1
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Su Y, Yu Z, Yang Y, Wong KC, Li X. Distribution-Agnostic Deep Learning Enables Accurate Single-Cell Data Recovery and Transcriptional Regulation Interpretation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2307280. [PMID: 38380499 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202307280] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) is a robust method for studying gene expression at the single-cell level, but accurately quantifying genetic material is often hindered by limited mRNA capture, resulting in many missing expression values. Existing imputation methods rely on strict data assumptions, limiting their broader application, and lack reliable supervision, leading to biased signal recovery. To address these challenges, authors developed Bis, a distribution-agnostic deep learning model for accurately recovering missing sing-cell gene expression from multiple platforms. Bis is an optimal transport-based autoencoder model that can capture the intricate distribution of scRNA-seq data while addressing the characteristic sparsity by regularizing the cellular embedding space. Additionally, they propose a module using bulk RNA-seq data to guide reconstruction and ensure expression consistency. Experimental results show Bis outperforms other models across simulated and real datasets, showcasing superiority in various downstream analyses including batch effect removal, clustering, differential expression analysis, and trajectory inference. Moreover, Bis successfully restores gene expression levels in rare cell subsets in a tumor-matched peripheral blood dataset, revealing developmental characteristics of cytokine-induced natural killer cells within a head and neck squamous cell carcinoma microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanchi Su
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Zhuohan Yu
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Yuning Yang
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Ka-Chun Wong
- Department of Computer Science, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
| | - Xiangtao Li
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
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2
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Oh SY, Na SB, Kang YK, Do JT. In Vitro Embryogenesis and Gastrulation Using Stem Cells in Mice and Humans. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13655. [PMID: 37686459 PMCID: PMC10563085 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
During early mammalian embryonic development, fertilized one-cell embryos develop into pre-implantation blastocysts and subsequently establish three germ layers through gastrulation during post-implantation development. In recent years, stem cells have emerged as a powerful tool to study embryogenesis and gastrulation without the need for eggs, allowing for the generation of embryo-like structures known as synthetic embryos or embryoids. These in vitro models closely resemble early embryos in terms of morphology and gene expression and provide a faithful recapitulation of early pre- and post-implantation embryonic development. Synthetic embryos can be generated through a combinatorial culture of three blastocyst-derived stem cell types, such as embryonic stem cells, trophoblast stem cells, and extraembryonic endoderm cells, or totipotent-like stem cells alone. This review provides an overview of the progress and various approaches in studying in vitro embryogenesis and gastrulation in mice and humans using stem cells. Furthermore, recent findings and breakthroughs in synthetic embryos and gastruloids are outlined. Despite ethical considerations, synthetic embryo models hold promise for understanding mammalian (including humans) embryonic development and have potential implications for regenerative medicine and developmental research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jeong Tae Do
- Department of Stem Cell Regenerative Biotechnology, Konkuk Institute of Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea; (S.Y.O.); (S.B.N.); (Y.K.K.)
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3
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Cooke CB, Barrington C, Baillie-Benson P, Nichols J, Moris N. Gastruloid-derived primordial germ cell-like cells develop dynamically within integrated tissues. Development 2023; 150:dev201790. [PMID: 37526602 PMCID: PMC10508693 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the early embryonic precursors of gametes - sperm and egg cells. PGC-like cells (PGCLCs) can currently be derived in vitro from pluripotent cells exposed to signalling cocktails and aggregated into large embryonic bodies, but these do not recapitulate the native embryonic environment during PGC formation. Here, we show that mouse gastruloids, a three-dimensional in vitro model of gastrulation, contain a population of gastruloid-derived PGCLCs (Gld-PGCLCs) that resemble early PGCs in vivo. Importantly, the conserved organisation of mouse gastruloids leads to coordinated spatial and temporal localisation of Gld-PGCLCs relative to surrounding somatic cells, even in the absence of specific exogenous PGC-specific signalling or extra-embryonic tissues. In gastruloids, self-organised interactions between cells and tissues, including the endodermal epithelium, enables the specification and subsequent maturation of a pool of Gld-PGCLCs. As such, mouse gastruloids represent a new source of PGCLCs in vitro and, owing to their inherent co-development, serve as a novel model to study the dynamics of PGC development within integrated tissue environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher B. Cooke
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EH, UK
- Abcam, Discovery Drive, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0AX, UK
| | | | - Peter Baillie-Benson
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
- Wellcome Trust – MRC Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jennifer Nichols
- Wellcome Trust – MRC Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Naomi Moris
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
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4
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Sullivan AE. Epigenetic Control of Cell Potency and Fate Determination during Mammalian Gastrulation. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1143. [PMID: 37372324 DOI: 10.3390/genes14061143] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pluripotent embryonic stem cells have a unique and characteristic epigenetic profile, which is critical for differentiation to all embryonic germ lineages. When stem cells exit the pluripotent state and commit to lineage-specific identities during the process of gastrulation in early embryogenesis, extensive epigenetic remodelling mediates both the switch in cellular programme and the loss of potential to adopt alternative lineage programmes. However, it remains to be understood how the stem cell epigenetic profile encodes pluripotency, or how dynamic epigenetic regulation helps to direct cell fate specification. Recent advances in stem cell culture techniques, cellular reprogramming, and single-cell technologies that can quantitatively profile epigenetic marks have led to significant insights into these questions, which are important for understanding both embryonic development and cell fate engineering. This review provides an overview of key concepts and highlights exciting new advances in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne E Sullivan
- Quantitative Stem Cell Biology Lab, Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
- Adelaide Centre for Epigenetics, School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5000, Australia
- South Australian immunoGENomics Cancer Institute (SAiGENCI), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5000, Australia
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5
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Wang Y, Zhang K, Guo J, Yang S, Shi X, Pan J, Sun Z, Zou J, Li Y, Li Y, Fan T, Song W, Cheng F, Zeng C, Li J, Zhang T, Sun ZS. Loss-of-Function of p21-Activated Kinase 2 Links BMP Signaling to Neural Tube Patterning Defects. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2204018. [PMID: 36504449 PMCID: PMC9896034 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202204018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Closure of the neural tube represents a highly complex and coordinated process, the failure of which constitutes common birth defects. The serine/threonine kinase p21-activated kinase 2 (PAK2) is a critical regulator of cytoskeleton dynamics; however, its role in the neurulation and pathogenesis of neural tube defects (NTDs) remains unclear. Here, the results show that Pak2-/- mouse embryos fail to develop dorsolateral hinge points (DLHPs) and exhibit craniorachischisis, a severe phenotype of NTDs. Pak2 knockout activates BMP signaling that involves in vertebrate bone formation. Single-cell transcriptomes reveal abnormal differentiation trajectories and transcriptional events in Pak2-/- mouse embryos during neural tube development. Two nonsynonymous and one recurrent splice-site mutations in the PAK2 gene are identified in five human NTD fetuses, which exhibit attenuated PAK2 expression and upregulated BMP signaling in the brain. Mechanistically, PAK2 regulates Smad9 phosphorylation to inhibit BMP signaling and ultimately induce DLHP formation. Depletion of pak2a in zebrafish induces defects in the neural tube, which are partially rescued by the overexpression of wild-type, but not mutant PAK2. The findings demonstrate the conserved role of PAK2 in neurulation in multiple vertebrate species, highlighting the molecular pathogenesis of PAK2 mutations in NTDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Beijing Institutes of Life ScienceChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic InteractionsUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Kaifan Zhang
- Institute of Genomic MedicineWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiang325000China
| | - Jin Guo
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and NutriomicsCapital Institute of PediatricsBeijing100020China
| | - Shuyan Yang
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and NutriomicsCapital Institute of PediatricsBeijing100020China
| | - Xiaohui Shi
- Beijing Institutes of Life ScienceChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic InteractionsUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Jinrong Pan
- Beijing Institutes of Life ScienceChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic InteractionsUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Zheng Sun
- Beijing Institutes of Life ScienceChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic InteractionsUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Jizhen Zou
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and NutriomicsCapital Institute of PediatricsBeijing100020China
| | - Yi Li
- Institute of Genomic MedicineWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiang325000China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Beijing Institutes of Life ScienceChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic InteractionsUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Tianda Fan
- Institute of Genomic MedicineWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiang325000China
| | - Wei Song
- Beijing Institutes of Life ScienceChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic InteractionsUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Fang Cheng
- Institute of Genomic MedicineWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiang325000China
| | - Cheng Zeng
- Beijing Institutes of Life ScienceChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic InteractionsUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Jinchen Li
- Bioinformatics Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaHunan410078China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Child Development and NutriomicsCapital Institute of PediatricsBeijing100020China
| | - Zhong Sheng Sun
- Beijing Institutes of Life ScienceChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic InteractionsUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
- Institute of Genomic MedicineWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouZhejiang325000China
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and RodentsChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
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6
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Semprich CI, Davidson L, Amorim Torres A, Patel H, Briscoe J, Metzis V, Storey KG. ERK1/2 signalling dynamics promote neural differentiation by regulating chromatin accessibility and the polycomb repressive complex. PLoS Biol 2022; 20:e3000221. [PMID: 36455041 PMCID: PMC9746999 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) is a neural inducer in many vertebrate embryos, but how it regulates chromatin organization to coordinate the activation of neural genes is unclear. Moreover, for differentiation to progress, FGF signalling must decline. Why these signalling dynamics are required has not been determined. Here, we show that dephosphorylation of the FGF effector kinase ERK1/2 rapidly increases chromatin accessibility at neural genes in mouse embryos, and, using ATAC-seq in human embryonic stem cell derived spinal cord precursors, we demonstrate that this occurs genome-wide across neural genes. Importantly, ERK1/2 inhibition induces precocious neural gene transcription, and this involves dissociation of the polycomb repressive complex from key gene loci. This takes place independently of subsequent loss of the repressive histone mark H3K27me3 and transcriptional onset. Transient ERK1/2 inhibition is sufficient for the dissociation of the repressive complex, and this is not reversed on resumption of ERK1/2 signalling. Moreover, genomic footprinting of sites identified by ATAC-seq together with ChIP-seq for polycomb protein Ring1B revealed that ERK1/2 inhibition promotes the occupancy of neural transcription factors (TFs) at non-polycomb as well as polycomb associated sites. Together, these findings indicate that ERK1/2 signalling decline promotes global changes in chromatin accessibility and TF binding at neural genes by directing polycomb and other regulators and appears to serve as a gating mechanism that provides directionality to the process of differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia I. Semprich
- Division of Cell & Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Lindsay Davidson
- Division of Cell & Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Adriana Amorim Torres
- Division of Cell & Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Vicki Metzis
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (VM); (KGS)
| | - Kate G. Storey
- Division of Cell & Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (VM); (KGS)
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7
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Kim J, Muraoka M, Okada H, Toyoda A, Ajima R, Saga Y. The RNA helicase DDX6 controls early mouse embryogenesis by repressing aberrant inhibition of BMP signaling through miRNA-mediated gene silencing. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1009967. [PMID: 36197846 PMCID: PMC9534413 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolutionarily conserved RNA helicase DDX6 is a central player in post-transcriptional regulation, but its role during embryogenesis remains elusive. We here show that DDX6 enables proper cell lineage specification from pluripotent cells by analyzing Ddx6 knockout (KO) mouse embryos and employing an in vitro epiblast-like cell (EpiLC) induction system. Our study unveils that DDX6 is an important BMP signaling regulator. Deletion of Ddx6 causes the aberrant upregulation of the negative regulators of BMP signaling, which is accompanied by enhanced expression of Nodal and related genes. Ddx6 KO pluripotent cells acquire higher pluripotency with a strong inclination toward neural lineage commitment. During gastrulation, abnormally expanded Nodal and Eomes expression in the primitive streak likely promotes endoderm cell fate specification while inhibiting mesoderm differentiation. We also genetically dissected major DDX6 pathways by generating Dgcr8, Dcp2, and Eif4enif1 KO models in addition to Ddx6 KO. We found that the miRNA pathway mutant Dgcr8 KO phenocopies Ddx6 KO, indicating that DDX6 mostly works along with the miRNA pathway during early development, whereas its P-body-related functions are dispensable. Therefore, we conclude that DDX6 prevents aberrant upregulation of BMP signaling inhibitors by participating in miRNA-mediated gene silencing processes. Overall, this study delineates how DDX6 affects the development of the three primary germ layers during early mouse embryogenesis and the underlying mechanism of DDX6 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masafumi Muraoka
- Mammalian Development Laboratory, Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Hajime Okada
- Mammalian Development Laboratory, Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Atsushi Toyoda
- Advanced Genomics Center, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Rieko Ajima
- Mammalian Development Laboratory, Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
- Department of Genetics, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, Mishima, Japan
- * E-mail: (RA); (YS)
| | - Yumiko Saga
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Mammalian Development Laboratory, Department of Gene Function and Phenomics, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
- Department of Genetics, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, Mishima, Japan
- * E-mail: (RA); (YS)
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8
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Roberts RM, Ezashi T, Temple J, Owen JR, Soncin F, Parast MM. The role of BMP4 signaling in trophoblast emergence from pluripotency. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:447. [PMID: 35877048 PMCID: PMC10243463 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04478-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) signaling pathway has established roles in early embryonic morphogenesis, particularly in the epiblast. More recently, however, it has also been implicated in development of extraembryonic lineages, including trophectoderm (TE), in both mouse and human. In this review, we will provide an overview of this signaling pathway, with a focus on BMP4, and its role in emergence and development of TE in both early mouse and human embryogenesis. Subsequently, we will build on these in vivo data and discuss the utility of BMP4-based protocols for in vitro conversion of primed vs. naïve pluripotent stem cells (PSC) into trophoblast, and specifically into trophoblast stem cells (TSC). PSC-derived TSC could provide an abundant, reproducible, and ethically acceptable source of cells for modeling placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Michael Roberts
- Division of Animal Sciences and Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Toshihiko Ezashi
- Division of Animal Sciences and Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, 10290 Ridgegate Circle, Lone Tree, CO, 80124, USA
| | - Jasmine Temple
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, 2880 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Joseph R Owen
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, 2880 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Francesca Soncin
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, 2880 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Mana M Parast
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, 2880 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
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9
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de Goederen V, Vetter R, McDole K, Iber D. Hinge point emergence in mammalian spinal neurulation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2117075119. [PMID: 35561223 PMCID: PMC9172135 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2117075119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurulation is the process in early vertebrate embryonic development during which the neural plate folds to form the neural tube. Spinal neural tube folding in the posterior neuropore changes over time, first showing a median hinge point, then both the median hinge point and dorsolateral hinge points, followed by dorsolateral hinge points only. The biomechanical mechanism of hinge point formation in the mammalian neural tube is poorly understood. Here we employ a mechanical finite element model to study neural tube formation. The computational model mimics the mammalian neural tube using microscopy data from mouse and human embryos. While intrinsic curvature at the neural plate midline has been hypothesized to drive neural tube folding, intrinsic curvature was not sufficient for tube closure in our simulations. We achieved neural tube closure with an alternative model combining mesoderm expansion, nonneural ectoderm expansion, and neural plate adhesion to the notochord. Dorsolateral hinge points emerged in simulations with low mesoderm expansion and zippering. We propose that zippering provides the biomechanical force for dorsolateral hinge point formation in settings where the neural plate lateral sides extend above the mesoderm. Together, these results provide a perspective on the biomechanical and molecular mechanism of mammalian spinal neurulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veerle de Goederen
- aDepartment of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
- bGraduate School of Life Sciences, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roman Vetter
- aDepartment of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
- cSwiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Katie McDole
- dMedical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom
| | - Dagmar Iber
- aDepartment of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
- cSwiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
- 2To whom correspondence may be addressed.
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10
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Ichikawa T, Zhang HT, Panavaite L, Erzberger A, Fabrèges D, Snajder R, Wolny A, Korotkevich E, Tsuchida-Straeten N, Hufnagel L, Kreshuk A, Hiiragi T. An ex vivo system to study cellular dynamics underlying mouse peri-implantation development. Dev Cell 2022; 57:373-386.e9. [PMID: 35063082 PMCID: PMC8826647 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Upon implantation, mammalian embryos undergo major morphogenesis and key developmental processes such as body axis specification and gastrulation. However, limited accessibility obscures the study of these crucial processes. Here, we develop an ex vivo Matrigel-collagen-based culture to recapitulate mouse development from E4.5 to E6.0. Our system not only recapitulates embryonic growth, axis initiation, and overall 3D architecture in 49% of the cases, but its compatibility with light-sheet microscopy also enables the study of cellular dynamics through automatic cell segmentation. We find that, upon implantation, release of the increasing tension in the polar trophectoderm is necessary for its constriction and invagination. The resulting extra-embryonic ectoderm plays a key role in growth, morphogenesis, and patterning of the neighboring epiblast, which subsequently gives rise to all embryonic tissues. This 3D ex vivo system thus offers unprecedented access to peri-implantation development for in toto monitoring, measurement, and spatiotemporally controlled perturbation, revealing a mechano-chemical interplay between extra-embryonic and embryonic tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takafumi Ichikawa
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hui Ting Zhang
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), 69117 Heidelberg, Germany; Collaboration for PhD degree between EMBL and Heidelberg University, Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Laura Panavaite
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), 69117 Heidelberg, Germany; Collaboration for PhD degree between EMBL and Heidelberg University, Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna Erzberger
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), 69117 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Dimitri Fabrèges
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rene Snajder
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Adrian Wolny
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Lars Hufnagel
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna Kreshuk
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Takashi Hiiragi
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), 69117 Heidelberg, Germany; Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (WPI-ASHBi), Kyoto University, 606-8501 Kyoto, Japan.
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11
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Bérenger-Currias NM, Mircea M, Adegeest E, van den Berg PR, Feliksik M, Hochane M, Idema T, Tans SJ, Semrau S. A gastruloid model of the interaction between embryonic and extra-embryonic cell types. J Tissue Eng 2022; 13:20417314221103042. [PMID: 35707767 PMCID: PMC9189523 DOI: 10.1177/20417314221103042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem-cell derived in vitro systems, such as organoids or embryoids, hold great
potential for modeling in vivo development. Full control over their initial
composition, scalability, and easily measurable dynamics make those systems
useful for studying specific developmental processes in isolation. Here we
report the formation of gastruloids consisting of mouse embryonic stem cells
(mESCs) and extraembryonic endoderm (XEN) cells. These XEN-enhanced gastruloids
(XEGs) exhibit the formation of neural epithelia, which are absent in
gastruloids derived from mESCs only. By single-cell RNA-seq, imaging, and
differentiation experiments, we demonstrate the neural characteristics of the
epithelial tissue. We further show that the mESCs induce the differentiation of
the XEN cells to a visceral endoderm-like state. Finally, we demonstrate that
local inhibition of WNT signaling and production of a basement membrane by the
XEN cells underlie the formation of the neuroepithelial tissue. In summary, we
establish XEGs to explore heterotypic cellular interactions and their
developmental consequences in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noémie Mlp Bérenger-Currias
- Department of Physics, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Delft University of Technology, Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Mircea
- Department of Physics, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Esmée Adegeest
- Department of Physics, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Marleen Feliksik
- Department of Physics, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mazène Hochane
- Department of Physics, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Timon Idema
- Delft University of Technology, Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Sander J Tans
- Delft University of Technology, Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft, The Netherlands.,AMOLF, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan Semrau
- Department of Physics, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
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12
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Au J, Requena DF, Rishik H, Kallol S, Tekkatte C, Farah OA, Kittle R, Meads M, Wakeland A, Soncin F. Role of autocrine bone morphogenetic protein Signaling in trophoblast stem cells. Biol Reprod 2021; 106:540-550. [PMID: 34791028 PMCID: PMC8934699 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) pathway is involved in numerous developmental processes, including cell growth, apoptosis, and differentiation. In mouse embryogenesis, BMP signaling is a well-known morphogen for both mesoderm induction and germ cell development. Recent evidence points to a potential role in development of the extra-embryonic compartment, including trophectoderm-derived tissues. In this study, we investigated the effect of BMP signaling in both mouse and human trophoblast stem cells (TSC) in vitro, evaluating the expression and activation of the BMP signaling response machinery, and the effect of BMP signaling manipulation during TSC maintenance and differentiation. Both mTSC and hTSC expressed various BMP ligands and the receptors BMPR1A and BMPR2, necessary for BMP response, and displayed maximal active BMP signaling when undifferentiated. We also observed a conserved modulatory role of BMP signaling during trophoblast differentiation, whereby maintenance of active BMP signaling blunted differentiation of TSC in both species. Conversely, the effect of BMP signaling on the undifferentiated state of TSC appeared to be species-specific, with SMAD-independent signaling important in maintenance of mTSC, and a more subtle role for both SMAD-dependent and -independent BMP signaling in hTSC. Altogether, these data establish an autocrine role for the BMP pathway in the trophoblast compartment. As specification and correct differentiation of the extra-embryonic compartment are fundamental for implantation and early placental development, insights on the role of the BMP signaling in early development might prove useful in the setting of in vitro fertilization as well as targeting trophoblast-associated placental dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennie Au
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Daniela F Requena
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Hannah Rishik
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sampada Kallol
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Chandana Tekkatte
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Omar A Farah
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ryan Kittle
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Morgan Meads
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Anna Wakeland
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Francesca Soncin
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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13
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Glykofrydis F, Cachat E, Berzanskyte I, Dzierzak E, Davies JA. Bioengineering Self-Organizing Signaling Centers to Control Embryoid Body Pattern Elaboration. ACS Synth Biol 2021; 10:1465-1480. [PMID: 34019395 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Multicellular systems possess an intrinsic capacity to autonomously generate nonrandom state distributions or morphologies in a process termed self-organization. Facets of self-organization, such as pattern formation, pattern elaboration, and symmetry breaking, are frequently observed in developing embryos. Artificial stem cell-derived structures including embryoid bodies (EBs), gastruloids, and organoids also demonstrate self-organization, but with a limited capacity compared to their in vivo developmental counterparts. There is a pressing need for better tools to allow user-defined control over self-organization in these stem cell-derived structures. Here, we employ synthetic biology to establish an efficient platform for the generation of self-organizing coaggregates, in which HEK-293 cells overexpressing P-cadherin (Cdh3) spontaneously form cell clusters attached mostly to one or two locations on the exterior of EBs. These Cdh3-expressing HEK cells, when further engineered to produce functional mouse WNT3A, evoke polarized and gradual Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation in EBs during coaggregation cultures. The localized WNT3A provision induces nascent mesoderm specification within regions of the EB close to the Cdh3-Wnt3a-expressing HEK source, resulting in pattern elaboration and symmetry breaking within EBs. This synthetic biology-based approach puts us closer toward engineering synthetic organizers to improve the realism in stem cell-derived structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fokion Glykofrydis
- UK Centre for Mammalian Synthetic Biology, Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Elise Cachat
- UK Centre for Mammalian Synthetic Biology, Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry, and Biotechnology, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
| | - Ieva Berzanskyte
- UK Centre for Mammalian Synthetic Biology, Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, United Kingdom
| | - Elaine Dzierzak
- MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Jamie A. Davies
- UK Centre for Mammalian Synthetic Biology, Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, United Kingdom
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14
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Morgani SM, Hadjantonakis AK. Quantitative analysis of signaling responses during mouse primordial germ cell specification. Biol Open 2021; 10:261796. [PMID: 34184730 PMCID: PMC8186728 DOI: 10.1242/bio.058741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
During early mammalian development, the pluripotent cells of the embryo are exposed to a combination of signals that drive exit from pluripotency and germ layer differentiation. At the same time, a small population of pluripotent cells give rise to the primordial germ cells (PGCs), the precursors of the sperm and egg, which pass on heritable genetic information to the next generation. Despite the importance of PGCs, it remains unclear how they are first segregated from the soma, and if this involves distinct responses to their signaling environment. To investigate this question, we mapped BMP, MAPK and WNT signaling responses over time in PGCs and their surrounding niche in vitro and in vivo at single-cell resolution. We showed that, in the mouse embryo, early PGCs exhibit lower BMP and MAPK responses compared to neighboring extraembryonic mesoderm cells, suggesting the emergence of distinct signaling regulatory mechanisms in the germline versus soma. In contrast, PGCs and somatic cells responded comparably to WNT, indicating that this signal alone is not sufficient to promote somatic differentiation. Finally, we investigated the requirement of a BMP response for these cell fate decisions. We found that cell lines with a mutation in the BMP receptor (Bmpr1a−/−), which exhibit an impaired BMP signaling response, can efficiently generate PGC-like cells revealing that canonical BMP signaling is not cell autonomously required to direct PGC-like differentiation. Summary: A subpopulation of pluripotent cells of the embryo give rise to the primordial germ cells (PGCs), the precursors of the sperm and egg, which pass on heritable genetic information to the next generation. To determine how PGCs are first segregated from the soma, we investigated BMP, MAPK and WNT signaling over time in PGCs and their surrounding niche in vitro and in vivo at single-cell resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie M Morgani
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Anna-Katerina Hadjantonakis
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
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15
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Punovuori K, Malaguti M, Lowell S. Cadherins in early neural development. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:4435-4450. [PMID: 33796894 PMCID: PMC8164589 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03815-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
During early neural development, changes in signalling inform the expression of transcription factors that in turn instruct changes in cell identity. At the same time, switches in adhesion molecule expression result in cellular rearrangements that define the morphology of the emerging neural tube. It is becoming increasingly clear that these two processes influence each other; adhesion molecules do not simply operate downstream of or in parallel with changes in cell identity but rather actively feed into cell fate decisions. Why are differentiation and adhesion so tightly linked? It is now over 60 years since Conrad Waddington noted the remarkable "Constancy of the Wild Type" (Waddington in Nature 183: 1654-1655, 1959) yet we still do not fully understand the mechanisms that make development so reproducible. Conversely, we do not understand why directed differentiation of cells in a dish is sometimes unpredictable and difficult to control. It has long been suggested that cells make decisions as 'local cooperatives' rather than as individuals (Gurdon in Nature 336: 772-774, 1988; Lander in Cell 144: 955-969, 2011). Given that the cadherin family of adhesion molecules can simultaneously influence morphogenesis and signalling, it is tempting to speculate that they may help coordinate cell fate decisions between neighbouring cells in the embryo to ensure fidelity of patterning, and that the uncoupling of these processes in a culture dish might underlie some of the problems with controlling cell fate decisions ex-vivo. Here we review the expression and function of cadherins during early neural development and discuss how and why they might modulate signalling and differentiation as neural tissues are formed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Punovuori
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mattias Malaguti
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Sally Lowell
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK.
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16
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Sozen B, Demir N, Zernicka-Goetz M. BMP signalling is required for extra-embryonic ectoderm development during pre-to-post-implantation transition of the mouse embryo. Dev Biol 2020; 470:84-94. [PMID: 33217407 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2020.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
At implantation, the mouse embryo undergoes a critical transformation which requires the precise spatiotemporal control of signalling pathways necessary for morphogenesis and developmental progression. The role played by such signalling pathways during this transition are largely unexplored, due to the inaccessibility of the embryo during the implantation when it becomes engulfed by uterine tissues. Genetic studies demonstrate that mutant embryos for BMPs die around gastrulation. Here we have aimed to dissect the role of BMPs during pre-to post-implantation transition by using a protocol permitting the development of the embryo beyond implantation stages in vitro and using stem cells to mimic post-implantation tissue organisation. By assessing both the canonical and non-canonical mechanisms of BMP, we show that the loss of canonical BMP activity compromises the extra-embryonic ectoderm development. Our analyses demonstrate that BMP signalling maintains stem cell populations within both embryonic/extra-embryonic tissues during pre-to post-implantation development. These results may provide insight into the role played by BMP signalling in controlling early embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berna Sozen
- Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK; California Institute of Technology, Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, 1200 E. California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA; Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, 07070, Turkey; Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Genetics, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Necdet Demir
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, 07070, Turkey
| | - Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz
- Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK; California Institute of Technology, Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, 1200 E. California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA.
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17
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Horii M, Touma O, Bui T, Parast MM. Modeling human trophoblast, the placental epithelium at the maternal fetal interface. Reproduction 2020; 160:R1-R11. [PMID: 32485667 PMCID: PMC7286067 DOI: 10.1530/rep-19-0428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Appropriate human trophoblast lineage specification and differentiation is crucial for the establishment of normal placentation and maintenance of pregnancy. However, due to the lack of proper modeling systems, the molecular mechanisms of these processes are still largely unknown. Much of the early studies in this area have been based on animal models and tumor-derived trophoblast cell lines, both of which are suboptimal for modeling this unique human organ. Recent advances in regenerative and stem cell biology methods have led to development of novel in vitro model systems for studying human trophoblast. These include derivation of human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells and establishment of methods for the differentiation of these cells into trophoblast, as well as the more recent derivation of human trophoblast stem cells. In addition, advances in culture conditions, from traditional two-dimensional monolayer culture to 3D culturing systems, have led to development of trophoblast organoid and placenta-on-a-chip model, enabling us to study human trophoblast function in context of more physiologically accurate environment. In this review, we will discuss these various model systems, with a focus on human trophoblast, and their ability to help elucidate the key mechanisms underlying placental development and function. This review focuses on model systems of human trophoblast differentiation, including advantages and limitations of stem cell-based culture, trophoblast organoid, and organ-on-a-chip methods and their applications in understanding placental development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariko Horii
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Ojeni Touma
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Tony Bui
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Mana M Parast
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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18
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Abstract
The polar trophoblast overlays the epiblast in eutherian mammals and, depending on the species, has one of two different fates. It either remains a single-layered, thinning epithelium called "Rauber's layer," which soon disintegrates, or, alternatively, it keeps proliferating, contributing heavily to the population of differentiating, invasive trophoblast cells and, at least in mice, to the induction of gastrulation. While loss of the persistent polar trophoblast in mice leads to reduced induction of gastrulation, we show here that prevention of the loss of the polar trophoblast in cattle results in ectopic domains of the gastrulation marker, BRACHYURY This phenotype, and increased epiblast proliferation, arose when Rauber's layer was maintained for a day longer by countering apoptosis through BCL2 overexpression. This suggests that the disappearance of Rauber's layer is a necessity, presumably to avoid excessive signaling interactions between this layer and the subjacent epiblast. We note that, in all species in which the polar trophoblast persists, including humans and mice, ectopic polar trophoblast signaling is prevented via epiblast cavitation which leads to the (pro)amniotic cavity, whose function is to distance the central epiblast from such signaling interactions.
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19
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Rao C, Malaguti M, Mason JO, Lowell S. The transcription factor E2A drives neural differentiation in pluripotent cells. Development 2020; 147:dev184093. [PMID: 32487737 PMCID: PMC7328008 DOI: 10.1242/dev.184093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The intrinsic mechanisms that link extracellular signalling to the onset of neural differentiation are not well understood. In pluripotent mouse cells, BMP blocks entry into the neural lineage via transcriptional upregulation of inhibitor of differentiation (Id) factors. We have previously identified the major binding partner of Id proteins in pluripotent cells as the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor (TF) E2A. Id1 can prevent E2A from forming heterodimers with bHLH TFs or from forming homodimers. Here, we show that overexpression of a forced E2A homodimer is sufficient to drive robust neural commitment in pluripotent cells, even under non-permissive conditions. Conversely, we find that E2A null cells display a defect in their neural differentiation capacity. E2A acts as an upstream activator of neural lineage genes, including Sox1 and Foxd4, and as a repressor of Nodal signalling. Our results suggest a crucial role for E2A in establishing neural lineage commitment in pluripotent cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandrika Rao
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Mattias Malaguti
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - John O Mason
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 15 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Sally Lowell
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
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20
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Fathi Maroufi N, Hasegawa K, Vahedian V, Nazari Soltan Ahmad S, Zarebkohan A, Miresmaeili Mazrakhondi SA, Hosseini V, Rahbarghazi R. A glimpse into molecular mechanisms of embryonic stem cells pluripotency: Current status and future perspective. J Cell Physiol 2020; 235:6377-6392. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nazila Fathi Maroufi
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine InstituteTabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
- Student Research CommitteeTabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of MedicineTabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
| | - Kouichi Hasegawa
- Institute for Integrated Cell‐Material Sciences, Institute for Advanced StudyKyoto University Kyoto Japan
| | - Vahid Vahedian
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of MedicineIslamic Azad University Sari Iran
- Clinical Laboratory Medicine DepartmentRofeydeh Hospital University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Science Tehran Iran
| | - Saeed Nazari Soltan Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of MedicineTabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
| | - Amir Zarebkohan
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical SciencesTabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
| | | | - Vahid Hosseini
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of MedicineTabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
- Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Research CenterTabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
| | - Reza Rahbarghazi
- Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Research CenterTabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Medical SciencesTabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
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21
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Dries R, Stryjewska A, Coddens K, Okawa S, Notelaers T, Birkhoff J, Dekker M, Verfaillie CM, Del Sol A, Mulugeta E, Conidi A, Grosveld FG, Huylebroeck D. Integrative and perturbation-based analysis of the transcriptional dynamics of TGFβ/BMP system components in transition from embryonic stem cells to neural progenitors. Stem Cells 2019; 38:202-217. [PMID: 31675135 PMCID: PMC7027912 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Cooperative actions of extrinsic signals and cell‐intrinsic transcription factors alter gene regulatory networks enabling cells to respond appropriately to environmental cues. Signaling by transforming growth factor type β (TGFβ) family ligands (eg, bone morphogenetic proteins [BMPs] and Activin/Nodal) exerts cell‐type specific and context‐dependent transcriptional changes, thereby steering cellular transitions throughout embryogenesis. Little is known about coordinated regulation and transcriptional interplay of the TGFβ system. To understand intrafamily transcriptional regulation as part of this system's actions during development, we selected 95 of its components and investigated their mRNA‐expression dynamics, gene‐gene interactions, and single‐cell expression heterogeneity in mouse embryonic stem cells transiting to neural progenitors. Interrogation at 24 hour intervals identified four types of temporal gene transcription profiles that capture all stages, that is, pluripotency, epiblast formation, and neural commitment. Then, between each stage we performed esiRNA‐based perturbation of each individual component and documented the effect on steady‐state mRNA levels of the remaining 94 components. This exposed an intricate system of multilevel regulation whereby the majority of gene‐gene interactions display a marked cell‐stage specific behavior. Furthermore, single‐cell RNA‐profiling at individual stages demonstrated the presence of detailed co‐expression modules and subpopulations showing stable co‐expression modules such as that of the core pluripotency genes at all stages. Our combinatorial experimental approach demonstrates how intrinsically complex transcriptional regulation within a given pathway is during cell fate/state transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Dries
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Agata Stryjewska
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kathleen Coddens
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Satoshi Okawa
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg.,Integrated BioBank of Luxembourg, Dudelange, Luxembourg
| | - Tineke Notelaers
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Judith Birkhoff
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mike Dekker
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Antonio Del Sol
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg.,CIC bioGUNE, Bizkaia Technology Park, Derio, Spain.,IKERBASQUE, Basque, Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Eskeatnaf Mulugeta
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea Conidi
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frank G Grosveld
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Danny Huylebroeck
- Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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22
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Morgani SM, Hadjantonakis AK. Signaling regulation during gastrulation: Insights from mouse embryos and in vitro systems. Curr Top Dev Biol 2019; 137:391-431. [PMID: 32143751 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2019.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Gastrulation is the process whereby cells exit pluripotency and concomitantly acquire and pattern distinct cell fates. This is driven by the convergence of WNT, BMP, Nodal and FGF signals, which are tightly spatially and temporally controlled, resulting in regional and stage-specific signaling environments. The combination, level and duration of signals that a cell is exposed to, according its position within the embryo and the developmental time window, dictates the fate it will adopt. The key pathways driving gastrulation exhibit complex interactions, which are difficult to disentangle in vivo due to the complexity of manipulating multiple signals in parallel with high spatiotemporal resolution. Thus, our current understanding of the signaling dynamics regulating gastrulation is limited. In vitro stem cell models have been established, which undergo organized cellular differentiation and patterning. These provide amenable, simplified, deconstructed and scalable models of gastrulation. While the foundation of our understanding of gastrulation stems from experiments in embryos, in vitro systems are now beginning to reveal the intricate details of signaling regulation. Here we discuss the current state of knowledge of the role, regulation and dynamic interaction of signaling pathways that drive mouse gastrulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie M Morgani
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States; Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
| | - Anna-Katerina Hadjantonakis
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States.
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23
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Punovuori K, Migueles RP, Malaguti M, Blin G, Macleod KG, Carragher NO, Pieters T, van Roy F, Stemmler MP, Lowell S. N-cadherin stabilises neural identity by dampening anti-neural signals. Development 2019; 146:dev.183269. [PMID: 31601548 PMCID: PMC6857587 DOI: 10.1242/dev.183269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
A switch from E- to N-cadherin regulates the transition from pluripotency to neural identity, but the mechanism by which cadherins regulate differentiation was previously unknown. Here, we show that the acquisition of N-cadherin stabilises neural identity by dampening anti-neural signals. We use quantitative image analysis to show that N-cadherin promotes neural differentiation independently of its effects on cell cohesiveness. We reveal that cadherin switching diminishes the level of nuclear β-catenin, and that N-cadherin also dampens FGF activity and consequently stabilises neural fate. Finally, we compare the timing of cadherin switching and differentiation in vivo and in vitro, and find that this process becomes dysregulated during in vitro differentiation. We propose that N-cadherin helps to propagate a stable neural identity throughout the emerging neuroepithelium, and that dysregulation of this process contributes to asynchronous differentiation in culture. Summary: As pluripotent cells undergo neural differentiation they swap E-cadherin for N-cadherin. This switch in adhesion molecules modulates signalling in order to facilitate the differentiation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Punovuori
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Rosa P Migueles
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Mattias Malaguti
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Guillaume Blin
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Kenneth G Macleod
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Neil O Carragher
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Tim Pieters
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University; Inflammation Research Center, VIB; Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent B-9000, Belgium
| | - Frans van Roy
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University; Inflammation Research Center, VIB; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent B-9000, Belgium
| | - Marc P Stemmler
- Department of Experimental Medicine I, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen D-91054, Germany
| | - Sally Lowell
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
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24
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Liu N, Yin Y, Wang H, Zhou Z, Sheng X, Fu H, Guo R, Wang H, Yang J, Gong P, Ning W, Ju Z, Liu Y, Liu L. Telomere dysfunction impairs epidermal stem cell specification and differentiation by disrupting BMP/pSmad/P63 signaling. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1008368. [PMID: 31518356 PMCID: PMC6760834 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomere shortening is associated with aging and age-associated diseases. Additionally, telomere dysfunction resulting from telomerase gene mutation can lead to premature aging, such as apparent skin atrophy and hair loss. However, the molecular signaling linking telomere dysfunction to skin atrophy remains elusive. Here we show that dysfunctional telomere disrupts BMP/pSmad/P63 signaling, impairing epidermal stem cell specification and differentiation of skin and hair follicles. We find that telomere shortening mediated by Terc loss up-regulates Follistatin (Fst), inhibiting pSmad signaling and down-regulating P63 and epidermal keratins in an ESC differentiation model as well as in adult development of telomere-shortened mice. Mechanistically, short telomeres disrupt PRC2/H3K27me3-mediated repression of Fst. Our findings reveal that skin atrophy due to telomere dysfunction is caused by a previously unappreciated link with Fst and BMP signaling that could be explored in the development of therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research; Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Haiying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhongcheng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoyan Sheng
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Haifeng Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Renpeng Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Peng Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wen Ning
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhenyu Ju
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, Institute of Aging and Regenerative Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yifei Liu
- Yale Fertility Center and Department of OB/GYN, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States of America
- * E-mail: (YL); (LL)
| | - Lin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- * E-mail: (YL); (LL)
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25
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Shparberg RA, Glover HJ, Morris MB. Modeling Mammalian Commitment to the Neural Lineage Using Embryos and Embryonic Stem Cells. Front Physiol 2019; 10:705. [PMID: 31354503 PMCID: PMC6637848 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Early mammalian embryogenesis relies on a large range of cellular and molecular mechanisms to guide cell fate. In this highly complex interacting system, molecular circuitry tightly controls emergent properties, including cell differentiation, proliferation, morphology, migration, and communication. These molecular circuits include those responsible for the control of gene and protein expression, as well as metabolism and epigenetics. Due to the complexity of this circuitry and the relative inaccessibility of the mammalian embryo in utero, mammalian neural commitment remains one of the most challenging and poorly understood areas of developmental biology. In order to generate the nervous system, the embryo first produces two pluripotent populations, the inner cell mass and then the primitive ectoderm. The latter is the cellular substrate for gastrulation from which the three multipotent germ layers form. The germ layer definitive ectoderm, in turn, is the substrate for multipotent neurectoderm (neural plate and neural tube) formation, representing the first morphological signs of nervous system development. Subsequent patterning of the neural tube is then responsible for the formation of most of the central and peripheral nervous systems. While a large number of studies have assessed how a competent neurectoderm produces mature neural cells, less is known about the molecular signatures of definitive ectoderm and neurectoderm and the key molecular mechanisms driving their formation. Using pluripotent stem cells as a model, we will discuss the current understanding of how the pluripotent inner cell mass transitions to pluripotent primitive ectoderm and sequentially to the multipotent definitive ectoderm and neurectoderm. We will focus on the integration of cell signaling, gene activation, and epigenetic control that govern these developmental steps, and provide insight into the novel growth factor-like role that specific amino acids, such as L-proline, play in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michael B. Morris
- Embryonic Stem Cell Laboratory, Discipline of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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26
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Bowling S, Lawlor K, Rodríguez TA. Cell competition: the winners and losers of fitness selection. Development 2019; 146:146/13/dev167486. [PMID: 31278123 DOI: 10.1242/dev.167486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The process of cell competition results in the 'elimination of cells that are viable but less fit than surrounding cells'. Given the highly heterogeneous nature of our tissues, it seems increasingly likely that cells are engaged in a 'survival of the fittest' battle throughout life. The process has a myriad of positive roles in the organism: it selects against mutant cells in developing tissues, prevents the propagation of oncogenic cells and eliminates damaged cells during ageing. However, 'super-fit' cancer cells can exploit cell competition mechanisms to expand and spread. Here, we review the regulation, roles and risks of cell competition in organism development, ageing and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Bowling
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Katerina Lawlor
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Tristan A Rodríguez
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
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27
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Malaguti M, Migueles RP, Blin G, Lin CY, Lowell S. Id1 Stabilizes Epiblast Identity by Sensing Delays in Nodal Activation and Adjusting the Timing of Differentiation. Dev Cell 2019; 50:462-477.e5. [PMID: 31204172 PMCID: PMC6706657 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2019.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Controlling responsiveness to prevailing signals is critical for robust transitions between cell states during development. For example, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) drives naive pluripotent cells into extraembryonic lineages before implantation but sustains pluripotency in primed cells of the post-implantation epiblast. Nanog supports pluripotency in naive cells, while Nodal supports pluripotency in primed cells, but the handover from Nanog to Nodal does not proceed seamlessly, opening up the risk of aberrant differentiation if FGF is activated before Nodal. Here, we report that Id1 acts as a sensor to detect delays in Nodal activation after the downregulation of Nanog. Id1 then suppresses FGF activity to delay differentiation. Accordingly, Id1 is not required for naive or primed pluripotency but rather stabilizes epiblast identity during the transition between these states. These findings help explain how development proceeds robustly in the face of imprecise signals and highlight the importance of mechanisms that stabilize cell identity during developmental transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattias Malaguti
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, the University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Rosa Portero Migueles
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, the University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Guillaume Blin
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, the University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Chia-Yi Lin
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, the University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Sally Lowell
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, the University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK.
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28
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McMahon R, Sibbritt T, Salehin N, Osteil P, Tam PPL. Mechanistic insights from the LHX1-driven molecular network in building the embryonic head. Dev Growth Differ 2019; 61:327-336. [PMID: 31111476 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Development of an embryo is driven by a series of molecular instructions that control the differentiation of tissue precursor cells and shape the tissues into major body parts. LIM homeobox 1 (LHX1) is a transcription factor that plays a major role in the development of the embryonic head of the mouse. Loss of LHX1 function disrupts the morphogenetic movement of head tissue precursors and impacts on the function of molecular factors in modulating the activity of the WNT signaling pathway. LHX1 acts with a transcription factor complex to regulate the transcription of target genes in multiple phases of development and in a range of embryonic tissues of the mouse and Xenopus. Determining the interacting factors and transcriptional targets of LHX1 will be key to unraveling the ensemble of factors involved in head development and building a head gene regulatory network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riley McMahon
- Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tennille Sibbritt
- Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nazmus Salehin
- Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Pierre Osteil
- Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Patrick P L Tam
- Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
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29
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Differentiation of eye field neuroectoderm from human adipose-derived stem cells by using small-molecules and hADSC-conditioned medium. Ann Anat 2019; 221:17-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2017] [Revised: 08/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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30
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Row RH, Pegg A, Kinney BA, Farr GH, Maves L, Lowell S, Wilson V, Martin BL. BMP and FGF signaling interact to pattern mesoderm by controlling basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor activity. eLife 2018; 7:31018. [PMID: 29877796 PMCID: PMC6013256 DOI: 10.7554/elife.31018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The mesodermal germ layer is patterned into mediolateral subtypes by signaling factors including BMP and FGF. How these pathways are integrated to induce specific mediolateral cell fates is not well understood. We used mesoderm derived from post-gastrulation neuromesodermal progenitors (NMPs), which undergo a binary mediolateral patterning decision, as a simplified model to understand how FGF acts together with BMP to impart mediolateral fate. Using zebrafish and mouse NMPs, we identify an evolutionarily conserved mechanism of BMP and FGF-mediated mediolateral mesodermal patterning that occurs through modulation of basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor activity. BMP imparts lateral fate through induction of Id helix loop helix (HLH) proteins, which antagonize bHLH transcription factors, induced by FGF signaling, that specify medial fate. We extend our analysis of zebrafish development to show that bHLH activity is responsible for the mediolateral patterning of the entire mesodermal germ layer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard H Row
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, United States
| | - Amy Pegg
- MRC Center for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Brian A Kinney
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, United States
| | - Gist H Farr
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, United States
| | - Lisa Maves
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, United States.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
| | - Sally Lowell
- MRC Center for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Valerie Wilson
- MRC Center for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin L Martin
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, United States
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31
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Abstract
TGF-β family ligands function in inducing and patterning many tissues of the early vertebrate embryonic body plan. Nodal signaling is essential for the specification of mesendodermal tissues and the concurrent cellular movements of gastrulation. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling patterns tissues along the dorsal-ventral axis and simultaneously directs the cell movements of convergence and extension. After gastrulation, a second wave of Nodal signaling breaks the symmetry between the left and right sides of the embryo. During these processes, elaborate regulatory feedback between TGF-β ligands and their antagonists direct the proper specification and patterning of embryonic tissues. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the function and regulation of TGF-β family signaling in these processes. Although we cover principles that are involved in the development of all vertebrate embryos, we focus specifically on three popular model organisms: the mouse Mus musculus, the African clawed frog of the genus Xenopus, and the zebrafish Danio rerio, highlighting the similarities and differences between these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Zinski
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6058
| | - Benjamin Tajer
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6058
| | - Mary C Mullins
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6058
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32
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Bowling S, Di Gregorio A, Sancho M, Pozzi S, Aarts M, Signore M, D Schneider M, Martinez-Barbera JP, Gil J, Rodríguez TA. P53 and mTOR signalling determine fitness selection through cell competition during early mouse embryonic development. Nat Commun 2018; 9:1763. [PMID: 29720666 PMCID: PMC5932021 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04167-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Ensuring the fitness of the pluripotent cells that will contribute to future development is important both for the integrity of the germline and for proper embryogenesis. Consequently, it is becoming increasingly apparent that pluripotent cells can compare their fitness levels and signal the elimination of those cells that are less fit than their neighbours. In mammals the nature of the pathways that communicate fitness remain largely unknown. Here we identify that in the early mouse embryo and upon exit from naive pluripotency, the confrontation of cells with different fitness levels leads to an inhibition of mTOR signalling in the less fit cell type, causing its elimination. We show that during this process, p53 acts upstream of mTOR and is required to repress its activity. Finally, we demonstrate that during normal development around 35% of cells are eliminated by this pathway, highlighting the importance of this mechanism for embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Bowling
- British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
- Cell Proliferation Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
- Cell Proliferation Group, Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Aida Di Gregorio
- British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Margarida Sancho
- British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Sara Pozzi
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, Newlife Birth Defects Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N, UK
| | - Marieke Aarts
- Cell Proliferation Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
- Cell Proliferation Group, Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Massimo Signore
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, Newlife Birth Defects Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N, UK
| | - Michael D Schneider
- British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Juan Pedro Martinez-Barbera
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, Newlife Birth Defects Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N, UK
| | - Jesús Gil
- Cell Proliferation Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK.
- Cell Proliferation Group, Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK.
| | - Tristan A Rodríguez
- British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK.
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33
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Papatsenko D, Waghray A, Lemischka IR. Feedback control of pluripotency in embryonic stem cells: Signaling, transcription and epigenetics. Stem Cell Res 2018; 29:180-188. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2018.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
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34
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Abstract
Organizers, which comprise groups of cells with the ability to instruct adjacent cells into specific states, represent a key principle in developmental biology. The concept was first introduced by Spemann and Mangold, who showed that there is a cellular population in the newt embryo that elicits the development of a secondary axis from adjacent cells. Similar experiments in chicken and rabbit embryos subsequently revealed groups of cells with similar instructive potential. In birds and mammals, organizer activity is often associated with a structure known as the node, which has thus been considered a functional homologue of Spemann's organizer. Here, we take an in-depth look at the structure and function of organizers across species and note that, whereas the amphibian organizer is a contingent collection of elements, each performing a specific function, the elements of organizers in other species are dispersed in time and space. This observation urges us to reconsider the universality and meaning of the organizer concept. Summary: This Review re-evaluates the notion of Spemann's organizer as identified in amphibians, highlighting the spatiotemporal dispersion of equivalent elements in mouse and the key influence of responsiveness to organizer signals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ben Steventon
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EH, UK
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35
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Zhang B, He L, Liu Y, Zhang J, Zeng Q, Wang S, Fan Z, Fang F, Chen L, Lv Y, Xi J, Yue W, Li Y, Pei X. Prostaglandin E 2 Is Required for BMP4-Induced Mesoderm Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells. Stem Cell Reports 2018; 10:905-919. [PMID: 29478896 PMCID: PMC5919771 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2018.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Revised: 01/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The accurate control of early cell fate specification during differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) is critical for acquiring pure therapeutic cell populations of interest. Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) is a key mesoderm inducer from ESCs. However, the molecular mechanism of the mesodermal cell fate decision induced by BMP4 remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate the requirement of a bioactive lipid, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), for the mesoderm specification from hESCs by BMP4 induction. We show that BMP4 directly regulates the expression of the key enzyme for PGE2 synthesis, COX-1, and promotes PGE2 production. More importantly, in the absence of BMP4, forced COX-1 expression or PGE2 treatment is sufficient to initiate mesoderm specification of hESCs by activation of EP2-PKA signaling and modulation of nuclear translocation of β-catenin. Together, our findings provide insights into the critical role of BMP regulation of PGE2 synthesis and its downstream signaling in initiating mesoderm commitment of hESCs. COX-1 and PGE2 played pivotal roles in the mesoderm specification of hESCs Specific inhibition of COX-1 suppressed mesoderm differentiation of hESCs BMP4 directly upregulated the transcription of the COX-1 PGE2 stimulated differentiation mainly via the EP2-PKA-GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Zhang
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing 100850, China; South China Research Center for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, SCIB, Guangzhou 510005, China
| | - Lijuan He
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing 100850, China; South China Research Center for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, SCIB, Guangzhou 510005, China
| | - Yiming Liu
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing 100850, China; South China Research Center for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, SCIB, Guangzhou 510005, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing 100850, China; South China Research Center for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, SCIB, Guangzhou 510005, China
| | - Quan Zeng
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing 100850, China; South China Research Center for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, SCIB, Guangzhou 510005, China
| | - Sihan Wang
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing 100850, China; South China Research Center for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, SCIB, Guangzhou 510005, China
| | - Zeng Fan
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing 100850, China; South China Research Center for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, SCIB, Guangzhou 510005, China
| | - Fang Fang
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing 100850, China; South China Research Center for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, SCIB, Guangzhou 510005, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing 100850, China; South China Research Center for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, SCIB, Guangzhou 510005, China
| | - Yang Lv
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing 100850, China; South China Research Center for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, SCIB, Guangzhou 510005, China
| | - Jiafei Xi
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing 100850, China; South China Research Center for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, SCIB, Guangzhou 510005, China
| | - Wen Yue
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing 100850, China; South China Research Center for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, SCIB, Guangzhou 510005, China
| | - Yanhua Li
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing 100850, China; South China Research Center for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, SCIB, Guangzhou 510005, China.
| | - Xuetao Pei
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing 100850, China; South China Research Center for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, SCIB, Guangzhou 510005, China.
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36
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Morgani SM, Metzger JJ, Nichols J, Siggia ED, Hadjantonakis AK. Micropattern differentiation of mouse pluripotent stem cells recapitulates embryo regionalized cell fate patterning. eLife 2018; 7:e32839. [PMID: 29412136 PMCID: PMC5807051 DOI: 10.7554/elife.32839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
During gastrulation epiblast cells exit pluripotency as they specify and spatially arrange the three germ layers of the embryo. Similarly, human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) undergo spatially organized fate specification on micropatterned surfaces. Since in vivo validation is not possible for the human, we developed a mouse PSC micropattern system and, with direct comparisons to mouse embryos, reveal the robust specification of distinct regional identities. BMP, WNT, ACTIVIN and FGF directed mouse epiblast-like cells to undergo an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and radially pattern posterior mesoderm fates. Conversely, WNT, ACTIVIN and FGF patterned anterior identities, including definitive endoderm. By contrast, epiblast stem cells, a developmentally advanced state, only specified anterior identities, but without patterning. The mouse micropattern system offers a robust scalable method to generate regionalized cell types present in vivo, resolve how signals promote distinct identities and generate patterns, and compare mechanisms operating in vivo and in vitro and across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie M Morgani
- Developmental Biology ProgramSloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkUnited States
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Centre for Stem Cell ResearchUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Jakob J Metzger
- Center for Studies in Physics and BiologyThe Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Jennifer Nichols
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Centre for Stem Cell ResearchUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Eric D Siggia
- Center for Studies in Physics and BiologyThe Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Anna-Katerina Hadjantonakis
- Developmental Biology ProgramSloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkUnited States
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Yu Y, Wang X, Zhang X, Zhai Y, Lu X, Ma H, Zhu K, Zhao T, Jiao J, Zhao ZA, Li L. ERK inhibition promotes neuroectodermal precursor commitment by blocking self-renewal and primitive streak formation of the epiblast. Stem Cell Res Ther 2018; 9:2. [PMID: 29304842 PMCID: PMC5756365 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-017-0750-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pluripotent stem cells hold great promise for regenerative medicine. However, before clinical application, reproducible protocols for pluripotent stem cell differentiation should be established. Extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) signaling plays a central role for the self-renewal of epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs), but its role for subsequent germ layer differentiation is still ambiguous. We proposed that ERK could modulate differentiation of the epiblast. Methods PD0325901 was used to inhibit ERK activation during the differentiation of embryonic stem cells and EpiSCs. Immunofluorescence, western blot analysis, real-time PCR and flow cytometry were used to detect germ layer markers and pathway activation. Results We demonstrate that the ERK phosphorylation level is lower in neuroectoderm of mouse E7.5 embryos than that in the primitive streak. ERK inhibition results in neural lineage commitment of epiblast. Mechanistically, PD0325901 abrogates the expression of primitive streak markers by β-catenin retention in the cytoplasm, and inhibits the expression of OCT4 and NANOG during EpiSC differentiation. Thus, EpiSCs differentiate into neuroectodermal lineage efficiently under PD0325901 treatment. These results suggest that neuroectoderm differentiation does not require extrinsic signals, supporting the default differentiation of neural lineage. Conclusions We report that a single ERK inhibitor, PD0325901, can specify epiblasts and EpiSCs into neural-like cells, providing an efficient strategy for neural differentiation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13287-017-0750-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaoxin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Yanhua Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xukun Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Haixia Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Kai Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Tongbiao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Jianwei Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Zhen-Ao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China. .,Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital & Institute for Cardiovascular Science, Soochow University, 708 Renmin Rd, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215007, China.
| | - Lei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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38
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Liu C, Peng G, Jing N. TGF-β signaling pathway in early mouse development and embryonic stem cells. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2018; 50:68-73. [PMID: 29190317 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmx120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
TGF-β superfamily signaling pathways essentially contribute to the broad spectrum of early developmental events including embryonic patterning, cell fate determination and dynamic movements. In this review, we first introduced some key developmental processes that require TGF-β signaling to show the fundamental importance of these pathways. Then we discuss how their activities are regulated, and new findings about how the TGF-β superfamily ligands bind to the chromatin to regulate transcription during embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Guangdun Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Naihe Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
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39
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Stower MJ, Srinivas S. The Head's Tale: Anterior-Posterior Axis Formation in the Mouse Embryo. Curr Top Dev Biol 2017; 128:365-390. [PMID: 29477169 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2017.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The establishment of the anterior-posterior (A-P) axis is a fundamental event during early development and marks the start of the process by which the basic body plan is laid down. This axial information determines where gastrulation, that generates and positions cells of the three-germ layers, occurs. A-P patterning requires coordinated interactions between multiple tissues, tight spatiotemporal control of signaling pathways, and the coordination of tissue growth with morphogenetic movements. In the mouse, a specialized population of cells, the anterior visceral endoderm (AVE) undergoes a migration event critical for correct A-P pattern. In this review, we summarize our understanding of the generation of anterior pattern, focusing on the role of the AVE. We will also outline some of the many questions that remain regarding the mechanism by which the first axial asymmetry is established, how the AVE is induced, and how it moves within the visceral endoderm epithelium.
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40
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Li Y, Wang R, Qiao N, Peng G, Zhang K, Tang K, Han JDJ, Jing N. Transcriptome analysis reveals determinant stages controlling human embryonic stem cell commitment to neuronal cells. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:19590-19604. [PMID: 28972157 PMCID: PMC5712601 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.796383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Revised: 09/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Proper neural commitment is essential for ensuring the appropriate development of the human brain and for preventing neurodevelopmental diseases such as autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and intellectual disorders. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the neural commitment in humans remain elusive. Here, we report the establishment of a neural differentiation system based on human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and on comprehensive RNA sequencing analysis of transcriptome dynamics during early hESC differentiation. Using weighted gene co-expression network analysis, we reveal that the hESC neurodevelopmental trajectory has five stages: pluripotency (day 0); differentiation initiation (days 2, 4, and 6); neural commitment (days 8-10); neural progenitor cell proliferation (days 12, 14, and 16); and neuronal differentiation (days 18, 20, and 22). These stages were characterized by unique module genes, which may recapitulate the early human cortical development. Moreover, a comparison of our RNA-sequencing data with several other transcriptome profiling datasets from mice and humans indicated that Module 3 associated with the day 8-10 stage is a critical window of fate switch from the pluripotency to the neural lineage. Interestingly, at this stage, no key extrinsic signals were activated. In contrast, using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene knockouts, we also found that intrinsic hub transcription factors, including the schizophrenia-associated SIX3 gene and septo-optic dysplasia-related HESX1 gene, are required to program hESC neural determination. Our results improve the understanding of the mechanism of neural commitment in the human brain and may help elucidate the etiology of human mental disorders and advance therapies for managing these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Li
- From the State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology and
| | - Ran Wang
- From the State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology and
| | - Nan Qiao
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences-Max Planck Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai 200031
| | - Guangdun Peng
- From the State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology and
| | - Ke Zhang
- From the State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology and
| | - Ke Tang
- the Institute of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330031, and
| | - Jing-Dong J Han
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences-Max Planck Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai 200031
| | - Naihe Jing
- From the State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology and
- the School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 100 Haike Road, Shanghai 201210, China
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41
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Takata N, Sakakura E, Eiraku M, Kasukawa T, Sasai Y. Self-patterning of rostral-caudal neuroectoderm requires dual role of Fgf signaling for localized Wnt antagonism. Nat Commun 2017; 8:1339. [PMID: 29109536 PMCID: PMC5673904 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-01105-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuroectoderm is patterned along a rostral-caudal axis in response to localized factors in the embryo, but exactly how these factors act as positional information for this patterning is not yet fully understood. Here, using the self-organizing properties of mouse embryonic stem cell (ESC), we report that ESC-derived neuroectoderm self-generates a Six3+ rostral and a Irx3+ caudal bipolarized patterning. In this instance, localized Fgf signaling performs dual roles, as it regulates Six3+ rostral polarization at an earlier stage and promotes Wnt signaling at a later stage. The Wnt signaling components are differentially expressed in the polarized tissues, leading to genome-wide Irx3+ caudal-polarization signals. Surprisingly, differentially expressed Wnt agonists and antagonists have essential roles in orchestrating the formation of a balanced rostral-caudal neuroectoderm pattern. Together, our findings provide key processes for dynamic self-patterning and evidence that a temporally and locally regulated interaction between Fgf and Wnt signaling controls self-patterning in ESC-derived neuroectoderm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nozomu Takata
- Laboratory for in vitro Histogenesis, RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology, 2-2-3 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan.
- Center for Vascular and Developmental Biology, Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
| | - Eriko Sakakura
- Laboratory for in vitro Histogenesis, RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology, 2-2-3 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Mototsugu Eiraku
- Laboratory for in vitro Histogenesis, RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology, 2-2-3 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan.
- Laboratory of Developmental Systems, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.
| | - Takeya Kasukawa
- Large Scale Data Managing Unit, RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Sasai
- Laboratory for Organogenesis and Neurogenesis, RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology, 2-2-3 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
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42
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Fujimori K, Matsumoto T, Kisa F, Hattori N, Okano H, Akamatsu W. Escape from Pluripotency via Inhibition of TGF-β/BMP and Activation of Wnt Signaling Accelerates Differentiation and Aging in hPSC Progeny Cells. Stem Cell Reports 2017; 9:1675-1691. [PMID: 29107593 PMCID: PMC5831048 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2017.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) represent a potentially valuable cell source for applications in cell replacement therapy, drug development, and disease modeling. For all these uses, it is necessary to develop reproducible and robust protocols for differentiation into desired cell types. However, differentiation protocols remain unstable and inefficient, which makes minimizing the differentiation variance among hPSC lines and obtaining purified terminally differentiated cells extremely time consuming. Here, we report a simple treatment with three small molecules—SB431542, dorsomorphine, and CHIR99021—that enhanced hPSC differentiation into three germ layers with a chemically transitional embryoid-body-like state (CTraS). Induction of CTraS reduced the innate differentiation propensities of hPSCs (even unfavorably differentiated hPSCs) and shifted their differentiation into terminally differentiated cells, particularly neurons. In addition, CTraS induction accelerated in vitro pathological expression concurrently with neural maturation. Thus, CTraS can promote the latent potential of hPSCs for differentiation and potentially expand the utility and applicability of hPSCs. CTraS induction enhances hPSC differentiation into three germ layers without bias CTraS induction is applicable to a wide range of hPSCs even without colony selection Developing a robust neural induction protocol via CTraS for hPSC disease modeling CTraS induction promotes in vitro pathological expression with maturation and aging
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Affiliation(s)
- Koki Fujimori
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Research Fellow of Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0083, Japan
| | - Takuya Matsumoto
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Fumihiko Kisa
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Nobutaka Hattori
- Department of Neurology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8431, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
| | - Wado Akamatsu
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Center for Genomic and Regenerative Medicine, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8431, Japan.
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43
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Morgani S, Nichols J, Hadjantonakis AK. The many faces of Pluripotency: in vitro adaptations of a continuum of in vivo states. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2017; 17:7. [PMID: 28610558 PMCID: PMC5470286 DOI: 10.1186/s12861-017-0150-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Pluripotency defines the propensity of a cell to differentiate into, and generate, all somatic, as well as germ cells. The epiblast of the early mammalian embryo is the founder population of all germ layer derivatives and thus represents the bona fide in vivo pluripotent cell population. The so-called pluripotent state spans several days of development and is lost during gastrulation as epiblast cells make fate decisions towards a mesoderm, endoderm or ectoderm identity. It is now widely recognized that the features of the pluripotent population evolve as development proceeds from the pre- to post-implantation period, marked by distinct transcriptional and epigenetic signatures. During this period of time epiblast cells mature through a continuum of pluripotent states with unique properties. Aspects of this pluripotent continuum can be captured in vitro in the form of stable pluripotent stem cell types. In this review we discuss the continuum of pluripotency existing within the mammalian embryo, using the mouse as a model, and the cognate stem cell types that can be derived and propagated in vitro. Furthermore, we speculate on embryonic stage-specific characteristics that could be utilized to identify novel, developmentally relevant, pluripotent states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Morgani
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Centre for Stem Cell Research, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Jennifer Nichols
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Centre for Stem Cell Research, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Anna-Katerina Hadjantonakis
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
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44
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BMP Sustains Embryonic Stem Cell Self-Renewal through Distinct Functions of Different Krüppel-like Factors. Stem Cell Reports 2016; 6:64-73. [PMID: 26771354 PMCID: PMC4719190 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2015.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2015] [Revised: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling exerts paradoxical roles in pluripotent stem cells (PSCs); it sustains self-renewal of mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs), while it induces differentiation in other PSCs, including human ESCs. Here, we revisit the roles of BMP-4 using mouse ESCs (mESCs) in naive and primed states. SMAD1 and SMAD5, which transduce BMP signals, recognize enhancer regions together with KLF4 and KLF5 in naive mESCs. KLF4 physically interacts with SMAD1 and suppresses its activity. Consistently, a subpopulation of cells with active BMP-SMAD can be ablated without disturbing the naive state of the culture. Moreover, Smad1/5 double-knockout mESCs stay in the naive state, indicating that the BMP-SMAD pathway is dispensable for it. In contrast, the MEK5-ERK5 pathway mediates BMP-4-induced self-renewal of mESCs by inducing Klf2, a critical factor for the ground state pluripotency. Our study illustrates that BMP exerts its self-renewing effect through distinct functions of different Krüppel-like factors.
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45
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Conserved and divergent expression patterns of markers of axial development in the laboratory opossum,Monodelphis domestica. Dev Dyn 2016; 245:1176-1188. [DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Revised: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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46
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Qu Y, Zhou B, Yang W, Han B, Yu-Rice Y, Gao B, Johnson J, Svendsen CN, Freeman MR, Giuliano AE, Sareen D, Cui X. Transcriptome and proteome characterization of surface ectoderm cells differentiated from human iPSCs. Sci Rep 2016; 6:32007. [PMID: 27550649 PMCID: PMC4994084 DOI: 10.1038/srep32007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Surface ectoderm (SE) cells give rise to structures including the epidermis and ectodermal associated appendages such as hair, eye, and the mammary gland. In this study, we validate a protocol that utilizes BMP4 and the γ-secretase inhibitor DAPT to induce SE differentiation from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). hiPSC-differentiated SE cells expressed markers suggesting their commitment to the SE lineage. Computational analyses using integrated quantitative transcriptomic and proteomic profiling reveal that TGFβ superfamily signaling pathways are preferentially activated in SE cells compared with hiPSCs. SE differentiation can be enhanced by selectively blocking TGFβ-RI signaling. We also show that SE cells and neural ectoderm cells possess distinct gene expression patterns and signaling networks as indicated by functional Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. Our findings advance current understanding of early human SE cell development and pave the way for modeling of SE-derived tissue development, studying disease pathogenesis, and development of regenerative medicine approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Qu
- Department of Surgery, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Bo Zhou
- Department of Surgery, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Surgery, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Bingchen Han
- Department of Surgery, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Yi Yu-Rice
- Department of Surgery, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Bowen Gao
- Department of Surgery, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Jeffery Johnson
- Department of Surgery, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Clive N Svendsen
- Board of Governors-Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Michael R Freeman
- Department of Surgery, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Armando E Giuliano
- Department of Surgery, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Dhruv Sareen
- Board of Governors-Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA.,iPSC Core, The David and Janet Polak Foundation Stem Cell Core Laboratory, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Xiaojiang Cui
- Department of Surgery, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
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47
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Wang Y, Yang H, Yang Q, Yang J, Wang H, Xu H, Gao WQ. Chemical conversion of mouse fibroblasts into functional dopaminergic neurons. Exp Cell Res 2016; 347:283-92. [PMID: 27485858 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2016.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2016] [Revised: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Ectopic expression of lineage-specific transcription factors facilitates the conversion of mammalian somatic cells into dopaminergic (DA) neurons, which is a promising strategy for cell therapy of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, this approach still has some drawbacks limiting its clinical application due to the potential risks of integrating vectors into the host genome. Therefore, it is critical to seek a more desired approach to generate DA neurons derived from mammalian somatic cells. Here, we report that mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) can be efficiently converted into DA neurons by using small molecules along with specific growth factors. These neuron-like cells generate DA neuronal morphology, and acquire immunocytochemical and calcium imaging special for neuronal electrophysiological profile. More importantly, these converted cells can secrete dopamine, indicating that they are functionally similar to DA neurons. Taken together, our study might provide a promising cell source for treating PD by using chemical approach without introduction of exogenous transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-MedX Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China; School of Biomedical Engineering & Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-MedX Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China; School of Biomedical Engineering & Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-MedX Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China; School of Biomedical Engineering & Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junhua Yang
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology (Ministry of Health of China), Key Laboratory of Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology (Ministry of Health of China), Key Laboratory of Neurobiology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huiming Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-MedX Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China; School of Biomedical Engineering & Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Wei-Qiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji-MedX Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China; School of Biomedical Engineering & Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Collaborative Innovative Research Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai, China.
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48
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Yang J, Wu C, Stefanescu I, Jakobsson L, Chervoneva I, Horowitz A. RhoA inhibits neural differentiation in murine stem cells through multiple mechanisms. Sci Signal 2016; 9:ra76. [PMID: 27460990 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aaf0791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Spontaneous neural differentiation of embryonic stem cells is induced by Noggin-mediated inhibition of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) signaling. RhoA is a guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) that regulates cytoskeletal dynamics and gene expression, both of which control stem cell fate. We found that disruption of Syx, a gene encoding a RhoA-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor, accelerated retinoic acid-induced neural differentiation in murine embryonic stem cells aggregated into embryoid bodies. Cells from Syx(+/+) and Syx(-/-) embryoid bodies had different abundances of proteins implicated in stem cell pluripotency. The differentiation-promoting proteins Noggin and RARγ (a retinoic acid receptor) were more abundant in cells of Syx(-/-) embryoid bodies, whereas the differentiation-suppressing proteins SIRT1 (a protein deacetylase) and the phosphorylated form of SMAD1 (the active form of this transcription factor) were more abundant in cells of Syx(+/+) embryoid bodies. These differences were blocked by the overexpression of constitutively active RhoA, indicating that the abundance of these proteins was maintained, at least in part, by RhoA activity. The peripheral stress fibers in cells from Syx(-/-) embryoid bodies were thinner than those in Syx(+/+) cells. Furthermore, less Noggin and fewer vesicles containing Rab3d, a GTPase that mediates Noggin trafficking, were detected in cells from Syx(-/-) embryoid bodies, which could result from increased Noggin exocytosis. These results suggested that, in addition to inhibiting Noggin transcription, RhoA activity in wild-type murine embryonic stem cells also prevented neural differentiation by limiting Noggin secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junning Yang
- Cardeza Foundation for Hematologic Research, Department of Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Chuanshen Wu
- Department of Molecular Cardiology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Ioana Stefanescu
- Cardeza Foundation for Hematologic Research, Department of Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Lars Jakobsson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm 17177, Sweden
| | - Inna Chervoneva
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Arie Horowitz
- Cardeza Foundation for Hematologic Research, Department of Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
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Visualization of the Epiblast and Visceral Endodermal Cells Using Fgf5-P2A-Venus BAC Transgenic Mice and Epiblast Stem Cells. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0159246. [PMID: 27409080 PMCID: PMC4943650 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 5 (Fgf5) has been widely used as a marker for the epiblast in the postimplantation embryo and epiblast stem cells (mEpiSCs) in the mouse, making it valuable for study of differentiation of various tissues and epiblast cells in vivo and in vitro. Here, we report for the first time the generation of Fgf5-P2A-Venus BAC transgenic (Tg) mice and show that the BAC Tg can recapitulate endogenous Fgf5 expression in epiblast and visceral endodermal cells of E6.5 and 7.5 embryos. We also show that Fgf5-P2A-Venus BAC Tg mEpiSCs in the undifferentiated state expressed abundant Venus, and upon reprogramming into naïve state, Venus was suppressed. Furthermore, while most Tg mEpiSCs expressed Venus abundantly, surprisingly the Tg mEpiSCs contained a minor subpopulation of Venus-negative cells that were capable of conversion to Venus-positive cells, indicating that even Fgf5 expression shows dynamic heterogeneity in mEpiSCs. Taken together, Fgf5-P2A-Venus BAC Tg mice and mEpiSCs generated in this study will be useful for developmental biology as well as stem cell biology research.
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50
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Human pluripotent stem cells as a model of trophoblast differentiation in both normal development and disease. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:E3882-91. [PMID: 27325764 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1604747113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Trophoblast is the primary epithelial cell type in the placenta, a transient organ required for proper fetal growth and development. Different trophoblast subtypes are responsible for gas/nutrient exchange (syncytiotrophoblasts, STBs) and invasion and maternal vascular remodeling (extravillous trophoblasts, EVTs). Studies of early human placental development are severely hampered by the lack of a representative trophoblast stem cell (TSC) model with the capacity for self-renewal and the ability to differentiate into both STBs and EVTs. Primary cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) isolated from early-gestation (6-8 wk) human placentas are bipotential, a phenotype that is lost with increasing gestational age. We have identified a CDX2(+)/p63(+) CTB subpopulation in the early postimplantation human placenta that is significantly reduced later in gestation. We describe a reproducible protocol, using defined medium containing bone morphogenetic protein 4 by which human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) can be differentiated into CDX2(+)/p63(+) CTB stem-like cells. These cells can be replated and further differentiated into STB- and EVT-like cells, based on marker expression, hormone secretion, and invasive ability. As in primary CTBs, differentiation of hPSC-derived CTBs in low oxygen leads to reduced human chorionic gonadotropin secretion and STB-associated gene expression, instead promoting differentiation into HLA-G(+) EVTs in an hypoxia-inducible, factor-dependent manner. To validate further the utility of hPSC-derived CTBs, we demonstrated that differentiation of trisomy 21 (T21) hPSCs recapitulates the delayed CTB maturation and blunted STB differentiation seen in T21 placentae. Collectively, our data suggest that hPSCs are a valuable model of human placental development, enabling us to recapitulate processes that result in both normal and diseased pregnancies.
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