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Andressa Minozzo O, Thamiris Vieira M, Mateus José S. Transverse and vertical incisions affect the viability of in vitro-produced embryos submitted to a simplified microsurgery approach. Theriogenology 2024; 226:294-301. [PMID: 38959839 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Integrating in vitro embryo production with embryonic microsurgery facilitates the generation of monozygotic twins. However, despite their potential benefits, these methods have not been widely adopted in commercial settings because of their substantial costs. Hence, there is a need to streamline the bisection procedure while ensuring efficient production of viable demi-embryos. In this study, we investigated the impact of different orientations of microsurgical incisions in relation to inner cell mass on embryonic development, morphology, viability, and expression of cell fate protein markers using a simplified microsurgery approach. Ovaries were transported from the slaughterhouse to the laboratory and aspirated to obtain oocytes that were selected and subjected to in vitro embryo production. The selected expanded blastocysts (n = 204) underwent microsurgery. The blastocysts were immobilized to facilitate incision using an adapted microblade, yielding demi-embryos (vertical incision) and viable embryonic fragments (transverse incision). The structures were then re-cultured for 12 h. Viability was assessed by measuring the re-expansion rate after re-culture, followed by immunofluorescence analysis of proteins (CDX2 and NANOG) and apoptosis analysis using terminal deoxynucleotyl transferase dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL). Microsurgically derived embryos exhibited remarkable plasticity, as evidenced by a slight reduction (P < 0.05) in the re-expansion rate (transverse 64.2 % and vertical 57.2 %) compared to that of the control group (blastocysts without microsurgery) (86.7 %). They also demonstrated the ability of morphological reconstitution after culturing. Despite the anticipated decrease (P < 0.05) in the total number of cells and embryo volume, microsurgery did not result in a significant increase (P > 0.05) in the number of apoptotic cells. Furthermore, microsurgery led to higher (P < 0.05) expression of markers associated with pluripotency, indicating its efficiency in preserving regenerative capacity. Moreover, microsurgery, whether followed by immunosurgery or not, made the isolation of embryonic cells easier. In conclusion, both transverse and vertical microsurgery incisions enabled the production of identical demi-embryos and served as tools for isolating embryonic cells without compromising the resumption of development and the apoptotic index.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sudano Mateus José
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, SP, Brazil; Center for Natural and Human Sciences, Federal University of ABC, Santo André, SP, Brazil.
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Linneberg-Agerholm M, Sell AC, Redó-Riveiro A, Perera M, Proks M, Knudsen TE, Barral A, Manzanares M, Brickman JM. The primitive endoderm supports lineage plasticity to enable regulative development. Cell 2024; 187:4010-4029.e16. [PMID: 38917790 PMCID: PMC11290322 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.05.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Mammalian blastocyst formation involves the specification of the trophectoderm followed by the differentiation of the inner cell mass into embryonic epiblast and extra-embryonic primitive endoderm (PrE). During this time, the embryo maintains a window of plasticity and can redirect its cellular fate when challenged experimentally. In this context, we found that the PrE alone was sufficient to regenerate a complete blastocyst and continue post-implantation development. We identify an in vitro population similar to the early PrE in vivo that exhibits the same embryonic and extra-embryonic potency and can form complete stem cell-based embryo models, termed blastoids. Commitment in the PrE is suppressed by JAK/STAT signaling, collaborating with OCT4 and the sustained expression of a subset of pluripotency-related transcription factors that safeguard an enhancer landscape permissive for multi-lineage differentiation. Our observations support the notion that transcription factor persistence underlies plasticity in regulative development and highlight the importance of the PrE in perturbed development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Linneberg-Agerholm
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Annika Charlotte Sell
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Alba Redó-Riveiro
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Marta Perera
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Martin Proks
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Teresa E Knudsen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Antonio Barral
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBM), CSIC-UAM, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Manzanares
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBM), CSIC-UAM, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Joshua M Brickman
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark.
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Chen R, Fan R, Chen F, Govindasamy N, Brinkmann H, Stehling M, Adams RH, Jeong HW, Bedzhov I. Analyzing embryo dormancy at single-cell resolution reveals dynamic transcriptional responses and activation of integrin-Yap/Taz prosurvival signaling. Cell Stem Cell 2024:S1934-5909(24)00250-9. [PMID: 39047740 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Embryonic diapause is a reproductive adaptation that enables some mammalian species to halt the otherwise continuous pace of embryonic development. In this dormant state, the embryo exploits poorly understood regulatory mechanisms to preserve its developmental potential for prolonged periods of time. Here, using mouse embryos and single-cell RNA sequencing, we molecularly defined embryonic diapause at single-cell resolution, revealing transcriptional dynamics while the embryo seemingly resides in a state of suspended animation. Additionally, we found that the dormant pluripotent cells rely on integrin receptors to sense their microenvironment and preserve their viability via Yap/Taz-mediated prosurvival signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Chen
- Embryonic Self-Organization Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Röntgenstraße 20, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Rui Fan
- Embryonic Self-Organization Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Röntgenstraße 20, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Fei Chen
- Embryonic Self-Organization Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Röntgenstraße 20, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Niraimathi Govindasamy
- Embryonic Self-Organization Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Röntgenstraße 20, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Heike Brinkmann
- Embryonic Self-Organization Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Röntgenstraße 20, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Martin Stehling
- Flow Cytometry Unit, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Röntgenstraße 20, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Ralf H Adams
- Department of Tissue Morphogenesis, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Röntgenstraße 20, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Hyun-Woo Jeong
- Department of Tissue Morphogenesis, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Röntgenstraße 20, 48149 Münster, Germany; Single Cell Multi-Omics Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Röntgenstraße 20, 48149 Münster, Germany.
| | - Ivan Bedzhov
- Embryonic Self-Organization Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Röntgenstraße 20, 48149 Münster, Germany.
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Tian Q, Chung H, Wen D. The role of lipids in genome integrity and pluripotency. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:639-650. [PMID: 38506536 PMCID: PMC11088914 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), comprising embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), offer immense potential for regenerative medicine due to their ability to differentiate into all cell types of the adult body. A critical aspect of harnessing this potential is understanding their metabolic requirements during derivation, maintenance, and differentiation in vitro. Traditional culture methods using fetal bovine serum often lead to issues such as heterogeneous cell populations and diminished pluripotency. Although the chemically-defined 2i/LIF medium has provided solutions to some of these challenges, prolonged culturing of these cells, especially female ESCs, raises concerns related to genome integrity. This review discusses the pivotal role of lipids in genome stability and pluripotency of stem cells. Notably, the introduction of lipid-rich albumin, AlbuMAX, into the 2i/LIF culture medium offers a promising avenue for enhancing the genomic stability and pluripotency of cultured ESCs. We further explore the unique characteristics of lipid-induced pluripotent stem cells (LIP-ESCs), emphasizing their potential in regenerative medicine and pluripotency research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyu Tian
- Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, U.S.A
| | - Hoyoung Chung
- Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, U.S.A
| | - Duancheng Wen
- Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, U.S.A
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Abel A, Sozen B. Shifting early embryology paradigms: Applications of stem cell-based embryo models in bioengineering. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2023; 81:102069. [PMID: 37392541 PMCID: PMC10530566 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Technologies to reproduce specific aspects of early mammalian embryogenesis in vitro using stem cells have skyrocketed over the last several years. With these advances, we have gained new perspectives on how embryonic and extraembryonic cells self-organize to form the embryo. These reductionist approaches hold promise for the future implementation of precise environmental and genetic controls to understand variables affecting embryo development. Our review discusses recent progress in cellular models of early mammalian embryo development and bioengineering advancements that can be leveraged to study the embryo-maternal interface. We summarize current gaps in the field, emphasizing the importance of understanding how intercellular interactions at this interface contribute to reproductive and developmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Abel
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA. https://twitter.com/@caitrionacunn
| | - Berna Sozen
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
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Wang Y, Ming H, Yu L, Li J, Zhu L, Sun HX, Pinzon-Arteaga CA, Wu J, Jiang Z. Establishment of bovine trophoblast stem cells. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112439. [PMID: 37146606 PMCID: PMC10950030 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we report that a chemical cocktail (LCDM: leukemia inhibitory factor [LIF], CHIR99021, dimethinedene maleate [DiM], minocycline hydrochloride), previously developed for extended pluripotent stem cells (EPSCs) in mice and humans, enables de novo derivation and long-term culture of bovine trophoblast stem cells (TSCs). Bovine TSCs retain developmental potency to differentiate into mature trophoblast cells and exhibit transcriptomic and epigenetic (chromatin accessibility and DNA methylome) features characteristic of trophectoderm cells from early bovine embryos. The bovine TSCs established in this study will provide a model to study bovine placentation and early pregnancy failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinjuan Wang
- School of Animal Sciences, AgCenter, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Hao Ming
- School of Animal Sciences, AgCenter, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Leqian Yu
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jie Li
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518083, China; BGI-Beijing, Beijing 102601, China; College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Linkai Zhu
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Hai-Xi Sun
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518083, China; BGI-Beijing, Beijing 102601, China; College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Carlos A Pinzon-Arteaga
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| | - Zongliang Jiang
- School of Animal Sciences, AgCenter, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA; Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA; Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
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