1
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Dattani A, Corujo-Simon E, Radley A, Heydari T, Taheriabkenar Y, Carlisle F, Lin S, Liddle C, Mill J, Zandstra PW, Nichols J, Guo G. Naive pluripotent stem cell-based models capture FGF-dependent human hypoblast lineage specification. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:1058-1071.e5. [PMID: 38823388 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
The hypoblast is an essential extraembryonic tissue set aside within the inner cell mass in the blastocyst. Research with human embryos is challenging. Thus, stem cell models that reproduce hypoblast differentiation provide valuable alternatives. We show here that human naive pluripotent stem cell (PSC) to hypoblast differentiation proceeds via reversion to a transitional ICM-like state from which the hypoblast emerges in concordance with the trajectory in human blastocysts. We identified a window when fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling is critical for hypoblast specification. Revisiting FGF signaling in human embryos revealed that inhibition in the early blastocyst suppresses hypoblast formation. In vitro, the induction of hypoblast is synergistically enhanced by limiting trophectoderm and epiblast fates. This finding revises previous reports and establishes a conservation in lineage specification between mice and humans. Overall, this study demonstrates the utility of human naive PSC-based models in elucidating the mechanistic features of early human embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anish Dattani
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK; Department of Clinical & Biomedical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Elena Corujo-Simon
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Arthur Radley
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Tiam Heydari
- Michael Smith Laboratories, School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | | | - Simeng Lin
- Department of Clinical & Biomedical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Corin Liddle
- Bioimaging Centre, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Jonathan Mill
- Department of Clinical & Biomedical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Peter W Zandstra
- Michael Smith Laboratories, School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jennifer Nichols
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ge Guo
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK; Department of Clinical & Biomedical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.
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2
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Massafret O, Barragán M, Álvarez-González L, Aran B, Martín-Mur B, Esteve-Codina A, Ruiz-Herrera A, Ibáñez E, Santaló J. The pluripotency state of human embryonic stem cells derived from single blastomeres of eight-cell embryos. Cells Dev 2024:203935. [PMID: 38914137 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdev.2024.203935] [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: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) derived from blastocyst stage embryos present a primed state of pluripotency, whereas mouse ESCs (mESCs) display naïve pluripotency. Their unique characteristics make naïve hESCs more suitable for particular applications in biomedical research. This work aimed to derive hESCs from single blastomeres and determine their pluripotency state, which is currently unclear. We derived hESC lines from single blastomeres of 8-cell embryos and from whole blastocysts, and analysed several naïve pluripotency indicators, their transcriptomic profile and their trilineage differentiation potential. No significant differences were observed between blastomere-derived hESCs (bm-hESCs) and blastocyst-derived hESCs (bc-hESCs) for most naïve pluripotency indicators, including TFE3 localization, mitochondrial activity, and global DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation, nor for their trilineage differentiation potential. Nevertheless, bm-hESCs showed an increased single-cell clonogenicity and a higher expression of naïve pluripotency markers at early passages than bc-hESCs. Furthermore, RNA-seq revealed that bc-hESCs overexpressed a set of genes related to the post-implantational epiblast. Altogether, these results suggest that bm-hESCs, although displaying primed pluripotency, would be slightly closer to the naïve end of the pluripotency continuum than bc-hESCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ot Massafret
- Genome Integrity and Reproductive Biology Group, Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; Bioengineering in Reproductive Health, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Barragán
- Basic Research Laboratory, Eugin Group, Parc Científic de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lucía Álvarez-González
- Genome Integrity and Reproductive Biology Group, Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; Genome Integrity and Instability Group, Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Begoña Aran
- Stem Cell Bank, Regenerative Medicine Program, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Beatriz Martín-Mur
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Esteve-Codina
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aurora Ruiz-Herrera
- Genome Integrity and Reproductive Biology Group, Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; Genome Integrity and Instability Group, Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Elena Ibáñez
- Genome Integrity and Reproductive Biology Group, Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain.
| | - Josep Santaló
- Genome Integrity and Reproductive Biology Group, Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
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3
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Abady MM, Jeong JS, Kwon HJ, Assiri AM, Cho J, Saadeldin IM. The reprotoxic adverse side effects of neurogenic and neuroprotective drugs: current use of human organoid modeling as a potential alternative to preclinical models. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1412188. [PMID: 38948466 PMCID: PMC11211546 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1412188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The management of neurological disorders heavily relies on neurotherapeutic drugs, but notable concerns exist regarding their possible negative effects on reproductive health. Traditional preclinical models often fail to accurately predict reprotoxicity, highlighting the need for more physiologically relevant systems. Organoid models represent a promising approach for concurrently studying neurotoxicity and reprotoxicity, providing insights into the complex interplay between neurotherapeutic drugs and reproductive systems. Herein, we have examined the molecular mechanisms underlying neurotherapeutic drug-induced reprotoxicity and discussed experimental findings from case studies. Additionally, we explore the utility of organoid models in elucidating the reproductive complications of neurodrug exposure. Have discussed the principles of organoid models, highlighting their ability to recapitulate neurodevelopmental processes and simulate drug-induced toxicity in a controlled environment. Challenges and future perspectives in the field have been addressed with a focus on advancing organoid technologies to improve reprotoxicity assessment and enhance drug safety screening. This review underscores the importance of organoid models in unraveling the complex relationship between neurotherapeutic drugs and reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam M. Abady
- Organic Metrology Group, Division of Chemical and Material Metrology, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Bio-Analytical Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ji-Seon Jeong
- Organic Metrology Group, Division of Chemical and Material Metrology, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Bio-Analytical Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha-Jeong Kwon
- Organic Metrology Group, Division of Chemical and Material Metrology, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Abdullah M. Assiri
- Deperament of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jongki Cho
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Islam M. Saadeldin
- Deperament of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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4
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Alves-Lopes JP, Wong FCK, Surani MA. Human primordial germ cell-like cells specified from resetting precursors develop in human hindgut organoids. Nat Protoc 2024; 19:1149-1182. [PMID: 38302732 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-023-00945-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Human primordial germ cells (hPGCs), the precursors of eggs and sperm, start their complex development shortly after specification and during their migration to the primitive gonads. Here, we describe protocols for specifying hPGC-like cells (hPGCLCs) from resetting precursors and progressing them with the support of human hindgut organoids. Resetting hPGCLCs (rhPGCLCs) are specified from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) transitioning from the primed into the naive state of pluripotency. Hindgut organoids are also derived from hESCs after a sequential differentiation into a posterior endoderm/hindgut fate. Both rhPGCLCs and hindgut organoids are combined and co-cultured for 25 d. The entire procedure takes ~1.5 months and can be successfully implemented by a doctoral or graduate student with basic skills and experience in hESC cultures. The co-culture system supports the progression of rhPGCLCs at a developmental timing analogous to that observed in vivo. Compared with previously developed hPGCLC progression protocols, which depend on co-cultures with mouse embryonic gonadal tissue, our co-culture system represents a developmentally relevant model closer to the environment that hPGCs first encounter after specification. Together with the potential for investigations of events during hPGC specification and early development, these protocols provide a practical approach to designing efficient models for in vitro gametogenesis. Notably, the rhPGCLC-hindgut co-culture system can also be adapted to study failings in hPGC migration, which are associated with the etiology of some forms of infertility and germ cell tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Pedro Alves-Lopes
- Wellcome/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, J9:30, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Frederick C K Wong
- Wellcome/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - M Azim Surani
- Wellcome/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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5
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Du P, Wu J. Hallmarks of totipotent and pluripotent stem cell states. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:312-333. [PMID: 38382531 PMCID: PMC10939785 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Though totipotency and pluripotency are transient during early embryogenesis, they establish the foundation for the development of all mammals. Studying these in vivo has been challenging due to limited access and ethical constraints, particularly in humans. Recent progress has led to diverse culture adaptations of epiblast cells in vitro in the form of totipotent and pluripotent stem cells, which not only deepen our understanding of embryonic development but also serve as invaluable resources for animal reproduction and regenerative medicine. This review delves into the hallmarks of totipotent and pluripotent stem cells, shedding light on their key molecular and functional features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Du
- MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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6
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Liu X, Polo JM. Human blastoid as an in vitro model of human blastocysts. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2024; 84:102135. [PMID: 38052115 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Human development is a highly coordinated process, with any abnormalities during the early embryonic stages that can often have detrimental consequences. The complexity and nuances of human development underpin its significance in embryo research. However, this research is often hindered by limited availability and ethical considerations associated with the use of donated blastocysts from in vitro fertilization (IVF) surplus. Human blastoids offer promising alternatives as they can be easily generated and manipulated in the laboratory while preserving key characteristics of human blastocysts. In this way, they hold the potential to serve as a scalable and ethically permissible resource in embryology research. By utilizing such human embryo models, we can establish a transformative platform that complements the study with IVF embryos, ultimately enhancing our understanding of human embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China; Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jose M Polo
- Adelaide Centre for Epigenetics, School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; The South Australian Immunogenomics Cancer Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Victoria, Australia; Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Victoria, Australia.
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7
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Guo M, Wu J, Chen C, Wang X, Gong A, Guan W, Karvas RM, Wang K, Min M, Wang Y, Theunissen TW, Gao S, Silva JCR. Self-renewing human naïve pluripotent stem cells dedifferentiate in 3D culture and form blastoids spontaneously. Nat Commun 2024; 15:668. [PMID: 38253551 PMCID: PMC10803796 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44969-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Human naïve pluripotent stem cells (hnPSCs) can generate integrated models of blastocysts termed blastoids upon switch to inductive medium. However, the underlying mechanisms remain obscure. Here we report that self-renewing hnPSCs spontaneously and efficiently give rise to blastoids upon three dimensional (3D) suspension culture. The spontaneous blastoids mimic early stage human blastocysts in terms of structure, size, and transcriptome characteristics and are capable of progressing to post-implantation stages. This property is conferred by the glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) signalling inhibitor IM-12 present in 5iLAF self-renewing medium. IM-12 upregulates oxidative phosphorylation-associated genes that underly the capacity of hnPSCs to generate blastoids spontaneously. Starting from day one of self-organization, hnPSCs at the boundary of all 3D aggregates dedifferentiate into E5 embryo-like intermediates. Intermediates co-express SOX2/OCT4 and GATA6 and by day 3 specify trophoblast fate, which coincides with cavity and blastoid formation. In summary, spontaneous blastoid formation results from 3D culture triggering dedifferentiation of hnPSCs into earlier embryo-like intermediates which are then competent to segregate blastocyst fates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyue Guo
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong, China.
- Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong, China.
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510700, China.
| | - Jinyi Wu
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong, China
- Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong, China
| | - Chuanxin Chen
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong, China
- Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong, China
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510700, China
| | - Xinggu Wang
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong, China
| | - An Gong
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong, China
- Bioland Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong, China
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510700, China
| | - Wei Guan
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong, China
| | - Rowan M Karvas
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Kexin Wang
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong, China
| | - Mingwei Min
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong, China
| | - Yixuan Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Thorold W Theunissen
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Shaorong Gao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - José C R Silva
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong, China.
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8
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Li CJ, Chang CC, Tsai LK, Peng M, Lyu WN, Yu JF, Tsai MH, Sung LY. Generation of induced pluripotent stem cells from Bornean orangutans. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 11:1331584. [PMID: 38250322 PMCID: PMC10797036 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1331584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Orangutans, classified under the Pongo genus, are an endangered non-human primate (NHP) species. Derivation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) represents a promising avenue for conserving the genetic resources of these animals. Earlier studies focused on deriving orangutan iPSCs (o-iPSCs) from Sumatran orangutans (Pongo abelii). To date, no reports specifically target the other Critically Endangered species in the Pongo genus, the Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus). Methods: Using Sendai virus-mediated Yamanaka factor-based reprogramming of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to generate iPSCs (bo-iPSCs) from a female captive Bornean orangutan. In this study, we evaluate the colony morphology, pluripotent markers, X chromosome activation status, and transcriptomic profile of the bo-iPSCs to demonstrate the pluripotency of iPSCs from Bornean orangutans. Results: The bo-iPSCs were successfully derived from Bornean orangutans, using Sendai virus-mediated Yamanaka factor-based reprogramming of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. When a modified 4i/L/A (m4i/L/A) culture system was applied to activate the WNT signaling pathway in these bo-iPSCs, the derived cells (m-bo-iPSCs) manifested characteristics akin to human naive pluripotent stem cells, including high expression levels of KLF17, DNMT3L, and DPPA3/5, as well as the X chromosome reactivation. Comparative RNA-seq analysis positioned the m-bo-iPSCs between human naive and formative pluripotent states. Furthermore, the m-bo-iPSCs express differentiation capacity into all three germlines, evidenced by controlled in vitro embryoid body formation assay. Discussion: Our work establishes a novel approach to preserve the genetic diversity of endangered Bornean orangutans while offering insights into primate stem cell pluripotency. In the future, derivation of the primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs) from m-bo-iPSCs is needed to demonstrate the further specific application in species preservation and broaden the knowledge of primordial germ cell specification across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Jung Li
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chun Chang
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Kuang Tsai
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Min Peng
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ni Lyu
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jane-Fang Yu
- Conservation and Research Center, Taipei Zoo, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mong-Hsun Tsai
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Ying Sung
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Center for Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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9
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Dror I, Chitiashvili T, Tan SYX, Cano CT, Sahakyan A, Markaki Y, Chronis C, Collier AJ, Deng W, Liang G, Sun Y, Afasizheva A, Miller J, Xiao W, Black DL, Ding F, Plath K. XIST directly regulates X-linked and autosomal genes in naive human pluripotent cells. Cell 2024; 187:110-129.e31. [PMID: 38181737 PMCID: PMC10783549 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
X chromosome inactivation (XCI) serves as a paradigm for RNA-mediated regulation of gene expression, wherein the long non-coding RNA XIST spreads across the X chromosome in cis to mediate gene silencing chromosome-wide. In female naive human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), XIST is in a dispersed configuration, and XCI does not occur, raising questions about XIST's function. We found that XIST spreads across the X chromosome and induces dampening of X-linked gene expression in naive hPSCs. Surprisingly, XIST also targets specific autosomal regions, where it induces repressive chromatin changes and gene expression dampening. Thereby, XIST equalizes X-linked gene dosage between male and female cells while inducing differences in autosomes. The dispersed Xist configuration and autosomal localization also occur transiently during XCI initiation in mouse PSCs. Together, our study identifies XIST as the regulator of X chromosome dampening, uncovers an evolutionarily conserved trans-acting role of XIST/Xist, and reveals a correlation between XIST/Xist dispersal and autosomal targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Dror
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Tsotne Chitiashvili
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Shawn Y X Tan
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Clara T Cano
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Anna Sahakyan
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yolanda Markaki
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Institute for Structural and Chemical Biology & Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Constantinos Chronis
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Amanda J Collier
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Weixian Deng
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Guohao Liang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Yu Sun
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Anna Afasizheva
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jarrett Miller
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Wen Xiao
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Douglas L Black
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Fangyuan Ding
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Kathrin Plath
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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10
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Khan SA, Theunissen TW. Modeling X-chromosome inactivation and reactivation during human development. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2023; 82:102096. [PMID: 37597506 PMCID: PMC10588740 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Stem-cell-based embryo models generate much excitement as they offer a window into an early phase of human development that has remained largely inaccessible to scientific investigation. An important epigenetic phenomenon during early embryogenesis is the epigenetic silencing of one of the two X chromosomes in female embryos, which ensures an equal output of X-linked gene expression between the sexes. X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) is thought to be established within the first three weeks of human development, although the inactive X-chromosome is reactivated in primordial germ cells (PGCs) that migrate to the embryonic gonads. Here, we summarize our current understanding of X-chromosome dynamics during human development and comment on the potential of recently established stem-cell-based models to reveal the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shafqat A Khan
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA. https://twitter.com/@sakhan2019
| | - Thorold W Theunissen
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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11
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Pedroza M, Gassaloglu SI, Dias N, Zhong L, Hou TCJ, Kretzmer H, Smith ZD, Sozen B. Self-patterning of human stem cells into post-implantation lineages. Nature 2023; 622:574-583. [PMID: 37369348 PMCID: PMC10584676 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06354-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Investigating human development is a substantial scientific challenge due to the technical and ethical limitations of working with embryonic samples. In the face of these difficulties, stem cells have provided an alternative to experimentally model inaccessible stages of human development in vitro1-13. Here we show that human pluripotent stem cells can be triggered to self-organize into three-dimensional structures that recapitulate some key spatiotemporal events of early human post-implantation embryonic development. Our system reproducibly captures spontaneous differentiation and co-development of embryonic epiblast-like and extra-embryonic hypoblast-like lineages, establishes key signalling hubs with secreted modulators and undergoes symmetry breaking-like events. Single-cell transcriptomics confirms differentiation into diverse cell states of the perigastrulating human embryo14,15 without establishing placental cell types, including signatures of post-implantation epiblast, amniotic ectoderm, primitive streak, mesoderm, early extra-embryonic endoderm, as well as initial yolk sac induction. Collectively, our system captures key features of human embryonic development spanning from Carnegie stage16 4-7, offering a reproducible, tractable and scalable experimental platform to understand the basic cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie human development, including new opportunities to dissect congenital pathologies with high throughput.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Pedroza
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Seher Ipek Gassaloglu
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nicolas Dias
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Liangwen Zhong
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Tien-Chi Jason Hou
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Helene Kretzmer
- Department of Genome Regulation, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Zachary D Smith
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Berna Sozen
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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12
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Agostinho de Sousa J, Wong CW, Dunkel I, Owens T, Voigt P, Hodgson A, Baker D, Schulz EG, Reik W, Smith A, Rostovskaya M, von Meyenn F. Epigenetic dynamics during capacitation of naïve human pluripotent stem cells. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg1936. [PMID: 37774033 PMCID: PMC10541016 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg1936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are of fundamental relevance in regenerative medicine. Naïve hPSCs hold promise to overcome some of the limitations of conventional (primed) hPSCs, including recurrent epigenetic anomalies. Naïve-to-primed transition (capacitation) follows transcriptional dynamics of human embryonic epiblast and is necessary for somatic differentiation from naïve hPSCs. We found that capacitated hPSCs are transcriptionally closer to postimplantation epiblast than conventional hPSCs. This prompted us to comprehensively study epigenetic and related transcriptional changes during capacitation. Our results show that CpG islands, gene regulatory elements, and retrotransposons are hotspots of epigenetic dynamics during capacitation and indicate possible distinct roles of specific epigenetic modifications in gene expression control between naïve and primed hPSCs. Unexpectedly, PRC2 activity appeared to be dispensable for the capacitation. We find that capacitated hPSCs acquire an epigenetic state similar to conventional hPSCs. Significantly, however, the X chromosome erosion frequently observed in conventional female hPSCs is reversed by resetting and subsequent capacitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Agostinho de Sousa
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolic Epigenetics, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8603 Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Chee-Wai Wong
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolic Epigenetics, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8603 Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Ilona Dunkel
- Systems Epigenetics, Otto Warburg Laboratories, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Owens
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Philipp Voigt
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Adam Hodgson
- School of Biosciences, The Julia Garnham Centre, University of Sheffield, S10 2TN Sheffield, UK
| | - Duncan Baker
- Sheffield Diagnostic Genetics Services, Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, S5 7AU Sheffield, UK
| | - Edda G. Schulz
- Systems Epigenetics, Otto Warburg Laboratories, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Wolf Reik
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1QR, UK
- Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
- Altos Labs Cambridge Institute of Science, Cambridge CB21 6GP, UK
| | - Austin Smith
- Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, EX4 4QD Exeter, UK
| | - Maria Rostovskaya
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Ferdinand von Meyenn
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolic Epigenetics, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, 8603 Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King’s College London, Guy’s Hospital, SE1 9RT London, UK
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13
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Karvas RM, Zemke JE, Ali SS, Upton E, Sane E, Fischer LA, Dong C, Park KM, Wang F, Park K, Hao S, Chew B, Meyer B, Zhou C, Dietmann S, Theunissen TW. 3D-cultured blastoids model human embryogenesis from pre-implantation to early gastrulation stages. Cell Stem Cell 2023; 30:1148-1165.e7. [PMID: 37683602 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Naive human pluripotent stem cells have the remarkable ability to self-organize into blastocyst-like structures ("blastoids") that model lineage segregation in the pre-implantation embryo. However, the extent to which blastoids can recapitulate the defining features of human post-implantation development remains unexplored. Here, we report that blastoids cultured on thick three-dimensional (3D) extracellular matrices capture hallmarks of early post-implantation development, including epiblast lumenogenesis, rapid expansion and diversification of trophoblast lineages, and robust invasion of extravillous trophoblast cells by day 14. Extended blastoid culture results in the localized activation of primitive streak marker TBXT and the emergence of embryonic germ layers by day 21. We also show that the modulation of WNT signaling alters the balance between epiblast and trophoblast fates in post-implantation blastoids. This work demonstrates that 3D-cultured blastoids offer a continuous and integrated in vitro model system of human embryonic and extraembryonic development from pre-implantation to early gastrulation stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowan M Karvas
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Joseph E Zemke
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Syed Shahzaib Ali
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Institute for Informatics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Eric Upton
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Eshan Sane
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Laura A Fischer
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Chen Dong
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Kyoung-Mi Park
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Kibeom Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Senyue Hao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Brian Chew
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Brittany Meyer
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Chao Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Sabine Dietmann
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Institute for Informatics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
| | - Thorold W Theunissen
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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14
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Lechner L, Opitz R, Silver MJ, Krabusch PM, Prentice AM, Field MS, Stachelscheid H, Leitão E, Schröder C, Fernandez Vallone V, Horsthemke B, Jöckel KH, Schmidt B, Nöthen MM, Hoffmann P, Herms S, Kleyn PW, Megges M, Blume-Peytavi U, Weiss K, Mai K, Blankenstein O, Obermayer B, Wiegand S, Kühnen P. Early-set POMC methylation variability is accompanied by increased risk for obesity and is addressable by MC4R agonist treatment. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eadg1659. [PMID: 37467315 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adg1659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence points toward epigenetic variants as a risk factor for developing obesity. We analyzed DNA methylation of the POMC (pro-opiomelanocortin) gene, which is pivotal for satiety regulation. We identified sex-specific and nongenetically determined POMC hypermethylation associated with a 1.4-fold (confidence interval, 1.03 to 2.04) increased individual risk of developing obesity. To investigate the early embryonic establishment of POMC methylation states, we established a human embryonic stem cell (hESC) model. Here, hESCs (WA01) were transferred into a naïve state, which was associated with a reduction of DNA methylation. Naïve hESCs were differentiated via a formative state into POMC-expressing hypothalamic neurons, which was accompanied by re-establishment of DNA methylation patterning. We observed that reduced POMC gene expression was associated with increased POMC methylation in POMC-expressing neurons. On the basis of these findings, we treated POMC-hypermethylated obese individuals (n = 5) with an MC4R agonist and observed a body weight reduction of 4.66 ± 2.16% (means ± SD) over a mean treatment duration of 38.4 ± 26.0 weeks. In summary, we identified an epigenetic obesity risk variant at the POMC gene fulfilling the criteria for a metastable epiallele established in early embryonic development that may be addressable by MC4R agonist treatment to reduce body weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Lechner
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert Opitz
- Institute for Experimental Pediatric Endocrinology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Matt J Silver
- Medical Research Council Unit, Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, Banjul, PO Box 273, Gambia
| | - Philipp M Krabusch
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrew M Prentice
- Medical Research Council Unit, Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Fajara, Banjul, PO Box 273, Gambia
| | - Martha S Field
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Harald Stachelscheid
- Berlin Institute of Health, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, BIH Core Unit Stem Cells and Organoids, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Elsa Leitão
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | | | - Valeria Fernandez Vallone
- Berlin Institute of Health, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, BIH Core Unit Stem Cells and Organoids, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Bernhard Horsthemke
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Karl-Heinz Jöckel
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Börge Schmidt
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, University Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Markus M Nöthen
- Institute of Human Genetics, School of Medicine and University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Per Hoffmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, School of Medicine and University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Stefan Herms
- Institute of Human Genetics, School of Medicine and University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Matthias Megges
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrike Blume-Peytavi
- Clinical Research Center for Hair and Skin Science, Department of Dermatology and Venerology and Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Katja Weiss
- Klinik für Angeborene Herzfehler - Kinderkardiologie, Deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Knut Mai
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Nutrition and Charité Center for Cardiovascular Research, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research, 85764 München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Oliver Blankenstein
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 13353 Berlin, Germany
- Department Endocrinology and Metabolism, Labor Berlin-Charité Vivantes GmbH, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Benedikt Obermayer
- Core Unit Bioinformatics (CUBI), Berlin Institute of Health/Charité- Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Susanna Wiegand
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Center for Social-Pediatric Care/Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Kühnen
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 13353 Berlin, Germany
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15
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Kohler TN, De Jonghe J, Ellermann AL, Yanagida A, Herger M, Slatery EM, Weberling A, Munger C, Fischer K, Mulas C, Winkel A, Ross C, Bergmann S, Franze K, Chalut K, Nichols J, Boroviak TE, Hollfelder F. Plakoglobin is a mechanoresponsive regulator of naive pluripotency. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4022. [PMID: 37419903 PMCID: PMC10329048 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39515-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomechanical cues are instrumental in guiding embryonic development and cell differentiation. Understanding how these physical stimuli translate into transcriptional programs will provide insight into mechanisms underlying mammalian pre-implantation development. Here, we explore this type of regulation by exerting microenvironmental control over mouse embryonic stem cells. Microfluidic encapsulation of mouse embryonic stem cells in agarose microgels stabilizes the naive pluripotency network and specifically induces expression of Plakoglobin (Jup), a vertebrate homolog of β-catenin. Overexpression of Plakoglobin is sufficient to fully re-establish the naive pluripotency gene regulatory network under metastable pluripotency conditions, as confirmed by single-cell transcriptome profiling. Finally, we find that, in the epiblast, Plakoglobin was exclusively expressed at the blastocyst stage in human and mouse embryos - further strengthening the link between Plakoglobin and naive pluripotency in vivo. Our work reveals Plakoglobin as a mechanosensitive regulator of naive pluripotency and provides a paradigm to interrogate the effects of volumetric confinement on cell-fate transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo N Kohler
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Hopkins Building, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, UK
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge, CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Joachim De Jonghe
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Hopkins Building, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, UK
| | - Anna L Ellermann
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Hopkins Building, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, UK
| | - Ayaka Yanagida
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge, CB2 0AW, UK
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
- Stem Cell Therapy Laboratory, Advanced Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
| | - Michael Herger
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Hopkins Building, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, UK
| | - Erin M Slatery
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Antonia Weberling
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Hopkins Building, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Clara Munger
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Hopkins Building, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Katrin Fischer
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Hopkins Building, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, UK
| | - Carla Mulas
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge, CB2 0AW, UK
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
- Altos Labs, Cambridge Institute of Science, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alex Winkel
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Connor Ross
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council 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, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, UK
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Sophie Bergmann
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Kristian Franze
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, UK
- Institute of Medical Physics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Henkestr. 91, 91052, Erlangen, Germany
- Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kevin Chalut
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge, CB2 0AW, UK
- Altos Labs, Cambridge Institute of Science, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jennifer Nichols
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council 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, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, UK
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Thorsten E Boroviak
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council 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, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, UK.
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, UK.
| | - Florian Hollfelder
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Hopkins Building, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, UK.
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16
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Ping W, Sheng Y, Hu G, Zhong H, Li Y, Liu Y, Luo W, Yan C, Wen Y, Wang X, Li Q, Guo R, Zhang J, Liu A, Pan G, Yao H. RBBP4 is an epigenetic barrier for the induced transition of pluripotent stem cells into totipotent 2C-like cells. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:5414-5431. [PMID: 37021556 PMCID: PMC10287929 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular totipotency is critical for whole-organism generation, yet how totipotency is established remains poorly illustrated. Abundant transposable elements (TEs) are activated in totipotent cells, which is critical for embryonic totipotency. Here, we show that the histone chaperone RBBP4, but not its homolog RBBP7, is indispensable for maintaining the identity of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Auxin-induced degradation of RBBP4, but not RBBP7, reprograms mESCs to the totipotent 2C-like cells. Also, loss of RBBP4 enhances transition from mESCs to trophoblast cells. Mechanistically, RBBP4 binds to the endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) and functions as an upstream regulator by recruiting G9a to deposit H3K9me2 on ERVL elements, and recruiting KAP1 to deposit H3K9me3 on ERV1/ERVK elements, respectively. Moreover, RBBP4 facilitates the maintenance of nucleosome occupancy at the ERVK and ERVL sites within heterochromatin regions through the chromatin remodeler CHD4. RBBP4 depletion leads to the loss of the heterochromatin marks and activation of TEs and 2C genes. Together, our findings illustrate that RBBP4 is required for heterochromatin assembly and is a critical barrier for inducing cell fate transition from pluripotency to totipotency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangfang Ping
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yingliang Sheng
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Gongcheng Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongxin Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yaoyi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - YanJiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chenghong Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yulin Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinxiu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ake Liu
- Department of Life Sciences, Changzhi University, Changzhi, China
| | - Guangjin Pan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongjie Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou Medical University; Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute of Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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17
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Haider S, Beristain AG. Human organoid systems in modeling reproductive tissue development, function, and disease. Hum Reprod 2023:7147082. [PMID: 37119533 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Research focused on human reproductive biology has primarily relied upon clinical samples affording mainly descriptive studies with limited implementation of functional or mechanistic understanding. More importantly, restricted access to human embryonic material has necessitated the use of animals, primarily rats and mice, and short-term primary cell cultures derived from human patient material. While reproductive developmental processes are generally conserved across mammals, specific features unique to human reproduction have resulted in the development of human-based in vitro systems designed to retain or recapitulate key molecular and cellular processes important in humans. Of note, major advances in 3D epithelial stem cell-based systems modeling human reproductive organ development have been made. These cultures, broadly referred to as organoids, enable research aimed at understanding cellular hierarchies and processes controlling cellular differentiation and function. Moreover, organoids allow the pre-clinical testing of pharmacological substances, both from safety and efficacy standpoints, and hold large potential in driving aspects of personalized medicine that were previously not possible with traditional models. In this mini-review, we focus on summarizing the current state of regenerative organoid culture systems of the female and male reproductive tracts that model organ development, maintenance, and function. Specifically, we will introduce stem cell-based organoid models of the ovary/fallopian tube, endometrium, cervix, prostate gland, and testes. We will also describe organoid systems of the pre-implanting blastocyst and trophoblast, as the blastocyst and its extraembryonic trophectoderm are central to fetal, maternal, and overall pregnancy health. We describe the foundational studies leading to their development and outline the utility as well as specific limitations that are unique and common to many of these in vitro platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Haider
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander G Beristain
- The British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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18
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Han D, Liu G, Oh Y, Oh S, Yang S, Mandjikian L, Rani N, Almeida MC, Kosik KS, Jang J. ZBTB12 is a molecular barrier to dedifferentiation in human pluripotent stem cells. Nat Commun 2023; 14:632. [PMID: 36759523 PMCID: PMC9911396 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36178-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Development is generally viewed as one-way traffic of cell state transition from primitive to developmentally advanced states. However, molecular mechanisms that ensure the unidirectional transition of cell fates remain largely unknown. Through exact transcription start site mapping, we report an evolutionarily conserved BTB domain-containing zinc finger protein, ZBTB12, as a molecular barrier for dedifferentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals that ZBTB12 is essential for three germ layer differentiation by blocking hPSC dedifferentiation. Mechanistically, ZBTB12 fine-tunes the expression of human endogenous retrovirus H (HERVH), a primate-specific retrotransposon, and targets specific transcripts that utilize HERVH as a regulatory element. In particular, the downregulation of HERVH-overlapping long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) by ZBTB12 is necessary for a successful exit from a pluripotent state and lineage derivation. Overall, we identify ZBTB12 as a molecular barrier that safeguards the unidirectional transition of metastable stem cell fates toward developmentally advanced states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dasol Han
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Guojing Liu
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA.,Novogene Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Yujeong Oh
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Korea
| | - Seyoun Oh
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Korea
| | - Seungbok Yang
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Korea
| | - Lori Mandjikian
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Neha Rani
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences & Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India
| | - Maria C Almeida
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA.,Federal University of ABC, Center for Natural and Human Sciences São Bernardo do Campo, Santo André, Brazil
| | - Kenneth S Kosik
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA.
| | - Jiwon Jang
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Korea.
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19
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Alves-Lopes JP, Wong FCK, Tang WWC, Gruhn WH, Ramakrishna NB, Jowett GM, Jahnukainen K, Surani MA. Specification of human germ cell fate with enhanced progression capability supported by hindgut organoids. Cell Rep 2023; 42:111907. [PMID: 36640324 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Human primordial germ cells (hPGCs), the precursors of sperm and eggs, are specified during weeks 2-3 after fertilization. Few studies on ex vivo and in vitro cultured human embryos reported plausible hPGCs on embryonic day (E) 12-13 and in an E16-17 gastrulating embryo. In vitro, hPGC-like cells (hPGCLCs) can be specified from the intermediary pluripotent stage or peri-gastrulation precursors. Here, we explore the broad spectrum of hPGCLC precursors and how different precursors impact hPGCLC development. We show that resetting precursors can give rise to hPGCLCs (rhPGCLCs) in response to BMP. Strikingly, rhPGCLCs co-cultured with human hindgut organoids progress at a pace reminiscent of in vivo hPGC development, unlike those derived from peri-gastrulation precursors. Moreover, rhPGCLC specification depends on both EOMES and TBXT, not just on EOMES as for peri-gastrulation hPGCLCs. Importantly, our study provides the foundation for developing efficient in vitro models of human gametogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Pedro Alves-Lopes
- Wellcome/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK; NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, J9:30, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Visionsgatan 4, Solna, 17164 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Frederick C K Wong
- Wellcome/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Walfred W C Tang
- Wellcome/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Wolfram H Gruhn
- Wellcome/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Navin B Ramakrishna
- Wellcome/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK; Genome Institute of Singapore, A(∗)STAR, Biopolis, Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Geraldine M Jowett
- Wellcome/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Kirsi Jahnukainen
- NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, J9:30, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Visionsgatan 4, Solna, 17164 Stockholm, Sweden; New Children's Hospital, Paediatric Research Centre, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Pl 281, 00029 Helsinki, Finland
| | - M Azim Surani
- Wellcome/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK.
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20
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Maskalenka K, Alagöz G, Krueger F, Wright J, Rostovskaya M, Nakhuda A, Bendall A, Krueger C, Walker S, Scally A, Rugg-Gunn PJ. NANOGP1, a tandem duplicate of NANOG, exhibits partial functional conservation in human naïve pluripotent stem cells. Development 2023; 150:286291. [PMID: 36621005 PMCID: PMC10110494 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Gene duplication events can drive evolution by providing genetic material for new gene functions, and they create opportunities for diverse developmental strategies to emerge between species. To study the contribution of duplicated genes to human early development, we examined the evolution and function of NANOGP1, a tandem duplicate of the transcription factor NANOG. We found that NANOGP1 and NANOG have overlapping but distinct expression profiles, with high NANOGP1 expression restricted to early epiblast cells and naïve-state pluripotent stem cells. Sequence analysis and epitope-tagging revealed that NANOGP1 is protein coding with an intact homeobox domain. The duplication that created NANOGP1 occurred earlier in primate evolution than previously thought and has been retained only in great apes, whereas Old World monkeys have disabled the gene in different ways, including homeodomain point mutations. NANOGP1 is a strong inducer of naïve pluripotency; however, unlike NANOG, it is not required to maintain the undifferentiated status of human naïve pluripotent cells. By retaining expression, sequence and partial functional conservation with its ancestral copy, NANOGP1 exemplifies how gene duplication and subfunctionalisation can contribute to transcription factor activity in human pluripotency and development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gökberk Alagöz
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EH, UK
| | - Felix Krueger
- Bioinformatics Group, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Joshua Wright
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | | | - Asif Nakhuda
- Gene Targeting Facility, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Adam Bendall
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Christel Krueger
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Simon Walker
- Imaging Facility, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Aylwyn Scally
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EH, UK
| | - Peter J Rugg-Gunn
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
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21
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Dattani A, Huang T, Liddle C, Smith A, Guo G. Suppression of YAP safeguards human naïve pluripotency. Development 2022; 149:dev200988. [PMID: 36398796 PMCID: PMC9845734 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Propagation of human naïve pluripotent stem cells (nPSCs) relies on the inhibition of MEK/ERK signalling. However, MEK/ERK inhibition also promotes differentiation into trophectoderm (TE). Therefore, robust self-renewal requires suppression of TE fate. Tankyrase inhibition using XAV939 has been shown to stabilise human nPSCs and is implicated in TE suppression. Here, we dissect the mechanism of this effect. Tankyrase inhibition is known to block canonical Wnt/β-catenin signalling. However, we show that nPSCs depleted of β-catenin remain dependent on XAV939. Rather than inhibiting Wnt, we found that XAV939 prevents TE induction by reducing activation of YAP, a co-factor of TE-inducing TEAD transcription factors. Tankyrase inhibition stabilises angiomotin, which limits nuclear accumulation of YAP. Upon deletion of angiomotin-family members AMOT and AMOTL2, nuclear YAP increases and XAV939 fails to prevent TE induction. Expression of constitutively active YAP similarly precipitates TE differentiation. Conversely, nPSCs lacking YAP1 or its paralog TAZ (WWTR1) resist TE differentiation and self-renewal efficiently without XAV939. These findings explain the distinct requirement for tankyrase inhibition in human but not in mouse nPSCs and highlight the pivotal role of YAP activity in human naïve pluripotency and TE differentiation. This article has an associated 'The people behind the papers' interview.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anish Dattani
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Tao Huang
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Corin Liddle
- Bioimaging Centre, Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Austin Smith
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Ge Guo
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
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22
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Cesare E, Urciuolo A, Stuart HT, Torchio E, Gesualdo A, Laterza C, Gagliano O, Martewicz S, Cui M, Manfredi A, Di Filippo L, Sabatelli P, Squarzoni S, Zorzan I, Betto RM, Martello G, Cacchiarelli D, Luni C, Elvassore N. 3D ECM-rich environment sustains the identity of naive human iPSCs. Cell Stem Cell 2022; 29:1703-1717.e7. [PMID: 36459970 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2022.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The establishment of in vitro naive human pluripotent stem cell cultures opened new perspectives for the study of early events in human development. The role of several transcription factors and signaling pathways have been characterized during maintenance of human naive pluripotency. However, little is known about the role exerted by the extracellular matrix (ECM) and its three-dimensional (3D) organization. Here, using an unbiased and integrated approach combining microfluidic cultures with transcriptional, proteomic, and secretome analyses, we found that naive, but not primed, hiPSC colonies are characterized by a self-organized ECM-rich microenvironment. Based on this, we developed a 3D culture system that supports robust long-term feeder-free self-renewal of naive hiPSCs and also allows direct and timely developmental morphogenesis simply by modulating the signaling environment. Our study opens new perspectives for future applications of naive hiPSCs to study critical stages of human development in 3D starting from a single cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Cesare
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, 6/a Via Gradenigo, Padova 35131, Italy; Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, 2 Via Orus, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Anna Urciuolo
- University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK; Institute of Pediatric Research IRP, Corso Stati Uniti, Padova 35127, Italy; Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Hannah T Stuart
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, 6/a Via Gradenigo, Padova 35131, Italy; Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, 2 Via Orus, Padova 35131, Italy; The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK; Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Campus-Vienna-BioCenter 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Erika Torchio
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, 2 Via Orus, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Alessia Gesualdo
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, 6/a Via Gradenigo, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Cecilia Laterza
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, 6/a Via Gradenigo, Padova 35131, Italy; Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, 2 Via Orus, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Onelia Gagliano
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, 6/a Via Gradenigo, Padova 35131, Italy; Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, 2 Via Orus, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Sebastian Martewicz
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies (SIAIS), ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Meihua Cui
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies (SIAIS), ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Anna Manfredi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Armenise/Harvard Laboratory of Integrative Genomics, Pozzuoli, Italy; Next Generation Diagnostic srl, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Lucio Di Filippo
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Armenise/Harvard Laboratory of Integrative Genomics, Pozzuoli, Italy; Next Generation Diagnostic srl, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Patrizia Sabatelli
- CNR - Institute of Molecular Genetics "Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza" - Unit of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; IRCCS-Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Squarzoni
- CNR - Institute of Molecular Genetics "Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza" - Unit of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; IRCCS-Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Irene Zorzan
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, CB22 3AT Cambridge, UK
| | - Riccardo M Betto
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Graziano Martello
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via G. Colombo 3, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Davide Cacchiarelli
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Armenise/Harvard Laboratory of Integrative Genomics, Pozzuoli, Italy; Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy; School for Advanced Studies, Genomics and Experimental Medicine Program, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Camilla Luni
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies (SIAIS), ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China; Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering (DICAM), University of Bologna, Via Terracini 28, Bologna 40131, Italy
| | - Nicola Elvassore
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, 6/a Via Gradenigo, Padova 35131, Italy; Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, 2 Via Orus, Padova 35131, Italy; University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK.
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23
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Gropp M, Waldhorn I, Gil Y, Steiner D, Turetsky TT, Smith Y, Sabag O, Falick-Michaeli T, Ram SE, Reubinoff BE. Laminin111-based defined culture promoting self-renewing human pluripotent stem cells with properties of the early post-implantation epiblast. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:2643-2660. [PMID: 36368331 PMCID: PMC9768580 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the mammalian embryo, a formative pluripotent phase is proposed to exist at the early post-implantation period, during the transition from the pre-implantation naive-to the post-implantation primed-epiblast. By recapitulating a laminin component of the extracellular matrix niche during embryonic formative transition, and defined culture conditions, we generated cultures highly enriched for self-renewing human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), exhibiting properties of early post-implantation epiblast cells. These hPSCs display post-implantation-epiblast gene expression profiles. FGF and TGF-β signaling maintain their self-renewal for multiple passages. They have inactive canonical Wnt signaling, do not express primitive streak markers, and are competent to initiate differentiation toward germline and somatic fates. hPSCs exhibiting early post-implantation epiblast properties may shed light on human embryonic PSCs development and may serve for initiating somatic and germ cell specification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Gropp
- The Hadassah Stem Cell Research Center, Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, 91120 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ithai Waldhorn
- The Hadassah Stem Cell Research Center, Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, 91120 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yaniv Gil
- The Hadassah Stem Cell Research Center, Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, 91120 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Debora Steiner
- The Hadassah Stem Cell Research Center, Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, 91120 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Tikva Tako Turetsky
- The Hadassah Stem Cell Research Center, Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, 91120 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yoav Smith
- The Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ofra Sabag
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Tal Falick-Michaeli
- Rubin Chair in Medical Science, Department of Developmental Biology & Cancer Research, IMRIC, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Sharona Even Ram
- The Hadassah Stem Cell Research Center, Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, 91120 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Benjamin E. Reubinoff
- The Hadassah Stem Cell Research Center, Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, 91120 Jerusalem, Israel,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, 91120 Jerusalem, Israel,Corresponding author
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24
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Watanabe M, Buth JE, Haney JR, Vishlaghi N, Turcios F, Elahi LS, Gu W, Pearson CA, Kurdian A, Baliaouri NV, Collier AJ, Miranda OA, Dunn N, Chen D, Sabri S, Torre-Ubieta LDL, Clark AT, Plath K, Christofk HR, Kornblum HI, Gandal MJ, Novitch BG. TGFβ superfamily signaling regulates the state of human stem cell pluripotency and capacity to create well-structured telencephalic organoids. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:2220-2238. [PMID: 36179695 PMCID: PMC9561534 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Telencephalic organoids generated from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are a promising system for studying the distinct features of the developing human brain and the underlying causes of many neurological disorders. While organoid technology is steadily advancing, many challenges remain, including potential batch-to-batch and cell-line-to-cell-line variability, and structural inconsistency. Here, we demonstrate that a major contributor to cortical organoid quality is the way hPSCs are maintained prior to differentiation. Optimal results were achieved using particular fibroblast-feeder-supported hPSCs rather than feeder-independent cells, differences that were reflected in their transcriptomic states at the outset. Feeder-supported hPSCs displayed activation of diverse transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) superfamily signaling pathways and increased expression of genes connected to naive pluripotency. We further identified combinations of TGFβ-related growth factors that are necessary and together sufficient to impart broad telencephalic organoid competency to feeder-free hPSCs and enhance the formation of well-structured brain tissues suitable for disease modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Momoko Watanabe
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Jessie E Buth
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jillian R Haney
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Neda Vishlaghi
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Felix Turcios
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Lubayna S Elahi
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Wen Gu
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Caroline A Pearson
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Arinnae Kurdian
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Natella V Baliaouri
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Amanda J Collier
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Osvaldo A Miranda
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Natassia Dunn
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Di Chen
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Shan Sabri
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Luis de la Torre-Ubieta
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Amander T Clark
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Kathrin Plath
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Heather R Christofk
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Harley I Kornblum
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Michael J Gandal
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Bennett G Novitch
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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25
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Wang X, Wu Q. The Divergent Pluripotent States in Mouse and Human Cells. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13081459. [PMID: 36011370 PMCID: PMC9408542 DOI: 10.3390/genes13081459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), which can self-renew and give rise to all cell types in all three germ layers, have great potential in regenerative medicine. Recent studies have shown that PSCs can have three distinct but interrelated pluripotent states: naive, formative, and primed. The PSCs of each state are derived from different stages of the early developing embryo and can be maintained in culture by different molecular mechanisms. In this review, we summarize the current understanding on features of the three pluripotent states and review the underlying molecular mechanisms of maintaining their identities. Lastly, we discuss the interrelation and transition among these pluripotency states. We believe that comprehending the divergence of pluripotent states is essential to fully harness the great potential of stem cells in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qiang Wu
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +853-8897-2708
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26
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Ávila-González D, Portillo W, Barragán-Álvarez CP, Hernandez-Montes G, Flores-Garza E, Molina-Hernández A, Diaz-Martinez NE, Diaz NF. The human amniotic epithelium confers a bias to differentiate toward the neuroectoderm lineage in human embryonic stem cells. eLife 2022; 11:68035. [PMID: 35815953 PMCID: PMC9313526 DOI: 10.7554/elife.68035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) derive from the epiblast and have pluripotent potential. To maintain the conventional conditions of the pluripotent potential in an undifferentiated state, inactivated mouse embryonic fibroblast (iMEF) is used as a feeder layer. However, it has been suggested that hESC under this conventional condition (hESC-iMEF) is an artifact that does not correspond to the in vitro counterpart of the human epiblast. Our previous studies demonstrated the use of an alternative feeder layer of human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) to derive and maintain hESC. We wondered if the hESC-hAEC culture could represent a different pluripotent stage than that of naïve or primed conventional conditions, simulating the stage in which the amniotic epithelium derives from the epiblast during peri-implantation. Like the conventional primed hESC-iMEF, hESC-hAEC has the same levels of expression as the ‘pluripotency core’ and does not express markers of naïve pluripotency. However, it presents a downregulation of HOX genes and genes associated with the endoderm and mesoderm, and it exhibits an increase in the expression of ectoderm lineage genes, specifically in the anterior neuroectoderm. Transcriptome analysis showed in hESC-hAEC an upregulated signature of genes coding for transcription factors involved in neural induction and forebrain development, and the ability to differentiate into a neural lineage was superior in comparison with conventional hESC-iMEF. We propose that the interaction of hESC with hAEC confers hESC a biased potential that resembles the anteriorized epiblast, which is predisposed to form the neural ectoderm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Ávila-González
- Fisiología y Desarrollo Celular, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Wendy Portillo
- Behavioral and Cognitive Neurobiology, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Carla P Barragán-Álvarez
- Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | | | - Eliezer Flores-Garza
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Anayansi Molina-Hernández
- Fisiología y Desarrollo Celular, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Nestor F Diaz
- Fisiología y Desarrollo Celular, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología Isidro Espinosa de los Reyes, Mexico City, Mexico
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27
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Romayor I, Herrera L, Burón M, Martin-Inaraja M, Prieto L, Etxaniz J, Inglés-Ferrándiz M, Pineda JR, Eguizabal C. A Comparative Study of Cell Culture Conditions during Conversion from Primed to Naive Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061358. [PMID: 35740381 PMCID: PMC9219795 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The successful reprogramming of human somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) represented a turning point in the stem cell research field, owing to their ability to differentiate into any cell type with fewer ethical issues than human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). In mice, PSCs are thought to exist in a naive state, the cell culture equivalent of the immature pre-implantation embryo, whereas in humans, PSCs are in a primed state, which is a more committed pluripotent state than a naive state. Recent studies have focused on capturing a similar cell stage in human cells. Given their earlier developmental stage and therefore lack of cell-of-origin epigenetic memory, these cells would be better candidates for further re-differentiation, use in disease modeling, regenerative medicine and drug discovery. In this study, we used primed hiPSCs and hESCs to evaluate the successful establishment and maintenance of a naive cell stage using three different naive-conversion media, both in the feeder and feeder-free cells conditions. In addition, we compared the directed differentiation capacity of primed and naive cells into the three germ layers and characterized these different cell stages with commonly used pluripotent and lineage-specific markers. Our results show that, in general, naive culture NHSM medium (in both feeder and feeder-free systems) confers greater hiPSCs and hESCs viability and the highest naive pluripotency markers expression. This medium also allows better cell differentiation cells toward endoderm and mesoderm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Romayor
- Cell Therapy, Stem Cells and Tissues Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain; (I.R.); (L.H.); (M.B.); (M.M.-I.); (L.P.); (J.E.); (M.I.-F.)
- Research Unit, Basque Centre for Blood Transfusion and Human Tissues, 48960 Galdakao, Spain
- Cell Biology and Histology Department, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain;
| | - Lara Herrera
- Cell Therapy, Stem Cells and Tissues Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain; (I.R.); (L.H.); (M.B.); (M.M.-I.); (L.P.); (J.E.); (M.I.-F.)
- Research Unit, Basque Centre for Blood Transfusion and Human Tissues, 48960 Galdakao, Spain
| | - Maria Burón
- Cell Therapy, Stem Cells and Tissues Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain; (I.R.); (L.H.); (M.B.); (M.M.-I.); (L.P.); (J.E.); (M.I.-F.)
- Research Unit, Basque Centre for Blood Transfusion and Human Tissues, 48960 Galdakao, Spain
| | - Myriam Martin-Inaraja
- Cell Therapy, Stem Cells and Tissues Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain; (I.R.); (L.H.); (M.B.); (M.M.-I.); (L.P.); (J.E.); (M.I.-F.)
- Research Unit, Basque Centre for Blood Transfusion and Human Tissues, 48960 Galdakao, Spain
| | - Laura Prieto
- Cell Therapy, Stem Cells and Tissues Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain; (I.R.); (L.H.); (M.B.); (M.M.-I.); (L.P.); (J.E.); (M.I.-F.)
- Research Unit, Basque Centre for Blood Transfusion and Human Tissues, 48960 Galdakao, Spain
| | - Jone Etxaniz
- Cell Therapy, Stem Cells and Tissues Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain; (I.R.); (L.H.); (M.B.); (M.M.-I.); (L.P.); (J.E.); (M.I.-F.)
- Research Unit, Basque Centre for Blood Transfusion and Human Tissues, 48960 Galdakao, Spain
| | - Marta Inglés-Ferrándiz
- Cell Therapy, Stem Cells and Tissues Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain; (I.R.); (L.H.); (M.B.); (M.M.-I.); (L.P.); (J.E.); (M.I.-F.)
- Research Unit, Basque Centre for Blood Transfusion and Human Tissues, 48960 Galdakao, Spain
| | - Jose Ramon Pineda
- Cell Biology and Histology Department, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain;
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Cristina Eguizabal
- Cell Therapy, Stem Cells and Tissues Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain; (I.R.); (L.H.); (M.B.); (M.M.-I.); (L.P.); (J.E.); (M.I.-F.)
- Research Unit, Basque Centre for Blood Transfusion and Human Tissues, 48960 Galdakao, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-944-007-151
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28
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Integrated multi-omics reveal polycomb repressive complex 2 restricts human trophoblast induction. Nat Cell Biol 2022; 24:858-871. [PMID: 35697783 PMCID: PMC9203278 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-022-00932-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Human naive pluripotent stem cells have unrestricted lineage potential. Underpinning this property, naive cells are thought to lack chromatin-based lineage barriers. However, this assumption has not been tested. Here we define the chromatin-associated proteome, histone post-translational modifications and transcriptome of human naive and primed pluripotent stem cells. Our integrated analysis reveals differences in the relative abundance and activities of distinct chromatin modules. We identify a strong enrichment of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2)-associated H3K27me3 in the chromatin of naive pluripotent stem cells and H3K27me3 enrichment at promoters of lineage-determining genes, including trophoblast regulators. PRC2 activity acts as a chromatin barrier restricting the differentiation of naive cells towards the trophoblast lineage, whereas inhibition of PRC2 promotes trophoblast-fate induction and cavity formation in human blastoids. Together, our results establish that human naive pluripotent stem cells are not epigenetically unrestricted, but instead possess chromatin mechanisms that oppose the induction of alternative cell fates. Two side-by-side papers report that H3K27me3 deposited by polycomb repressive complex 2 represents an epigenetic barrier that restricts naive human pluripotent cell differentiation into alternative lineages including trophoblasts.
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29
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Rostovskaya M, Andrews S, Reik W, Rugg-Gunn PJ. Amniogenesis occurs in two independent waves in primates. Cell Stem Cell 2022; 29:744-759.e6. [PMID: 35439430 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2022.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
In primates, the amnion emerges through cavitation of the epiblast during implantation, whereas in other species it does so later at gastrulation by the folding of the ectoderm. How the mechanisms of amniogenesis diversified during evolution remains unknown. Unexpectedly, single-cell analysis of primate embryos uncovered two transcriptionally and temporally distinct amniogenesis waves. To study this, we employed the naive-to-primed transition of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) to model peri-implantation epiblast development. Partially primed hPSCs transiently gained the ability to differentiate into cavitating epithelium that transcriptionally and morphologically matched the early amnion, whereas fully primed hPSCs produced cells resembling the late amnion instead, thus recapitulating the two independent differentiation waves. The early wave follows a trophectoderm-like pathway and encompasses cavitation, whereas the late wave resembles an ectoderm-like route during gastrulation. The discovery of two independent waves explains how amniogenesis through cavitation could emerge during evolution via duplication of the pre-existing trophectoderm program.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simon Andrews
- Bioinformatics Group, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Wolf Reik
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK; Altoslabs Cambridge Institute, Cambridge CB21 6GP, UK; Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1QR, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Wellcome-MRC Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK.
| | - Peter J Rugg-Gunn
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Wellcome-MRC Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK.
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30
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Collier AJ, Bendall A, Fabian C, Malcolm AA, Tilgner K, Semprich CI, Wojdyla K, Nisi PS, Kishore K, Roamio Franklin VN, Mirshekar-Syahkal B, D’Santos C, Plath K, Yusa K, Rugg-Gunn PJ. Genome-wide screening identifies Polycomb repressive complex 1.3 as an essential regulator of human naïve pluripotent cell reprogramming. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabk0013. [PMID: 35333572 PMCID: PMC8956265 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abk0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Uncovering the mechanisms that establish naïve pluripotency in humans is crucial for the future applications of pluripotent stem cells including the production of human blastoids. However, the regulatory pathways that control the establishment of naïve pluripotency by reprogramming are largely unknown. Here, we use genome-wide screening to identify essential regulators as well as major impediments of human primed to naïve pluripotent stem cell reprogramming. We discover that factors essential for cell state change do not typically undergo changes at the level of gene expression but rather are repurposed with new functions. Mechanistically, we establish that the variant Polycomb complex PRC1.3 and PRDM14 jointly repress developmental and gene regulatory factors to ensure naïve cell reprogramming. In addition, small-molecule inhibitors of reprogramming impediments improve naïve cell reprogramming beyond current methods. Collectively, this work defines the principles controlling the establishment of human naïve pluripotency and also provides new insights into mechanisms that destabilize and reconfigure cell identity during cell state transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J. Collier
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Adam Bendall
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Andrew A. Malcolm
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome–MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Katarzyna Tilgner
- Stem Cell Genetics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | | - Kamal Kishore
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Clive D’Santos
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kathrin Plath
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kosuke Yusa
- Stem Cell Genetics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
- Stem Cell Genetics, Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Peter J. Rugg-Gunn
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome–MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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31
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Taubenschmid-Stowers J, Rostovskaya M, Santos F, Ljung S, Argelaguet R, Krueger F, Nichols J, Reik W. 8C-like cells capture the human zygotic genome activation program in vitro. Cell Stem Cell 2022; 29:449-459.e6. [PMID: 35216671 PMCID: PMC8901440 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2022.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The activation of the embryonic genome marks the first major wave of transcription in the developing organism. Zygotic genome activation (ZGA) in mouse 2-cell embryos and 8-cell embryos in humans is crucial for development. Here, we report the discovery of human 8-cell-like cells (8CLCs) among naive embryonic stem cells, which transcriptionally resemble the 8-cell human embryo. They express ZGA markers, including ZSCAN4 and LEUTX, and transposable elements, such as HERVL and MLT2A1. 8CLCs show reduced SOX2 levels and can be identified using TPRX1 and H3.Y marker proteins in vitro. Overexpression of the transcription factor DUX4 and spliceosome inhibition increase human ZGA-like transcription. Excitingly, the 8CLC markers TPRX1 and H3.Y are also expressed in ZGA-stage 8-cell human embryos and may thus be relevant in vivo. 8CLCs provide a unique opportunity to characterize human ZGA-like transcription and might provide critical insights into early events in embryogenesis in humans. ZGA genes and transposable elements are expressed in 8CLCs but not in naive stem cells DUX4 overexpression and spliceosome inhibition induce ZGA-like transcription 8CLC marker proteins TPRX1 and H3.Y are expressed in 8-cell human embryos 8CLCs can be used to study human ZGA-like programs in vitro
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fátima Santos
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Sebastian Ljung
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | | | - Felix Krueger
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Jennifer Nichols
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EL, UK
| | - Wolf Reik
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK; Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK.
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32
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Abstract
Naïve pluripotent stem cells are the in vitro counterparts of pre-implantation embryonic epiblast. During the last few years, several protocols for establishing and maintaining human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) with naïve features have been reported, and many of these protocols result in cell populations with different molecular characteristics. As such, choosing the most appropriate method for naïve hPSC maintenance can pose a significant challenge. This chapter presents an optimized system called PXGL for culturing naïve hPSCs. Naïve hPSCs robustly self-renew while retaining a normal karyotype in PXGL, and the protocol is reproducible across different cell lines and independent laboratories.
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33
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Rostovskaya M. Capacitation of Human Naïve Pluripotent Stem Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2416:117-131. [PMID: 34870834 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1908-7_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Naïve and primed pluripotent stem cells resemble epiblast cells of the pre-implantation and post-implantation embryo, respectively. This chapter describes a simple experimental system for the efficient and consistent transition of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) from the naïve to the primed state, which is a process called capacitation. Naïve hPSCs after capacitation can be differentiated further to somatic lineages, thus reproducing the order of developmental events in the embryo. Protocols for the induction of neuroectoderm, definitive endoderm, and paraxial mesoderm from hPSCs after capacitation and also from conventionally derived primed hPSCs are included in the chapter. Importantly, hPSC capacitation closely recapitulates transcriptional, metabolic, signaling, and cell polarity changes in the epiblast of primate embryos, and therefore offers a unique in vitro model of human peri-implantation development.
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34
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Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells exist in naïve and primed states that recapitulate the distinct molecular and cellular properties of pre- and post-implantation epiblast cells, respectively. Naïve pluripotent stem cells can be captured directly from blastocysts but, more commonly, the cells are reprogrammed from primed cells in a process called "resetting". Several methods to achieve resetting have been described. Chemical resetting of primed cells to a naïve pluripotent state is one such method and has come to the forefront as a simple, efficient, and transgene-free method to induce naïve pluripotency. The process involves the transient application of a histone deacetylase inhibitor to initiate resetting, followed by the emergence of nascent naïve pluripotent stem cells in supportive conditions, and finally the stabilization and expansion of naïve pluripotent stem cell cultures. Here, a detailed protocol is provided for chemical resetting starting from plating primed cells until a stable culture of naïve pluripotent stem cells is established.
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35
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von Meyenn F. Profiling DNA Methylation in Human Naïve Pluripotent Stem Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2416:157-180. [PMID: 34870836 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1908-7_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation represents one of the best characterized epigenetic modifications. In particular, global demethylation is a common feature of epigenetic reprogramming to naïve pluripotency in human and mouse pluripotent stem cells. In parallel to the global changes, several locus-specific changes to the DNA methylation landscape occur and also loss of imprinting has been observed in naïve human pluripotent stem cells. The current gold standard to assess and quantitively map DNA methylation is bisulfite sequencing. Various protocols are available for genome-wide bisulfite sequencing and here I describe an optimized method based on Post Bisulfite Adapter Tagging (PBAT) for low amounts of DNA or cells, with as little as 50 cells as minimum requirement, and with the possibility to process a large number of samples in parallel. I outline the basic bioinformatic steps needed to process raw Illumina sequencing data and then describe the inital steps of the analysis of DNA methylation datasets, including an assessment of imprint control regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferdinand von Meyenn
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolic Epigenetics, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland. .,Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, King's College London, London, UK.
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36
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Dietrich B, Haider S, Meinhardt G, Pollheimer J, Knöfler M. WNT and NOTCH signaling in human trophoblast development and differentiation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:292. [PMID: 35562545 PMCID: PMC9106601 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04285-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Correct development of the human placenta and its differentiated epithelial cells, syncytial trophoblasts (STBs) and extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs), is crucial for a successful pregnancy outcome. STBs develop by cell fusion of mononuclear cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) in placental floating villi, whereas migratory EVTs originate from specialized villi anchoring to the maternal decidua. Defects in trophoblast differentiation have been associated with severe pregnancy disorders such as early-onset preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction. However, the evolutionary pathways underlying normal and adverse placentation are poorly understood. Herein, we discuss Wingless (WNT) and NOTCH signaling, two pathways that play pivotal roles in human placenta and trophoblast development. Whereas WNT is necessary for expansion of trophoblast progenitors and stem cells, NOTCH1 is required for proliferation and survival of EVT precursors. Differentiation of the latter is orchestrated by a switch in NOTCH receptor expression as well as by changes in WNT ligands and their downstream effectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Dietrich
- grid.22937.3d0000 0000 9259 8492Placental Development Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18–20, 5Q, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sandra Haider
- grid.22937.3d0000 0000 9259 8492Placental Development Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18–20, 5Q, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gudrun Meinhardt
- grid.22937.3d0000 0000 9259 8492Placental Development Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18–20, 5Q, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jürgen Pollheimer
- grid.22937.3d0000 0000 9259 8492Maternal-Fetal Immunology Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18–20, 5Q, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Knöfler
- grid.22937.3d0000 0000 9259 8492Placental Development Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18–20, 5Q, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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37
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Kinoshita M, Kobayashi T, Planells B, Klisch D, Spindlow D, Masaki H, Bornelöv S, Stirparo GG, Matsunari H, Uchikura A, Lamas-Toranzo I, Nichols J, Nakauchi H, Nagashima H, Alberio R, Smith A. Pluripotent stem cells related to embryonic disc exhibit common self-renewal requirements in diverse livestock species. Development 2021; 148:273644. [PMID: 34874452 PMCID: PMC8714072 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Despite four decades of effort, robust propagation of pluripotent stem cells from livestock animals remains challenging. The requirements for self-renewal are unclear and the relationship of cultured stem cells to pluripotent cells resident in the embryo uncertain. Here, we avoided using feeder cells or serum factors to provide a defined culture microenvironment. We show that the combination of activin A, fibroblast growth factor and the Wnt inhibitor XAV939 (AFX) supports establishment and continuous expansion of pluripotent stem cell lines from porcine, ovine and bovine embryos. Germ layer differentiation was evident in teratomas and readily induced in vitro. Global transcriptome analyses highlighted commonality in transcription factor expression across the three species, while global comparison with porcine embryo stages showed proximity to bilaminar disc epiblast. Clonal genetic manipulation and gene targeting were exemplified in porcine stem cells. We further demonstrated that genetically modified AFX stem cells gave rise to cloned porcine foetuses by nuclear transfer. In summary, for major livestock mammals, pluripotent stem cells related to the formative embryonic disc are reliably established using a common and defined signalling environment. This article has an associated ‘The people behind the papers’ interview. Summary: We report the derivation of similar, stable and continuously expandable pluripotent stem cells related to embryonic disc epiblast from embryos of pig, sheep and cow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Kinoshita
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffery Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Toshihiro Kobayashi
- Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan.,Division of Mammalian Embryology, Centre for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Benjamin Planells
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Nottingham LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Doris Klisch
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Nottingham LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Daniel Spindlow
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffery Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK.,Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Hideki Masaki
- Division of Stem Cell Therapy, Distinguished Professor Unit, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Susanne Bornelöv
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffery Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Giuliano Giuseppe Stirparo
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffery Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK.,Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Hitomi Matsunari
- Laboratory of Medical Bioengineering, Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, 1-1-1 Higashi-mita, Tama, Kawasaki 214-8571, Japan
| | - Ayuko Uchikura
- Laboratory of Medical Bioengineering, Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, 1-1-1 Higashi-mita, Tama, Kawasaki 214-8571, Japan
| | - Ismael Lamas-Toranzo
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffery Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK.,School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Nottingham LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Jennifer Nichols
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffery Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK.,Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK
| | - Hiromitsu Nakauchi
- Division of Stem Cell Therapy, Distinguished Professor Unit, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan.,Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305USA
| | - Hiroshi Nagashima
- Laboratory of Medical Bioengineering, Department of Life Sciences, School of Agriculture, Meiji University, 1-1-1 Higashi-mita, Tama, Kawasaki 214-8571, Japan
| | - Ramiro Alberio
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Nottingham LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Austin Smith
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffery Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK.,Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
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38
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Pera MF, Rossant J. The exploration of pluripotency space: Charting cell state transitions in peri-implantation development. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 28:1896-1906. [PMID: 34672948 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Pluripotent cells in the mammalian embryo undergo state transitions marked by changes in patterns of gene expression and developmental potential as they progress from pre-implantation through post-implantation stages of development. Recent studies of cultured mouse and human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have identified cells representative of an intermediate stage (referred to as the formative state) between naive pluripotency (equivalent to pre-implantation epiblast) and primed pluripotency (equivalent to late post-implantation epiblast). We examine these recent findings in light of our knowledge of peri-implantation mouse and human development, and we consider the implications of this work for deriving human embryo models from pluripotent cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Janet Rossant
- The Hospital for Sick Children and the Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; The Gairdner Foundation, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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39
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Labouesse C, Tan BX, Agley CC, Hofer M, Winkel AK, Stirparo GG, Stuart HT, Verstreken CM, Mulas C, Mansfield W, Bertone P, Franze K, Silva JCR, Chalut KJ. StemBond hydrogels control the mechanical microenvironment for pluripotent stem cells. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6132. [PMID: 34675200 PMCID: PMC8531294 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26236-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies of mechanical signalling are typically performed by comparing cells cultured on soft and stiff hydrogel-based substrates. However, it is challenging to independently and robustly control both substrate stiffness and extracellular matrix tethering to substrates, making matrix tethering a potentially confounding variable in mechanical signalling investigations. Moreover, unstable matrix tethering can lead to poor cell attachment and weak engagement of cell adhesions. To address this, we developed StemBond hydrogels, a hydrogel in which matrix tethering is robust and can be varied independently of stiffness. We validate StemBond hydrogels by showing that they provide an optimal system for culturing mouse and human pluripotent stem cells. We further show how soft StemBond hydrogels modulate stem cell function, partly through stiffness-sensitive ERK signalling. Our findings underline how substrate mechanics impact mechanosensitive signalling pathways regulating self-renewal and differentiation, indicating that optimising the complete mechanical microenvironment will offer greater control over stem cell fate specification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Labouesse
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge, CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Bao Xiu Tan
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge, CB2 0AW, UK
- Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Chibeza C Agley
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge, CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Moritz Hofer
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge, CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Alexander K Winkel
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Giuliano G Stirparo
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge, CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Hannah T Stuart
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge, CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Christophe M Verstreken
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge, CB2 0AW, UK
- Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Carla Mulas
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge, CB2 0AW, UK
| | - William Mansfield
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge, CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Paul Bertone
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge, CB2 0AW, UK
- Department of Medicine, Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, IR, USA
| | - Kristian Franze
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, UK
- Institute of Medical Physics, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91052, Erlangen, Germany
- Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - José C R Silva
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge, CB2 0AW, UK.
- Center for Cell Lineage and Atlas, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, 510005, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Kevin J Chalut
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge, CB2 0AW, UK.
- Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK.
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DY, UK.
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40
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Osnato A, Brown S, Krueger C, Andrews S, Collier AJ, Nakanoh S, Quiroga Londoño M, Wesley BT, Muraro D, Brumm AS, Niakan KK, Vallier L, Ortmann D, Rugg-Gunn PJ. TGFβ signalling is required to maintain pluripotency of human naïve pluripotent stem cells. eLife 2021; 10:e67259. [PMID: 34463252 PMCID: PMC8410071 DOI: 10.7554/elife.67259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The signalling pathways that maintain primed human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have been well characterised, revealing a critical role for TGFβ/Activin/Nodal signalling. In contrast, the signalling requirements of naive human pluripotency have not been fully established. Here, we demonstrate that TGFβ signalling is required to maintain naive hPSCs. The downstream effector proteins - SMAD2/3 - bind common sites in naive and primed hPSCs, including shared pluripotency genes. In naive hPSCs, SMAD2/3 additionally bind to active regulatory regions near to naive pluripotency genes. Inhibiting TGFβ signalling in naive hPSCs causes the downregulation of SMAD2/3-target genes and pluripotency exit. Single-cell analyses reveal that naive and primed hPSCs follow different transcriptional trajectories after inhibition of TGFβ signalling. Primed hPSCs differentiate into neuroectoderm cells, whereas naive hPSCs transition into trophectoderm. These results establish that there is a continuum for TGFβ pathway function in human pluripotency spanning a developmental window from naive to primed states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Osnato
- Wellcome–MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Department of Surgery, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Stephanie Brown
- Wellcome–MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Department of Surgery, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Christel Krueger
- Bioinformatics Group, The Babraham InstituteCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Simon Andrews
- Bioinformatics Group, The Babraham InstituteCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Amanda J Collier
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham InstituteCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Shota Nakanoh
- Wellcome–MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Department of Surgery, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Division of Embryology, National Institute for Basic BiologyOkazakiJapan
| | - Mariana Quiroga Londoño
- Wellcome–MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Department of Surgery, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Brandon T Wesley
- Wellcome–MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Department of Surgery, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Daniele Muraro
- Wellcome–MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Department of Surgery, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, HinxtonCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - A Sophie Brumm
- Human Embryo and Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Kathy K Niakan
- Human Embryo and Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick InstituteLondonUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Ludovic Vallier
- Wellcome–MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Department of Surgery, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Daniel Ortmann
- Wellcome–MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Department of Surgery, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Peter J Rugg-Gunn
- Wellcome–MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham InstituteCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
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41
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Divergent roles for KLF4 and TFCP2L1 in naive ground state pluripotency and human primordial germ cell development. Stem Cell Res 2021; 55:102493. [PMID: 34399163 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2021.102493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
During embryo development, human primordial germ cells (hPGCs) express a naive gene expression program with similarities to pre-implantation naive epiblast (EPI) cells and naive human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). Previous studies have shown that TFAP2C is required for establishing naive gene expression in these cell types, however the role of additional naive transcription factors in hPGC biology is not known. Here, we show that unlike TFAP2C, the naive transcription factors KLF4 and TFCP2L1 are not required for induction of hPGC-like cells (hPGCLCs) from hESCs, and they have no role in establishing and maintaining a naive-like gene expression program in hPGCLCs with extended time in culture. Taken together, our results suggest a model whereby the molecular mechanisms that drive naive gene expression in hPGCs/hPGCLCs are distinct from those in the naive EPI/hESCs.
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42
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Ávila-González D, Portillo W, García-López G, Molina-Hernández A, Díaz-Martínez NE, Díaz NF. Unraveling the Spatiotemporal Human Pluripotency in Embryonic Development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:676998. [PMID: 34249929 PMCID: PMC8262797 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.676998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There have been significant advances in understanding human embryogenesis using human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) in conventional monolayer and 3D self-organized cultures. Thus, in vitro models have contributed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms for specification and differentiation during development. However, the molecular and functional spectrum of human pluripotency (i.e., intermediate states, pluripotency subtypes and regionalization) is still not fully understood. This review describes the mechanisms that establish and maintain pluripotency in human embryos and their differences with mouse embryos. Further, it describes a new pluripotent state representing a transition between naïve and primed pluripotency. This review also presents the data that divide pluripotency into substates expressing epiblast regionalization and amnion specification as well as primordial germ cells in primates. Finally, this work analyzes the amnion's relevance as an "signaling center" for regionalization before the onset of gastrulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Ávila-González
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla, Mexico
- Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Wendy Portillo
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla, Mexico
| | | | | | - Néstor E. Díaz-Martínez
- Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Néstor F. Díaz
- Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Mexico City, Mexico
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43
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Molè MA, Coorens THH, Shahbazi MN, Weberling A, Weatherbee BAT, Gantner CW, Sancho-Serra C, Richardson L, Drinkwater A, Syed N, Engley S, Snell P, Christie L, Elder K, Campbell A, Fishel S, Behjati S, Vento-Tormo R, Zernicka-Goetz M. A single cell characterisation of human embryogenesis identifies pluripotency transitions and putative anterior hypoblast centre. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3679. [PMID: 34140473 PMCID: PMC8211662 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23758-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Following implantation, the human embryo undergoes major morphogenetic transformations that establish the future body plan. While the molecular events underpinning this process are established in mice, they remain unknown in humans. Here we characterise key events of human embryo morphogenesis, in the period between implantation and gastrulation, using single-cell analyses and functional studies. First, the embryonic epiblast cells transition through different pluripotent states and act as a source of FGF signals that ensure proliferation of both embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues. In a subset of embryos, we identify a group of asymmetrically positioned extra-embryonic hypoblast cells expressing inhibitors of BMP, NODAL and WNT signalling pathways. We suggest that this group of cells can act as the anterior singalling centre to pattern the epiblast. These results provide insights into pluripotency state transitions, the role of FGF signalling and the specification of anterior-posterior axis during human embryo development. Single cell analysis of early human embryos identifies key changes in pluripotency, the requirement of FGF signalling for embryo survival, and defines a putative anterior-like region of hypoblast cells, providing insights into how early human development is regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo A Molè
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Marta N Shahbazi
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Antonia Weberling
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Bailey A T Weatherbee
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Carlos W Gantner
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Lucy Richardson
- Herts & Essex Fertility Centre, Bishops College, Cheshunt, Herts, UK
| | - Abbie Drinkwater
- Herts & Essex Fertility Centre, Bishops College, Cheshunt, Herts, UK
| | - Najma Syed
- Herts & Essex Fertility Centre, Bishops College, Cheshunt, Herts, UK
| | - Stephanie Engley
- Herts & Essex Fertility Centre, Bishops College, Cheshunt, Herts, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Simon Fishel
- CARE Fertility Group, Nottingham, UK.,School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sam Behjati
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK. .,Cambridge University Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK. .,Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | | | - Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Mammalian Embryo and Stem Cell Group, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. .,Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.
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44
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Yanagida A, Spindlow D, Nichols J, Dattani A, Smith A, Guo G. Naive stem cell blastocyst model captures human embryo lineage segregation. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 28:1016-1022.e4. [PMID: 33957081 PMCID: PMC8189436 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Human naive pluripotent cells can differentiate into extraembryonic trophectoderm and hypoblast. Here we describe a human embryo model (blastoid) generated by self-organization. Brief induction of trophectoderm leads to formation of blastocyst-like structures within 3 days. Blastoids are composed of three tissue layers displaying exclusive lineage markers, mimicking the natural blastocyst. Single-cell transcriptome analyses confirm segregation of trophectoderm, hypoblast, and epiblast with high fidelity to the human embryo. This versatile and scalable system provides a robust experimental model for human embryo research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayaka Yanagida
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Daniel Spindlow
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Jennifer Nichols
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK
| | - Anish Dattani
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Austin Smith
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK.
| | - Ge Guo
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK.
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45
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Guo G, Stirparo GG, Strawbridge SE, Spindlow D, Yang J, Clarke J, Dattani A, Yanagida A, Li MA, Myers S, Özel BN, Nichols J, Smith A. Human naive epiblast cells possess unrestricted lineage potential. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 28:1040-1056.e6. [PMID: 33831366 PMCID: PMC8189439 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Classic embryological experiments have established that the early mouse embryo develops via sequential lineage bifurcations. The first segregated lineage is the trophectoderm, essential for blastocyst formation. Mouse naive epiblast and derivative embryonic stem cells are restricted accordingly from producing trophectoderm. Here we show, in contrast, that human naive embryonic stem cells readily make blastocyst trophectoderm and descendant trophoblast cell types. Trophectoderm was induced rapidly and efficiently by inhibition of ERK/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Nodal signaling. Transcriptome comparison with the human embryo substantiated direct formation of trophectoderm with subsequent differentiation into syncytiotrophoblast, cytotrophoblast, and downstream trophoblast stem cells. During pluripotency progression lineage potential switches from trophectoderm to amnion. Live-cell tracking revealed that epiblast cells in the human blastocyst are also able to produce trophectoderm. Thus, the paradigm of developmental specification coupled to lineage restriction does not apply to humans. Instead, epiblast plasticity and the potential for blastocyst regeneration are retained until implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Guo
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK; Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK.
| | - Giuliano Giuseppe Stirparo
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK; Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Stanley E Strawbridge
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Daniel Spindlow
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Jian Yang
- Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health (GIBH), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - James Clarke
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Anish Dattani
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK; Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Ayaka Yanagida
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK; Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Meng Amy Li
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Sam Myers
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Buse Nurten Özel
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Jennifer Nichols
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK.
| | - Austin Smith
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK; Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK; Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK.
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46
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Khan SA, Park KM, Fischer LA, Dong C, Lungjangwa T, Jimenez M, Casalena D, Chew B, Dietmann S, Auld DS, Jaenisch R, Theunissen TW. Probing the signaling requirements for naive human pluripotency by high-throughput chemical screening. Cell Rep 2021; 35:109233. [PMID: 34133938 PMCID: PMC8272458 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Naive human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) have been isolated that more closely resemble the pre-implantation epiblast compared to conventional “primed” hESCs, but the signaling principles underlying these discrete stem cell states remain incompletely understood. Here, we describe the results from a high-throughput screen using ~3,000 well-annotated compounds to identify essential signaling requirements for naive human pluripotency. We report that MEK1/2 inhibitors can be replaced during maintenance of naive human pluripotency by inhibitors targeting either upstream (FGFR, RAF) or downstream (ERK1/2) kinases. Naive hESCs maintained under these alternative conditions display elevated levels of ERK phosphorylation but retain genome-wide DNA hypomethylation and a transcriptional identity of the pre-implantation epiblast. In contrast, dual inhibition of MEK and ERK promotes efficient primed-to-naive resetting in combination with PKC, ROCK, and TNKS inhibitors and activin A. This work demonstrates that induction and maintenance of naive human pluripotency are governed by distinct signaling requirements. Khan et al. describe a high-throughput chemical screen to identify essential signaling requirements for naive human pluripotency in minimal conditions. They report that naive hESCs can be maintained by blocking distinct nodes in the FGF signaling pathway and that dual MEK/ERK inhibition promotes efficient primed-to-naive resetting in combination with activin A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shafqat A Khan
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Kyoung-Mi Park
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Laura A Fischer
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Chen Dong
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Tenzin Lungjangwa
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Marta Jimenez
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Dominick Casalena
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Brian Chew
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Sabine Dietmann
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Douglas S Auld
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| | - Rudolf Jaenisch
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| | - Thorold W Theunissen
- Department of Developmental Biology and Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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47
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Running the full human developmental clock in interspecies chimeras using alternative human stem cells with expanded embryonic potential. NPJ Regen Med 2021; 6:25. [PMID: 34001907 PMCID: PMC8128894 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-021-00135-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) can generate specialized cell lineages that have great potential for regenerative therapies and disease modeling. However, the developmental stage of the lineages generated from conventional hPSC cultures in vitro are embryonic in phenotype, and may not possess the cellular maturity necessary for corrective regenerative function in vivo in adult recipients. Here, we present the scientific evidence for how adult human tissues could generate human–animal interspecific chimeras to solve this problem. First, we review the phenotypes of the embryonic lineages differentiated from conventional hPSC in vitro and through organoid technologies and compare their functional relevance to the tissues generated during normal human in utero fetal and adult development. We hypothesize that the developmental incongruence of embryo-stage hPSC-differentiated cells transplanted into a recipient adult host niche is an important mechanism ultimately limiting their utility in cell therapies and adult disease modeling. We propose that this developmental obstacle can be overcome with optimized interspecies chimeras that permit the generation of adult-staged, patient-specific whole organs within animal hosts with human-compatible gestational time-frames. We suggest that achieving this goal may ultimately have to await the derivation of alternative, primitive totipotent-like stem cells with improved embryonic chimera capacities. We review the scientific challenges of deriving alternative human stem cell states with expanded embryonic potential, outline a path forward for conducting this emerging research with appropriate ethical and regulatory oversight, and defend the case of why current federal funding restrictions on this important category of biomedical research should be liberalized.
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48
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Xiao Y, Amaral TF, Ross PJ, Soto DA, Diffenderfer KE, Pankonin AR, Jeensuk S, Tríbulo P, Hansen PJ. Importance of WNT-dependent signaling for derivation and maintenance of primed pluripotent bovine embryonic stem cells†. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:52-63. [PMID: 33899086 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The WNT signaling system plays an important but paradoxical role in the regulation of pluripotency. In the cow, IWR-1, which inhibits canonical WNT activation and has WNT-independent actions, promotes the derivation of primed pluripotent embryonic stem cells from the blastocyst. Here, we describe a series of experiments to determine whether derivation of embryonic stem cells could be generated by replacing IWR-1 with other inhibitors of WNT signaling. Results confirm the importance of inhibition of canonical WNT signaling for the establishment of pluripotent embryonic stem cells in cattle and indicate that the actions of IWR-1 can be mimicked by the WNT secretion inhibitor IWP2 but not by the tankyrase inhibitor XAV939 or WNT inhibitory protein dickkopf 1. The role of Janus kinase-mediated signaling pathways for the maintenance of pluripotency of embryonic stem cells was also evaluated. Maintenance of pluripotency of embryonic stem cells lines was blocked by a broad inhibitor of Janus kinase, even though the cells did not express phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (pSTAT3). Further studies with blastocysts indicated that IWR-1 blocks the activation of pSTAT3. A likely explanation is that IWR-1 blocks differentiation of embryonic stem cells into a pSTAT3+ lineage. In conclusion, results presented here indicate the importance of inhibition of WNT signaling for the derivation of pluripotent bovine embryonic stem cells, the role of Janus kinase signaling for maintenance of pluripotency, and the participation of IWR-1 in the inhibition of activation of STAT3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Xiao
- Department of Animal Sciences, Donald Henry Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Thiago F Amaral
- Department of Animal Sciences, Donald Henry Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Pablo J Ross
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Delia A Soto
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Aimee R Pankonin
- Stem Cell Core, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Surawich Jeensuk
- Department of Animal Sciences, Donald Henry Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Department of Livestock Development, Bureau of Biotechnology in Livestock Production, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Paula Tríbulo
- Department of Animal Sciences, Donald Henry Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Peter J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, Donald Henry Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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49
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Shankar V, van Blitterswijk C, Vrij E, Giselbrecht S. From Snapshots to Development: Identifying the Gaps in the Development of Stem Cell-based Embryo Models along the Embryonic Timeline. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2004250. [PMID: 33898195 PMCID: PMC8061376 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202004250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, stem cell-based models that reconstruct mouse and human embryogenesis have gained significant traction due to their near-physiological similarity to natural embryos. Embryo models can be generated in large numbers, provide accessibility to a variety of experimental tools such as genetic and chemical manipulation, and confer compatibility with automated readouts, which permits exciting experimental avenues for exploring the genetic and molecular principles of self-organization, development, and disease. However, the current embryo models recapitulate only snapshots within the continuum of embryonic development, allowing the progression of the embryonic tissues along a specific direction. Hence, to fully exploit the potential of stem cell-based embryo models, multiple important gaps in the developmental landscape need to be covered. These include recapitulating the lesser-explored interactions between embryonic and extraembryonic tissues such as the yolk sac, placenta, and the umbilical cord; spatial and temporal organization of tissues; and the anterior patterning of embryonic development. Here, it is detailed how combinations of stem cells and versatile bioengineering technologies can help in addressing these gaps and thereby extend the implications of embryo models in the fields of cell biology, development, and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinidhra Shankar
- Maastricht UniversityUniversiteitssingel 40Maastricht6229 ERThe Netherlands
| | | | - Erik Vrij
- Maastricht UniversityUniversiteitssingel 40Maastricht6229 ERThe Netherlands
| | - Stefan Giselbrecht
- Maastricht UniversityUniversiteitssingel 40Maastricht6229 ERThe Netherlands
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50
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Lackner A, Sehlke R, Garmhausen M, Giuseppe Stirparo G, Huth M, Titz-Teixeira F, van der Lelij P, Ramesmayer J, Thomas HF, Ralser M, Santini L, Galimberti E, Sarov M, Stewart AF, Smith A, Beyer A, Leeb M. Cooperative genetic networks drive embryonic stem cell transition from naïve to formative pluripotency. EMBO J 2021; 40:e105776. [PMID: 33687089 PMCID: PMC8047444 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2020105776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the mammalian embryo, epiblast cells must exit the naïve state and acquire formative pluripotency. This cell state transition is recapitulated by mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs), which undergo pluripotency progression in defined conditions in vitro. However, our understanding of the molecular cascades and gene networks involved in the exit from naïve pluripotency remains fragmentary. Here, we employed a combination of genetic screens in haploid ESCs, CRISPR/Cas9 gene disruption, large‐scale transcriptomics and computational systems biology to delineate the regulatory circuits governing naïve state exit. Transcriptome profiles for 73 ESC lines deficient for regulators of the exit from naïve pluripotency predominantly manifest delays on the trajectory from naïve to formative epiblast. We find that gene networks operative in ESCs are also active during transition from pre‐ to post‐implantation epiblast in utero. We identified 496 naïve state‐associated genes tightly connected to the in vivo epiblast state transition and largely conserved in primate embryos. Integrated analysis of mutant transcriptomes revealed funnelling of multiple gene activities into discrete regulatory modules. Finally, we delineate how intersections with signalling pathways direct this pivotal mammalian cell state transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Lackner
- Max Perutz Laboratories Vienna, University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Robert Sehlke
- Cologne Excellence Cluster Cellular Stress Response in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marius Garmhausen
- Cologne Excellence Cluster Cellular Stress Response in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Giuliano Giuseppe Stirparo
- Wellcome - MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Michelle Huth
- Max Perutz Laboratories Vienna, University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Fabian Titz-Teixeira
- Cologne Excellence Cluster Cellular Stress Response in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Petra van der Lelij
- Max Perutz Laboratories Vienna, University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Ramesmayer
- Max Perutz Laboratories Vienna, University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Henry F Thomas
- Max Perutz Laboratories Vienna, University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Meryem Ralser
- Wellcome - MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Laura Santini
- Max Perutz Laboratories Vienna, University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elena Galimberti
- Max Perutz Laboratories Vienna, University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mihail Sarov
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - A Francis Stewart
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany.,Biotechnology Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Austin Smith
- Wellcome - MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Andreas Beyer
- Cologne Excellence Cluster Cellular Stress Response in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Martin Leeb
- Max Perutz Laboratories Vienna, University of Vienna, Vienna Biocenter, Vienna, Austria
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