In this study we demonstrate that human thyroid follicular cells can be derived from human iPSCs and show the ability of highly purified and differentiated cells to secrete thyroid hormone. Research Design and Methods: Human iPSCs were derived from adult skin fibroblasts using RNA reprogramming and differentiated in vitro into thyroid follicular cells by exposure to activin A, ethacridine and TSH as we have previously described for human ES cells. The resulting thyroid cells were then highly purified using double antibody cell sorting. Results: The iPSCs derived from human dermal fibroblasts showed stem cell-like morphologic changes and expressed pluripotent stem cell markers as assessed using qPCR, immunofluorescence staining, and FACS analysis. These cells retained their pluripotential characteristics as shown by teratoma formation after murine transplantation. Definitive endoderm cells were induced with activin A and the transcription factor TAZ was significantly induced on ethacridine treatment and translocated to the nucleus. Thyroid transcription factors NKX2-1 and PAX8 were also highly expressed in activin A derived endoderm cells and further induced by ethacridine. Following terminal differentiation with TSH, there was enhanced thyroid follicle formation, high expression of the thyroid specific genes-TG, TPO, TSHR and NIS, and secretion of thyroid hormone (T4) in vitro. Furthermore, we were able to achieve a 97% purification of TSHR+/NIS+ expressing cells after differentiation using a single purification procedure. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that mature adult dermal fibroblasts can be matured into human iPSCs which have the potential to form functional thyroid follicular cells. This lays the groundwork for future person-specific thyroid regenerative therapy.

The role of thyroglobulin in thyroid hormonogenesis

In humans, the thyroid hormones T₃ and T₄ are synthesized in the thyroid gland in a process that crucially involves the iodoglycoprotein thyroglobulin. The overall structure of thyroglobulin is conserved in all vertebrates. Upon thyroglobulin delivery from thyrocytes to the follicular lumen of the thyroid gland via the secretory pathway, multiple tyrosine residues can become iodinated to form mono-iodotyrosine (MIT) and/or di-iodotyrosine (DIT); however, selective tyrosine residues lead to preferential formation of T₄ and T₃ at distinct sites. T₄ formation involves oxidative coupling between two DIT side chains, and de novo T₃ formation involves coupling between an MIT donor and a DIT acceptor. Thyroid hormone synthesis is stimulated by TSH activating its receptor (TSHR), which upregulates the activity of many thyroid gene products involved in hormonogenesis. Additionally, TSH regulates post-translational changes in thyroglobulin that selectively enhance its capacity for T₃ formation - this process is important in iodide deficiency and in Graves disease. 167 different mutations, many of which are newly discovered, are now known to exist in TG (encoding human thyroglobulin) that can lead to defective thyroid hormone synthesis, resulting in congenital hypothyroidism.

Thyrotropin receptor, still much to be learned from the patients

In the absence of crystal available for the full-length thyrotropin receptor, knowledge of its structure and functioning has benefitted from the identification and characterization of mutations in patients with various thyroid dysfunctions. The characterization of activating mutations has contributed to the elaboration of a model involving the extracellular domain of the receptor as an inverse tethered agonist which, upon binding of the ligand, relieves the transmembrane domain from an inhibiting interaction and activates it. The models derived from comparisons with other receptors, enriched with the information provided by the study of mutations, have proven useful for the design of small-molecule agonists and antagonists that may be used in the future to treat thyroid dysfunctions. In this review, extrathyroidal expression of the thyrotropin receptor is described, the role of which is still poorly defined.

Development of the thyroid gland

Thyroid hormones are crucial for organismal development and homeostasis. In humans, untreated congenital hypothyroidism due to thyroid agenesis inevitably leads to cretinism, which comprises irreversible brain dysfunction and dwarfism. Elucidating how the thyroid gland - the only source of thyroid hormones in the body - develops is thus key for understanding and treating thyroid dysgenesis, and for generating thyroid cells in vitro that might be used for cell-based therapies. Here, we review the principal mechanisms involved in thyroid organogenesis and functional differentiation, highlighting how the thyroid forerunner evolved from the endostyle in protochordates to the endocrine gland found in vertebrates. New findings on the specification and fate decisions of thyroid progenitors, and the morphogenesis of precursor cells into hormone-producing follicular units, are also discussed.