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Vargas LN, Silveira MM, Franco MM. Epigenetic Reprogramming and Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2647:37-58. [PMID: 37041328 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3064-8_2] [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: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetics is an area of genetics that studies the heritable modifications in gene expression and phenotype that are not controlled by the primary sequence of DNA. The main epigenetic mechanisms are DNA methylation, post-translational covalent modifications in histone tails, and non-coding RNAs. During mammalian development, there are two global waves of epigenetic reprogramming. The first one occurs during gametogenesis and the second one begins immediately after fertilization. Environmental factors such as exposure to pollutants, unbalanced nutrition, behavioral factors, stress, in vitro culture conditions can negatively affect epigenetic reprogramming events. In this review, we describe the main epigenetic mechanisms found during mammalian preimplantation development (e.g., genomic imprinting, X chromosome inactivation). Moreover, we discuss the detrimental effects of cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer on the reprogramming of epigenetic patterns and some molecular alternatives to minimize these negative impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luna N Vargas
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
- Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Márcia M Silveira
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil
- Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Maurício M Franco
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil.
- Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Pérez-Gómez A, González-Brusi L, Bermejo-Álvarez P, Ramos-Ibeas P. Lineage Differentiation Markers as a Proxy for Embryo Viability in Farm Ungulates. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:680539. [PMID: 34212020 PMCID: PMC8239129 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.680539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic losses constitute a major burden for reproductive efficiency of farm animals. Pregnancy losses in ungulate species, which include cattle, pigs, sheep and goats, majorly occur during the second week of gestation, when the embryo experiences a series of cell differentiation, proliferation, and migration processes encompassed under the term conceptus elongation. Conceptus elongation takes place following blastocyst hatching and involves a massive proliferation of the extraembryonic membranes trophoblast and hypoblast, and the formation of flat embryonic disc derived from the epiblast, which ultimately gastrulates generating the three germ layers. This process occurs prior to implantation and it is exclusive from ungulates, as embryos from other mammalian species such as rodents or humans implant right after hatching. The critical differences in embryo development between ungulates and mice, the most studied mammalian model, have precluded the identification of the genes governing lineage differentiation in livestock species. Furthermore, conceptus elongation has not been recapitulated in vitro, hindering the study of these cellular events. Luckily, recent advances on transcriptomics, genome modification and post-hatching in vitro culture are shedding light into this largely unknown developmental window, uncovering possible molecular markers to determine embryo quality. In this review, we summarize the events occurring during ungulate pre-implantation development, highlighting recent findings which reveal that several dogmas in Developmental Biology established by knock-out murine models do not hold true for other mammals, including humans and farm animals. The developmental failures associated to in vitro produced embryos in farm animals are also discussed together with Developmental Biology tools to assess embryo quality, including molecular markers to assess proper lineage commitment and a post-hatching in vitro culture system able to directly determine developmental potential circumventing the need of experimental animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Pérez-Gómez
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Leopoldo González-Brusi
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Bermejo-Álvarez
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Priscila Ramos-Ibeas
- Department of Animal Reproduction, National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA), Madrid, Spain
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3
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Epigenetic memory in reprogramming. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2021; 70:24-31. [PMID: 34058535 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2021.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
A central question of biology is the basis of stable cell fates. Cell fates are formed during development, where the zygote progresses from totipotency to terminal differentiation. Each step of lineage commitment involves establishment of stable states encoding-specific developmental commitments that can be faithfully transmitted to daughter cells - a 'memory' of cell fate is acquired. However, this cell-fate memory is reversible and can be changed when experimental reprogramming procedures such as nuclear transfer to eggs or transcription factor overexpression are used. The ability to reprogram cell fates impacts regenerative medicine, as progress in understanding underlying molecular mechanisms of cell-fate changes can allow the generation of any cell type needed for cell replacement therapies. Given its potential, studies are currently aiming at improving the low efficiency of cell-fate conversion. In recent years, epigenetic mechanisms suggested to promote stable cell-fate memory emerged as factors that cause resistance to cell-fate conversions during nuclear reprogramming. In this review, we highlight the latest work that has characterised epigenetic barriers to reprogramming which, during normal development, help to maintain the stable differentiation status of cells.
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Loss of H3K27me3 imprinting in the Sfmbt2 miRNA cluster causes enlargement of cloned mouse placentas. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2150. [PMID: 32358519 PMCID: PMC7195362 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16044-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) in mammals is an inefficient process that is frequently associated with abnormal phenotypes, especially in placentas. Recent studies demonstrated that mouse SCNT placentas completely lack histone methylation (H3K27me3)-dependent imprinting, but how it affects placental development remains unclear. Here, we provide evidence that the loss of H3K27me3 imprinting is responsible for abnormal placental enlargement and low birth rates following SCNT, through upregulation of imprinted miRNAs. When we restore the normal paternal expression of H3K27me3-dependent imprinted genes (Sfmbt2, Gab1, and Slc38a4) in SCNT placentas by maternal knockout, the placentas remain enlarged. Intriguingly, correcting the expression of clustered miRNAs within the Sfmbt2 gene ameliorates the placental phenotype. Importantly, their target genes, which are confirmed to cause SCNT-like placental histology, recover their expression level. The birth rates increase about twofold. Thus, we identify loss of H3K27me3 imprinting as an epigenetic error that compromises embryo development following SCNT. Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) frequently results in abnormal placenta development in cloned mice. Here the authors show that loss of histone methylation (H3K27me3) imprinting in clustered Sfmbt2 miRNAs contributes to SCNT placenta defect.
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Abstract
The mouse is the most extensively used mammalian laboratory species in biology and medicine because of the ready availability of a wide variety of defined genetic and gene-modified strains and abundant genetic information. Its small size and rapid generation turnover are also advantages compared with other experimental animals. Using these advantages, somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) in mice has provided invaluable information on epigenetics related to SCNT technology and cloning, playing a leading role in relevant technical improvements. These improvements include treatment with histone deacetylase inhibitors, correction of Xist gene expression (controlling X chromosome inactivation), and removal of methylated histones from SCNT-generated embryos, which have proven to be effective for SCNT cloning of other species. However, even with the best combination of these treatments, the birth rate in cloned offspring is still lower than intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF). One remaining issue associated with SCNT is placental enlargement (hyperplasia) found in late pregnancy, but this abnormality might not be a major cause for the low efficiency of SCNT because many SCNT-derived embryos die before their placentas start to enlarge at midgestation (early postimplantation stage). It is known that, at this stage, undifferentiated trophoblast cells in the extraembryonic tissue of SCNT-derived embryos fail to proliferate. Understanding the molecular mechanisms is essential for further technical improvements of mouse SCNT, which might also provide clues for technical breakthroughs in mammalian SCNT and cloning in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsuo Ogura
- RIKEN BioResource Research Center, Ibaraki, 305-0074, Japan; Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8572, Japan; RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan.
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He X, Tan C, Li Z, Zhao C, Shi J, Zhou R, Wang X, Jiang G, Cai G, Liu D, Wu Z. Characterization and comparative analyses of transcriptomes of cloned and in vivo fertilized porcine pre-implantation embryos. Biol Open 2019; 8:bio.039917. [PMID: 30952695 PMCID: PMC6504007 DOI: 10.1242/bio.039917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is the only method known to rapidly reprogram differentiated cells into totipotent embryos. Most cloned embryos become arrested before implantation and the details of the underlying molecular mechanism remain largely unknown. Dynamic regulation of the transcriptome is a key molecular mechanism driving early embryonic development. Here, we report comprehensive transcriptomic analysis of cloned embryos (from Laiwu and Duroc pigs) and in vivo fertilized embryos (from Duroc pigs) using RNA-sequencing. Comparisons between gene expression patterns were performed according to differentially expressed genes, specific-expressed genes, first-expressed genes, pluripotency genes and pathway enrichment analysis. In addition, we closely analyzed the improperly expressed histone lysine methyltransferases and histone lysine demethylases during cell reprogramming in cloned embryos. In summary, we identified altered gene expression profiles in porcine cloned pre-implantation embryos in comparison to normal in vivo embryos. Our findings provide a substantial framework for further discovery of the epigenetic reprogramming mechanisms in porcine SCNT embryos. Summary: Comparative transcriptome analyses of cloned and in vivo fertilized pre-implantation embryos: transcriptional defects and reprogramming barriers in porcine somatic cell nuclear reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan He
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.,Wen's Group Academy, Wen's Foodstuff Group Co., Ltd, Yunfu 527400, China, China
| | - Cheng Tan
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.,Wen's Group Academy, Wen's Foodstuff Group Co., Ltd, Yunfu 527400, China, China
| | - Zicong Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Chengfa Zhao
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Junsong Shi
- Wen's Group Academy, Wen's Foodstuff Group Co., Ltd, Yunfu 527400, China, China
| | - Rong Zhou
- Wen's Group Academy, Wen's Foodstuff Group Co., Ltd, Yunfu 527400, China, China
| | - Xingwang Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Gelong Jiang
- Wen's Group Academy, Wen's Foodstuff Group Co., Ltd, Yunfu 527400, China, China
| | - Gengyuan Cai
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Dewu Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zhenfang Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
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Hirose M, Hada M, Kamimura S, Matoba S, Honda A, Motomura K, Ogonuki N, Shawki HH, Inoue K, Takahashi S, Ogura A. Aberrant imprinting in mouse trophoblast stem cells established from somatic cell nuclear transfer-derived embryos. Epigenetics 2018; 13:693-703. [PMID: 30079806 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2018.1507199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Although phenotypic abnormalities frequently appear in the placenta following somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), mouse trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) established from SCNT embryos reportedly show no distinct abnormalities compared with those derived from normal fertilization. In this study, we reexamined SCNT-TSCs to identify their imprinting statuses. Placenta-specific maternally imprinted genes (Gab1, Slc38a4, and Sfmbt2) consistently showed biallelic expression in SCNT-TSCs, suggesting their loss of imprinting (LOI). The LOI of Gab1 was associated with decreased DNA methylation, and that of Sfmbt2 was associated with decreased DNA methylation and histone H3K27 trimethylation. The maternal allele of the intergenic differentially methylated region (IG-DMR) was aberrantly hypermethylated following SCNT, even though this region was prone to demethylation in TSCs when established in a serum-free chemically defined medium. These findings indicate that the development of cloned embryos is associated with imprinting abnormalities specifically in the trophoblast lineage from its initial stage, which may affect subsequent placental development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiko Hirose
- a RIKEN BioResource Research Center , Tsukuba , Ibaraki , Japan
| | - Masashi Hada
- a RIKEN BioResource Research Center , Tsukuba , Ibaraki , Japan
| | | | - Shogo Matoba
- a RIKEN BioResource Research Center , Tsukuba , Ibaraki , Japan
| | - Arata Honda
- a RIKEN BioResource Research Center , Tsukuba , Ibaraki , Japan.,b Institute of Laboratory Animals, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine , Kyoto , Japan
| | - Kaori Motomura
- a RIKEN BioResource Research Center , Tsukuba , Ibaraki , Japan
| | - Narumi Ogonuki
- a RIKEN BioResource Research Center , Tsukuba , Ibaraki , Japan
| | - Hossam H Shawki
- c Department of Anatomy and Embryology , University of Tsukuba , Ibaraki , Japan.,d Department of Animal Genetic Resources , National Gene Bank, Giza , Egypt
| | - Kimiko Inoue
- a RIKEN BioResource Research Center , Tsukuba , Ibaraki , Japan.,e Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences , University of Tsukuba , Ibaraki , Japan
| | - Satoru Takahashi
- c Department of Anatomy and Embryology , University of Tsukuba , Ibaraki , Japan
| | - Atsuo Ogura
- a RIKEN BioResource Research Center , Tsukuba , Ibaraki , Japan.,e Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences , University of Tsukuba , Ibaraki , Japan.,f RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research , Saitama , Japan
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H3K4 Methylation-Dependent Memory of Somatic Cell Identity Inhibits Reprogramming and Development of Nuclear Transfer Embryos. Cell Stem Cell 2017; 21:135-143.e6. [PMID: 28366589 PMCID: PMC5505866 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Revised: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Vertebrate eggs can induce the nuclear reprogramming of somatic cells to enable production of cloned animals. Nuclear reprogramming is relatively inefficient, and the development of the resultant embryos is frequently compromised, in part due to the inappropriate expression of genes previously active in the donor nucleus. Here, we identify H3K4 methylation as a major epigenetic roadblock that limits transcriptional reprogramming and efficient nuclear transfer (NT). Widespread expression of donor-cell-specific genes was observed in inappropriate cell types in NT embryos, limiting their developmental capacity. The expression of these genes in reprogrammed embryos arises from epigenetic memories of a previously active transcriptional state in donor cells that is characterized by high H3K4 methylation. Reducing H3K4 methylation had little effect on gene expression in donor cells, but it substantially improved transcriptional reprogramming and development of NT embryos. These results show that H3K4 methylation imposes a barrier to efficient nuclear reprogramming and suggest approaches for improving reprogramming strategies. Nuclear transfer embryos retain the memory of a past state of active transcription (ON-memory) ON-memory genes are enriched for H3K4 methylation in somatic donor nuclei H3K4 demethylation improves transcriptional reprogramming Removing H3K4 methylation enhances the development of nuclear transfer embryos
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Abstract
Reproductive engineering techniques are essential for assisted reproduction of animals
and generation of genetically modified animals. They may also provide invaluable research
models for understanding the mechanisms involved in the developmental and reproductive
processes. At the RIKEN BioResource Center (BRC), I have sought to develop new
reproductive engineering techniques, especially those related to cryopreservation,
microinsemination (sperm injection), nuclear transfer, and generation of new stem cell
lines and animals, hoping that they will support the present and future projects at BRC. I
also want to combine our techniques with genetic and biochemical analyses to solve
important biological questions. We expect that this strategy makes our research more
unique and refined by providing deeper insights into the mechanisms that govern the
reproductive and developmental systems in mammals. To make this strategy more effective,
it is critical to work with experts in different scientific fields. I have enjoyed
collaborations with about 100 world-recognized laboratories, and all our collaborations
have been successful and fruitful. This review summarizes development of reproductive
engineering techniques at BRC during these 15 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsuo Ogura
- RIKEN BioResource Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan
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10
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Rutigliano HM, Wilhelm A, Hall J, Shi B, Meng Q, Stott R, Bunch TD, White KL, Davies CJ, Polejaeva IA. Cytokine gene expression at the maternal–fetal interface after somatic cell nuclear transfer pregnancies in small ruminants. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 29:646-657. [DOI: 10.1071/rd15103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The present retrospective study investigated pregnancy rates, the incidence of pregnancy loss and large offspring syndrome (LOS) and immune-related gene expression of sheep and goat somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) pregnancies. We hypothesised that significantly higher pregnancy losses observed in sheep compared with goat SCNT pregnancies are due to the increased amounts of T-helper 1 cytokines and proinflammatory mediators at the maternal–fetal interface. Sheep and goat SCNT pregnancies were generated using the same procedure. Control pregnancies were established by natural breeding. Although SCNT pregnancy rates at 45 days were similar in both species, pregnancy losses between 45 and 60 days of gestation and the incidence of LOS were significantly greater in sheep than in goats. At term, the expression of proinflammatory genes in sheep SCNT placentas was increased, whereas that in goats was similar to that in control animals. Genes with altered expression in sheep SCNT placentas included cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA4), interleukin 2 receptor alpha (IL2RA), cluster of differentiation 28 (CD28), interferon gamma (IFNG), interleukin 6 (IL6), interleukin 10 (IL10), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 alpha (IL1A) and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 8 (CXCL8). Major histocompatibility complex-I protein expression was greater in sheep and goat SCNT placentas at term than in control pregnancies. An unfavourable immune environment is present at the maternal–fetal interface in sheep SCNT pregnancies.
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Motomura K, Oikawa M, Hirose M, Honda A, Togayachi S, Miyoshi H, Ohinata Y, Sugimoto M, Abe K, Inoue K, Ogura A. Cellular Dynamics of Mouse Trophoblast Stem Cells: Identification of a Persistent Stem Cell Type. Biol Reprod 2016; 94:122. [PMID: 27122635 PMCID: PMC6702784 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.137125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mouse trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) proliferate indefinitely in vitro, despite their highly heterogeneous nature. In this study, we sought to characterize TSC colony types by using methods based on cell biology and biochemistry for a better understanding of how TSCs are maintained over multiple passages. Colonies of TSCs could be classified into four major types: type 1 is compact and dome-shaped, type 4 is flattened but with a large multilayered cell cluster, and types 2 and 3 are their intermediates. A time-lapse analysis indicated that type 1 colonies predominantly appeared after passaging, and a single type 1 colony gave rise to all other types. These colony transitions were irreversible, but at least some type 1 colonies persisted throughout culture. The typical cells comprising type 1 colonies were small and highly motile, and they aggregated together to form primary colonies. A hierarchical clustering based on global gene expression profiles suggested that a TSC line containing more type 1 colony cells was similar to in vivo extraembryonic tissues. Among the known TSC genes examined, Elf5 showed a differential expression pattern according to colony type, indicating that this gene might be a reliable marker of undifferentiated TSCs. When aggregated with fertilized embryos, cells from types 1 and 2, but not from type 4, distributed to the polar trophectoderm in blastocysts. These findings indicate that cells typically found in type 1 colonies can persist indefinitely as stem cells and are responsible for the maintenance of TSC lines. They may provide key information for future improvements in the quality of TSC lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaori Motomura
- RIKEN BioResource Center, Tsukuba, Japan Graduate School of Life and Environmental Science, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | | | | | - Arata Honda
- RIKEN BioResource Center, Tsukuba, Japan Organization for Promotion of Tenure Track, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | | | - Hiroyuki Miyoshi
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuhide Ohinata
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | | | - Kuniya Abe
- RIKEN BioResource Center, Tsukuba, Japan Graduate School of Life and Environmental Science, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Kimiko Inoue
- RIKEN BioResource Center, Tsukuba, Japan Graduate School of Life and Environmental Science, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Atsuo Ogura
- RIKEN BioResource Center, Tsukuba, Japan Graduate School of Life and Environmental Science, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan The Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Loi P, Iuso D, Czernik M, Ogura A. A New, Dynamic Era for Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer? Trends Biotechnol 2016; 34:791-797. [PMID: 27118511 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2016.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2016] [Revised: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Cloning animals by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) has remained an uncontrollable process for many years. High rates of embryonic losses, stillbirths, and postnatal mortality have been typical outcomes. These developmental problems arise from abnormal genomic reprogramming: the capacity of the oocyte to reset the differentiated memory of a somatic cell. However, effective reprogramming strategies are now available. These target the whole genome or single domains such as the Xist gene, and their effectiveness has been validated with the ability of experimental animals to develop to term. Thus, SCNT has become a controllable process that can be used to 'rescue' endangered species, and for biomedical research such as therapeutic cloning and the isolation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasqualino Loi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Campus Sant'Agostino, Via Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
| | - Domenico Iuso
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Campus Sant'Agostino, Via Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Marta Czernik
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Campus Sant'Agostino, Via Balzarini 1, 64100 Teramo, Italy
| | - Atsuo Ogura
- RIKEN BioResource Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan
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13
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Hue I. Determinant molecular markers for peri-gastrulating bovine embryo development. Reprod Fertil Dev 2016; 28:51-65. [DOI: 10.1071/rd15355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Peri-gastrulation defines the time frame between blastocyst formation and implantation that also corresponds in cattle to elongation, pregnancy recognition and uterine secretion. Optimally, this developmental window prepares the conceptus for implantation, placenta formation and fetal development. However, this is a highly sensitive period, as evidenced by the incidence of embryo loss or early post-implantation mortality after AI, embryo transfer or somatic cell nuclear transfer. Elongation markers have often been used within this time frame to assess developmental defects or delays, originating either from the embryo, the uterus or the dam. Comparatively, gastrulation markers have not received great attention, although elongation and gastrulation are linked by reciprocal interactions at the molecular and cellular levels. To make this clearer, this peri-gastrulating period is described herein with a focus on its main developmental landmarks, and the resilience of the landmarks in the face of biotechnologies is questioned.
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Tanaka T, Kanatsu-Shinohara M, Hirose M, Ogura A, Shinohara T. Pluripotent cell derivation from male germline cells by suppression of Dmrt1 and Trp53. J Reprod Dev 2015; 61:473-84. [PMID: 26227109 PMCID: PMC4623154 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2015-059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Diploid germ cells are thought to have pluripotency potential. We recently described a method to derive pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) from cultured spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) by depleting Trp53 and Dmrt1, both of which are known suppressors of teratomas. In this study, we used this technique to analyze the effect of this protocol in deriving PSCs from the male germline at different developmental stages. We collected primordial germ cells (PGCs), gonocytes and spermatogonia, and the cells were transduced with lentiviruses expressing short hairpin RNA against Dmrt1 and/or Trp53. We found that PGCs are highly susceptible to reprogramming induction and that only Trp53 depletion was sufficient to induce pluripotency. In contrast, gonocytes and spermatogonia were resistant to reprogramming by double knockdown of Dmrt1 and Trp53. PSCs derived from PGCs
contributed to chimeras produced by blastocyst injection, but some of the embryos showed placenta-only phenotypes suggestive of epigenetic abnormalities of PGC-derived PSCs. These results show that PGCs and gonocytes/spermatogonia have distinct reprogramming potential and also suggest that fresh and cultured SSCs do not necessarily have the same properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Tanaka
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
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Mizutani E, Oikawa M, Kassai H, Inoue K, Shiura H, Hirasawa R, Kamimura S, Matoba S, Ogonuki N, Nagatomo H, Abe K, Wakayama T, Aiba A, Ogura A. Generation of Cloned Mice from Adult Neurons by Direct Nuclear Transfer1. Biol Reprod 2015; 92:81. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.123455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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16
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Ušaj M, Kandušer M. Modified Adherence Method (MAM) for Electrofusion of Anchorage-Dependent Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2015; 1313:203-216. [PMID: 25947667 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2703-6_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The artificially induced cell fusion is a useful experimental tool in biology, biotechnology and medicine. The electrofusion is a physical method for cell fusion that applies high-voltage electric pulses. The use of electric pulses causes cell membrane structural changes which bring the cell membrane in the so-called fusogenic state. When such fusogenic membranes are in close contact cell fusion takes place. Physical contact between fusion partners can be achieved by various methods and one of them is modified adherence method (MAM) described in detail here on B16-F1 cell line. The method is based on the fact that living cells form contacts in confluent culture. However, instead of using confluent cell culture, in modified adherence method cells are plated in suitable concentration and allowed to form contacts for only short predetermined period of time. During that time the cells are only slightly attached to the dish surface maintaining the spherical shape. Observed high fusion yields up to 50 % obtained by MAM in situ by dual-color fluorescence microscopy are among the highest in field of electrofusion. The method can be readily adapted to other anchorage-dependent cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Ušaj
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Oikawa M, Inoue K, Shiura H, Matoba S, Kamimura S, Hirose M, Mekada K, Yoshiki A, Tanaka S, Abe K, Ishino F, Ogura A. Understanding the X chromosome inactivation cycle in mice: a comprehensive view provided by nuclear transfer. Epigenetics 2013; 9:204-11. [PMID: 24172050 DOI: 10.4161/epi.26939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
During mouse development, imprinted X chromosome inactivation (XCI) is observed in preimplantation embryos and is inherited to the placental lineage, whereas random XCI is initiated in the embryonic proper. Xist RNA, which triggers XCI, is expressed ectopically in cloned embryos produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). To understand these mechanisms, we undertook a large-scale nuclear transfer study using different donor cells throughout the life cycle. The Xist expression patterns in the reconstructed embryos suggested that the nature of imprinted XCI is the maternal Xist-repressing imprint established at the last stage of oogenesis. Contrary to the prevailing model, this maternal imprint is erased in both the embryonic and extraembryonic lineages. The lack of the Xist-repressing imprint in the postimplantation somatic cells clearly explains how the SCNT embryos undergo ectopic Xist expression. Our data provide a comprehensive view of the XCI cycle in mice, which is essential information for future investigations of XCI mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mami Oikawa
- RIKEN BioResource Center; Tsukuba, Japan; Medical Research Institute; Tokyo Medical and Dental University; Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kimiko Inoue
- RIKEN BioResource Center; Tsukuba, Japan; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Science; University of Tsukuba; Tsukuba, Japan
| | | | | | - Satoshi Kamimura
- RIKEN BioResource Center; Tsukuba, Japan; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Science; University of Tsukuba; Tsukuba, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Satoshi Tanaka
- Department of Animal Resource Sciences/Veterinary Medical Sciences; University of Tokyo; Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kuniya Abe
- RIKEN BioResource Center; Tsukuba, Japan; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Science; University of Tsukuba; Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Fumitoshi Ishino
- Medical Research Institute; Tokyo Medical and Dental University; Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsuo Ogura
- RIKEN BioResource Center; Tsukuba, Japan; Graduate School of Life and Environmental Science; University of Tsukuba; Tsukuba, Japan; Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine; University of Tokyo; Tokyo, Japan
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