1
|
Yoon J, Kumar S, Lee H, Rehman ZU, Park S, Lee U, Kim J. Sizzled (Frzb3) physically interacts with noncanonical Wnt ligands to inhibit gastrulation cell movement. Mol Cells 2024; 47:100068. [PMID: 38759887 DOI: 10.1016/j.mocell.2024.100068] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The coordinated movement of germ layer progenitor cells reaches its peak at the dorsal side, where the Bmp signaling gradient is low, and minimum at the ventral side, where the Bmp gradient is high. This dynamic cell movement is regulated by the interplay of various signaling pathways. The noncanonical Wnt signaling cascade serves as a pivotal regulator of convergence and extension cell movement, facilitated by the activation of small GTPases such as Rho, Rab, and Rac. However, the underlying cause of limited cell movement at the ventral side remains elusive. To explore the functional role of a key regulator in constraining gastrulation cell movement at the ventral side, we investigated the Bmp4-direct target gene, sizzled (szl), to assess its potential role in inhibiting noncanonical Wnt signaling. In our current study, we demonstrated that ectopic expression of szl led to gastrulation defects in a dose-dependent manner without altering cell fate specification. Overexpression of szl resulted in decreased elongation of Activin-treated animal cap and Keller explants. Furthermore, our immunoprecipitation assay unveiled the physical interaction of Szl with noncanonical Wnt ligand proteins (Wnt5 and Wnt11). Additionally, the activation of small GTPases involved in Wnt signaling mediation (RhoA and Rac1) was diminished upon szl overexpression. In summary, our findings suggest that Bmp4 signaling negatively modulates cell movement from the ventral side of the embryo by inducing szl expression during early Xenopus gastrulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaeho Yoon
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Cell Differentiation and Aging, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-Do 24252, Republic of Korea
| | - Santosh Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Cell Differentiation and Aging, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-Do 24252, Republic of Korea
| | - Haeryung Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 04310, Republic of Korea
| | - Zia Ur Rehman
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Cell Differentiation and Aging, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-Do 24252, Republic of Korea
| | - Soochul Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 04310, Republic of Korea
| | - Unjoo Lee
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-Do 24252, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaebong Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Cell Differentiation and Aging, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-Do 24252, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wu Y, Liu W, Li J, Shi H, Ma S, Wang D, Pan B, Xiao R, Jiang H, Liu X. Decreased Tiam1-mediated Rac1 activation is responsible for impaired directional persistence of chondrocyte migration in microtia. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18443. [PMID: 38837873 PMCID: PMC11149491 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18443] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The human auricle has a complex structure, and microtia is a congenital malformation characterized by decreased size and loss of elaborate structure in the affected ear with a high incidence. Our previous studies suggest that inadequate cell migration is the primary cytological basis for the pathogenesis of microtia, however, the underlying mechanism is unclear. Here, we further demonstrate that microtia chondrocytes show a decreased directional persistence during cell migration. Directional persistence can define a leading edge associated with oriented movement, and any mistakes would affect cell function and tissue morphology. By the screening of motility-related genes and subsequent confirmations, active Rac1 (Rac1-GTP) is identified to be critical for the impaired directional persistence of microtia chondrocytes migration. Moreover, Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and Rho GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) are detected, and overexpression of Tiam1 significantly upregulates the level of Rac1-GTP and improves directional migration in microtia chondrocytes. Consistently, decreased expression patterns of Tiam1 and active Rac1 are found in microtia mouse models, Bmp5se/J and Prkralear-3J/GrsrJ. Collectively, our results provide new insights into microtia development and therapeutic strategies of tissue engineering for microtia patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wu
- Research Center of Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Research Center of Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Li
- Research Center of Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hang Shi
- Research Center of Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shize Ma
- Research Center of Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Di Wang
- Department of Auricular Reconstruction, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Pan
- Department of Auricular Reconstruction, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ran Xiao
- Research Center of Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of External Tissue and Organ Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haiyue Jiang
- Department of Auricular Reconstruction, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xia Liu
- Research Center of Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of External Tissue and Organ Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Asai R, Prakash VN, Sinha S, Prakash M, Mikawa T. Coupling and uncoupling of midline morphogenesis and cell flow in amniote gastrulation. eLife 2024; 12:RP89948. [PMID: 38727576 PMCID: PMC11087055 DOI: 10.7554/elife.89948] [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] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Large-scale cell flow characterizes gastrulation in animal development. In amniote gastrulation, particularly in avian gastrula, a bilateral vortex-like counter-rotating cell flow, called 'polonaise movements', appears along the midline. Here, through experimental manipulations, we addressed relationships between the polonaise movements and morphogenesis of the primitive streak, the earliest midline structure in amniotes. Suppression of the Wnt/planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling pathway maintains the polonaise movements along a deformed primitive streak. Mitotic arrest leads to diminished extension and development of the primitive streak and maintains the early phase of the polonaise movements. Ectopically induced Vg1, an axis-inducing morphogen, generates the polonaise movements, aligned to the induced midline, but disturbs the stereotypical cell flow pattern at the authentic midline. Despite the altered cell flow, induction and extension of the primitive streak are preserved along both authentic and induced midlines. Finally, we show that ectopic axis-inducing morphogen, Vg1, is capable of initiating the polonaise movements without concomitant PS extension under mitotic arrest conditions. These results are consistent with a model wherein primitive streak morphogenesis is required for the maintenance of the polonaise movements, but the polonaise movements are not necessarily responsible for primitive streak morphogenesis. Our data describe a previously undefined relationship between the large-scale cell flow and midline morphogenesis in gastrulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rieko Asai
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Vivek N Prakash
- Department of Physics, University of MiamiCoral GablesUnited States
| | - Shubham Sinha
- Department of Physics, University of MiamiCoral GablesUnited States
| | - Manu Prakash
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford UniversityStanfordUnited States
| | - Takashi Mikawa
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tomizawa Y, Wali KH, Surti M, Suhail Y, Kshitiz, Hoshino K. Lightsheet microscopy integrates single-cell optical visco-elastography and fluorescence cytometry of 3D live tissues. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.20.590392. [PMID: 38766194 PMCID: PMC11100606 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.20.590392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Most common cytometry methods, including flow cytometry, observe suspended or fixed cells and cannot evaluate their structural roles in 3D tissues. However, cellular physical interactions are critical in physiological, developmental, and pathological processes. Here, we present a novel optical visco-elastography that characterizes single-cellular physical interactions by applying in-situ micro-mechanical perturbation to live microtissues under 3D lightsheet microscopy. The 4D digital image correlation (DIC) analysis of ~20,000 nodes tracked the compressive deformation of 3D tissues containing ~500 cells. The computational 3D image segmentation allowed cell-by-cell qualitative observation and statistical analysis, directly correlating multi-channel fluorescence and viscoelasticity. To represent epithelia-stroma interactions, we used a 3D organoid model of maternal-fetal interface and visualized solid-like, well-aligned displacement and liquid-like random motion between individual cells. The statistical analysis through our unique cytometry confirmed that endometrial stromal fibroblasts stiffen in response to decidualization. Moreover, we demonstrated in the 3D model that interaction with placental extravillous trophoblasts partially reverses the attained stiffness, which was supported by the gene expression analysis. Placentation shares critical cellular and molecular significance with various fundamental biological events such as cancer metastasis, wound healing, and gastrulation. Our analysis confirmed existing beliefs and discovered new insights, proving the broad applicability of our method.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Tomizawa
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, CT
| | - Khadija H Wali
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT
| | - Manav Surti
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, CT
| | - Yasir Suhail
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT
| | - Kshitiz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT
- Systems Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT
| | - Kazunori Hoshino
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, CT
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ynsaurralde-Rivolta AE, Rogberg-Muñoz A, Lopez-Valiente S, Maresca S, Rodriguez A, Munar C, Munilla-Leguizamón S, Dellavalle FA, Salamone D. Development and growth of bovine calves demi-embryos. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 264:107405. [PMID: 38547815 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107405] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the growth and development of animals produced from demi-embryos and compare them with whole embryos from fetus to adult life. To achieve this, calves produced from fresh demi-embryos and whole embryos were individually transferred and monitored from 60 days of pregnancy until slaughter at 550 days. Ultrasound scans were conducted on fetuses at 60 and 90 days to evaluate the biparietal, abdominal, umbilical cord, orbital, and aorta diameters. Subsequently, morphological traits of newborn calves were measured at 0, 7, and 21 days (N = 18). Live weight was recorded at birth, weaning, and every 30 days thereafter until slaughter at 550 days. The growth curve of each group was modeled using logistic regression, and the factors of the respective functions were compared. As early as 60 days of pregnancy, ultrasound evaluations revealed no morphometric differences between fetuses produced from demi-embryos and those from whole embryos. This lack of differentiation persisted in the morphometric evaluations of newborns up to 21 days of age, as well as in live weight and the growth curve from birth to slaughter. Moreover, there were no significant differences between the groups in terms of rib eye area and fat thickness evolution. Consequently, individuals from demi-embryos exhibited no discernible disparities to those whole embryos in growth and development from 60 days of gestation, through birth, and into adulthood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amada E Ynsaurralde-Rivolta
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Agronomía, Dto. Producción Animal, Buenos Aires, Laboratorio Biotecnología Animal (LabBA). Buenos Aires. Argentina; Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Laboratorio de Biotecnología de la Reproducción EEA, Mercedes, Corrientes, Argentina
| | - Andres Rogberg-Muñoz
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Agronomía, Dto. Producción Animal, Buenos Aires, Cátedra de Mejoramiento Genético, Buenos Aires, Argentina; CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción Animal (INPA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sebastian Lopez-Valiente
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), EEA Cuenca del Salado, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sebastian Maresca
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), EEA Cuenca del Salado, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandro Rodriguez
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), EEA Cuenca del Salado, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Sebastian Munilla-Leguizamón
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Agronomía, Dto. Producción Animal, Buenos Aires, Cátedra de Mejoramiento Genético, Buenos Aires, Argentina; CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción Animal (INPA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Franco A Dellavalle
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Laboratorio de Biotecnología de la Reproducción EEA, Mercedes, Corrientes, Argentina
| | - Daniel Salamone
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Agronomía, Dto. Producción Animal, Buenos Aires, Laboratorio Biotecnología Animal (LabBA). Buenos Aires. Argentina; CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Investigaciones en Producción Animal (INPA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Maruyama K, Miyazaki S, Kobayashi R, Hikita H, Tsubone T, Ohnuma K. The migration pattern of cells during the mesoderm and endoderm differentiation from human pluripotent stem cells. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2024; 60:535-543. [PMID: 38656570 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-024-00904-4] [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: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Gastrulation is the first major differentiation process in animal embryos. However, the dynamics of human gastrulation remain mostly unknown owing to the ethical limitations. We studied the dynamics of the mesoderm and endoderm cell differentiation from human pluripotent stem cells for insight into the cellular dynamics of human gastrulation. Human pluripotent stem cells have properties similar to those of the epiblast, which gives rise to the three germ layers. The mesoderm and endoderm were induced with more than 75% purity from human induced pluripotent stem cells. Single-cell dynamics of pluripotent stem cell-derived mesoderm and endoderm cells were traced using time-lapse imaging. Both mesoderm and endoderm cells migrate randomly, accompanied by short-term directional persistence. No substantial differences were detected between mesoderm and endoderm migration. Computer simulations created using the measured parameters revealed that random movement and external force, such as the spread out of cells from the primitive streak area, mimicked the homogeneous discoidal germ layer formation. These results were consistent with the development of amniotes, which suggests the effectiveness of human pluripotent stem cells as a good model for studying human embryogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenshiro Maruyama
- Department of Science of Technology Innovation, Nagaoka University of Technology, 1603-1 Kamitomioka, Nagaoka, Niigata, 940-2188, Japan
| | - Shota Miyazaki
- Department of Bioengineering, Nagaoka University of Technology, 1603-1 Kamitomioka, Nagaoka, Niigata, 940-2188, Japan
| | - Ryo Kobayashi
- Department of Bioengineering, Nagaoka University of Technology, 1603-1 Kamitomioka, Nagaoka, Niigata, 940-2188, Japan
| | - Haru Hikita
- Department of Electrical, Electronics and Information Engineering, Nagaoka University of Technology, 1603-1 Kamitomioka, Nagaoka, Niigata, 940-2188, Japan
| | - Tadashi Tsubone
- Department of Electrical, Electronics and Information Engineering, Nagaoka University of Technology, 1603-1 Kamitomioka, Nagaoka, Niigata, 940-2188, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Ohnuma
- Department of Science of Technology Innovation, Nagaoka University of Technology, 1603-1 Kamitomioka, Nagaoka, Niigata, 940-2188, Japan.
- Department of Bioengineering, Nagaoka University of Technology, 1603-1 Kamitomioka, Nagaoka, Niigata, 940-2188, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Asai R, Sinha S, Prakash VN, Mikawa T. Cellular flows initiate left-right patterning prior to laterality gene expression in amniotes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.21.590437. [PMID: 38712212 PMCID: PMC11071402 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.21.590437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
A bilateral body plan is predominant throughout the animal kingdom. Bilaterality of amniote embryos becomes recognizable as midline morphogenesis begins at gastrulation, bisecting an embryonic field into the left and right sides. Soon after, left-right asymmetry also starts. While a series of laterality genes expressed after the left-right compartmentalization has been extensively studied, the laterality patterning prior to and during midline morphogenesis has remained unclear. Here, through a biophysical quantification in a high spatial and temporal resolution, applied to a chick model system, we show that a large-scale bilateral counter-rotating cell flow, termed as 'polonaise movements', display left-right asymmetries in early gastrulation. This cell movement starts prior to the formation of the primitive streak, which is the earliest midline structure, and earlier than expression of laterality genes. The cell flow speed and vorticity unravel the location and timing of the left-right asymmetries. The bilateral cell flow exhibited a Left side asymmetry at the beginning, but a transition towards Right dominance. Mitotic arrest that diminishes primitive streak formation resulted in changes in the bilateral flow pattern, but the Right dominance persisted. Our data indicate that the left-right asymmetry in amniote gastrula becomes detectable prior to the point when the asymmetric regulation of the laterality signals at the node leads to the left-right patterning. More broadly, our results suggest that physical processes can play an unexpected but significant role in influencing left-right laterality during embryonic development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rieko Asai
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco. San Francisco, California 94158, USA
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida 33149, USA
| | - Shubham Sinha
- Department of Physics, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, USA
| | - Vivek N. Prakash
- Department of Physics, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, USA
- Department of Marine Biology and Ecology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida 33149, USA
| | - Takashi Mikawa
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco. San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhu Y, Tesone Z, Tan M, Hardin J. TIAM-1 regulates polarized protrusions during dorsal intercalation in the Caenorhabditis elegans embryo through both its GEF and N-terminal domains. J Cell Sci 2024; 137:jcs261509. [PMID: 38345070 PMCID: PMC10949065 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.261509] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Mediolateral cell intercalation is a morphogenetic strategy used throughout animal development to reshape tissues. Dorsal intercalation in the Caenorhabditis elegans embryo involves the mediolateral intercalation of two rows of dorsal epidermal cells to create a single row that straddles the dorsal midline, and thus is a simple model to study cell intercalation. Polarized protrusive activity during dorsal intercalation requires the C. elegans Rac and RhoG orthologs CED-10 and MIG-2, but how these GTPases are regulated during intercalation has not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we characterized the role of the Rac-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) TIAM-1 in regulating actin-based protrusive dynamics during dorsal intercalation. We found that TIAM-1 can promote formation of the main medial lamellipodial protrusion extended by intercalating cells through its canonical GEF function, whereas its N-terminal domains function to negatively regulate the generation of ectopic filiform protrusions around the periphery of intercalating cells. We also show that the guidance receptor UNC-5 inhibits these ectopic filiform protrusions in dorsal epidermal cells and that this effect is in part mediated via TIAM-1. These results expand the network of proteins that regulate basolateral protrusive activity during directed rearrangement of epithelial cells in animal embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuyun Zhu
- Genetics PhD Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Zoe Tesone
- Cellular and Molecular Biology PhD Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Minyi Tan
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Jeff Hardin
- Genetics PhD Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Biology PhD Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Schauer A, Pranjic-Ferscha K, Hauschild R, Heisenberg CP. Robust axis elongation by Nodal-dependent restriction of BMP signaling. Development 2024; 151:dev202316. [PMID: 38372390 PMCID: PMC10911127 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202316] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Embryogenesis results from the coordinated activities of different signaling pathways controlling cell fate specification and morphogenesis. In vertebrate gastrulation, both Nodal and BMP signaling play key roles in germ layer specification and morphogenesis, yet their interplay to coordinate embryo patterning with morphogenesis is still insufficiently understood. Here, we took a reductionist approach using zebrafish embryonic explants to study the coordination of Nodal and BMP signaling for embryo patterning and morphogenesis. We show that Nodal signaling triggers explant elongation by inducing mesendodermal progenitors but also suppressing BMP signaling activity at the site of mesendoderm induction. Consistent with this, ectopic BMP signaling in the mesendoderm blocks cell alignment and oriented mesendoderm intercalations, key processes during explant elongation. Translating these ex vivo observations to the intact embryo showed that, similar to explants, Nodal signaling suppresses the effect of BMP signaling on cell intercalations in the dorsal domain, thus allowing robust embryonic axis elongation. These findings suggest a dual function of Nodal signaling in embryonic axis elongation by both inducing mesendoderm and suppressing BMP effects in the dorsal portion of the mesendoderm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Schauer
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg 3400, Austria
| | | | - Robert Hauschild
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg 3400, Austria
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Li M, Sun H, Hou Z, Hao S, Jin L, Wang B. Engineering the Physical Microenvironment into Neural Organoids for Neurogenesis and Neurodevelopment. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2306451. [PMID: 37771182 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202306451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the signals from the physical microenvironment is critical for deciphering the processes of neurogenesis and neurodevelopment. The discovery of how surrounding physical signals shape human developing neurons is hindered by the bottleneck of conventional cell culture and animal models. Notwithstanding neural organoids provide a promising platform for recapitulating human neurogenesis and neurodevelopment, building neuronal physical microenvironment that accurately mimics the native neurophysical features is largely ignored in current organoid technologies. Here, it is discussed how the physical microenvironment modulates critical events during the periods of neurogenesis and neurodevelopment, such as neural stem cell fates, neural tube closure, neuronal migration, axonal guidance, optic cup formation, and cortical folding. Although animal models are widely used to investigate the impacts of physical factors on neurodevelopment and neuropathy, the important roles of human stem cell-derived neural organoids in this field are particularly highlighted. Considering the great promise of human organoids, building neural organoid microenvironments with mechanical forces, electrophysiological microsystems, and light manipulation will help to fully understand the physical cues in neurodevelopmental processes. Neural organoids combined with cutting-edge techniques, such as advanced atomic force microscopes, microrobots, and structural color biomaterials might promote the development of neural organoid-based research and neuroscience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Li
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Heng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Zongkun Hou
- Key Laboratory of Infectious Immune and Antibody Engineering of Guizhou Province, Engineering Research Center of Cellular Immunotherapy of Guizhou Province, School of Biology and Engineering/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Shilei Hao
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Liang Jin
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
| | - Bochu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400045, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Asai R, Prakash VN, Sinha S, Prakash M, Mikawa T. Coupling and uncoupling of midline morphogenesis and cell flow in amniote gastrulation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.05.26.542486. [PMID: 37293063 PMCID: PMC10245986 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.26.542486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Large-scale cell flow characterizes gastrulation in animal development. In amniote gastrulation, particularly in avian gastrula, a bilateral vortex-like counter-rotating cell flow, called 'polonaise movements', appears along the midline. Here, through experimental manipulations, we addressed relationships between the polonaise movements and morphogenesis of the primitive streak, the earliest midline structure in amniotes. Suppression of the Wnt/planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling pathway maintains the polonaise movements along a deformed primitive streak. Mitotic arrest leads to diminished extension and development of the primitive streak and maintains the early phase of the polonaise movements. Ectopically induced Vg1, an axis-inducing morphogen, generates the polonaise movements, aligned to the induced midline, but disturbs the stereotypical cell flow pattern at the authentic midline. Despite the altered cell flow, induction and extension of the primitive streak are preserved along both authentic and induced midlines. Finally, we show that ectopic axis-inducing morphogen, Vg1, is capable of initiating the polonaise movements without concomitant PS extension under mitotic arrest conditions. These results are consistent with a model wherein primitive streak morphogenesis is required for the maintenance of the polonaise movements, but the polonaise movements are not necessarily responsible for primitive streak morphogenesis. Our data describe a previously undefined relationship between the large-scale cell flow and midline morphogenesis in gastrulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rieko Asai
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco. San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - Vivek N. Prakash
- Department of Physics, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, USA
| | - Shubham Sinha
- Department of Physics, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, USA
| | - Manu Prakash
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Takashi Mikawa
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco. San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
De Santis R, Rice E, Croft G, Yang M, Rosado-Olivieri EA, Brivanlou AH. The emergence of human gastrulation upon in vitro attachment. Stem Cell Reports 2024; 19:41-53. [PMID: 38101401 PMCID: PMC10828709 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.11.005] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
While studied extensively in model systems, human gastrulation remains obscure. The scarcity of fetal biological material as well as ethical considerations limit our understanding of this process. In vitro attachment of natural blastocysts shed light on aspects of the second week of human development in the absence of the morphological manifestation of gastrulation. Stem cell-derived blastocyst models, blastoids, provide the opportunity to reconstitute pre- to post-implantation development in vitro. Here we show that upon in vitro attachment, human blastoids self-organize a BRA+ population and undergo gastrulation. Single-cell RNA sequencing of these models replicates the transcriptomic signature of the human gastrula. Analysis of developmental timing reveals that in both blastoid models and natural human embryos, the onset of gastrulation as defined by molecular markers, can be traced to timescales equivalent to 12 days post fertilization. In all, natural human embryos and blastoid models self-organize primitive streak and mesoderm derivatives upon in vitro attachment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo De Santis
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Molecular Embryology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eleni Rice
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Molecular Embryology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gist Croft
- The New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Min Yang
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Molecular Embryology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Edwin A Rosado-Olivieri
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Molecular Embryology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ali H Brivanlou
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Molecular Embryology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Stringa B, Solnica-Krezel L. Signaling mechanisms that direct cell fate specification and morphogenesis in human embryonic stem cells-based models of human gastrulation. Emerg Top Life Sci 2023; 7:383-396. [PMID: 38087898 DOI: 10.1042/etls20230084] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
During mammalian gastrulation, a mass of pluripotent cells surrounded by extraembryonic tissues differentiates into germ layers, mesoderm, endoderm, and ectoderm. The three germ layers are then organized into a body plan with organ rudiments via morphogenetic gastrulation movements of emboly, epiboly, convergence, and extension. Emboly is the most conserved gastrulation movement, whereby mesodermal and endodermal progenitors undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and move via a blastopore/primitive streak beneath the ectoderm. Decades of embryologic, genetic, and molecular studies in invertebrates and vertebrates, delineated a BMP > WNT > NODAL signaling cascade underlying mesoderm and endoderm specification. Advances have been made in the research animals in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying gastrulation morphogenesis. In contrast, little is known about human gastrulation, which occurs in utero during the third week of gestation and its investigations face ethical and methodological limitations. This is changing with the unprecedented progress in modeling aspects of human development, using human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), including embryonic stem cells (hESC)-based embryo-like models (SCEMs). In one approach, hESCs of various pluripotency are aggregated to self-assemble into structures that resemble pre-implantation or post-implantation embryo-like structures that progress to early gastrulation, and some even reach segmentation and neurulation stages. Another approach entails coaxing hESCs with biochemical signals to generate germ layers and model aspects of gastrulation morphogenesis, such as EMT. Here, we review the recent advances in understanding signaling cascades that direct germ layers specification and the early stages of gastrulation morphogenesis in these models. We discuss outstanding questions, challenges, and opportunities for this promising area of developmental biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Blerta Stringa
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, U.S.A
| | - Lilianna Solnica-Krezel
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Gong Y, Kiselev A. A simple reaction-diffusion system as a possible model for the origin of chemotaxis. JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL DYNAMICS 2023; 17:2260833. [PMID: 37756309 DOI: 10.1080/17513758.2023.2260833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Chemotaxis is a directed cell movement in response to external chemical stimuli. In this paper, we propose a simple model for the origin of chemotaxis - namely how a directed movement in response to an external chemical signal may occur based on purely reaction-diffusion equations reflecting inner working of the cells. The model is inspired by the well-studied role of the rho-GTPase Cdc42 regulator of cell polarity, in particular in yeast cells. We analyse several versions of the model to better understand its analytic properties and prove global regularity in one and two dimensions. Using computer simulations, we demonstrate that in the framework of this model, at least in certain parameter regimes, the speed of the directed movement appears to be proportional to the size of the gradient of signalling chemical. This coincides with the form of the chemical drift in the most studied mean field model of chemotaxis, the Keller-Segel equation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yishu Gong
- Department of Mathematics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Fung L, Konkol A, Ishikawa T, Larson BT, Brunet T, Goldstein RE. Swimming, Feeding, and Inversion of Multicellular Choanoflagellate Sheets. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2023; 131:168401. [PMID: 37925718 PMCID: PMC7616088 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.131.168401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
The recent discovery of the striking sheetlike multicellular choanoflagellate species Choanoeca flexa that dynamically interconverts between two hemispherical forms of opposite orientation raises fundamental questions in cell and evolutionary biology, as choanoflagellates are the closest living relatives of animals. It similarly motivates questions in fluid and solid mechanics concerning the differential swimming speeds in the two states and the mechanism of curvature inversion triggered by changes in the geometry of microvilli emanating from each cell. Here we develop fluid dynamical and mechanical models to address these observations and show that they capture the main features of the swimming, feeding, and inversion of C. flexa colonies, which can be viewed as active, shape-shifting polymerized membranes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lloyd Fung
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Centre for Mathematical Sciences, University of Cambridge, Wilberforce Road, Cambridge CB3 0WA, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Konkol
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Centre for Mathematical Sciences, University of Cambridge, Wilberforce Road, Cambridge CB3 0WA, United Kingdom
| | - Takuji Ishikawa
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-01 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579, Japan
| | - Ben T. Larson
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, 600 16th Street, San Francisco, California 94143-2200, USA
| | - Thibaut Brunet
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris-Cité, CNRS UMR3691, Evolutionary Cell Biology and Evolution of Morphogenesis Unit, 25-28 rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Raymond E. Goldstein
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Centre for Mathematical Sciences, University of Cambridge, Wilberforce Road, Cambridge CB3 0WA, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Vásquez-Sepúlveda S, Guerrero N, Lemus CG, Meynard M, Cerda M, Concha ML, Bertocchi C, Ravasio A. Protocol for extracting live blastoderm cells from embryos of annual killifish. STAR Protoc 2023; 4:102344. [PMID: 37352104 PMCID: PMC10320274 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102344] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The implementation of in vitro approaches using undifferentiated embryonic cells from annual killifish to complement existing in vivo developmental studies has been hindered by a lack of efficient isolation techniques. Here, we present a protocol to isolate annual killifish blastoderm cells, at the epiboly and early dispersion phase, from embryos. We describe steps for hair removal, embryo cleaning, dechorionation, and cell purification. This protocol may also be used to develop strategies to isolate cells from embryos presenting similar challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Vásquez-Sepúlveda
- Laboratory for Mechanobiology of Transforming Systems, Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile; Laboratory for Molecular Mechanics of Cell Adhesion, Department of Physiology Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8320165, Chile
| | - Nestor Guerrero
- Integrative Biology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile; Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | - Carmen Gloria Lemus
- Integrative Biology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile; Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | - Margarita Meynard
- Integrative Biology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile; Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Santiago 8380453, Chile; Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | - Mauricio Cerda
- Integrative Biology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile; Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | - Miguel Luis Concha
- Integrative Biology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile; Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Santiago 8380453, Chile; Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | - Cristina Bertocchi
- Laboratory for Molecular Mechanics of Cell Adhesion, Department of Physiology Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8320165, Chile; Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Andrea Ravasio
- Laboratory for Mechanobiology of Transforming Systems, Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Nejabi MB, Anwari A, Shadab H, Mtawakel N, Omarzad F, Ahmadi ME. Prosthodontic Management of a Patient with Ectodermal Dysplasia: Case Report. Clin Cosmet Investig Dent 2023; 15:133-141. [PMID: 37576744 PMCID: PMC10416782 DOI: 10.2147/ccide.s419939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ectodermal dysplasia (ED) is an inherited disorder that affects the ectoderm of a developing embryo and impacts structures that originate from it. It typically presents as a triad of missing teeth (anodontia/hypodontia), sparse hair (atrichosis/hypotrichosis), and lack of sweat glands (hypohidrosis), often accompanied by nail dystrophy and palmoplantar hyperkeratosis. There are two main types of this condition: X-linked anhidrotic or hypohidrotic and hidrotic (autosomal type). The oral manifestation of ED may include anodontia or hypodontia, with or without cleft lip and palate. Tooth loss leads to a decrease in the height of the alveolar ridges, resulting in a reduction of the vertical dimension of the lower face, disappearance of the vermilion border, and prominent lips. As a result, the affected person's face may resemble that of an elderly individual. The current case report aims to illustrate the prosthodontic rehabilitation of 16-year-old male patient with ectodermal dysplasia and complete anodontia, visiting Dentistry Teaching Hospital, Kabul, Afghanistan. Fortunately, this patient was acceptably managed with the collaboration of several disciplines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Bashir Nejabi
- Prosthodontics Department, Kabul University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kabul, Afghanistan
| | - Abdurrahman Anwari
- Operative/ Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics Department, Kabul University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kabul, Afghanistan
| | - Hassina Shadab
- Periodontics Department, Kabul University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kabul, Afghanistan
| | - Nargis Mtawakel
- Prosthodontics Department, Kabul University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kabul, Afghanistan
| | - Fariha Omarzad
- Prosthodontics Department, Kabul University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kabul, Afghanistan
| | - Mohammad Eissa Ahmadi
- Periodontics Department, Kabul University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kabul, Afghanistan
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zhu Y, Hardin J. TIAM-1 regulates polarized protrusions during dorsal intercalation in the C. elegans embryo through both its GEF and N-terminal domains. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.24.550374. [PMID: 37546890 PMCID: PMC10402040 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.24.550374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Mediolateral cell intercalation is a morphogenetic strategy used throughout animal development to reshape tissues. Dorsal intercalation in the C. elegans embryo involves the mediolateral intercalation of two rows of dorsal epidermal cells to create a single row that straddles the dorsal midline, and so is a simple model to study cell intercalation. Polarized protrusive activity during dorsal intercalation requires the C. elegans Rac and RhoG orthologs CED-10 and MIG-2, but how these GTPases are regulated during intercalation has not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we characterize the role of the Rac-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF), TIAM-1, in regulating actin-based protrusive dynamics during dorsal intercalation. We find that TIAM-1 can promote protrusion formation through its canonical GEF function, while its N-terminal domains function to negatively regulate this activity, preventing the generation of ectopic protrusions in intercalating cells. We also show that the guidance receptor UNC-5 inhibits ectopic protrusive activity in dorsal epidermal cells, and that this effect is in part mediated via TIAM-1. These results expand the network of proteins that regulate basolateral protrusive activity during directed cell rearrangement. Summary statement TIAM-1 activates the Rac pathway to promote protrusion formation via its GEF domain, while its N-terminal domains suppress ectopic protrusions during dorsal intercalation in the C. elegans embryo.
Collapse
|
19
|
Prahl LS, Porter CM, Liu J, Viola JM, Hughes AJ. Independent control over cell patterning and adhesion on hydrogel substrates for tissue interface mechanobiology. iScience 2023; 26:106657. [PMID: 37168559 PMCID: PMC10164898 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue boundaries and interfaces are engines of morphogenesis in vivo. However, despite a wealth of micropatterning approaches available to control tissue size, shape, and mechanical environment in vitro, fine-scale spatial control of cell positioning within tissue constructs remains an engineering challenge. To address this, we augment DNA "velcro" technology for selective patterning of ssDNA-labeled cells on mechanically defined photoactive polyacrylamide hydrogels. Hydrogels bearing photopatterned single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) features for cell capture are then co-functionalized with extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins to support subsequent adhesion of patterned tissues. ECM protein co-functionalization does not alter ssDNA pattern fidelity, cell capture, or hydrogel elastic stiffness. This approach enables mechanobiology studies and measurements of signaling activity at dynamic cell interfaces with precise initial patterning. Combining DNA velcro patterning and ECM functionalization provides independent control of initial cell placement, adhesion, and mechanics, constituting a new tool for studying biological interfaces and for programming multicellular interactions in engineered tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louis S. Prahl
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Catherine M. Porter
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jiageng Liu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - John M. Viola
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alex J. Hughes
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Corresponding author
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Sousa-Ortega A, Vázquez-Marín J, Sanabria-Reinoso E, Corbacho J, Polvillo R, Campoy-López A, Buono L, Loosli F, Almuedo-Castillo M, Martínez-Morales JR. A Yap-dependent mechanoregulatory program sustains cell migration for embryo axis assembly. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2804. [PMID: 37193708 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38482-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The assembly of the embryo's primary axis is a fundamental landmark for the establishment of the vertebrate body plan. Although the morphogenetic movements directing cell convergence towards the midline have been described extensively, little is known on how gastrulating cells interpret mechanical cues. Yap proteins are well-known transcriptional mechanotransducers, yet their role in gastrulation remains elusive. Here we show that the double knockout of yap and its paralog yap1b in medaka results in an axis assembly failure, due to reduced displacement and migratory persistence in mutant cells. Accordingly, we identified genes involved in cytoskeletal organization and cell-ECM adhesion as potentially direct Yap targets. Dynamic analysis of live sensors and downstream targets reveal that Yap is acting in migratory cells, promoting cortical actin and focal adhesions recruitment. Our results indicate that Yap coordinates a mechanoregulatory program to sustain intracellular tension and maintain the directed cell migration for embryo axis development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sousa-Ortega
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (CSIC/UPO/JA), 41013, Sevilla, Spain
| | | | | | - Jorge Corbacho
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (CSIC/UPO/JA), 41013, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Rocío Polvillo
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (CSIC/UPO/JA), 41013, Sevilla, Spain
| | | | - Lorena Buono
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (CSIC/UPO/JA), 41013, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Felix Loosli
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems, Biological Information Processing (IBCS-BIP), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Zeng B, Liu Z, Lu Y, Zhong S, Qin S, Huang L, Zeng Y, Li Z, Dong H, Shi Y, Yang J, Dai Y, Ma Q, Sun L, Bian L, Han D, Chen Y, Qiu X, Wang W, Marín O, Wu Q, Wang Y, Wang X. The single-cell and spatial transcriptional landscape of human gastrulation and early brain development. Cell Stem Cell 2023:S1934-5909(23)00134-0. [PMID: 37192616 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of the three germ layers and the lineage-specific precursor cells orchestrating organogenesis represent fundamental milestones during early embryonic development. We analyzed the transcriptional profiles of over 400,000 cells from 14 human samples collected from post-conceptional weeks (PCW) 3 to 12 to delineate the dynamic molecular and cellular landscape of early gastrulation and nervous system development. We described the diversification of cell types, the spatial patterning of neural tube cells, and the signaling pathways likely involved in transforming epiblast cells into neuroepithelial cells and then into radial glia. We resolved 24 clusters of radial glial cells along the neural tube and outlined differentiation trajectories for the main classes of neurons. Lastly, we identified conserved and distinctive features across species by comparing early embryonic single-cell transcriptomic profiles between humans and mice. This comprehensive atlas sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying gastrulation and early human brain development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Changping Laboratory, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Zeyuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Changping Laboratory, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Yufeng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Suijuan Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Changping Laboratory, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Shenyue Qin
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Luwei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yang Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Zixiao Li
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing 100070, China; Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China; Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Beihang University & Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Hao Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yingchao Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology, Guangdong 519031, China
| | - Jialei Yang
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing 100070, China; Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Yalun Dai
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing 100070, China; Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Qiang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Le Sun
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Lihong Bian
- Department of Gynecology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Dan Han
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Youqiao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xin Qiu
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing 100070, China; Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Oscar Marín
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK.
| | - Qian Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Changping Laboratory, Beijing 102206, China.
| | - Yongjun Wang
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing 100070, China; Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China; Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Beihang University & Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
| | - Xiaoqun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Guangdong Institute of Intelligence Science and Technology, Guangdong 519031, China; Changping Laboratory, Beijing 102206, China; New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Cheng T, Xing YY, Liu C, Li YF, Huang Y, Liu X, Zhang YJ, Zhao GQ, Dong Y, Fu XX, Tian YM, Shu LP, Megason SG, Xu PF. Nodal coordinates the anterior-posterior patterning of germ layers and induces head formation in zebrafish explants. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112351. [PMID: 37018074 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Much progress has been made toward generating analogs of early embryos, such as gastruloids and embryoids, in vitro. However, methods for how to fully mimic the cell movements of gastrulation and coordinate germ-layer patterning to induce head formation are still lacking. Here, we show that a regional Nodal gradient applied to zebrafish animal pole explant can generate a structure that recapitulates the key cell movements of gastrulation. Using single-cell transcriptome and in situ hybridization analysis, we assess the dynamics of the cell fates and patterning of this structure. The mesendoderm differentiates into the anterior endoderm, prechordal plate, notochord, and tailbud-like cells along an anterior-posterior axis, and an anterior-posterior-patterned head-like structure (HLS) progressively forms during late gastrulation. Among 105 immediate Nodal targets, 14 genes contain axis-induction ability, and 5 of them induce a complete or partial head structure when overexpressed in the ventral side of zebrafish embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Cheng
- Women's Hospital, Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yan-Yi Xing
- Women's Hospital, Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Genetic and Developmental Disorders, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Cong Liu
- Women's Hospital, Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yun-Fei Li
- Women's Hospital, Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ying Huang
- Women's Hospital, Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiang Liu
- Women's Hospital, Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ying-Jie Zhang
- Women's Hospital, Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guo-Qin Zhao
- Department of Immunology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Yang Dong
- Women's Hospital, Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xin-Xin Fu
- Women's Hospital, Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi-Meng Tian
- Women's Hospital, Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Li-Ping Shu
- Department of Immunology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Sean G Megason
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, 200 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Peng-Fei Xu
- Women's Hospital, Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Li J, Zhu Q, Cao J, Liu Y, Lu Y, Sun Y, Li Q, Huang Y, Shang S, Bian X, Li C, Zhang L, Wang Y, Nie Y, Fu J, Li W, Mazid MA, Jiang Y, Jia W, Wang X, Sun Y, Esteban MA, Sun Q, Zhou F, Liu Z. Cynomolgus monkey embryo model captures gastrulation and early pregnancy. Cell Stem Cell 2023; 30:362-377.e7. [PMID: 37028403 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Human stem cell-derived blastoids display similar morphology and cell lineages to normal blastocysts. However, the ability to investigate their developmental potential is limited. Here, we construct cynomolgus monkey blastoids resembling blastocysts in morphology and transcriptomics using naive ESCs. These blastoids develop to embryonic disk with the structures of yolk sac, chorionic cavity, amnion cavity, primitive streak, and connecting stalk along the rostral-caudal axis through prolonged in vitro culture (IVC). Primordial germ cells, gastrulating cells, visceral endoderm/yolk sac endoderm, three germ layers, and hemato-endothelial progenitors in IVC cynomolgus monkey blastoids were observed by single-cell transcriptomics or immunostaining. Moreover, transferring cynomolgus monkey blastoids to surrogates achieves pregnancies, as indicated by progesterone levels and presence of early gestation sacs. Our results reveal the capacity of in vitro gastrulation and in vivo early pregnancy of cynomolgus monkey blastoids, providing a useful system to dissect primate embryonic development without the same ethical concerns and access challenges in human embryo study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingyuan Zhu
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Cao
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shanxi, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Lu
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yining Sun
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Li
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yiming Huang
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shenshen Shang
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; College of Agriculture, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, Henan, China
| | - Xinyan Bian
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunyang Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Liansheng Zhang
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanhong Nie
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiqiang Fu
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjuan Li
- Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Md Abdul Mazid
- Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Jiang
- Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenqi Jia
- Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shanxi, China
| | - Yidi Sun
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Miguel A Esteban
- Laboratory of Integrative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiang Sun
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China.
| | - Fan Zhou
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| | - Zhen Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049 Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
O'Connor C, Jordan K, Vagg T, Murphy CE, Barry DS, Toulouse A, Fletcher JM, Downer EJ. Animated teaching improves student learning of human gastrulation and neurulation. Ann Anat 2023; 247:152057. [PMID: 36702366 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2023.152057] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Human embryology is a complex topic that brings together core components of anatomy and physiology to describe the developmental process from fertilisation to birth. Embryonic development is a challenging topic of study that is core to the curricula for health science students. There are challenges ingrained in teaching and learning embryology, due to the three-dimensional dynamic processes that occur as the embryo develops. This study aimed to develop and assess two newly developed animations depicting key processes in embryology, namely gastrulation and neurulation, as supplemental learning aids for students. Indeed, animated teaching tools to enhance the learning of gastrulation and neurulation are not widely available. A multi-disciplinary team of physiologists, biochemists, anatomists, and a computer scientist developed the animation sets. A student cohort of 81 first-year health science students were enrolled in this study over a period of three academic years. Both animations are in line with the course content of the first-year health science students undertaking the Human Health and Disease BSc at Trinity College Dublin, who were the study participants. Participants were randomly assigned to a non-animation control group and an animation group. Each set of animated teaching aids was broken down into individual clips which were given identifiable headings to allow the user to interchange between clips to facilitate a more personal learning experience. The animation group had open access to the animations for a three-week period. Questionnaires were designed to assess participants' attitude to the animations and their knowledge of embryology, both at the start of the study and three weeks later following access to the animations. Data presented herein indicate that students incorporated the animated teaching aids into digital home study and that the use of the animations acted as a supplemental tool that increased student knowledge in key areas of human embryology. From a qualitative point of view, students described the animations as enjoyable and helpful in visualising complex processes. This study indicates that the development of gastrulation and neurulation animated learning tools allow for a more engaging learning experience, facilitating student's engagement with academically challenging concepts in human embryology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cole O'Connor
- Discipline of Physiology, School of Medicine, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Karen Jordan
- Discipline of Physiology, School of Medicine, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Tamara Vagg
- Cork Centre for Cystic Fibrosis (3CF), Cork University Hospital, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Computer Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Carrie E Murphy
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals, Cambridge, UK
| | - Denis S Barry
- Discipline of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - André Toulouse
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Jean M Fletcher
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Eric J Downer
- Discipline of Physiology, School of Medicine, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Nishida HY, Hamada K, Koshita M, Ohta Y, Nishida H. Ascidian gastrulation and blebbing activity of isolated endoderm blastomeres. Dev Biol 2023; 496:24-35. [PMID: 36702215 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2023.01.007] [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: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Gastrulation is the first dynamic cell movement during embryogenesis. Endoderm and mesoderm cells are internalized into embryos during this process. Ascidian embryos provide a simple system for studying gastrulation in chordates. Gastrulation starts in spherical late 64-cell embryos with 10 endoderm blastomeres. The mechanisms of gastrulation in ascidians have been investigated, and a two-step model has been proposed. The first step involves apical constriction of endoderm cells, followed by apicobasal shortening in the second step. In this study, isolated ascidian endoderm progenitor cells displayed dynamic blebbing activity at the gastrula stage, although such a dynamic cell-shape change was not recognized in toto. Blebbing is often observed in migrating animal cells. In ascidians, endoderm cells displayed blebbing activity, while mesoderm and ectoderm cells did not. The timing of blebbing of isolated endoderm cells coincided with that of cell invagination. The constriction rate of apical surfaces correlated with the intensity of blebbing activity in each endoderm-lineage cell. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling was both necessary and sufficient for inducing blebbing activity, independent of cell fate specification. In contrast, the timing of initiation of blebbing and intensity of blebbing response to FGF signaling were controlled by intrinsic cellular factors. It is likely that the difference in intensity of blebbing activity between the anterior A-line and posterior B-line cells could account for the anteroposterior difference in the steepness of the archenteron wall. Inhibition of zygotic transcription, FGF signaling, and Rho kinase, all of which suppressed blebbing activity, resulted in incomplete apical constriction and failure of the eventual formation of cup-shaped gastrulae. Blebbing activity was involved in the progression and maintenance of apical constriction, but not in apicobasal shortening in whole embryos. Apical constriction is mediated by distinct blebbing-dependent and blebbing-independent mechanisms. Surface tension and consequent membrane contraction may not be the sole mechanical force for apical constriction and formation of cup-shaped gastrulae. The present study reveals the hidden cellular potential of endodermal cells during gastrulation and discusses the possible roles of blebbing in the invagination process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haruka Y Nishida
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka, 560-0043, Japan
| | - Kaho Hamada
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka, 560-0043, Japan
| | - Mika Koshita
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka, 560-0043, Japan
| | - Yuki Ohta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka, 560-0043, Japan
| | - Hiroki Nishida
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka, 560-0043, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Koh I, Hagiwara M. Gradient to sectioning CUBE workflow for the generation and imaging of organoids with localized differentiation. Commun Biol 2023; 6:299. [PMID: 36944757 PMCID: PMC10030548 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04694-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Advancements in organoid culture have led to various in vitro mini-organs that mimic native tissues in many ways. Yet, the bottleneck remains to generate complex organoids with body axis patterning, as well as keeping the orientation of organoids during post-experiment analysis processes. Here, we present a workflow for culturing organoids with morphogen gradient using a CUBE culture device, followed by sectioning samples with the CUBE to retain information on gradient direction. We show that hiPSC spheroids cultured with two separated differentiation media on opposing ends of the CUBE resulted in localized expressions of the respective differentiation markers, in contrast to homogeneous distribution of markers in controls. We also describe the processes for cryo and paraffin sectioning of spheroids in CUBE to retain gradient orientation information. This workflow from gradient culture to sectioning with CUBE can provide researchers with a convenient tool to generate increasingly complex organoids and study their developmental processes in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Koh
- Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Masaya Hagiwara
- Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Serre JM, Slabodnick MM, Goldstein B, Hardin J. SRGP-1/srGAP and AFD-1/afadin stabilize HMP-1/⍺-catenin at rosettes to seal internalization sites following gastrulation in C. elegans. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010507. [PMID: 36867663 PMCID: PMC10016700 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
A hallmark of gastrulation is the establishment of germ layers by internalization of cells initially on the exterior. In C. elegans the end of gastrulation is marked by the closure of the ventral cleft, a structure formed as cells internalize during gastrulation, and the subsequent rearrangement of adjacent neuroblasts that remain on the surface. We found that a nonsense allele of srgp-1/srGAP leads to 10-15% cleft closure failure. Deletion of the SRGP-1/srGAP C-terminal domain led to a comparable rate of cleft closure failure, whereas deletion of the N-terminal F-BAR region resulted in milder defects. Loss of the SRGP-1/srGAP C-terminus or F-BAR domain results in defects in rosette formation and defective clustering of HMP-1/⍺-catenin in surface cells during cleft closure. A mutant form of HMP-1/⍺-catenin with an open M domain can suppress cleft closure defects in srgp-1 mutant backgrounds, suggesting that this mutation acts as a gain-of-function allele. Since SRGP-1 binding to HMP-1/⍺-catenin is not favored in this case, we sought another HMP-1 interactor that might be recruited when HMP-1/⍺-catenin is constitutively open. A good candidate is AFD-1/afadin, which genetically interacts with cadherin-based adhesion later during embryonic elongation. AFD-1/afadin is prominently expressed at the vertex of neuroblast rosettes in wildtype, and depletion of AFD-1/afadin increases cleft closure defects in srgp-1/srGAP and hmp-1R551/554A/⍺-catenin backgrounds. We propose that SRGP-1/srGAP promotes nascent junction formation in rosettes; as junctions mature and sustain higher levels of tension, the M domain of HMP-1/⍺-catenin opens, allowing maturing junctions to transition from recruitment of SRGP-1/srGAP to AFD-1/afadin. Our work identifies new roles for ⍺-catenin interactors during a process crucial to metazoan development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joel M. Serre
- Program in Genetics University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Mark M. Slabodnick
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Knox University, Galesburg, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Bob Goldstein
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Jeff Hardin
- Program in Genetics University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
van Boxtel AL. Whole-Mount In Situ Hybridization for Detection of Migrating Zebrafish Endodermal Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2608:131-145. [PMID: 36653706 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2887-4_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
One of the most important events in early vertebrate development is the formation and positioning of the endoderm, the embryonic progenitor cell population that gives rise to the internal organs. Recent years have seen renewed interest in the mechanisms underlying the specification and migration of endodermal progenitor cells. The zebrafish is a well-established, accessible, and powerful model to study this cell population. Zebrafish endodermal cells are specified around 4 h after fertilization and subsequently migrate as evenly spaced single cells in a stereotypical manner in the next 6 h. Given the large numbers of fertilized eggs that can be obtained from a single breeding pair and the ease of chemical and genetic perturbations, the zebrafish is an excellent model to study mechanisms underlying endoderm specification and migration. An easy approach to visualizing and quantitating endodermal cells and their migratory routes is by whole-mount in situ hybridization (WISH) on fixed embryos, collected in time series. This chapter provides basic information on the organization and staging of the embryos, with an emphasis on the migrating endodermal cell population. In addition, optimized protocols for the isolation and fixation of staged embryos are provided as well as detailed probe synthesis and WISH protocols, specific for migrating endoderm. Finally, details are provided on how to approach these experiments quantitatively, and some common pitfalls are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonius L van Boxtel
- Developmental, Stem Cell and Cancer Biology, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Extracellular vesicles throughout development: A potential roadmap for emerging glioblastoma therapies. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2023; 133:32-41. [PMID: 35697594 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-delimited vesicular bodies carrying different molecules, classified according to their size, density, cargo, and origin. Research on this topic has been actively growing through the years, as EVs are associated with critical pathological processes such as neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Despite that, studies exploring the physiological functions of EVs are sparse, with particular emphasis on their role in organismal development, initial cell differentiation, and morphogenesis. In this review, we explore the topic of EVs from a developmental perspective, discussing their role in the earliest cell-fate decisions and neural tissue morphogenesis. We focus on the function of EVs through development to highlight possible conserved or novel processes that can impact disease progression. Specifically, we take advantage of what was learned about their role in development so far to discuss EVs impact on glioblastoma, a particular brain tumor of stem-cell origin and poor prognosis, and how their function can be hijacked to improve current therapies.
Collapse
|
30
|
De Novo Generation of Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells from Pluripotent Stem Cells for Cellular Therapy. Cells 2023; 12:cells12020321. [PMID: 36672255 PMCID: PMC9857267 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability to manufacture human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the laboratory holds enormous promise for cellular therapy of human blood diseases. Several differentiation protocols have been developed to facilitate the emergence of HSCs from human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). Most approaches employ a stepwise addition of cytokines and morphogens to recapitulate the natural developmental process. However, these protocols globally lack clinical relevance and uniformly induce PSCs to produce hematopoietic progenitors with embryonic features and limited engraftment and differentiation capabilities. This review examines how key intrinsic cues and extrinsic environmental inputs have been integrated within human PSC differentiation protocols to enhance the emergence of definitive hematopoiesis and how advances in genomics set the stage for imminent breakthroughs in this field.
Collapse
|
31
|
Thowfeequ S, Srinivas S. Embryonic and extraembryonic tissues during mammalian development: shifting boundaries in time and space. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210255. [PMID: 36252217 PMCID: PMC9574638 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The first few days of embryonic development in eutherian mammals are dedicated to the specification and elaboration of the extraembryonic tissues. However, where the fetus ends and its adnexa begins is not always as self-evident during the early stages of development, when the definitive body axes are still being laid down, the germ layers being specified and a discrete form or bodyplan is yet to emerge. Function, anatomy, histomorphology and molecular identities have been used through the history of embryology, to make this distinction. In this review, we explore them individually by using specific examples from the early embryo. While highlighting the challenges of drawing discrete boundaries between embryonic and extraembryonic tissues and the limitations of a binary categorization, we discuss how basing such identity on fate is the most universal and conceptually consistent. This article is part of the theme issue 'Extraembryonic tissues: exploring concepts, definitions and functions across the animal kingdom'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shifaan Thowfeequ
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Shankar Srinivas
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QX, UK
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Concha ML, Reig G. Origin, form and function of extraembryonic structures in teleost fishes. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210264. [PMID: 36252221 PMCID: PMC9574637 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Teleost eggs have evolved a highly derived early developmental pattern within vertebrates as a result of the meroblastic cleavage pattern, giving rise to a polar stratified architecture containing a large acellular yolk and a small cellular blastoderm on top. Besides the acellular yolk, the teleost-specific yolk syncytial layer (YSL) and the superficial epithelial enveloping layer are recognized as extraembryonic structures that play critical roles throughout embryonic development. They provide enriched microenvironments in which molecular feedback loops, cellular interactions and mechanical signals emerge to sculpt, among other things, embryonic patterning along the dorsoventral and left-right axes, mesendodermal specification and the execution of morphogenetic movements in the early embryo and during organogenesis. An emerging concept points to a critical role of extraembryonic structures in reinforcing early genetic and morphogenetic programmes in reciprocal coordination with the embryonic blastoderm, providing the necessary boundary conditions for development to proceed. In addition, the role of the enveloping cell layer in providing mechanical, osmotic and immunological protection during early stages of development, and the autonomous nutritional support provided by the yolk and YSL, have probably been key aspects that have enabled the massive radiation of teleosts to colonize every ecological niche on the Earth. This article is part of the theme issue 'Extraembryonic tissues: exploring concepts, definitions and functions across the animal kingdom'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel L. Concha
- Integrative Biology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Santiago 8380453, Chile
- Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago 7800003, Chile
| | - Germán Reig
- Escuela de Tecnología Médica y del Centro Integrativo de Biología y Química Aplicada (CIBQA), Universidad Bernardo O’Higgins, Santiago 7800003, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Nguyen NM, Merle T, Broders-Bondon F, Brunet AC, Battistella A, Land EBL, Sarron F, Jha A, Gennisson JL, Röttinger E, Fernández-Sánchez ME, Farge E. Mechano-biochemical marine stimulation of inversion, gastrulation, and endomesoderm specification in multicellular Eukaryota. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:992371. [PMID: 36531949 PMCID: PMC9754125 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.992371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The evolutionary emergence of the primitive gut in Metazoa is one of the decisive events that conditioned the major evolutionary transition, leading to the origin of animal development. It is thought to have been induced by the specification of the endomesoderm (EM) into the multicellular tissue and its invagination (i.e., gastrulation). However, the biochemical signals underlying the evolutionary emergence of EM specification and gastrulation remain unknown. Herein, we find that hydrodynamic mechanical strains, reminiscent of soft marine flow, trigger active tissue invagination/gastrulation or curvature reversal via a Myo-II-dependent mechanotransductive process in both the metazoan Nematostella vectensis (cnidaria) and the multicellular choanoflagellate Choanoeca flexa. In the latter, our data suggest that the curvature reversal is associated with a sensory-behavioral feeding response. Additionally, like in bilaterian animals, gastrulation in the cnidarian Nematostella vectensis is shown to participate in the biochemical specification of the EM through mechanical activation of the β-catenin pathway via the phosphorylation of Y654-βcatenin. Choanoflagellates are considered the closest living relative to metazoans, and the common ancestor of choanoflagellates and metazoans dates back at least 700 million years. Therefore, the present findings using these evolutionarily distant species suggest that the primitive emergence of the gut in Metazoa may have been initiated in response to marine mechanical stress already in multicellular pre-Metazoa. Then, the evolutionary transition may have been achieved by specifying the EM via a mechanosensitive Y654-βcatenin dependent mechanism, which appeared during early Metazoa evolution and is specifically conserved in all animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ngoc Minh Nguyen
- Mechanics and Genetics of Embryonic Development Group, Institut Curie, Centre OCAV PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR168, Inserm, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Tatiana Merle
- Mechanics and Genetics of Embryonic Development Group, Institut Curie, Centre OCAV PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR168, Inserm, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Florence Broders-Bondon
- Mechanics and Genetics of Embryonic Development Group, Institut Curie, Centre OCAV PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR168, Inserm, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Anne-Christine Brunet
- Mechanics and Genetics of Embryonic Development Group, Institut Curie, Centre OCAV PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR168, Inserm, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Aude Battistella
- Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Cells Platform, Institut Curie, CNRS, UMR 168, Inserm, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Emelie Britt Linnea Land
- Mechanics and Genetics of Embryonic Development Group, Institut Curie, Centre OCAV PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR168, Inserm, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Florian Sarron
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, UMR 7095, Institut d'Astrophysique de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Aditya Jha
- Laboratoire Physique et Mécanique des Milieux Hétérogènes (PMMH), CNRS, ESPCI ParisTech, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Luc Gennisson
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Inserm, BioMaps, Service Hospitalier Frédéric Joliot, Orsay, France
| | - Eric Röttinger
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, INSERM, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging (IRCAN), Nice, France
- Université Côte d’Azur, Institut Fédératif de Recherche Ressources Marines (IFR MARRES), Nice, France
| | - María Elena Fernández-Sánchez
- Mechanics and Genetics of Embryonic Development Group, Institut Curie, Centre OCAV PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR168, Inserm, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Emmanuel Farge
- Mechanics and Genetics of Embryonic Development Group, Institut Curie, Centre OCAV PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR168, Inserm, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Stock J, Kazmar T, Schlumm F, Hannezo E, Pauli A. A self-generated Toddler gradient guides mesodermal cell migration. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eadd2488. [PMID: 36103529 PMCID: PMC9473572 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.add2488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The sculpting of germ layers during gastrulation relies on the coordinated migration of progenitor cells, yet the cues controlling these long-range directed movements remain largely unknown. While directional migration often relies on a chemokine gradient generated from a localized source, we find that zebrafish ventrolateral mesoderm is guided by a self-generated gradient of the initially uniformly expressed and secreted protein Toddler/ELABELA/Apela. We show that the Apelin receptor, which is specifically expressed in mesodermal cells, has a dual role during gastrulation, acting as a scavenger receptor to generate a Toddler gradient, and as a chemokine receptor to sense this guidance cue. Thus, we uncover a single receptor-based self-generated gradient as the enigmatic guidance cue that can robustly steer the directional migration of mesoderm through the complex and continuously changing environment of the gastrulating embryo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Stock
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
- Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tomas Kazmar
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Friederike Schlumm
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Edouard Hannezo
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (IST), Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Andrea Pauli
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Ferreira MJS, Mancini FE, Humphreys PA, Ogene L, Buckley M, Domingos MAN, Kimber SJ. Pluripotent stem cells for skeletal tissue engineering. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2022; 42:774-793. [PMID: 34488516 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2021.1968785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Here, we review the use of human pluripotent stem cells for skeletal tissue engineering. A number of approaches have been used for generating cartilage and bone from both human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells. These range from protocols relying on intrinsic cell interactions and signals from co-cultured cells to those attempting to recapitulate the series of steps occurring during mammalian skeletal development. The importance of generating authentic tissues rather than just differentiated cells is emphasized and enabling technologies for doing this are reported. We also review the different methods for characterization of skeletal cells and constructs at the tissue and single-cell level, and indicate newer resources not yet fully utilized in this field. There have been many challenges in this research area but the technologies to overcome these are beginning to appear, often adopted from related fields. This makes it more likely that cost-effective and efficacious human pluripotent stem cell-engineered constructs may become available for skeletal repair in the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel J S Ferreira
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering & Henry Royce Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Fabrizio E Mancini
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Paul A Humphreys
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering & Henry Royce Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Leona Ogene
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Michael Buckley
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Marco A N Domingos
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering & Henry Royce Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Susan J Kimber
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Yang Y, Laterza C, Stuart HT, Michielin F, Gagliano O, Urciuolo A, Elvassore N. Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Micropatterned Ectoderm Allows Cell Sorting of Meso-Endoderm Lineages. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:907159. [PMID: 35935488 PMCID: PMC9354750 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.907159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The human developmental processes during the early post-implantation stage instruct the specification and organization of the lineage progenitors into a body plan. These processes, which include patterning, cell sorting, and establishment of the three germ layers, have been classically studied in non-human model organisms and only recently, through micropatterning technology, in a human-specific context. Micropatterning technology has unveiled mechanisms during patterning and germ layer specification; however, cell sorting and their segregation in specific germ layer combinations have not been investigated yet in a human-specific in vitro system. Here, we developed an in vitro model of human ectodermal patterning, in which human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) self-organize to form a radially regionalized neural and non-central nervous system (CNS) ectoderm. We showed that by using micropatterning technology and by modulating BMP and WNT signals, we can regulate the appearance and spatial distribution of the different ectodermal populations. This pre-patterned ectoderm can be used to investigate the cell sorting behavior of hPSC-derived meso-endoderm cells, with an endoderm that segregates from the neural ectoderm. Thus, the combination of micro-technology with germ layer cross-mixing enables the study of cell sorting of different germ layers in a human context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Department of Industrial Engineering (DII), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Fondazione Ricerca Biomedica Avanzata Onlus, Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Cecilia Laterza
- Department of Industrial Engineering (DII), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Fondazione Ricerca Biomedica Avanzata Onlus, Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Hannah T. Stuart
- Department of Industrial Engineering (DII), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Fondazione Ricerca Biomedica Avanzata Onlus, Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Federica Michielin
- Fondazione Ricerca Biomedica Avanzata Onlus, Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Onelia Gagliano
- Department of Industrial Engineering (DII), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Fondazione Ricerca Biomedica Avanzata Onlus, Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Anna Urciuolo
- Fondazione Ricerca Biomedica Avanzata Onlus, Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica, Città della Speranza, Padova, Italy
| | - Nicola Elvassore
- Department of Industrial Engineering (DII), University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Fondazione Ricerca Biomedica Avanzata Onlus, Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
- *Correspondence: Nicola Elvassore,
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Tamura A, Saiki M, Hongu JI, Matsumoto T. Stiffness estimation of transversely anisotropic materials using a novel indentation tester with a rectangular hole. Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin 2022; 26:893-904. [PMID: 35833654 DOI: 10.1080/10255842.2022.2098015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Since embryos change their morphology drastically in the gastrulation stage, mechanical characterization of young embryos is important as they also change their tissue stiffness with the stage of development. Herein, virtual compression tests were conducted assuming that the Xenopus laevis gastrula has a spherical shape with transverse anisotropy. Based on the design of experiments, we found that the Young's moduli and material anisotropy can be efficiently determined by measuring the reaction force and surface displacement when indenting the tester into an embryo. The proposed scheme may be a substantial step toward understanding the timing of cell-type specification during embryo development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atsutaka Tamura
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Tottori University, Totori, Tottori, Japan
| | - Mika Saiki
- Department of Mechanical and Physical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tottori University, Totori, Tottori, Japan
| | - Jun-Ichi Hongu
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Tottori University, Totori, Tottori, Japan
| | - Takeo Matsumoto
- Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Mice lacking DCAF2 in placenta die at the gastrulation stage. Cell Tissue Res 2022; 389:559-572. [PMID: 35711069 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03655-4] [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: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
UV-damaged DNA-binding protein 1 (DDB1) and cullin 4-associated factor 2 (DCAF2, also known as DTL or CDT2) is an evolutionarily highly conserved substrate recognition factor in the cullin 4 RING E3 ubiquitin ligase (CRL4) complex. This complex degrades multiple DNA replication and cell cycle-associated proteins to maintain genome stability. To clarify the function of DCAF2 in vivo, we used Cre recombinase driven by the Elf5 promoter to generate knockout mouse model that was specifically deleted Dcaf2 in the trophoblast lineage (Elf5-Cre; Dcaf2fl/fl, Dcaf2 cKO). Here, we show that mice with the genotype Elf5-Cre; Dcaf2fl/+ are normal and fertile. However, after mating of Elf5-Cre; Dcaf2fl/+ mice with Dcaf2fl/fl, no Dcaf2 cKO pups were born. Timed pregnancy studies have shown that Dcaf2 cKO mice developed abnormally on embryonic day 5.5 and died at gastrulation stage. It is worth noting that the extraembryonic ectoderm of Dcaf2 cKO mice is severely reduced or missing and leading to embryonic death. We also proved that stronger DNA damage accumulated in the trophoblastic cells of Dcaf2 cKO mice at E8.5. In addition, higher expression of Caspase-3 was found in the embryonic and trophoblastic cells of these cKO mice. In general, our research shows that the placental DCAF2 is crucial to the formation of gastrula.
Collapse
|
39
|
McFann SE, Shvartsman SY, Toettcher JE. Putting in the Erk: Growth factor signaling and mesoderm morphogenesis. Curr Top Dev Biol 2022; 149:263-310. [PMID: 35606058 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2022.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
It has long been known that FGF signaling contributes to mesoderm formation, a germ layer found in triploblasts that is composed of highly migratory cells that give rise to muscles and to the skeletal structures of vertebrates. FGF signaling activates several pathways in the developing mesoderm, including transient activation of the Erk pathway, which triggers mesodermal fate specification through the induction of the gene brachyury and activates morphogenetic programs that allow mesodermal cells to position themselves in the embryo. In this review, we discuss what is known about the generation and interpretation of transient Erk signaling in mesodermal tissues across species. We focus specifically on mechanisms that translate the level and duration of Erk signaling into cell fate and cell movement instructions and discuss strategies for further interrogating the role that Erk signaling dynamics play in mesodermal gastrulation and morphogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E McFann
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States; Lewis Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States
| | - Stanislav Y Shvartsman
- Lewis Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States; Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States; Center for Computational Biology, Flatiron Institute, Simons Foundation, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jared E Toettcher
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Omelchenko T. Cellular protrusions in 3D: Orchestrating early mouse embryogenesis. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 129:63-74. [PMID: 35577698 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Cellular protrusions generated by the actin cytoskeleton are central to the process of building the body of the embryo. Problems with cellular protrusions underlie human diseases and syndromes, including implantation defects and pregnancy loss, congenital birth defects, and cancer. Cells use protrusive activity together with actin-myosin contractility to create an ordered body shape of the embryo. Here, I review how actin-rich protrusions are used by two major morphological cell types, epithelial and mesenchymal cells, during collective cell migration to sculpt the mouse embryo body. Pre-gastrulation epithelial collective migration of the anterior visceral endoderm is essential for establishing the anterior-posterior body axis. Gastrulation mesenchymal collective migration of the mesoderm wings is crucial for body elongation, and somite and heart formation. Analysis of mouse mutants with disrupted cellular protrusions revealed the key role of protrusions in embryonic morphogenesis and embryo survival. Recent technical approaches have allowed examination of the mechanisms that control cell and tissue movements in vivo in the complex 3D microenvironment of living mouse embryos. Advancing our understanding of protrusion-driven morphogenesis should provide novel insights into human developmental disorders and cancer metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Omelchenko
- Laboratory of Mammalian Cell Biology and Development, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York 10065, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Usami C, Inomata H. Rapalog-induced cell adhesion molecule inhibits mesoderm migration in Xenopus embryos by increasing frequency of adhesion to the ectoderm. Genes Cells 2022; 27:436-450. [PMID: 35437867 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.12937] [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: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
During the gastrula stage of Xenopus laevis, mesodermal cells migrate on the blastocoel roof (BCR) toward the animal pole. In this process, mesodermal cells directly adhere to the BCR via adhesion molecules, such as cadherins, which in turn trigger a repulsive reaction through factors such as Eph/ephrin. Therefore, the mesoderm and BCR repeatedly adhere to and detach from each other, and the frequency of this adhesion is thought to control mesoderm migration. Although knockdown of cadherin or Eph/ephrin causes severe gastrulation defects, these molecules have been reported to contribute not only to boundary formation but also to the internal function of each tissue. Therefore, it is possible that the defect caused by knockdown occurs due to tissue function abnormalities. To address this problem, we developed a method to specifically induce adhesion between different tissues using rapalog (an analog of rapamycin). When adhesion between the BCR and mesoderm was specifically enhanced by rapalog, mesoderm migration was strongly suppressed. Furthermore, we confirmed that rapalog significantly increased the frequency of adhesion between the two tissues. These results support the idea that the adhesion frequency controls mesoderm migration, and demonstrate that our method effectively enhances adhesion between specific tissues in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chisa Usami
- Axial Pattern Dynamics Team, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Kobe, Japan.,Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Japan
| | - Hidehiko Inomata
- Axial Pattern Dynamics Team, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, RIKEN, Kobe, Japan.,Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Hashmi A, Tlili S, Perrin P, Lowndes M, Peradziryi H, Brickman JM, Martínez Arias A, Lenne PF. Cell-state transitions and collective cell movement generate an endoderm-like region in gastruloids. eLife 2022; 11:59371. [PMID: 35404233 PMCID: PMC9033300 DOI: 10.7554/elife.59371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Shaping the animal body plan is a complex process that involves the spatial organization and patterning of the different germ layers. Recent advances in live imaging have started to unravel the cellular choreography underlying this process in mammals, however, the sequence of events transforming an unpatterned cell ensemble into structured territories is largely unknown. Here, using gastruloids –3D aggregates of mouse embryonic stem cells- we study the formation of one of the three germ layers, the endoderm. We show that the endoderm is generated from an epiblast-like homogeneous state by a three-step mechanism: (i) a loss of E-cadherin mediated contacts in parts of the aggregate leading to the appearance of islands of E-cadherin expressing cells surrounded by cells devoid of E-cadherin, (ii) a separation of these two populations with islands of E-cadherin expressing cells flowing toward the aggregate tip, and (iii) their differentiation into an endoderm population. During the flow, the islands of E-cadherin expressing cells are surrounded by cells expressing T-Brachyury, reminiscent of the process occurring at the primitive streak. Consistent with recent in vivo observations, the endoderm formation in the gastruloids does not require an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, but rather a maintenance of an epithelial state for a subset of cells coupled with fragmentation of E-cadherin contacts in the vicinity, and a sorting process. Our data emphasize the role of signaling and tissue flows in the establishment of the body plan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Hashmi
- IBDM, Aix Marseille University, CNRS, Marseille, France
| | - Sham Tlili
- IBDM, Aix Marseille University, CNRS, Marseille, France
| | - Pierre Perrin
- IBDM, Aix Marseille University, CNRS, Marseille, France
| | - Molly Lowndes
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology (DanStem), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hanna Peradziryi
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology (DanStem), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Joshua M Brickman
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology (DanStem), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Chen H, Zhong K, Zhang Y, Xie L, Chen P. Bisphenol A Interferes with Redox Balance and the Nrf2 Signaling Pathway in Xenopus tropicalis during Embryonic Development. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12070937. [PMID: 35405925 PMCID: PMC8996838 DOI: 10.3390/ani12070937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Toxicological studies of the effects of BPA on tropical clawed frog (Xenopus tropicalis) early embryos show that temporary exposure to BPA during early embryonic development can result in dramatic teratogenesis, DNA damage, and abnormal gene expression. The overall results of this study provide valuable insights for a more holistic assessment of the environmental risks related to BPA in aquatic ecosystems. Abstract Bisphenol A (BPA), an environmental estrogen, is widely used and largely released into the hydrosphere, thus inducing adverse effects in aquatic organisms. Here, Xenopus tropicalis was used as an animal model to investigate the oxidative effects of BPA on early embryonic development. BPA exposure prevalently caused development delay and shortened body length. Furthermore, BPA exposure significantly increased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA damage in embryos. Thus, the details of BPA interference with antioxidant regulatory pathways during frog early embryonic development should be further explored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongjun Chen
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China; (H.C.); (K.Z.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Keke Zhong
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China; (H.C.); (K.Z.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yongpu Zhang
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China; (H.C.); (K.Z.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Lei Xie
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China; (H.C.); (K.Z.); (Y.Z.)
- Correspondence: (L.X.); (P.C.)
| | - Peichao Chen
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China; (H.C.); (K.Z.); (Y.Z.)
- Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Correspondence: (L.X.); (P.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Developmental energetics: Energy expenditure, budgets and metabolism during animal embryogenesis. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 138:83-93. [PMID: 35317962 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Developing embryos are metabolically active, open systems that constantly exchange matter and energy with their environment. They function out of thermodynamic equilibrium and continuously use metabolic pathways to obtain energy from maternal nutrients, in order to fulfill the energetic requirements of growth and development. While an increasing number of studies highlight the role of metabolism in different developmental contexts, the physicochemical basis of embryogenesis, or how cellular processes use energy and matter to act together and transform a zygote into an adult organism, remains unknown. As we obtain a better understanding of metabolism, and benefit from current technology development, it is a promising time to revisit the energetic cost of development and how energetic principles may govern embryogenesis. Here, we review recent advances in methodology to measure and infer energetic parameters in developing embryos. We highlight a potential common pattern in embryonic energy expenditure and metabolic strategy across animal embryogenesis, and discuss challenges and open questions in developmental energetics.
Collapse
|
45
|
Ramos-Ibeas P, González-Brusi L, Used MT, Cocero MJ, Marigorta P, Alberio R, Bermejo-Álvarez P. In vitro culture of ovine embryos up to early gastrulating stages. Development 2022; 149:274801. [PMID: 35319748 PMCID: PMC8977095 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Developmental failures occurring shortly after blastocyst hatching from the zona pellucida constitute a major cause of pregnancy losses in both humans and farm ungulates. The developmental events occurring following hatching in ungulates include the proliferation and maturation of extra-embryonic membranes – trophoblast and hypoblast – and the formation of a flat embryonic disc, similar to that found in humans, which initiates gastrulation prior to implantation. Unfortunately, our understanding of these key processes for embryo survival is limited because current culture systems cannot sustain ungulate embryo development beyond hatching. Here, we report a culture system that recapitulates most developmental landmarks of gastrulating ovine embryos: trophoblast maturation, hypoblast migration, embryonic disc formation, disappearance of the Rauber's layer, epiblast polarization and mesoderm differentiation. Our system represents a highly valuable platform for exploring the cell differentiation, proliferation and migration processes governing gastrulation in a flat embryonic disc and for understanding pregnancy failures during the second week of gestation.
This article has an associated ‘The people behind the papers’ interview.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Pilar Marigorta
- Animal Reproduction Department, INIA-CSIC, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Ramiro Alberio
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, LE12 5RD, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Hiltunen AE, Vuolteenaho R, Ronkainen VP, Miinalainen I, Uusimaa J, Lehtonen S, Hinttala R. Nhlrc2 is crucial during mouse gastrulation. Genesis 2022; 60:e23470. [PMID: 35258166 PMCID: PMC9286871 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The loss of NHL repeat containing 2 (Nhlrc2) leads to early embryonic lethality in mice, but the exact timing is currently unknown. In this study, we determined the time of lethality for Nhlrc2 knockout (KO), C57BL/6NCrl‐Nhlrc2tm1a(KOMP)Wtsi/Oulu, embryos and the in situ expression pattern of Nhlrc2 based on LacZ reporter gene expression during this period. Nhlrc2 KO preimplantation mouse embryos developed normally after in vitro fertilization. Embryonic stem (ES) cells established from KO blastocysts proliferated normally despite a complete loss of the NHLRC2 protein. Nhlrc2 KO embryos from timed matings implanted and were indistinguishable from their wildtype littermates on embryonic day (E) 6.5. On E7.5, Nhlrc2 KO embryo development was arrested, and on E8.5, only 6% of the genotyped embryos were homozygous for the Nhlrc2tm1a(KOMP)Wtsi allele. Nhlrc2 KO E8.5 embryos showed limited embryonic or extraembryonic tissue differentiation and remained at the cylinder stage. Nhlrc2 expression was ubiquitous but strongest in the epiblast/ectoderm and extraembryonic ectoderm on E6.5 and E7.5. NHLRC2 is essential for early postimplantation development, and its loss leads to failed gastrulation and amniotic folding in mice. Future studies on the evolutionarily conserved NHLRC2 will provide new insights into the molecular pathways involved in the early steps of postimplantation development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anniina E Hiltunen
- Medical Research Center Oulu and PEDEGO Research Unit, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | | | | | | | - Johanna Uusimaa
- Medical Research Center Oulu and PEDEGO Research Unit, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.,Clinic for Children and Adolescents, Pediatric Neurology Unit, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Siri Lehtonen
- Medical Research Center Oulu and PEDEGO Research Unit, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Reetta Hinttala
- Medical Research Center Oulu and PEDEGO Research Unit, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.,Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Deconstructing gastrulation at single-cell resolution. Curr Biol 2022; 32:1861-1868.e7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.02.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
48
|
Veenvliet JV, Lenne PF, Turner DA, Nachman I, Trivedi V. Sculpting with stem cells: how models of embryo development take shape. Development 2021; 148:dev192914. [PMID: 34908102 PMCID: PMC8722391 DOI: 10.1242/dev.192914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
During embryogenesis, organisms acquire their shape given boundary conditions that impose geometrical, mechanical and biochemical constraints. A detailed integrative understanding how these morphogenetic information modules pattern and shape the mammalian embryo is still lacking, mostly owing to the inaccessibility of the embryo in vivo for direct observation and manipulation. These impediments are circumvented by the developmental engineering of embryo-like structures (stembryos) from pluripotent stem cells that are easy to access, track, manipulate and scale. Here, we explain how unlocking distinct levels of embryo-like architecture through controlled modulations of the cellular environment enables the identification of minimal sets of mechanical and biochemical inputs necessary to pattern and shape the mammalian embryo. We detail how this can be complemented with precise measurements and manipulations of tissue biochemistry, mechanics and geometry across spatial and temporal scales to provide insights into the mechanochemical feedback loops governing embryo morphogenesis. Finally, we discuss how, even in the absence of active manipulations, stembryos display intrinsic phenotypic variability that can be leveraged to define the constraints that ensure reproducible morphogenesis in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jesse V. Veenvliet
- Stembryogenesis Lab, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Ihnestrasse 63-73, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Pierre-François Lenne
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, IBDM, Turing Center for Living Systems, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - David A. Turner
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, William Henry Duncan Building, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 8TX, UK
| | - Iftach Nachman
- School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, Tel Aviv University, 6997801, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Vikas Trivedi
- European Molecular Biology Laboratories (EMBL), Barcelona, 08003, Spain
- EMBL Heidelberg, Developmental Biology Unit, 69117, Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Nasri A, Foisset F, Ahmed E, Lahmar Z, Vachier I, Jorgensen C, Assou S, Bourdin A, De Vos J. Roles of Mesenchymal Cells in the Lung: From Lung Development to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Cells 2021; 10:3467. [PMID: 34943975 PMCID: PMC8700565 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal cells are an essential cell type because of their role in tissue support, their multilineage differentiation capacities and their potential clinical applications. They play a crucial role during lung development by interacting with airway epithelium, and also during lung regeneration and remodeling after injury. However, much less is known about their function in lung disease. In this review, we discuss the origins of mesenchymal cells during lung development, their crosstalk with the epithelium, and their role in lung diseases, particularly in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amel Nasri
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Biotherapy, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France; (A.N.); (F.F.); (C.J.); (S.A.)
| | - Florent Foisset
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Biotherapy, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France; (A.N.); (F.F.); (C.J.); (S.A.)
| | - Engi Ahmed
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France; (E.A.); (Z.L.); (I.V.); (A.B.)
- PhyMedExp, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Zakaria Lahmar
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France; (E.A.); (Z.L.); (I.V.); (A.B.)
- PhyMedExp, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Isabelle Vachier
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France; (E.A.); (Z.L.); (I.V.); (A.B.)
| | - Christian Jorgensen
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Biotherapy, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France; (A.N.); (F.F.); (C.J.); (S.A.)
| | - Said Assou
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Biotherapy, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France; (A.N.); (F.F.); (C.J.); (S.A.)
| | - Arnaud Bourdin
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France; (E.A.); (Z.L.); (I.V.); (A.B.)
- PhyMedExp, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - John De Vos
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Biotherapy, Université de Montpellier, INSERM, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France; (A.N.); (F.F.); (C.J.); (S.A.)
- Department of Cell and Tissue Engineering, Université de Montpellier, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier, 34000 Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Hu B, Rodriguez JJ, Kakkerla Balaraju A, Gao Y, Nguyen NT, Steen H, Suhaib S, Chen S, Lin F. Glypican 4 mediates Wnt transport between germ layers via signaling filopodia. J Cell Biol 2021; 220:212673. [PMID: 34591076 PMCID: PMC8488972 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202009082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Glypicans influence signaling pathways by regulating morphogen trafficking and reception. However, the underlying mechanisms in vertebrates are poorly understood. In zebrafish, Glypican 4 (Gpc4) is required for convergence and extension (C&E) of both the mesoderm and endoderm. Here, we show that transgenic expression of GFP-Gpc4 in the endoderm of gpc4 mutants rescued C&E defects in all germ layers. The rescue of mesoderm was likely mediated by Wnt5b and Wnt11f2 and depended on signaling filopodia rather than on cleavage of the Gpc4 GPI anchor. Gpc4 bound both Wnt5b and Wnt11f2 and regulated formation of the filopodia that transport Wnt5b and Wnt11f2 to neighboring cells. Moreover, this rescue was suppressed by blocking signaling filopodia that extend from endodermal cells. Thus, GFP-Gpc4–labeled protrusions that emanated from endodermal cells transported Wnt5b and Wnt11f2 to other germ layers, rescuing the C&E defects caused by a gpc4 deficiency. Our study reveals a new mechanism that could explain in vivo morphogen distribution involving Gpc4.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Hu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Juan J Rodriguez
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Anurag Kakkerla Balaraju
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Yuanyuan Gao
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Nhan T Nguyen
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Heston Steen
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Saeb Suhaib
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Songhai Chen
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Fang Lin
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| |
Collapse
|