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Zhang T, Xing F, Qu M, Yang Z, Liu Y, Yao Y, Xing N. NLRP2 in health and disease. Immunology 2024; 171:170-180. [PMID: 37735978 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13699] [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: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
NLR family pyrin domain containing 2 (NLRP2) is a novel member of the Nod-like receptor (NLR) family. However, our understanding of NLRP2 has long been ambiguous. NLRP2 may have a role in the innate immune response, but its 'specific' functions remain controversial. Although NLRP2 can initiate inflammasome and promote inflammation, it can also downregulate inflammatory signals. Additionally, NLRP2 has been reported to function in the reproductive system and shows high expression in the placenta. However, the exact role of NLRP2 in the reproductive system is unclear. Here, we highlight the most current progress on NLRP2 in inflammasome activation, effector function and regulation of nuclear factor-κB. And we discuss functions of NLRP2 in inflammatory diseases, reproductive disorders and the potential implication of NLRP2 in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongtong Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Fei Xing
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Province International Joint Laboratory of Pain, Cognition and Emotion, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Mingcui Qu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhihu Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yafei Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yongchao Yao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Na Xing
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Henan Province International Joint Laboratory of Pain, Cognition and Emotion, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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Chiarini A, Armato U, Gui L, Dal Prà I. "Other Than NLRP3" Inflammasomes: Multiple Roles in Brain Disease. Neuroscientist 2024; 30:23-48. [PMID: 35815856 DOI: 10.1177/10738584221106114] [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] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Human neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases, whose prevalence keeps rising, are still unsolved pathobiological/therapeutical problems. Among others, recent etiology hypotheses stressed as their main driver a chronic neuroinflammation, which is mediated by innate immunity-related protein oligomers: the inflammasomes. A panoply of exogenous and/or endogenous harmful agents activates inflammasomes' assembly, signaling, and IL-1β/IL-18 production and neural cells' pyroptotic death. The underlying concept is that inflammasomes' chronic activation advances neurodegeneration while their short-lasting operation restores tissue homeostasis. Hence, from a therapeutic standpoint, it is crucial to understand inflammasomes' regulatory mechanisms. About this, a deluge of recent studies focused on the NLRP3 inflammasome with suggestions that its pharmacologic block would hinder neurodegeneration. Yet hitherto no evidence proves this view. Moreover, known inflammasomes are numerous, and the mechanisms regulating their expression and function may vary with the involved animal species and strains, as well as organs and cells, and the harmful factors triggered as a result. Therefore, while presently leaving out some little-studied inflammasomes, this review focuses on the "other than NLRP3" inflammasomes that participate in neuroinflammation's complex mechanisms: NLRP1, NLRP2, NLRC4, and AIM2. Although human-specific data about them are relatively scant, we stress that only a holistic view including several human brain inflammasomes and other potential pathogenetic drivers will lead to successful therapies for neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Chiarini
- Human Histology and Embryology Section, Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatrics, and Gynecology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Ubaldo Armato
- Human Histology and Embryology Section, Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatrics, and Gynecology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Li Gui
- Department of Neurology, Southwest Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Ilaria Dal Prà
- Human Histology and Embryology Section, Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatrics, and Gynecology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Leonel ECR, Dadashzadeh A, Moghassemi S, Vlieghe H, Wyns C, Orellana R, Amorim CA. New Solutions for Old Problems: How Reproductive Tissue Engineering Has Been Revolutionizing Reproductive Medicine. Ann Biomed Eng 2023; 51:2143-2171. [PMID: 37468688 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-023-03321-y] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Acquired disorders and congenital defects of the male and female reproductive systems can have profound impacts on patients, causing sexual and endocrine dysfunction and infertility, as well as psychosocial consequences that affect their self-esteem, identity, sexuality, and relationships. Reproductive tissue engineering (REPROTEN) is a promising approach to restore fertility and improve the quality of life of patients with reproductive disorders by developing, replacing, or regenerating cells, tissues, and organs from the reproductive and urinary systems. In this review, we explore the latest advancements in REPROTEN techniques and their applications for addressing degenerative conditions in male and female reproductive organs. We discuss current research and clinical outcomes and highlight the potential of 3D constructs utilizing biomaterials such as scaffolds, cells, and biologically active molecules. Our review offers a comprehensive guide for researchers and clinicians, providing insights into how to reestablish reproductive tissue structure and function using innovative surgical approaches and biomaterials. We highlight the benefits of REPROTEN for patients, including preservation of fertility and hormonal production, reconstruction of uterine and cervical structures, and restoration of sexual and urinary functions. Despite significant progress, REPROTEN still faces ethical and technical challenges that need to be addressed. Our review underscores the importance of continued research in this field to advance the development of effective and safe REPROTEN approaches for patients with reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen C R Leonel
- Department of Histology, Embryology and Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Arezoo Dadashzadeh
- Pôle de Recherche en Physiopathologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 55, bte B1.55.03, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Saeid Moghassemi
- Pôle de Recherche en Physiopathologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 55, bte B1.55.03, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hanne Vlieghe
- Pôle de Recherche en Physiopathologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 55, bte B1.55.03, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christine Wyns
- Pôle de Recherche en Physiopathologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 55, bte B1.55.03, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Gynecology-Andrology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Renan Orellana
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins, Santiago, Chile
| | - Christiani A Amorim
- Pôle de Recherche en Physiopathologie de la Reproduction, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 55, bte B1.55.03, 1200, Brussels, Belgium.
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Establishment and characterization of IPS-OGC-C1: a novel induced pluripotent stem cell line from healthy human ovarian granulosa cells. Hum Cell 2022; 35:1612-1620. [PMID: 35876985 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-022-00757-7] [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: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian granulosa cell (OGC) is a critical somatic component of the ovary, which provides physical support and the microenvironment required for the developing oocyte. Human OGCs are easy to obtain and culture as a by-product of follicular aspiration performed during in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures. Therefore, OGCs offer a potent cell source to generate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). This study established a novel OGCs-derived iPSC cell line from the follicular fluid of a healthy female donor with a Chinese Han genetic background and named it IPS-OGC-C1. IPS-OGC-C1 was verified for embryonic stem cell morphology, cell marker expression, alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity, transcriptomic profile, and pluripotency capability in developing all three embryonic germ layers in vivo and in vitro.
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Li Q, Wu H, Wang Y, Wang H. Current understanding in deciphering trophoblast cell differentiation during human placentation. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:317-326. [PMID: 35478014 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta is a unique organ that forms during gestation and supports fetus survival and communication with the mother. However, of such an arguably essential organ for a successful pregnancy, our knowledge is limited. New progress has been made for human placenta study in recent years. We herein summarize the current understanding of human placental trophoblast differentiation and the molecules that govern trophoblast cell lineage specification. More importantly, the powerful tools for placental studies are also explained, such as human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs), 3-dimensional (3D) trophoblast organoids, engineering-based placental devices, and single-cell RNA sequencing (sc-RNAseq). These advances have brought us new insights into placental development and provided multiple investigation strategies for deciphering molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Hongmei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.,Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
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Arjmand B, Alaei S, Heravani NF, Alavi-Moghadam S, Payab M, Ebrahimpour M, Aghayan HR, Goodarzi P, Larijani B. Regenerative Medicine Perspectives in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1341:125-141. [PMID: 33748932 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2021_623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common gynecologic endocrine disorder in women between the ages of 15 and 40, with uncertain etiology. It is mostly presented with hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance along with a variety of comorbidities that significantly reduce a patient's quality of life. Many disturbed metabolic pathways are correlated with PCOS. Moreover, it is evident that there is a strong genetic factor for PCOS. Indeed, several altered gene expressions have been found in PCOS subjects, but the exact genetic origins are still unclear. The major treatment options such as pharmacological treatments are to improve the symptoms. In addition, surgical procedures (Bariatric surgery and assisted reproductive technologies) can be used to treat some of the patient's complications and reduce their severity. Generally, using pharmacological agents for a long period of time can increase the risk of adverse effects. Moreover, surgical options may have high-risk consequences. Herein, there is an undeniable need for a different multidisciplinary approach to PCOS. Regenerative medicine with the help of stem cells can develop a worthy alternative approach for the treatment of PCOS. Furthermore, animal models can provide valuable knowledge of genetic alterations and metabolic pathway disturbances in PCOS. They can also be used for testing novel treatments in pre-clinical stages. Therein, the current knowledge of PCOS and investigation about the potential role of regenerative medicine in developing new and more efficient treatments for PCOS are summarized here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babak Arjmand
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Metabolomics and Genomics Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Setareh Alaei
- Metabolomics and Genomics Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Najmeh Foroughi Heravani
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Alavi-Moghadam
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Moloud Payab
- Metabolomics and Genomics Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahbube Ebrahimpour
- Elderly Health Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Aghayan
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parisa Goodarzi
- Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bagher Larijani
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Sudhir PR, Kumari MP, Hsu WT, Chen CH, Kuo HC, Chen CH. Integrative omics connects N-glycoproteome-wide alterations with pathways and regulatory events in induced pluripotent stem cells. Sci Rep 2016; 6:36109. [PMID: 27808266 PMCID: PMC5093713 DOI: 10.1038/srep36109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular-level differences ranging from genomes to proteomes, but not N-glycoproteomes, between human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and embryonic stem cells (hESCs) have been assessed to gain insights into cell reprogramming and induced pluripotency. Our multiplexed quantitative N-glycoproteomics study identified altered N-glycoproteins that significantly regulate cell adhesion processes in hiPSCs compared to hESCs. The integrative proteomics and functional network analyses of the altered N-glycoproteins revealed their significant interactions with known PluriNet (pluripotency-associated network) proteins. We found that these interactions potentially regulate various signaling pathways including focal adhesion, PI3K-Akt signaling, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, and spliceosome. Furthermore, the integrative transcriptomics analysis revealed that imperfectly reprogrammed subunits of the oligosaccharyltransferase (OST) and dolichol-phosphate-mannose synthase (DPM) complexes were potential candidate regulatory events for the altered N-glycoprotein levels. Together, the results of our study suggest that imperfect reprogramming of the protein complexes linked with the N-glycosylation process may result in N-glycoprotein alterations that affect induced pluripotency through their functional protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wei-Ting Hsu
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Chein-Hung Chen
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chih Kuo
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan.,Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
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Chang WF, Hwu YM, Xu J, Lin CJ, Wang SW, Cheng AS, Lu J, Lu CH, Sung LY. Derivation of Patient Specific Pluripotent Stem Cells Using Clinically Discarded Cumulus Cells. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0165715. [PMID: 27802323 PMCID: PMC5089679 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0165715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are powerful tools for basic and translational research, as well as regenerative medicine. In routine human in vitro fertilization (IVF) practices, cumulus cells (CCs) are discarded, representing a potential source of biological materials for regenerative medicine. In this study, we derived patient-specific iPSCs using CCs from human infertility clinics for the first time. The human cumulus cell derived iPSCs (hc-iPSCs) were characterized for growth, karyotype, expression of pluripotency genes, and were subjected to embryoid bodies (EBs) and teratoma assays to evaluate their differentiation capacity. Hc-iPSCs display typical iPSC characteristics, and are capable of differentiating into all germ layers in vitro and in vivo. We further show that putative primordial germ cell like cells (PGCLCs) can be derived using hc-iPSCs. Our data demonstrate the feasibility of deriving patient-specific pluripotent stem cells using CCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Fang Chang
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yuh-Ming Hwu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mackay Junior College of Medicine, Nursing, and Management, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jie Xu
- Center for Advanced Models for Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Chen-Ju Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Wen Wang
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - An-Sheng Cheng
- Yupintang Traditional Chinese Medicine Foundation, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jean Lu
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Hao Lu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (LYS); (CHL)
| | - Li-Ying Sung
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Center for Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Animal Resource Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (LYS); (CHL)
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Gamage TK, Chamley LW, James JL. Stem cell insights into human trophoblast lineage differentiation. Hum Reprod Update 2016; 23:77-103. [PMID: 27591247 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmw026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The human placenta is vital for fetal development, yet little is understood about how it forms successfully to ensure a healthy pregnancy or why this process is inadequate in 1 in 10 pregnancies, leading to miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction or preeclampsia. Trophoblasts are placenta-specific epithelial cells that maximize nutrient exchange. All trophoblast lineages are thought to arise from a population of trophoblast stem cells (TSCs). However, whilst the isolation of murine TSC has led to an explosion in understanding murine placentation, the isolation of an analogous human TSC has proved more difficult. Consequently, alternative methods of studying human trophoblast lineage development have been employed, including human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) and transformed cell lines; but what do these proxy models tell us about what is happening during early placental development? OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE In this systematic review, we evaluate current approaches to understanding human trophoblast lineage development in order to collate and refine these models and inform future approaches aimed at establishing human TSC lines. SEARCH METHODS To ensure all relevant articles were analysed, an unfiltered search of Pubmed, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science was conducted for 25 key terms on the 13th May 2016. In total, 47 313 articles were retrieved and manually filtered based on non-human, non-English, non-full text, non-original article and off-topic subject matter. This resulted in a total of 71 articles deemed relevant for review in this article. OUTCOMES Candidate human TSC populations have been identified in, and isolated from, both the chorionic membrane and villous tissue of the placenta, but further investigation is required to validate these as 'true' human TSCs. Isolating human TSCs from blastocyst trophectoderm has not been successful in humans as it was in mice, although recently the first reported TSC line (USFB6) was isolated from an eight-cell morula. In lieu of human TSC lines, trophoblast-like cells have been induced to differentiate from hESCs and iPS. However, differentiation in these model systems is difficult to control, culture conditions employed are highly variable, and the extent to which they accurately convey the biology of 'true' human TSCs remains unclear, particularly as a consensus has not been met among the scientific community regarding which characteristics a human TSC must possess. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Human TSC models have the potential to revolutionize our understanding of trophoblast differentiation, allowing us to make significant gains in understanding the underlying pathology of pregnancy disorders and to test potential therapeutic interventions on cell function in vitro. In order to do this, a collaborative effort is required to establish the criteria that define a human TSC to confirm the presence of human TSCs in both primary isolates and to determine how accurately trophoblast-like cells derived from current model systems reflect trophoblast from primary tissue. The in vitro systems currently used to model early trophoblast lineage formation have provided insights into early human placental formation but it is unclear whether these trophoblast-like cells are truly representative of primary human trophoblast. Consequently, continued refinement of current models, and standardization of culture protocols is essential to aid our ability to identify, isolate and propagate 'true' human TSCs from primary tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teena Kjb Gamage
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Lawrence W Chamley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Joanna L James
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
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