Differentiation of trophoblast stem cells into giant cells is triggered by p57/Kip2 inhibition of CDK1 activity

Sustained ERK signaling promotes G2 cell cycle exit and primes cells for whole-genome duplication

Whole-genome duplication (WGD) is a frequent event in cancer evolution that fuels chromosomal instability. WGD can result from mitotic errors or endoreduplication, yet the molecular mechanisms that drive WGD remain unclear. Here, we use live single-cell analysis to characterize cell-cycle dynamics upon aberrant Ras-ERK signaling. We find that sustained ERK signaling in human cells leads to reactivation of the APC/C in G2, resulting in tetraploid G0-like cells that are primed for WGD. This process is independent of DNA damage or p53 but dependent on p21. Transcriptomics analysis and live-cell imaging showed that constitutive ERK activity promotes p21 expression, which is necessary and sufficient to inhibit CDK activity and which prematurely activates the anaphase-promoting complex (APC/C). Finally, either loss of p53 or reduced ERK signaling allowed for endoreduplication, completing a WGD event. Thus, sustained ERK signaling-induced G2 cell cycle exit represents an alternative path to WGD.

ISRIB facilitates the co-culture of human trophoblast stem cells and embryonic stem cells

The embryo-like structures (embryoids) constructed by aggregating embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) have provided revolutionary tools for studying the intricate interaction between embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues during early embryonic development, which has been achieved in mice. However, due to the opposite dependence on some signalling pathways for in vitro culture of human ESCs (hESCs) and TSCs (hTSCs), particularly WNT and TGFβ signalling pathways, which limits the construction of human post-implantation embryoids by aggregating hESCs and hTSCs. To overcome this challenge, here, by screening 1639 chemicals, we found that an inhibitor of integrated stress response, ISRIB, can replace WNT agonists and TGFβ inhibitors to maintain the stemness and differentiation capacity of hTSCs. Thus, we developed an ISRIB-dependent in vitro culture medium for hTSCs, namely nTSM. Furthermore, we demonstrated that ISRIB could also maintain the hESC stemness. Using a 3D co-culture system (hESCs and hTSCs aggregate, ETA), we demonstrated that a 1:1 mixture of hESC culture medium (ESM) and nTSM improved the cell proliferation and organisation of both hESC- and hTSC-compartments and the lumenogenesis of hESC-compartment in ETAs. Overall, our study provided an ISRIB-dependent system for co-culturing hESCs and hTSCs, which facilitated the construction of human embryoids by aggregating hESCs and hTSCs.

NANOG regulate the JAK/STAT3 pathway to promote trophoblast cell migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) through protein interaction with CDK1

PROBLEM

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are a common pregnancy disease. NANOG and Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) are essential for regulating the function of cell proliferation and apoptosis. However, the mechanism of action in HDP is yet unclear.

METHOD

The microarray dataset GSE6573 was downloaded from the GEO database. Emt-related gene set was downloaded from Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition gene database 2.0 were screened differentially expressed genes by bioinformatics analysis. Pathway Commons and Scansite 4.0 databases were used to predict the interaction between proteins. Placental tissue samples were collected from HDP patients and patients with uneventful pregnancies. RT-qPCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression of NANOG, CDK1, MMP-2, MMP-9, EMT markers and the JAK/STAT3 pathway proteins. Transfection NANOG overexpression/knockdown, and CDK1 knockdown into the human chorionic trophoblast cells (HTR-8/Svneo). CCK-8, Transwell and Wound-healing assay were used to evaluate cell proliferation, invasion and migration. CO-IP and GST pull-down assays were used to confirm the protein interaction.

RESULTS

A total obtained seven EMT-related differentially expressed genes, wherein NANOG, NODAL and LIN28A had protein interaction. In the HDP patients' tissue found that NANOG and CDK1 had lower expression. NANOG overexpression promoted HTR-8/Svneo proliferation, migration and EMT, while NANOG knockdown had the opposite effect. Further a protein interaction between STAT3 and CDK1 with NANOG. NANOG overexpression downregulated the JAK/STAT3 pathway to promote HTR-8/Svneo proliferation, migration and EMT, which was reversed by CDK1 knockdown.

CONCLUSIONS

NANOG downregulated the JAK/STAT3 pathway to promote trophoblast cell proliferation, migration and EMT through protein interaction with CDK1.

Physiological DNA damage promotes functional endoreplication of mammary gland alveolar cells during lactation

Lactation insufficiency affects many women worldwide. During lactation, a large portion of mammary gland alveolar cells become polyploid, but how these cells balance the hyperproliferation occurring during normal alveologenesis with terminal differentiation required for lactation is unknown. Here, we show that DNA damage accumulates due to replication stress during pregnancy, activating the DNA damage response. Modulation of DNA damage levels in vivo by intraductal injections of nucleosides or DNA damaging agents reveals that the degree of DNA damage accumulated during pregnancy governs endoreplication and milk production. We identify a mechanism involving early mitotic arrest through CDK1 inactivation, resulting in a heterogeneous alveolar population with regards to ploidy and nuclei number. The inactivation of CDK1 is mediated by the DNA damage response kinase WEE1 with homozygous loss of Wee1 resulting in decreased endoreplication, alveologenesis and milk production. Thus, we propose that the DNA damage response to replication stress couples proliferation and endoreplication during mammary gland alveologenesis. Our study sheds light on mechanisms governing lactogenesis and identifies non-hormonal means for increasing milk production.

Locally delivered hydrogels with controlled release of nanoscale exosomes promote cardiac repair after myocardial infarction

Compared with stem cells, exosomes as a kind of nanoscale carriers intrinsically loaded with diverse bioactive molecules, which had the advantages of high safety, small size, and ethical considerations in the treatment of myocardial infarction, but there are still problems such as impaired stability and rapid dissipation. Here, we introduce a bioengineered injectable hyaluronic acid hydrogel designed to optimize local delivery efficiency of trophoblast stem cells derived-exosomes. Its hyaluronan components adeptly emulates the composition and modulus of pericardial fluid, meanwhile preserving the bioactivity of nanoscale exosomes. Additionally, a meticulously designed hyperbranched polymeric cross-linker facilitates a gentle cross-linking process among hyaluronic acid molecules, with disulfide bonds in its molecular framework enhancing biodegradability and conferring a unique controlled release capability. This innovative hydrogel offers the added advantage of minimal invasiveness during administration into the pericardial space, greatly extending the retention of exosomes within the myocardial region. In vivo, this hydrogel has consistently demonstrated its efficacy in promoting cardiac recovery, inducing anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory, angiogenic, and anti-remodeling effects, ultimately leading to a substantial improvement in cardiac function. Furthermore, the implementation of single-cell RNA sequencing has elucidated that the pivotal mechanism underlying enhanced cardiac function primarily results from the promoted clearance of apoptotic cells by myocardial fibroblasts.

The antagonistic relationship between apoptosis and polyploidy in development and cancer

One of the important functions of regulated cell death is to prevent cells from inappropriately acquiring extra copies of their genome, a state known as polyploidy. Apoptosis is the primary cell death mechanism that prevents polyploidy, and defects in this apoptotic response can result in polyploid cells whose subsequent error-prone chromosome segregation are a major contributor to genome instability and cancer progression. Conversely, some cells actively repress apoptosis to become polyploid as part of normal development or regeneration. Thus, although apoptosis prevents polyploidy, the polyploid state can actively repress apoptosis. In this review, we discuss progress in understanding the antagonistic relationship between apoptosis and polyploidy in development and cancer. Despite recent advances, a key conclusion is that much remains unknown about the mechanisms that link apoptosis to polyploid cell cycles. We suggest that drawing parallels between the regulation of apoptosis in development and cancer could help to fill this knowledge gap and lead to more effective therapies.

Functional consequences of somatic polyploidy in development

Polyploid cells contain multiple genome copies and arise in many animal tissues as a regulated part of development. However, polyploid cells can also arise due to cell division failure, DNA damage or tissue damage. Although polyploidization is crucial for the integrity and function of many tissues, the cellular and tissue-wide consequences of polyploidy can be very diverse. Nonetheless, many polyploid cell types and tissues share a remarkable similarity in function, providing important information about the possible contribution of polyploidy to cell and tissue function. Here, we review studies on polyploid cells in development, underlining parallel functions between different polyploid cell types, as well as differences between developmentally-programmed and stress-induced polyploidy.

Efficient Reprogramming of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells into Trophoblast Stem-like Cells via Lats Kinase Inhibition

Mouse zygotes undergo multiple rounds of cell division, resulting in the formation of preimplantation blastocysts comprising three lineages: trophectoderm (TE), epiblast (EPI), and primitive endoderm (PrE). Cell fate determination plays a crucial role in establishing a healthy pregnancy. The initial separation of lineages gives rise to TE and inner cell mass (ICM), from which trophoblast stem cells (TSC) and embryonic stem cells (ESC) can be derived in vitro. Studying lineage differentiation is greatly facilitated by the clear functional distinction between TSC and ESC. However, transitioning between these two types of cells naturally poses challenges. In this study, we demonstrate that inhibiting LATS kinase promotes the conversion of ICM to TE and also effectively reprograms ESC into stable, self-renewing TS-like cells (TSLC). Compared to TSC, TSLC exhibits similar molecular properties, including the high expression of marker genes such as Cdx2, Eomes, and Tfap2c, as well as hypomethylation of their promoters. Importantly, TSLC not only displays the ability to differentiate into mature trophoblast cells in vitro but also participates in placenta formation in vivo. These findings highlight the efficient reprogramming of ESCs into TSLCs using a small molecular inducer, which provides a new reference for understanding the regulatory network between ESCs and TSCs.

Single-cell insights into development of the bovine placenta†

A central determinant of pregnancy success is proper development of the conceptus (embryo/fetus and associated extraembryonic membranes including the placenta). Although the gross morphology and histology of the bovine placenta have been well studied, the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating placenta development and trophoblast differentiation and function remain essentially undefined. Here, single-cell transcriptome (scRNA-seq) analysis was performed on the day 17 bovine conceptus and chorion of day 24, 30, and 50 conceptuses (n = 3-4 samples per day) using the 10X Genomics platform. Bioinformatic analyses identified cell types and their ontogeny including trophoblast, mesenchyme, and immune cells. Loss of interferon tau-expressing trophoblast uninucleate cells occurred between days 17 and 30, whereas binucleate cells, identified based on expression of placental lactogen (CSH2) and specific pregnancy-associated glycoprotein genes (PAGs), first appeared on day 24. Several different types of uninucleate cells were present in day 24, 30, and 50 samples, but only one (day 24) or two types of binucleate cells (days 30 and 50). Cell trajectory analyses provided a conceptual framework for uninucleate cell development and binucleate cell differentiation, and bioinformatic analyses identified candidate transcription factors governing differentiation and function of the trophoblasts. The digital atlas of cell types in the developing bovine conceptus reported here serves as a resource to discover key genes and biological pathways regulating its development during the critical periods of implantation and placentation.

CREB3L1/OASIS: cell cycle regulator and tumor suppressor

Cell cycle checkpoints detect DNA errors, eventually arresting the cell cycle to promote DNA repair. Failure of such cell cycle arrest causes aberrant cell proliferation, promoting the pathogenesis of multiple diseases, including cancer. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress transducers activate the unfolded protein response, which not only deals with unfolded proteins in ER lumen but also orchestrates diverse physiological phenomena such as cell differentiation and lipid metabolism. Among ER stress transducers, cyclic AMP-responsive element-binding protein 3-like protein 1 (CREB3L1) [also known as old astrocyte specifically induced substance (OASIS)] is an ER-resident transmembrane transcription factor. This molecule is cleaved by regulated intramembrane proteolysis, followed by activation as a transcription factor. OASIS is preferentially expressed in specific cells, including astrocytes and osteoblasts, to regulate their differentiation. In accordance with its name, OASIS was originally identified as being upregulated in long-term-cultured astrocytes undergoing cell cycle arrest because of replicative stress. In the context of cell cycle regulation, previously unknown physiological roles of OASIS have been discovered. OASIS is activated as a transcription factor in response to DNA damage to induce p21-mediated cell cycle arrest. Although p21 is directly induced by the master regulator of the cell cycle, p53, no crosstalk occurs between p21 induction by OASIS or p53. Here, we summarize previously unknown cell cycle regulation by ER-resident transcription factor OASIS, particularly focusing on commonalities and differences in cell cycle arrest between OASIS and p53. This review also mentions tumorigenesis caused by OASIS dysfunctions, and OASIS's potential as a tumor suppressor and therapeutic target.

Homeostasis, injury, and recovery dynamics at multiple scales in a self-organizing mouse intestinal crypt

The maintenance of the functional integrity of the intestinal epithelium requires a tight coordination between cell production, migration, and shedding along the crypt-villus axis. Dysregulation of these processes may result in loss of the intestinal barrier and disease. With the aim of generating a more complete and integrated understanding of how the epithelium maintains homeostasis and recovers after injury, we have built a multi-scale agent-based model (ABM) of the mouse intestinal epithelium. We demonstrate that stable, self-organizing behaviour in the crypt emerges from the dynamic interaction of multiple signalling pathways, such as Wnt, Notch, BMP, ZNRF3/RNF43, and YAP-Hippo pathways, which regulate proliferation and differentiation, respond to environmental mechanical cues, form feedback mechanisms, and modulate the dynamics of the cell cycle protein network. The model recapitulates the crypt phenotype reported after persistent stem cell ablation and after the inhibition of the CDK1 cycle protein. Moreover, we simulated 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced toxicity at multiple scales starting from DNA and RNA damage, which disrupts the cell cycle, cell signalling, proliferation, differentiation, and migration and leads to loss of barrier integrity. During recovery, our in silico crypt regenerates its structure in a self-organizing, dynamic fashion driven by dedifferentiation and enhanced by negative feedback loops. Thus, the model enables the simulation of xenobiotic-, in particular chemotherapy-, induced mechanisms of intestinal toxicity and epithelial recovery. Overall, we present a systems model able to simulate the disruption of molecular events and its impact across multiple levels of epithelial organization and demonstrate its application to epithelial research and drug development.

Folate-depletion alters mouse trophoblast stem cell regulation in vitro

Maternal folate deficiency increases risk of congenital malformations, yet its effect on placenta development is unclear. Here, we investigated how folate-depleted culture medium affects the developmental potential of mouse trophoblast stem cells (TSCs). When cultured in stem cell conditions, TSC viability was unaffected by folate depletion, but ectopic differentiation of trophoblast cell subtypes occurred. When cultured in conditions that promote differentiation, folate-depleted TSCs were driven towards a syncytiotrophoblast cell fate potentially at the expense of other lineages. Additionally, trophoblast giant cell nuclei were small implicating folate in the regulation of endoreduplication. Therefore, dietary folate intake likely promotes trophoblast development.

Nacα protects the larval fat body from cell death by maintaining cellular proteostasis in Drosophila

Protein homeostasis (proteostasis) is crucial for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Impairment of proteostasis activates proteotoxic and unfolded protein response pathways to resolve cellular stress or induce apoptosis in damaged cells. However, the responses of individual tissues to proteotoxic stress and evoking cell death program have not been extensively explored in vivo. Here, we show that a reduction in Nascent polypeptide-associated complex protein alpha subunit (Nacα) specifically and progressively induces cell death in Drosophila fat body cells. Nacα mutants disrupt both ER integrity and the proteasomal degradation system, resulting in caspase activation through JNK and p53. Although forced activation of the JNK and p53 pathways was insufficient to induce cell death in the fat body, the reduction of Nacα sensitized fat body cells to intrinsic and environmental stresses. Reducing overall protein synthesis by mTor inhibition or Minute mutants alleviated the cell death phenotype in Nacα mutant fat body cells. Our work revealed that Nacα is crucial for protecting the fat body from cell death by maintaining cellular proteostasis, thus demonstrating the coexistence of a unique vulnerability and cell death resistance in the fat body.

Targeting CDK1 in cancer: mechanisms and implications

Cyclin dependent kinases (CDKs) are serine/threonine kinases that are proposed as promising candidate targets for cancer treatment. These proteins complexed with cyclins play a critical role in cell cycle progression. Most CDKs demonstrate substantially higher expression in cancer tissues compared with normal tissues and, according to the TCGA database, correlate with survival rate in multiple cancer types. Deregulation of CDK1 has been shown to be closely associated with tumorigenesis. CDK1 activation plays a critical role in a wide range of cancer types; and CDK1 phosphorylation of its many substrates greatly influences their function in tumorigenesis. Enrichment of CDK1 interacting proteins with Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis was conducted to demonstrate that the associated proteins participate in multiple oncogenic pathways. This abundance of evidence clearly supports CDK1 as a promising target for cancer therapy. A number of small molecules targeting CDK1 or multiple CDKs have been developed and evaluated in preclinical studies. Notably, some of these small molecules have also been subjected to human clinical trials. This review evaluates the mechanisms and implications of targeting CDK1 in tumorigenesis and cancer therapy.

Whole-Genome Doubling as a source of cancer: how, when, where, and why?

Chromosome instability is a well-known hallmark of cancer, leading to increased genetic plasticity of tumoral cells, which favors cancer aggressiveness, and poor prognosis. One of the main sources of chromosomal instability are events that lead to a Whole-Genome Duplication (WGD) and the subsequently generated cell polyploidy. In recent years, several studies showed that WGD occurs at the early stages of cell transformation, which allows cells to later become aneuploid, thus leading to cancer progression. On the other hand, other studies convey that polyploidy plays a tumor suppressor role, by inducing cell cycle arrest, cell senescence, apoptosis, and even prompting cell differentiation, depending on the tissue cell type. There is still a gap in understanding how cells that underwent WGD can overcome the deleterious effect on cell fitness and evolve to become tumoral. Some laboratories in the chromosomal instability field recently explored this paradox, finding biomarkers that modulate polyploid cells to become oncogenic. This review brings a historical view of how WGD and polyploidy impact cell fitness and cancer progression, and bring together the last studies that describe the genes helping cells to adapt to polyploidy.

Single-nuclei RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) uncovers trophoblast cell types and lineages in the mature bovine placenta

Ruminants have a semi-invasive placenta, which possess highly vascularized placentomes formed by maternal endometrial caruncles and fetal placental cotyledons and required for fetal development to term. The synepitheliochorial placenta of cattle contains at least two trophoblast cell populations, including uninucleate (UNC) and binucleate (BNC) cells that are most abundant in the cotyledonary chorion of the placentomes. The interplacentomal placenta is more epitheliochorial in nature with the chorion developing specialized areolae over the openings of uterine glands. Of note, the cell types in the placenta and cellular and molecular mechanisms governing trophoblast differentiation and function are little understood in ruminants. To fill this knowledge gap, the cotyledonary and intercotyledonary areas of the mature day 195 bovine placenta were analyzed by single nuclei analysis. Single-nuclei RNA-seq analysis found substantial differences in cell type composition and transcriptional profiles between the two distinct regions of the placenta. Based on clustering and cell marker gene expression, five different trophoblast cell types were identified in the chorion, including proliferating and differentiating UNC and two different types of BNC in the cotyledon. Cell trajectory analyses provided a framework for understanding the differentiation of trophoblast UNC into BNC. The upstream transcription factor binding analysis of differentially expressed genes identified a candidate set of regulator factors and genes regulating trophoblast differentiation. This foundational information is useful to discover essential biological pathways underpinning the development and function of the bovine placenta.

Trans-differentiation of trophoblast stem cells: implications in placental biology

Trophoblast invasion is a hallmark of hemochorial placentation. Invasive trophoblast cells replace the endothelial cells of uterine spiral arteries. The mechanism by which the invasive trophoblast cells acquire this phenotype is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that, during differentiation, a small population of trophoblast stem (TS) cells trans-differentiate into a hybrid cell type expressing markers of both trophoblast (TC) and endothelial (EC) cells. In addition, a compendium of EC-specific genes was found to be associated with TS cell differentiation. Using functional annotation, these genes were categorized into angiogenesis, cell adhesion molecules, and apoptosis-related genes. HES1 repressed transcription of EC genes in TS cells. Interestingly, differentiated TCs secrete TRAIL, but its receptor DR4 is expressed only in ECs and not in TCs. TRAIL induced apoptosis in EC but not in TC. Co-culture of ECs with TC induced apoptosis in ECs via extrinsic apoptotic pathway. These results highlight that (a) TS cells possess the potential to trans-differentiate into "trophendothelial" phenotype, regulated by HES1 and (b) trophoblast differentiation-induced TRAIL secretion directs preferential demise of ECs located in their vicinity.

Postmitotic centriole disengagement and maturation leads to centrosome amplification in polyploid trophoblast giant cells

DNA replication is normally coupled with centriole duplication in the cell cycle. Trophoblast giant cells (TGCs) of the placenta undergo endocycles resulting in polyploidy but their centriole state is not known. We used a cell culture model for TGC differentiation to examine centriole and centrosome number and properties. Before differentiation, trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) have either two centrioles before duplication or four centrioles after. We find that the average nuclear area increases approximately eight-fold over differentiation, but most TGCs do not have more than four centrioles. However, these centrioles become disengaged, acquire centrosome proteins, and can nucleate microtubules. In addition, some TGCs undergo further duplication and disengagement of centrioles, resulting in substantially higher numbers. Live imaging revealed that disengagement and separation are centriole autonomous and can occur asynchronously. Centriole amplification, when present, occurs by the standard mechanism of one centriole generating one procentriole. PLK4 inhibition blocks centriole formation in differentiating TGCs but does not affect endocycle progression. In summary, centrioles in TGC endocycles undergo disengagement and conversion to centrosomes. This increases centrosome number but to a limited extent compared with DNA reduplication.

How trophoblasts fuse: an in-depth look into placental syncytiotrophoblast formation

In humans, cell fusion is restricted to only a few cell types under normal conditions. In the placenta, cell fusion is a critical process for generating syncytiotrophoblast: the giant multinucleated trophoblast lineage containing billions of nuclei within an interconnected cytoplasm that forms the primary interface separating maternal blood from fetal tissue. The unique morphology of syncytiotrophoblast ensures that nutrients and gases can be efficiently transferred between maternal and fetal tissue while simultaneously restricting entry of potentially damaging substances and maternal immune cells through intercellular junctions. To maintain integrity of the syncytiotrophoblast layer, underlying cytotrophoblast progenitor cells terminate their capability for self-renewal, upregulate expression of genes needed for differentiation, and then fuse into the overlying syncytium. These processes are disrupted in a variety of obstetric complications, underscoring the importance of proper syncytiotrophoblast formation for pregnancy health. Herein, an overview of key mechanisms underlying human trophoblast fusion and syncytiotrophoblast development is discussed.

Polyploidization of Hepatocytes: Insights into the Pathogenesis of Liver Diseases

Polyploidization is a process by which cells are induced to possess more than two sets of chromosomes. Although polyploidization is not frequent in mammals, it is closely associated with development and differentiation of specific tissues and organs. The liver is one of the mammalian organs that displays ploidy dynamics in physiological homeostasis during its development. The ratio of polyploid hepatocytes increases significantly in response to hepatic injury from aging, viral infection, iron overload, surgical resection, or metabolic overload, such as that from non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLDs). One of the unique features of NAFLD is the marked heterogeneity of hepatocyte nuclear size, which is strongly associated with an adverse liver-related outcome, such as hepatocellular carcinoma, liver transplantation, and liver-related death. Thus, hepatic polyploidization has been suggested as a potential driver in the progression of NAFLDs that are involved in the control of the multiple pathogenicity of the diseases. However, the importance of polyploidy in diverse pathophysiological contexts remains elusive. Recently, several studies reported successful improvement of symptoms of NAFLDs by reducing pathological polyploidy or by controlling cell cycle progression in animal models, suggesting that better understanding the mechanisms of pathological hepatic polyploidy may provide insights into the treatment of hepatic disorders.

Mouse Trophoblast Cells Can Provide IFN-Based Antiviral Protection to Embryonic Stem Cells via Paracrine Signaling

The blastocyst is the preimplantation stage embryo that consists of two major components: the inner cell mass (ICM) and the trophectoderm (TE). The ICM gives rise to the fetus and some extraembryonic tissues whereas the TE contributes to development of the placenta. Previous studies have demonstrated that both human and mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) derived from the ICM are deficient in expressing type I IFNs in response to viral infection. In this study, we investigated the IFN response in mouse trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) and their in vitro differentiated trophoblasts (TSC-TBs). In this study, we report that, unlike ESCs, TSCs have a functional IFN system. They can express type I IFNs in response to viral stimuli and express IFN-stimulated genes in response to type I IFNs. TSC-TBs have a further developed IFN system and acquired the ability to express specialized type III IFN-λ. Furthermore, TSCs and TSC-TBs can provide ESCs with antiviral activity against Chikungunya, West Nile, and Zika virus infection, as demonstrated with a novel coculture model that simulates the temporal and spatial relationship between the ICM and the TE in a blastocyst. Taken together, our data demonstrate that mouse ESCs can respond to type I IFNs and gain IFN-based antiviral protection from TSCs and TSC-TBs via paracrine signaling mechanisms even though they themselves are unable to express type I IFNs.

Alveolar cells in the mammary gland: lineage commitment and cell death

The mammary gland provides a spectacular example of physiological cell death whereby the cells that produce milk during lactation are removed swiftly, efficiently, and without inducing inflammation upon the cessation of lactation. The milk-producing cells arise primarily during pregnancy and comprise the alveolar lineage that is specified by signalling pathways and factors that are activated in response to pregnancy hormones. There are at least two alveolar sub-lineages, one of which is marked by the presence of binucleate cells that are especially susceptible to programmed cell death during involution. This process of post-lactational regression, or involution, is carefully orchestrated and occurs in two phases, the first results in a rapid switch in cell fate with the secretory epithelial cells becoming phagocytes whereupon they destroy dead and dying cells from milk. This reversible phase is followed by the second phase that is marked by an influx of immune cells and a remodelling of the gland to replace the alveolar cells with re-differentiated adipocytes, resulting in a return to the pre-pregnant state in preparation for any subsequent pregnancies. The mouse mammary gland provides an excellent experimental tool with which to investigate lineage commitment and the mechanisms of programmed cell death that occur in a normal physiological process. Importantly, involution has highlighted a role for lysoptosis, a mechanism of cell death that is mediated by lysosomal cathepsins and their endogenous inhibitors, serpins. In this review, I discuss alveolar lineage commitment during pregnancy and the programmed cell death pathways that destroy these cells during involution.

Polyploidy in development and tumor models in Drosophila

Polyploidy, a cell status defined as more than two sets of genomic DNA, is a conserved strategy across species that can increase cell size and biosynthetic production, but the functional aspects of polyploidy are nuanced and vary across cell types. Throughout Drosophila developmental stages (embryo, larva, pupa and adult), polyploid cells are present in numerous organs and help orchestrate development while contributing to normal growth, well-being and homeostasis of the organism. Conversely, increasing evidence has shown that polyploid cells are prevalent in Drosophila tumors and play important roles in tumor growth and invasiveness. Here, we summarize the genes and pathways involved in polyploidy during normal and tumorigenic development, the mechanisms underlying polyploidization, and the functional aspects of polyploidy in development, homeostasis and tumorigenesis in the Drosophila model.

Transcriptomic Drivers of Differentiation, Maturation, and Polyploidy in Human Extravillous Trophoblast

During pregnancy, conceptus-derived extravillous trophoblast (EVT) invades the endomyometrium, anchors the placenta to the maternal uterus, and remodels the spiral arteries in order to establish maternal blood supply to the fetoplacental unit. Recent reports have described early gestation EVT as polyploid and senescent. Here, we extend these reports by performing comprehensive profiling of both the genomic organization and transcriptome of first trimester and term EVT. We define pathways and gene regulatory networks involved in both initial differentiation and maturation of this important trophoblast lineage at the maternal-fetal interface. Our results suggest that like first trimester EVT, term EVT undergoes senescence and endoreduplication, is primarily tetraploid, and lacks high rates of copy number variations. Additionally, we have highlighted senescence and polyploidy-related genes, pathways, networks, and transcription factors that appeared to be important in normal EVT differentiation and maturation and validated a key role for the unfolded protein response in this context.

Functional Analysis of p21Cip1/CDKN1A and Its Family Members in Trophoblastic Cells of the Placenta and Its Roles in Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE), a gestational hypertensive disease originating from the placenta, is characterized by an imbalance of various cellular processes. The cell cycle regulator p21^Cip1/CDKN1A (p21) and its family members p27 and p57 regulate signaling pathways fundamental to placental development. The aim of the present study was to enlighten the individual roles of these cell cycle regulators in placental development and their molecular involvement in the pathogenesis of PE. The expression and localization of p21, phospho-p21 (Thr-145), p27, and p57 was immunohistochemically analyzed in placental tissues from patients with early-onset PE, early-onset PE complicated by the HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count) syndrome as well as late-onset PE compared to their corresponding control tissues from well-matched women undergoing caesarean sections. The gene level was evaluated using real-time quantitative PCR. We demonstrate that the delivery mode strongly influenced placental gene expression, especially for CDKN1A (p21) and CDKN1B (p27), which were significantly upregulated in response to labor. Cell cycle regulators were highly expressed in first trimester placentas and impacted by hypoxic conditions. In support of these observations, p21 protein was abundant in trophoblast organoids and hypoxia reduced its gene expression. Microarray analysis of the trophoblastic BeWo cell line depleted of p21 revealed various interesting candidate genes and signaling pathways for the fusion process. The level of p21 was reduced in fusing cytotrophoblasts in early-onset PE placentas and depletion of p21 led to reduced expression of fusion-related genes such as syncytin-2 and human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG), which adversely affected the fusion capability of trophoblastic cells. These data highlight that cell cycle regulators are important for the development of the placenta. Interfering with p21 influences multiple pathways related to the pathogenesis of PE.

Effects of Pparγ1 deletion on late-stage murine embryogenesis and cells that undergo endocycle

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ1, a nuclear receptor, is abundant in the murine placenta during the late stage of pregnancy (E15-E16), although its functional roles remain unclear. PPARγ1 is encoded by two splicing isoforms, namely Pparγ1_canonical and Pparγ1sv, and its embryonic loss leads to early (E10) embryonic lethality. Thus, we generated knockout (KO) mice that carried only one of the isoforms to obtain a milder phenotype. Pparγ1sv-KO mice were viable and fertile, whereas Pparγ1_canonical-KO mice failed to recover around the weaning age. Pparγ1_canonical-KO embryos developed normally up to 15.5 dpc, followed by growth delays after that. The junctional zone of Pparγ1_canonical-KO placentas severely infiltrated the labyrinth, and maternal blood sinuses were dilated. In the wild-type, PPARγ1 was highly expressed in sinusoidal trophoblast giant cells (S-TGCs), peaking at 15.5 dpc. Pparγ1_canonical-KO abolished PPARγ1 expression in S-TGCs. Notably, the S-TGCs had unusually enlarged nuclei and often occupied maternal vascular spaces, disturbing the organization of the fine labyrinth structure. Gene expression analyses of Pparγ1_canonical-KO placentas indicated enhanced S-phase cell cycle signatures. EdU-positive S-TGCs in Pparγ1_canonical-KO placentas were greater in number than those in wild-type placentas, suggesting that the cells continued to endoreplicate in the mutant placentas. These results indicate that PPARγ1, a known cell cycle arrest mediator, is involved in the transition of TGCs undergoing endocycling to the terminal differentiation stage in the placentas. Therefore, PPARγ1 deficiency, induced through genetic manipulation, leads to placental insufficiency.

Human cell polyploidization: The good and the evil

Therapeutic resistance represents a major cause of death for most lethal cancers. However, the underlying mechanisms of such resistance have remained unclear. The polyploid cells are due to an increase in DNA content, commonly associated with cell enlargement. In human, they play a variety of roles in physiology and pathologic conditions and perform the specialized functions during development, inflammation, and cancer. Recent work shows that cancer cells can be induced into polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) that leads to reprogramming of surviving cancer cells to acquire resistance. In this article, we will review the polyploidy involved in development and inflammation, and the process of PGCCs formation and propagation that benefits to cell survival. We will discuss the potential opportunities in fighting resistant cancers. The increased knowledge of PGCCs will offer a completely new paradigm to explore the therapeutic intervention for lethal cancers.

Protocol for mouse trophoblast stem cell isolation, differentiation, and cytokine detection

Trophoblast cells are the first differentiated cells formed from a fertilized egg during mammalian development, and they secrete several autocrine and paracrine factors essential for sustaining pregnancy. In pathological conditions, these cells secrete various proinflammatory cytokines affecting both maternal and fetal health. Here, we provide a detailed protocol for isolation, maintenance, differentiation, and detection of factors secreted from trophoblast stem (TS) cells. This protocol provides conditions for inducing genotoxic stress in differentiated TS cells and detecting the effects on cytokine production. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Singh et al. (2020).

Keep Calm and the Placenta Will Carry On

A fully functional placenta is critical for a successful pregnancy. In this issue of Developmental Cell, Singh et al. reveal that excessive placental DNA damage in murine models for Cornelia de Lange syndrome results in an inefficient and senescent placenta that impairs embryonic development.

Functional Versatility of the CDK Inhibitor p57Kip2

The cyclin/CDK inhibitor p57^Kip2 belongs to the Cip/Kip family, with p21^Cip1 and p27^Kip1, and is the least studied member of the family. Unlike the other family members, p57^Kip2 has a unique role during embryogenesis and is the only CDK inhibitor required for embryonic development. p57^Kip2 is encoded by the imprinted gene CDKN1C, which is the gene most frequently silenced or mutated in the genetic disorder Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS), characterized by multiple developmental anomalies. Although initially identified as a cell cycle inhibitor based on its homology to other Cip/Kip family proteins, multiple novel functions have been ascribed to p57^Kip2 in recent years that participate in the control of various cellular processes, including apoptosis, migration and transcription. Here, we will review our current knowledge on p57^Kip2 structure, regulation, and its diverse functions during development and homeostasis, as well as its potential implication in the development of various pathologies, including cancer.

MicroRNA regulation of murine trophoblast stem cell self-renewal and differentiation

Post-transcriptional regulation of CDX2 and cell cycle genes by miR-290 and miR-322 clusters along with transactivation of miR-290 cluster and cyclin D1 by CDX2 equipoise trophoblast stem cell self-renewal and differentiation.

Proper placentation is fundamental to successful pregnancy. Placenta arises from differentiation of trophoblast stem (TS) cells during development. Despite being recognized as the counterpart of ES cells in placental development, the role of regulatory miRNAs in TS cell differentiation remains inadequately explored. Here, we have identified complete repertoire of microRNAs present in mouse trophoblast cells in proliferative and differentiated state. We demonstrated that two miRNA clusters, -290 and -322, displayed reciprocal expression during trophoblast differentiation. Loss of miR-290 cluster members or gain in miR-322 cluster members led to differentiation of TS cells. The trophoblast stemness factor, CDX2, transactivated the miR-290 cluster and Cyclin D1. MiR-290 cluster members repressed cell cycle repressors, P21, P27, WEE1, RBL2, and E2F7, in TS cells. MiR-322 cluster members repressed the cell cycle activators, CYCLIN D1, CYCLIN E1, CDC25B, and CDX2, to induce differentiation. Taken together, our findings highlight the importance of posttranscriptional regulation by conserved miRNA clusters that form a regulatory network with CDX2, cell cycle activators, and repressors in equipoising TS cell self-renewal and differentiation.

Transcriptomic analysis reveals differential gene expression, alternative splicing, and novel exons during mouse trophoblast stem cell differentiation

BACKGROUND

Differentiation of mouse trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) to trophoblast giant cells (TGCs) has been widely used as a model system to study placental development and function. While several differentially expressed genes, including regulators of TSC differentiation, have been identified, a comprehensive analysis of the global expression of genes and splice variants in the two cell types has not been reported.

RESULTS

Here, we report ~ 7800 differentially expressed genes in TGCs compared to TSCs which include regulators of the cell cycle, apoptosis, cytoskeleton, cell mobility, embryo implantation, metabolism, and various signaling pathways. We show that several mitotic proteins, including Aurora A kinase, were downregulated in TGCs and that the activity of Aurora A kinase is required for the maintenance of TSCs. We also identify hitherto undiscovered, cell-type specific alternative splicing events in 31 genes in the two cell types. Finally, we also report 19 novel exons in 12 genes which are expressed in both TSCs and TGCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, our results uncover several potential regulators of TSC differentiation and TGC function, thereby providing a valuable resource for developmental and molecular biologists interested in the study of stem cell differentiation and embryonic development.

Polyploidy in liver development, homeostasis and disease

Polyploidy (or whole-genome duplication) is the condition of having more than two basic sets of chromosomes. Polyploidization is well tolerated in many species and can lead to specific biological functions. In mammals, programmed polyploidization takes place during development in certain tissues, such as the heart and placenta, and is considered a feature of differentiation. However, unscheduled polyploidization can cause genomic instability and has been observed in pathological conditions, such as cancer. Polyploidy of the liver parenchyma was first described more than 100 years ago. The liver is one of the few mammalian organs that display changes in polyploidy during homeostasis, regeneration and in response to damage. In the human liver, approximately 30% of hepatocytes are polyploid. The polyploidy of hepatocytes results from both nuclear polyploidy (an increase in the amount of DNA per nucleus) and cellular polyploidy (an increase in the number of nuclei per cell). In this Review, we discuss the regulation of polyploidy in liver development and pathophysiology. We also provide an overview of current knowledge about the mechanisms of hepatocyte polyploidization, its biological importance and the fate of polyploid hepatocytes during liver tumorigenesis.

Persistent DNA Damage and Senescence in the Placenta Impacts Developmental Outcomes of Embryos

Cohesin is an evolutionarily conserved chromosome-associated protein complex essential for chromosome segregation, gene expression, and repair of DNA damage. Mutations that affect this complex cause the human developmental disorder Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS), thought to arise from defective embryonic transcription. We establish a significant role for placental defects in the development of CdLS mouse embryos (Nipbl and Hdac8). Placenta is a naturally senescent tissue; we demonstrate that persistent DNA damage potentiates senescence and activates cytokine signaling. Mutant embryo developmental outcomes are significantly improved in the context of a wild-type placenta or by genetically restricting cytokine signaling. Our study highlights that cohesin is required for maintaining ploidy and the repair of spontaneous DNA damage in placental cells, suggesting that genotoxic stress and ensuing placental senescence and cytokine production could represent a broad theme in embryo health and viability.

Endoreduplication in Drosophila melanogaster progeny after exposure to acute γ-irradiation

The purpose of this investigation was to study the effect of acute γ-irradiation of parent adults on the endoreduplication of giant chromosomes in F₁ generation of Drosophila melanogaster Meig. A wild-type Oregon-R strain was used as the material. Virgin females and males of Drosophila adults at the age of 3 days were irradiated with doses of 8, 16 and 25 Gy. Giant chromosomes were studied by cytomorphometry on squashed preparations of Drosophila salivary glands stained with acetoorsein. The preparations were obtained at late third instar larvae. The mean values of the polyteny degree of chromosomes (PDC) in males increased after 8 Gy by 10.6%, after 25 Gy by 7.4%, and did not change after the dose of 16 Gy. In females, the PDC did not differ from the control irrespective of the irradiation dose. An increase in endoreduplication was also evidenced by the accelerated development of offsprings of both sexes after irradiation of parents with 25 Gy, and in males also at a dose of 16 Gy. The statistical impact of power of radiation on polyteny was 26.8%, while the impact of sex was 4.9%. The impact of power of radiation on the developmental rate of offspring was 4.4% in males and 7.5% in females. The enhancement of endoreduplication is considered as a consequence of increasing selection pressure after irradiation. The possible involvement of epigenetic effects in the effect of ionizing radiation on endoreduplication is discussed.

Skp2 contributes to cell cycle progression in trophoblast stem cells and to placental development

All trophoblast subtypes of the placenta are derived from trophoblast stem cells (TSCs). TSCs have the capacity to self-renew, but how the proliferation of these cells is regulated in the undifferentiated state has been largely unclear. We now show that the F-box protein Skp2 regulates the proliferation of TSCs and thereby plays a pivotal role in placental development in mice on the C57BL/6 background. The placenta of Skp2^-/- mouse embryos on the C57BL/6 background was smaller than that of their Skp2^+/+ littermates, with the mutant embryos also manifesting intrauterine growth retardation. Although the Skp2^-/- mice were born alive, most of them died before postnatal day 21, presumably as a result of placental defects. Depletion of Skp2 in TSCs cultured in the undifferentiated state resulted in a reduced rate of proliferation and arrest of the cell cycle in G₁ phase, indicative of a defect in self-renewal capacity. The cell cycle arrest apparent in Skp2-deficient TSCs was reversed by additional ablation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (CKI) p57 but not by that of the CKI p27. Our results thus suggest that Skp2-mediated degradation of p57 is an important determinant of the self-renewal capacity of TSCs during placental development, at least in mice of certain genetic backgrounds.

Arabidopsis nucleoporin CPR5 controls trichome cell death through the core cell cycle regulator CKI

The Arabidopsis trichome is a polyploid epidermal cell resulting from multiple rounds of endocycles. The CYCLIN-DEPENDENT KINASE INHIBITOR (CKI) family proteins are core cell cycle regulators that promote the endocycle. CONSTITUTIVE EXPRESSION OF PR GENES 5 (CPR5) is a plant-specific nucleoporin. It has been found that two Arabidopsis CKI, SIAMESE (SIM) and SIAMESE-RELATED 1 (SMR1), function downstream of CPR5 to activate plant effector-triggered cell death. The sim smr1 double mutants form multicellular and clustered trichomes, while the cpr5 mutants produce dead and branchless trichomes. This study explored roles of the CPR5-CKI signalling pathway in trichome cell cycle transition. To examine the underlying mechanism of how cell cycle transition is regulated in plant trichomes, Trypan blue staining, flow cytometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and nuclear DNA measurement were conducted. The native promoter-driven CKI and GUS fusion reporter showed that both SIM and SMR1 proteins were preferentially expressed in trichomes. The cpr5-induced dead and branchless trichomes were fully suppressed by the sim smr1 double mutant, suggesting that SIM and SMR1 function downstream of CPR5 in trichome development. Flow cytometry analysis showed that as compared to the number of 2C (C = DNA content in a haploid nucleus) cells, the number of 4C cells significantly increased, whereas that of polyploidy cells (8C and 16C) dramatically decreased in the cpr5 mutant. The elevated 4C/2C ratio in the cpr5 mutant is consistent with de-repression of pro-endocycle regulators SIM and SMR1. The polyploidy cells (8C and 16C) may be selectively targeted to cell death, which is therefore attributed to the branchless trichomes in the cpr5 mutant. Nuclear DNA content analysis demonstrated that the nuclear DNA content of trichomes in the cpr5 sim mutant was significantly higher than in the sim mutant, indicating that CPR5 is a negative endocycle regulator in trichomes. This study reveals that the CPR5-CKI signalling pathway controls trichome cell cycle transition and excessive endocycles are required for cell death in plant trichomes.

Dual role of FGF in proliferation and endoreplication of Drosophila tracheal adult progenitor cells

Adult progenitor cells activation is a key event in the formation of adult organs. In Drosophila, formation of abdominal adult trachea depends on the specific activation of tracheal adult progenitors (tracheoblasts) at the Tr4 and Tr5 spiracular branches. Proliferation of these tracheoblasts generates a pool of tracheal cells that migrate toward the posterior part of the trachea by the activation of the branchless/fibroblast growth factor (Bnl/FGF) signaling to form the abdominal adult trachea. Here, we show that, in addition to migration, Bnl/FGF signaling, mediated by the transcription factor Pointed, is also required for tracheoblast proliferation. This tracheoblast activation relies on the expression of the FGF ligand bnl in their nearby branches. Finally, we show that, in the absence of the transcription factor Cut (Ct), Bnl/FGF signaling induces endoreplication of tracheoblasts partially by promoting fizzy-related expression. Altogether, our results suggest a dual role of Bnl/FGF signaling in tracheoblasts, inducing both proliferation and endoreplication, depending on the presence or absence of the transcription factor Ct, respectively.

Age-Related Alterations Affecting the Chondrogenic Differentiation of Synovial Fluid Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in an Equine Model

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that strongly correlates with age and promotes the breakdown of joint cartilage and subchondral bone. There has been a surge of interest in developing cell-based therapies, focused particularly on the use of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) isolated from adult tissues. It seems that MSCs derived from synovial joint tissues exhibit superior chondrogenic ability, but their unclear distribution and low frequency actually limit their clinical application. To date, the influence of aging on synovial joint derived MSCs’ biological characteristics and differentiation abilities remains unknown, and a full understanding of the mechanisms involved in cellular aging is lacking. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the presence of age-related alterations in synovial fluid MSCs and their influence on the potential ability of MSCs to differentiate toward chondrogenic phenotypes. Synovial fluid MSCs, isolated from healthy equine donors from 3 to 40 years old, were cultured in vitro and stimulated towards chondrogenic differentiation for up to 21 days. An equine model was chosen due to the high degree of similarity of the anatomy of the knee joint to the human knee joint and as spontaneous disorders develop that are clinically relevant to similar human disorders. The results showed a reduction in cell proliferation correlated with age and the presence of age-related tetraploid cells. Ultrastructural analysis demonstrated the presence of morphological features correlated with aging such as endoplasmic reticulum stress, autophagy, and mitophagy. Alcian blue assay and real-time PCR data showed a reduction of efficiency in the chondrogenic differentiation of aged synovial fluid MSCs compared to young MSCs. All these data highlighted the influence of aging on MSCs’ characteristics and ability to differentiate towards chondrogenic differentiation and emphasize the importance of considering age-related alterations of MSCs in clinical applications.

The origins and functions of hepatic polyploidy

Polyploid cells contain more than two homologous sets of chromosomes. The original observations of liver polyploidy date back to the 1940s, but functional roles for polyploid cells are still unclear. Liver polyploidy may influence regeneration, stress response, and cancer, although little evidence has established direct causal links between polyploidy and these biological phenotypes. In this review, we will introduce broad concepts about polyploidy including its distribution in nature and how polyploids form in normal and pathological situations. Then we will examine recent discoveries that have begun to clarify functionality and disease relevance of liver polyploidy. Finally, we will discuss implications and future directions of research about polyploidy in the liver.

Genome amplification and cellular senescence are hallmarks of human placenta development

Genome amplification and cellular senescence are commonly associated with pathological processes. While physiological roles for polyploidization and senescence have been described in mouse development, controversy exists over their significance in humans. Here, we describe tetraploidization and senescence as phenomena of normal human placenta development. During pregnancy, placental extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) invade the pregnant endometrium, termed decidua, to establish an adapted microenvironment required for the developing embryo. This process is critically dependent on continuous cell proliferation and differentiation, which is thought to follow the classical model of cell cycle arrest prior to terminal differentiation. Strikingly, flow cytometry and DNAseq revealed that EVT formation is accompanied with a genome-wide polyploidization, independent of mitotic cycles. DNA replication in these cells was analysed by a fluorescent cell-cycle indicator reporter system, cell cycle marker expression and EdU incorporation. Upon invasion into the decidua, EVTs widely lose their replicative potential and enter a senescent state characterized by high senescence-associated (SA) β-galactosidase activity, induction of a SA secretory phenotype as well as typical metabolic alterations. Furthermore, we show that the shift from endocycle-dependent genome amplification to growth arrest is disturbed in androgenic complete hydatidiform moles (CHM), a hyperplastic pregnancy disorder associated with increased risk of developing choriocarinoma. Senescence is decreased in CHM-EVTs, accompanied by exacerbated endoreduplication and hyperploidy. We propose induction of cellular senescence as a ploidy-limiting mechanism during normal human placentation and unravel a link between excessive polyploidization and reduced senescence in CHM.

Polyploidy in tissue homeostasis and regeneration

Polyploid cells, which contain multiple copies of the typically diploid genome, are widespread in plants and animals. Polyploidization can be developmentally programmed or stress induced, and arises from either cell-cell fusion or a process known as endoreplication, in which cells replicate their DNA but either fail to complete cytokinesis or to progress through M phase entirely. Polyploidization offers cells several potential fitness benefits, including the ability to increase cell size and biomass production without disrupting cell and tissue structure, and allowing improved cell longevity through higher tolerance to genomic stress and apoptotic signals. Accordingly, recent studies have uncovered crucial roles for polyploidization in compensatory cell growth during tissue regeneration in the heart, liver, epidermis and intestine. Here, we review current knowledge of the molecular pathways that generate polyploidy and discuss how polyploidization is used in tissue repair and regeneration.

Knockdown of p57 gene inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation

The aim of the study was to investigate possible effects of p57 on the growth of the human MCF-7 and rat SHZ-88 breast cancer cell lines. Specific oligonucleotide sequences containing small hairpin structure were inserted into a small interfering RNA (siRNA) expression vector. The human MCF-7 and rat SHZ-88 breast cancer cell lines were transfected with recombinant plasmids. The p57 gene expression was blocked in the human MCF-7 breast and rat SHZ-88 breast cancer cells, using chemically modified siRNA. The p57 expression level was evaluated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blot analysis. Immunofluorescence was conducted to detect p57 expression in the breast cancer cells. Tetrazolium blue (MTT) method was employed to detect the effect of p57 inhibition on the proliferation of the MCF-7 and SHZ-88 cell lines. Cell proliferation in the experimental group was significantly reduced. Immunofluorescence assay results showed p57 siRNA effectively inhibited the p57 level in the MCF-7 and SHZ-88 cells. RT-PCR results showed that 48 h after transfection, the p57 mRNA level in the transfected group was significantly lower compared with the control group. In conclusion, p57 effectively inhibited the proliferation of breast cancer after stable interference.

CDK1 inhibition facilitates formation of syncytiotrophoblasts and expression of human Chorionic Gonadotropin

AIMS

The human placental syncytiotrophoblast (STB) cells play essential roles in embryo implantation and nutrient exchange between the mother and the fetus. STBs are polyploid which are formed by fusion of diploid cytotrophoblast (CTB) cells. Abnormality in STBs formation can result in pregnancy-related disorders. While a number of genes have been associated with CTB fusion the initial events that trigger cell fusion are not well understood. Primary objective of this study was to enhance our understanding about the molecular mechanism of placental cell fusion.

METHODS

FACS and microscopic analysis was used to optimize Forskolin-induced fusion of BeWo cells (surrogate of CTBs) and subsequently, changes in the expression of different cell cycle regulator genes were analyzed through Western blotting and qPCR. Immunohistochemistry was performed on the first trimester placental tissue sections to validate the results in the context of placental tissue. Effect of Cyclin Dependent Kinase 1 (CDK1) inhibitor, RO3306, on BeWo cell fusion was studied by microscopy and FACS, and by monitoring the expression of human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) by Western blotting and qPCR.

RESULTS

The data showed that the placental cell fusion was associated with down regulation of CDK1 and its associated cyclin B, and significant decrease in DNA replication. Moreover, inhibition of CDK1 by an exogenous inhibitor induced placental cell fusion and expression of hCG.

CONCLUSION

Here, we report that the placental cell fusion can be induced by inhibiting CDK1. This study has a high therapeutic significance to manage pregnancy related abnormalities.

Global Effects of DDX3 Inhibition on Cell Cycle Regulation Identified by a Combined Phosphoproteomics and Single Cell Tracking Approach

DDX3 is an RNA helicase with oncogenic properties. The small molecule inhibitor RK-33 is designed to fit into the ATP binding cleft of DDX3 and hereby block its activity. RK-33 has shown potent activity in preclinical cancer models. However, the mechanism behind the antineoplastic activity of RK-33 remains largely unknown. In this study we used a dual phosphoproteomic and single cell tracking approach to evaluate the effect of RK-33 on cancer cells. MDA-MB-435 cells were treated for 24 hours with RK-33 or vehicle control. Changes in phosphopeptide abundance were analyzed with quantitative mass spectrometry using isobaric mass tags (Tandem Mass Tags). At the proteome level we mainly observed changes in mitochondrial translation, cell division pathways and proteins related to cell cycle progression. Analysis of the phosphoproteome indicated decreased CDK1 activity after RK-33 treatment. To further evaluate the effect of DDX3 inhibition on cell cycle progression over time, we performed timelapse microscopy of Fluorescent Ubiquitin Cell Cycle Indicators labeled cells after RK-33 or siDDX3 exposure. Single cell tracking indicated that DDX3 inhibition resulted in a global delay in cell cycle progression in interphase and mitosis. In addition, we observed an increase in endoreduplication. Overall, we conclude that DDX3 inhibition affects cells in all phases and causes a global cell cycle progression delay.

A Critical Role of TET1/2 Proteins in Cell-Cycle Progression of Trophoblast Stem Cells

The ten-eleven translocation (TET) proteins are well known for their role in maintaining naive pluripotency of embryonic stem cells. Here, we demonstrate that, jointly, TET1 and TET2 also safeguard the self-renewal potential of trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) and have partially redundant roles in maintaining the epithelial integrity of TSCs. For the more abundantly expressed TET1, we show that this is achieved by binding to critical epithelial genes, notably E-cadherin, which becomes hyper-methylated and downregulated in the absence of TET1. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition phenotype of mutant TSCs is accompanied by centrosome duplication and separation defects. Moreover, we identify a role of TET1 in maintaining cyclin B1 stability, thereby acting as facilitator of mitotic cell-cycle progression. As a result, Tet1/2 mutant TSCs are prone to undergo endoreduplicative cell cycles leading to the formation of polyploid trophoblast giant cells. Taken together, our data reveal essential functions of TET proteins in the trophoblast lineage.

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TET1 and TET2 are critical for trophoblast stem cell (TSC) maintenance

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TET1 and TET2 safeguard TSC integrity by driving expression of epithelial genes

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TET1/2 null TSCs exhibit cell-cycle defects and become polyploid

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TET1 binds to and helps stabilize cyclin B1, thereby ensuring G2/M progression

Identification of genes that are essential to restrict genome duplication to once per cell division

Nuclear genome duplication is normally restricted to once per cell division, but aberrant events that allow excess DNA replication (EDR) promote genomic instability and aneuploidy, both of which are characteristics of cancer development. Here we provide the first comprehensive identification of genes that are essential to restrict genome duplication to once per cell division. An siRNA library of 21,584 human genes was screened for those that prevent EDR in cancer cells with undetectable chromosomal instability. Candidates were validated by testing multiple siRNAs and chemical inhibitors on both TP53+ and TP53- cells to reveal the relevance of this ubiquitous tumor suppressor to preventing EDR, and in the presence of an apoptosis inhibitor to reveal the full extent of EDR. The results revealed 42 genes that prevented either DNA re-replication or unscheduled endoreplication. All of them participate in one or more of eight cell cycle events. Seventeen of them have not been identified previously in this capacity. Remarkably, 14 of the 42 genes have been shown to prevent aneuploidy in mice. Moreover, suppressing a gene that prevents EDR increased the ability of the chemotherapeutic drug Paclitaxel to induce EDR, suggesting new opportunities for synthetic lethalities in the treatment of human cancers.

Bioinformatics analysis to screen key genes implicated in the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells to hepatocytes

Due to the lack of potential organs, hepatocellular transplantation has been considered for treating end-stage liver disease. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are reverted from somatic cells and are able to differentiate into hepatocytes. The present study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying iPSC differentiation to hepatocytes. GSE66076 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus; this database includes data from 3 undifferentiated (T0), 3 definitive endoderm (T5), and 3 early hepatocyte (T24) samples across hepatic‑directed differentiation of iPSCs. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between T0 and T5 or T24 samples were identified using the linear models for microarray data package in Bioconductor, and enrichment analyses were performed. Using the weighted correlation network analysis package in R, clusters were identified for the merged DEGs. Cytoscape was used to construct protein‑protein interaction (PPI) networks for DEGs identified to belong to significant clusters. Using the ReactomeFI plugin in Cytoscape, functional interaction (FI) networks were constructed for the common genes. A total of 433 and 1,342 DEGs were identified in the T5 and T24 samples respectively, compared with the T0 samples. Blue and turquoise clusters were identified as significant gene clusters. In the PPI network for DEGs in the blue cluster, the key node fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) could interact with bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2). Cyclin‑dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) was demonstrated to have the highest degree (degree=71) in the PPI network for DEGs in the turquoise cluster. Enrichment analysis for the common genes, including hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4A) and epidermal growth factor (EGF), in the FI network indicated that EGF and FGF2 were enriched in the Ras and Rap1 signaling pathways. The present results suggest that FGF2, BMP2, CDK1, HNF4A and EGF may participate in the differentiation of iPSCs into hepatocytes.

Long-term G1 cell cycle arrest in cervical cancer cells induced by co-immobilized TNF-α plus IFN-γ polymeric drugs

A realistic control of cell cycle arrest is an attractive goal for the development of new effective anti-cancer drugs. Any clinical application of an effective anti-cancer drug necessarily relies on the understanding of cellular interaction mechanisms. In the present study, we prepared a co-immobilized TNF-α plus IFN-γ biomaterial, which showed a significant inhibition effect on cervical cancer cell growth, as demonstrated by a series of structural and cellular characterizations. We found that co-immobilized TNF-α plus IFN-α induced a long-term G₁ phase cell cycle arrest in HeLa, SiHa, and CaSki cells, respectively. More surprisingly, the expression level of the p27 protein decreased, even when p27 mRNA was highly expressed. In addition, gene-chip results and microarray analysis showed that p57 may be downstream from p27, which acts as a direct regulator of the long-term G₁ cell cycle arrest in these cells, leaving no escape for cervical cancer cells. Finally, we also investigated the anti-tumor mechanism of co-immobilized TNF-α plus IFN-γin vivo, using a nude mice animal model. To sum up, our findings suggested that the co-immobilized TNF-α plus IFN-γ can induce a long-term cell cycle arrest in cancer, thus serving as a very efficient tool for treating cervical cancer.

Long non-coding RNA PCAT-1 over-expression promotes proliferation and metastasis in gastric cancer cells through regulating CDKN1A

Prostate cancer-associated transcript1 (PCAT-1) is a novel lncRNA that involved in cell apoptosis and proliferation of prostate cancer. However, the role of PCAT-1 on gastric cancer remains unclear. In the present study, we found that PCAT-1 was increased in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines. Over-expression of PCAT-1 was correlated with poor overall survival in gastric cancer patients. PCAT-1 knockdown through shRNA in AGS and MGC-803 cells inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion by regulating CDKN1A. Our data suggested that PCAT-1 could play an oncogenic role in gastric cancer progression. Silencing PCAT-1 is a potential novel therapeutic approach for gastric cancer.