1
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Sidrat T, Rehman ZU, Joo MD, Lee KL, Kong IK. Wnt/β-catenin Pathway-Mediated PPARδ Expression during Embryonic Development Differentiation and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041854. [PMID: 33673357 PMCID: PMC7918746 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a crucial role in early embryonic development. Wnt/β-catenin signaling is a major regulator of cell proliferation and keeps embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in the pluripotent state. Dysregulation of Wnt signaling in the early developmental stages causes several hereditary diseases that lead to embryonic abnormalities. Several other signaling molecules are directly or indirectly activated in response to Wnt/β-catenin stimulation. The crosstalk of these signaling factors either synergizes or opposes the transcriptional activation of β-catenin/Tcf4-mediated target gene expression. Recently, the crosstalk between the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARδ), which belongs to the steroid superfamily, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been reported to take place during several aspects of embryonic development. However, numerous questions need to be answered regarding the function and regulation of PPARδ in coordination with the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Here, we have summarized the functional activation of the PPARδ in co-ordination with the Wnt/β-catenin pathway during the regulation of several aspects of embryonic development, stem cell regulation and maintenance, as well as during the progression of several metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tabinda Sidrat
- Department of Animal Science, Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (T.S.); (M.-D.J.)
| | - Zia-Ur Rehman
- Department of Microbiology, Hazara University, Mansehra 21310, Pakistan;
| | - Myeong-Don Joo
- Department of Animal Science, Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (T.S.); (M.-D.J.)
| | - Kyeong-Lim Lee
- The King Kong Corp. Ltd., Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea;
| | - Il-Keun Kong
- Department of Animal Science, Division of Applied Life Science (BK21 Four), Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (T.S.); (M.-D.J.)
- The King Kong Corp. Ltd., Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea;
- Institute of Agriculture and Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-55-772-1942
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2
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Pecori F, Akimoto Y, Hanamatsu H, Furukawa JI, Shinohara Y, Ikehara Y, Nishihara S. Mucin-type O-glycosylation controls pluripotency in mouse embryonic stem cells via Wnt receptor endocytosis. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:jcs245845. [PMID: 32973111 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.245845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) can differentiate into a range of cell types during development, and this pluripotency is regulated by various extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Mucin-type O-glycosylation has been suggested to be a potential factor in the control of ESC pluripotency, and is characterized by the addition of N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) to serine or threonine residues of membrane-anchored proteins and secreted proteins. To date, the relationship between mucin-type O-glycosylation and signaling in ESCs remains undefined. Here, we identify the elongation pathway via C1GalT1 that synthesizes T antigen (Galβ1-3GalNAc) as the most prominent among mucin-type O-glycosylation modifications in ESCs. Moreover, we show that mucin-type O-glycosylation on the Wnt signaling receptor frizzled-5 (Fzd5) regulates its endocytosis via galectin-3 binding to T antigen, and that reduction of T antigen results in the exit of the ESCs from pluripotency via canonical Wnt signaling activation. Our findings reveal a novel regulatory mechanism that modulates Wnt signaling and, consequently, ESC pluripotency.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Pecori
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Bioinformatics, Graduate School of Engineering, Soka University, 1-236 Tangi-machi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-8577, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Akimoto
- Department of Anatomy, Kyorin University School of Medicine, 6-20-2 Shinkawa, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-8611, Japan
| | - Hisatoshi Hanamatsu
- Department of Advanced Clinical Glycobiology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 15, Nishi 7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Jun-Ichi Furukawa
- Department of Advanced Clinical Glycobiology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 15, Nishi 7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Yasuro Shinohara
- Department of Pharmacy, Kinjo Gakuin University, 2-1723 Omori, Moriyama-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 463-8521, Japan
| | - Yuzuru Ikehara
- Department of Molecular and Tumor Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Shoko Nishihara
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Bioinformatics, Graduate School of Engineering, Soka University, 1-236 Tangi-machi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-8577, Japan
- Glycan & Life System Integration Center (GaLSIC), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Soka University, 1-236 Tangi-machi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-8577, Japan
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3
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Hou L, Wei Y, Lin Y, Wang X, Lai Y, Yin M, Chen Y, Guo X, Wu S, Zhu Y, Yuan J, Tariq M, Li N, Sun H, Wang H, Zhang X, Chen J, Bao X, Jauch R. Concurrent binding to DNA and RNA facilitates the pluripotency reprogramming activity of Sox2. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:3869-3887. [PMID: 32016422 PMCID: PMC7144947 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Some transcription factors that specifically bind double-stranded DNA appear to also function as RNA-binding proteins. Here, we demonstrate that the transcription factor Sox2 is able to directly bind RNA in vitro as well as in mouse and human cells. Sox2 targets RNA via a 60-amino-acid RNA binding motif (RBM) positioned C-terminally of the DNA binding high mobility group (HMG) box. Sox2 can associate with RNA and DNA simultaneously to form ternary RNA/Sox2/DNA complexes. Deletion of the RBM does not affect selection of target genes but mitigates binding to pluripotency related transcripts, switches exon usage and impairs the reprogramming of somatic cells to a pluripotent state. Our findings designate Sox2 as a multi-functional factor that associates with RNA whilst binding to cognate DNA sequences, suggesting that it may co-transcriptionally regulate RNA metabolism during somatic cell reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Hou
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou/Shenzhen, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China.,Genome Regulation Laboratory, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Yuanjie Wei
- Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Yingying Lin
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou/Shenzhen, China.,Laboratory of RNA Molecular Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Xiwei Wang
- Laboratory of RNA Molecular Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Yiwei Lai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China.,Laboratory of RNA, Chromatin, and Human Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Menghui Yin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Yanpu Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China.,Genome Regulation Laboratory, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China.,Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Xiangpeng Guo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China.,Laboratory of RNA, Chromatin, and Human Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Senbin Wu
- Laboratory of RNA Molecular Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | | | - Jie Yuan
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Muqddas Tariq
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China.,Laboratory of RNA, Chromatin, and Human Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Na Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China.,Laboratory of RNA, Chromatin, and Human Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Hao Sun
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Huating Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiaofei Zhang
- Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Hefei Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Jiekai Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China.,Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Xichen Bao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China.,Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China.,Laboratory of RNA Molecular Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Ralf Jauch
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China.,Genome Regulation Laboratory, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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4
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Li R, Zhong C, Yu Y, Liu H, Sakurai M, Yu L, Min Z, Shi L, Wei Y, Takahashi Y, Liao HK, Qiao J, Deng H, Nuñez-Delicado E, Rodriguez Esteban C, Wu J, Izpisua Belmonte JC. Generation of Blastocyst-like Structures from Mouse Embryonic and Adult Cell Cultures. Cell 2020; 179:687-702.e18. [PMID: 31626770 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2019.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A single mouse blastomere from an embryo until the 8-cell stage can generate an entire blastocyst. Whether laboratory-cultured cells retain a similar generative capacity remains unknown. Starting from a single stem cell type, extended pluripotent stem (EPS) cells, we established a 3D differentiation system that enabled the generation of blastocyst-like structures (EPS-blastoids) through lineage segregation and self-organization. EPS-blastoids resembled blastocysts in morphology and cell-lineage allocation and recapitulated key morphogenetic events during preimplantation and early postimplantation development in vitro. Upon transfer, some EPS-blastoids underwent implantation, induced decidualization, and generated live, albeit disorganized, tissues in utero. Single-cell and bulk RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that EPS-blastoids contained all three blastocyst cell lineages and shared transcriptional similarity with natural blastocysts. We also provide proof of concept that EPS-blastoids can be generated from adult cells via cellular reprogramming. EPS-blastoids provide a unique platform for studying early embryogenesis and pave the way to creating viable synthetic embryos by using cultured cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronghui Li
- Gene Expression Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Cuiqing Zhong
- Gene Expression Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Yang Yu
- Gene Expression Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology and Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China; Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Haisong Liu
- Gene Expression Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Masahiro Sakurai
- Gene Expression Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; 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
| | - Leqian Yu
- 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
| | - Zheying Min
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology and Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Lei Shi
- Gene Expression Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Universidad Catolica, San Antonio de Murcia, Campus de los Jeronimos, 135, Guadalupe 30107, Murcia, Spain
| | - Yulei Wei
- 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; School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, 529020, China
| | - Yuta Takahashi
- Gene Expression Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Hsin-Kai Liao
- Gene Expression Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Universidad Catolica, San Antonio de Murcia, Campus de los Jeronimos, 135, Guadalupe 30107, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jie Qiao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology and Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Hongkui Deng
- University of Peking, 5 Yiheyuan Rd, Haidian Qu, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Estrella Nuñez-Delicado
- Universidad Catolica, San Antonio de Murcia, Campus de los Jeronimos, 135, Guadalupe 30107, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - 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.
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5
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Wang C, Han X, Zhou Z, Uyunbilig B, Huang X, Li R, Li X. Wnt3a Activates the WNT-YAP/TAZ Pathway to Sustain CDX2 Expression in Bovine Trophoblast Stem Cells. DNA Cell Biol 2019; 38:410-422. [DOI: 10.1089/dna.2018.4458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestocks, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Xuejie Han
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestocks, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Zhengwei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestocks, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Borjigin Uyunbilig
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestocks, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Xianghua Huang
- Department of Urology, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region People's Hospital, Hohhot, China
| | - Rongfeng Li
- State Key Laboratories of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Xenotransplantation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xueling Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestocks, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
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6
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Watts J, Lokken A, Moauro A, Ralston A. Capturing and Interconverting Embryonic Cell Fates in a Dish. Curr Top Dev Biol 2018; 128:181-202. [PMID: 29477163 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2017.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cells of the early embryo are totipotent because they will differentiate to produce the fetus and its surrounding extraembryonic tissues. By contrast, embryonic stem (ES) cells are considered to be merely pluripotent because they lack the ability to efficiently produce extraembryonic cell types. The relatively limited developmental potential of ES cells can be explained by the observation that ES cells are derived from the embryo after its cells have already begun to specialize and lose totipotency. Meanwhile, at the time that pluripotent ES cell progenitors are specified, so are the multipotent progenitors of two extraembryonic stem cell types: trophoblast stem (TS) cells and extraembryonic endoderm stem (XEN) cells. Notably, all three embryo-derived stem cell types are capable of either self-renewing or differentiating in a lineage-appropriate manner. These three types of embryo-derived stem cell serve as paradigms for defining the genes and pathways that define and maintain unique stem cell identities. Remarkably, some of the mechanisms that maintain the specific developmental potential of each stem cell line do so by preventing conversion to another stem cell fate. This chapter highlights noteworthy studies that have identified the genes and pathways that normally limit the interconversion of stem cell identities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Watts
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States; Program in Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States; Graduate Program in Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Alyson Lokken
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Alexandra Moauro
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States; Graduate Program in Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Amy Ralston
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States; Program in Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.
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7
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Kahn M. Wnt Signaling in Stem Cells and Cancer Stem Cells: A Tale of Two Coactivators. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2018; 153:209-244. [PMID: 29389517 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2017.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Wnt signaling in stem cells plays critical roles in development, normal adult physiology, and disease. In this chapter, we focus on the role of the Wnt signaling pathway in somatic stem cell biology and its critical role in normal tissue homeostasis and cancer. Wnt signaling can both maintain potency and initiate differentiation in somatic stem cells, depending on the cellular and environmental context. Based principally on studies from our lab, we will explain the dichotomous behavior of this signaling pathway in determining stem cell fate decisions, placing special emphasis on the interaction of β-catenin with either of the two highly homologous Kat3 coactivator proteins, CBP and p300. We will also discuss our results, both preclinical and clinical, demonstrating that small molecule modulators of the β-catenin/Kat3 coactivator interaction can be safely utilized to shift the balance between maintenance of potency and initiation of differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kahn
- Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States.
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8
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Liu K, Zhang Y, Liu D, Ying QL, Ye S. TFCP2L1 represses multiple lineage commitment of mouse embryonic stem cells through MTA1 and LEF1. J Cell Sci 2017; 130:3809-3817. [PMID: 28982712 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.206532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
TFCP2L1 is a transcription factor that is crucial for self-renewal of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). How TFCP2L1 maintains the pluripotent state of mESCs, however, remains unknown. Here, we show that knockdown of Tfcp2l1 in mESCs induces the expression of endoderm, mesoderm and trophectoderm markers. Functional analysis of mutant forms of TFCP2L1 revealed that TFCP2L1 depends on its N-terminus and CP2-like domain to maintain the undifferentiated state of mESCs. The N-terminus of TFCP2L1 is mainly associated with the suppression of mesoderm and trophectoderm differentiation, while the CP2-like domain is closely related to the suppression of endoderm commitment. Further studies showed that MTA1 directly interacts with TFCP2L1 and is indispensable for the TFCP2L1-mediated self-renewal-promoting effect and endoderm-inhibiting action. TFCP2L1-mediated suppression of mesoderm and trophectoderm differentiation, however, seems to be due to downregulation of Lef1 expression. Our study thus provides an expanded understanding of the function of TFCP2L1 and the pluripotency regulation network of ESCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuisheng Liu
- Center for Stem Cell and Translational Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, PR China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Center for Stem Cell and Translational Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, PR China
| | - Dahai Liu
- Center for Stem Cell and Translational Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, PR China
| | - Qi-Long Ying
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Shoudong Ye
- Center for Stem Cell and Translational Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, PR China
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9
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Ye S, Zhang T, Tong C, Zhou X, He K, Ban Q, Liu D, Ying QL. Depletion of Tcf3 and Lef1 maintains mouse embryonic stem cell self-renewal. Biol Open 2017; 6:511-517. [PMID: 28288968 PMCID: PMC5399551 DOI: 10.1242/bio.022426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Mouse and rat embryonic stem cell (ESC) self-renewal can be maintained by dual inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK). Inhibition of GSK3 promotes ESC self-renewal by abrogating T-cell factor 3 (TCF3)-mediated repression of the pluripotency network. How inhibition of MEK mediates ESC self-renewal, however, remains largely unknown. Here, we show that inhibition of MEK can significantly suppress lymphoid enhancer factor 1 (LEF1) expression in mouse ESCs. Knockdown or knockout of Lef1 partially mimics the self-renewal-promoting effect of MEK inhibitors. Moreover, depletion of both Tcf3 and Lef1 enables maintenance of undifferentiated mouse ESCs without exogenous factors, cytokines or inhibitors. Transcriptome resequencing analysis reveals that LEF1 is closely associated with endoderm specification in ESCs. Thus, our study adds support to the notion that the key to maintaining the ESC ground state is to shield ESCs from differentiative cues. Summary: Depletion of Lef1 and Tcf3 shows that ESCs could be shielded from differentiative cues to maintain the ESC ground state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoudong Ye
- Center for Stem Cell and Translational Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, People's Republic of China.,Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Tao Zhang
- Center for Stem Cell and Translational Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, People's Republic of China
| | - Chang Tong
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Xingliang Zhou
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Kan He
- Center for Stem Cell and Translational Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Ban
- Center for Stem Cell and Translational Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, People's Republic of China
| | - Dahai Liu
- Center for Stem Cell and Translational Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi-Long Ying
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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10
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Nayeem SB, Arfuso F, Dharmarajan A, Keelan JA. Role of Wnt signalling in early pregnancy. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 28:525-44. [PMID: 25190280 DOI: 10.1071/rd14079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The integration of a complex network of signalling molecules promotes implantation of the blastocyst and development of the placenta. These processes are crucial for a successful pregnancy and fetal growth and development. The signalling network involves both cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix communication. The family of secreted glycoprotein ligands, the Wnts, plays a major role in regulating a wide range of biological processes, including embryonic development, cell fate, proliferation, migration, stem cell maintenance, tumour suppression, oncogenesis and tissue homeostasis. Recent studies have provided evidence that Wnt signalling pathways play an important role in reproductive tissues and in early pregnancy events. The focus of this review is to summarise our present knowledge of expression, regulation and function of the Wnt signalling pathways in early pregnancy events of human and other model systems, and its association with pathological conditions. Despite our recent progress, much remains to be learned about Wnt signalling in human reproduction. The advancement of knowledge in this area has applications in the reduction of infertility and the incidence and morbidity of gestational diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarmah B Nayeem
- School of Women's and Infant's Health, University of Western Australia, King Edward Memorial Hospital, 374 Bagot Road, Subiaco, WA 6008, Australia
| | - Frank Arfuso
- School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, Faculty of Science, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Arun Dharmarajan
- School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, Faculty of Science, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Jeffrey A Keelan
- School of Women's and Infant's Health, University of Western Australia, King Edward Memorial Hospital, 374 Bagot Road, Subiaco, WA 6008, Australia
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11
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Malhotra SS, Banerjee P, Chaudhary P, Pal R, Gupta SK. Relevance of Wnt10b and activation of β-catenin/GCMa/syncytin-1 pathway in BeWo cell fusion. Am J Reprod Immunol 2017; 78. [DOI: 10.1111/aji.12676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sudha Saryu Malhotra
- Reproductive Cell Biology Laboratory; National Institute of Immunology; New Delhi India
| | - Priyanka Banerjee
- Reproductive Cell Biology Laboratory; National Institute of Immunology; New Delhi India
| | - Piyush Chaudhary
- Reproductive Cell Biology Laboratory; National Institute of Immunology; New Delhi India
| | - Rahul Pal
- Immunoendocrinology Laboratory; National Institute of Immunology; New Delhi India
| | - Satish Kumar Gupta
- Reproductive Cell Biology Laboratory; National Institute of Immunology; New Delhi India
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12
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Pluripotency Factors on Their Lineage Move. Stem Cells Int 2015; 2016:6838253. [PMID: 26770212 PMCID: PMC4684880 DOI: 10.1155/2016/6838253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Revised: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells are characterised by continuous self-renewal while maintaining the potential to differentiate into cells of all three germ layers. Regulatory networks of maintaining pluripotency have been described in great detail and, similarly, there is great knowledge on key players that regulate their differentiation. Interestingly, pluripotency has various shades with distinct developmental potential, an observation that coined the term of a ground state of pluripotency. A precise interplay of signalling axes regulates ground state conditions and acts in concert with a combination of key transcription factors. The balance between these transcription factors greatly influences the integrity of the pluripotency network and latest research suggests that minute changes in their expression can strengthen but also collapse the network. Moreover, recent studies reveal different facets of these core factors in balancing a controlled and directed exit from pluripotency. Thereby, subsets of pluripotency-maintaining factors have been shown to adopt new roles during lineage specification and have been globally defined towards neuroectodermal and mesendodermal sets of embryonic stem cell genes. However, detailed underlying insights into how these transcription factors orchestrate cell fate decisions remain largely elusive. Our group and others unravelled complex interactions in the regulation of this controlled exit. Herein, we summarise recent findings and discuss the potential mechanisms involved.
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Krivega M, Essahib W, Van de Velde H. WNT3 and membrane-associated β-catenin regulate trophectoderm lineage differentiation in human blastocysts. Mol Hum Reprod 2015; 21:711-22. [DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gav036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
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14
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Heightened potency of human pluripotent stem cell lines created by transient BMP4 exposure. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:E2337-46. [PMID: 25870291 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1504778112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) show epiblast-type pluripotency that is maintained with ACTIVIN/FGF2 signaling. Here, we report the acquisition of a unique stem cell phenotype by both human ES cells (hESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in response to transient (24-36 h) exposure to bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) plus inhibitors of ACTIVIN signaling (A83-01) and FGF2 (PD173074), followed by trypsin dissociation and recovery of colonies capable of growing on a gelatin substratum in standard medium for human PSCs at low but not high FGF2 concentrations. The self-renewing cell lines stain weakly for CDX2 and strongly for NANOG, can be propagated clonally on either Matrigel or gelatin, and are morphologically distinct from human PSC progenitors on either substratum but still meet standard in vitro criteria for pluripotency. They form well-differentiated teratomas in immune-compromised mice that secrete human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) into the host mouse and include small areas of trophoblast-like cells. The cells have a distinct transcriptome profile from the human PSCs from which they were derived (including higher expression of NANOG, LEFTY1, and LEFTY2). In nonconditioned medium lacking FGF2, the colonies spontaneously differentiated along multiple lineages, including trophoblast. They responded to PD173074 in the absence of both FGF2 and BMP4 by conversion to trophoblast, and especially syncytiotrophoblast, whereas an A83-01/PD173074 combination favored increased expression of HLA-G, a marker of extravillous trophoblast. Together, these data suggest that the cell lines exhibit totipotent potential and that BMP4 can prime human PSCs to a self-renewing alternative state permissive for trophoblast development. The results may have implications for regulation of lineage decisions in the early embryo.
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15
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Blij S, Parenti A, Tabatabai-Yazdi N, Ralston A. Cdx2 efficiently induces trophoblast stem-like cells in naïve, but not primed, pluripotent stem cells. Stem Cells Dev 2015; 24:1352-65. [PMID: 25625326 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2014.0395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Diverse pluripotent stem cell lines have been derived from the mouse, including embryonic stem cells (ESCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), embryonal carcinoma cells (ECCs), and epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs). While all are pluripotent, these cell lines differ in terms of developmental origins, morphology, gene expression, and signaling, indicating that multiple pluripotent states exist. Whether and how the pluripotent state influences the cell line's developmental potential or the competence to respond to differentiation cues could help optimize directed differentiation protocols. To determine whether pluripotent stem cell lines differ in developmental potential, we compared the capacity of mouse ESCs, iPSCs, ECCs, and EpiSCs to form trophoblast. ESCs do not readily differentiate into trophoblast, but overexpression of the trophoblast-expressed transcription factor, CDX2, leads to efficient differentiation to trophoblast and to formation of trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) in the presence of fibroblast growth factor-4 (FGF4) and Heparin. Interestingly, we found that iPSCs and ECCs could both give rise to TSC-like cells following Cdx2 overexpression, suggesting that these cell lines are equivalent in developmental potential. By contrast, EpiSCs did not give rise to TSCs following Cdx2 overexpression, indicating that EpiSCs are no longer competent to respond to CDX2 by differentiating to trophoblast. In addition, we noted that culturing ESCs in conditions that promote naïve pluripotency improved the efficiency with which TSC-like cells could be derived. This work demonstrates that CDX2 efficiently induces trophoblast in more naïve than in primed pluripotent stem cells and that the pluripotent state can influence the developmental potential of stem cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Blij
- 1Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California
| | - Anthony Parenti
- 2Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Neeloufar Tabatabai-Yazdi
- 1Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California
| | - Amy Ralston
- 2Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
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16
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Sarkar P, Randall SM, Collier TS, Nero A, Russell TA, Muddiman DC, Rao BM. Activin/nodal signaling switches the terminal fate of human embryonic stem cell-derived trophoblasts. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:8834-48. [PMID: 25670856 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.620641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) have been routinely treated with bone morphogenetic protein and/or inhibitors of activin/nodal signaling to obtain cells that express trophoblast markers. Trophoblasts can terminally differentiate to either extravillous trophoblasts or syncytiotrophoblasts. The signaling pathways that govern the terminal fate of these trophoblasts are not understood. We show that activin/nodal signaling switches the terminal fate of these hESC-derived trophoblasts. Inhibition of activin/nodal signaling leads to formation of extravillous trophoblast, whereas loss of activin/nodal inhibition leads to the formation of syncytiotrophoblasts. Also, the ability of hESCs to form bona fide trophoblasts has been intensely debated. We have examined hESC-derived trophoblasts in the light of stringent criteria that were proposed recently, such as hypomethylation of the ELF5-2b promoter region and down-regulation of HLA class I antigens. We report that trophoblasts that possess these properties can indeed be obtained from hESCs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shan M Randall
- the W. M. Keck FT-ICR Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, and
| | - Timothy S Collier
- the W. M. Keck FT-ICR Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, and
| | - Anthony Nero
- From the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
| | - Teal A Russell
- the Department of Biochemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695
| | - David C Muddiman
- the W. M. Keck FT-ICR Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, and
| | - Balaji M Rao
- From the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering,
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17
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Hayakawa K, Himeno E, Tanaka S, Kunath T. Isolation and Manipulation of Mouse Trophoblast Stem Cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 32:1E.4.1-1E.4.32. [DOI: 10.1002/9780470151808.sc01e04s32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Koji Hayakawa
- Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry, Animal Resource Sciences/Veterinary Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Emi Himeno
- Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry, Animal Resource Sciences/Veterinary Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Satoshi Tanaka
- Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry, Animal Resource Sciences/Veterinary Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Tilo Kunath
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh United Kingdom
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18
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Zhang X, Peterson KA, Liu XS, McMahon AP, Ohba S. Gene regulatory networks mediating canonical Wnt signal-directed control of pluripotency and differentiation in embryo stem cells. Stem Cells 2015; 31:2667-79. [PMID: 23505158 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2012] [Accepted: 01/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Canonical Wnt signaling supports the pluripotency of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) but also promotes differentiation of early mammalian cell lineages. To explain these paradoxical observations, we explored the gene regulatory networks at play. Canonical Wnt signaling is intertwined with the pluripotency network comprising Nanog, Oct4, and Sox2 in mouse ESCs. In defined media supporting the derivation and propagation of ESCs, Tcf3 and β-catenin interact with Oct4; Tcf3 binds to Sox motif within Oct-Sox composite motifs that are also bound by Oct4-Sox2 complexes. Furthermore, canonical Wnt signaling upregulates the activity of the Pou5f1 distal enhancer via the Sox motif in ESCs. When viewed in the context of published studies on Tcf3 and β-catenin mutants, our findings suggest Tcf3 counters pluripotency by competition with Sox2 at these sites, and Tcf3 inhibition is blocked by β-catenin entry into this complex. Wnt pathway stimulation also triggers β-catenin association at regulatory elements with classic Lef/Tcf motifs associated with differentiation programs. The failure to activate these targets in the presence of a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitor essential for ESC culture suggests MEK/ERK signaling and canonical Wnt signaling combine to promote ESC differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Zhang
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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19
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Zhang J, Liu G, Ruan Y, Wang J, Zhao K, Wan Y, Liu B, Zheng H, Peng T, Wu W, He P, Hu FQ, Jian R. Dax1 and Nanog act in parallel to stabilize mouse embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotency. Nat Commun 2014; 5:5042. [PMID: 25284313 PMCID: PMC4205889 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms6042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanog expression is heterogeneous and dynamic in embryonic stem cells (ESCs). However, the mechanism for stabilizing pluripotency during the transitions between Nanog(high) and Nanog(low) states is not well understood. Here we report that Dax1 acts in parallel with Nanog to regulate mouse ESC (mESCs) identity. Dax1 stable knockdown mESCs are predisposed towards differentiation but do not lose pluripotency, whereas Dax1 overexpression supports LIF-independent self-renewal. Although partially complementary, Dax1 and Nanog function independently and cannot replace one another. They are both required for full reprogramming to induce pluripotency. Importantly, Dax1 is indispensable for self-renewal of Nanog(low) mESCs. Moreover, we report that Dax1 prevents extra-embryonic endoderm (ExEn) commitment by directly repressing Gata6 transcription. Dax1 may also mediate inhibition of trophectoderm differentiation independent or as a downstream effector of Oct4. These findings establish a basal role of Dax1 in maintaining pluripotency during the state transition of mESCs and somatic cell reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junlei Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Gaoke Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yan Ruan
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jiali Wang
- Department of Physiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Ke Zhao
- Laboratory of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 400038, China
| | - Ying Wan
- 1] Biomedical Analysis Center, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 100071, China [2] Department of Immunology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Bing Liu
- Laboratory of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 400038, China
| | - Hongting Zheng
- Department of Endocrinology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Tao Peng
- Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Military General Hospital, Sichuan 610083, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Ping He
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Fu-Quan Hu
- Department of Microbiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Rui Jian
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
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20
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Du L, Fan H, Miao H, Zhao G, Hou Y. Extremely low frequency magnetic fields inhibit adipogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells. Bioelectromagnetics 2014; 35:519-30. [DOI: 10.1002/bem.21873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Du
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology; Division of Immunology; Medical School; Nanjing University; Nanjing P.R. China
| | - Hongye Fan
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology; Division of Immunology; Medical School; Nanjing University; Nanjing P.R. China
| | - Huishuang Miao
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology; Division of Immunology; Medical School; Nanjing University; Nanjing P.R. China
| | - Guangfeng Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital; Nanjing University Medical School; Nanjing P.R. China
| | - Yayi Hou
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology; Division of Immunology; Medical School; Nanjing University; Nanjing P.R. China
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21
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Contrasting transcriptome landscapes of rabbit pluripotent stem cells in vitro and in vivo. Anim Reprod Sci 2014; 149:67-79. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Accepted: 05/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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22
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Knöfler M, Pollheimer J. Human placental trophoblast invasion and differentiation: a particular focus on Wnt signaling. Front Genet 2013; 4:190. [PMID: 24133501 PMCID: PMC3783976 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2013.00190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Wingless ligands, a family of secreted proteins, are critically involved in organ development and tissue homeostasis by ensuring balanced rates of stem cell proliferation, cell death and differentiation. Wnt signaling components also play crucial roles in murine placental development controlling trophoblast lineage determination, chorioallantoic fusion and placental branching morphogenesis. However, the role of the pathway in human placentation, trophoblast development and differentiation is only partly understood. Here, we summarize our present knowledge about Wnt signaling in the human placenta and discuss its potential role in physiological and aberrant trophoblast invasion, gestational diseases and choriocarcinoma formation. Differentiation of proliferative first trimester cytotrophoblasts into invasive extravillous trophoblasts is associated with nuclear recruitment of β -catenin and induction of Wnt-dependent T-cell factor 4 suggesting that canonical Wnt signaling could be important for the formation and function of extravillous trophoblasts. Indeed, activation of the pathway was shown to promote trophoblast invasion in different in vitro trophoblast model systems as well as trophoblast cell fusion. Methylation-mediated silencing of inhibitors of Wnt signaling provided evidence for epigenetic activation of the pathway in placental tissues and choriocarcinoma cells. Similarly, abundant nuclear expression of β -catenin in invasive trophoblasts of complete hydatidiform moles suggested a role for hyper-activated Wnt signaling. In contrast, upregulation of Wnt inhibitors was noticed in placentae of women with preeclampsia, a disease characterized by shallow trophoblast invasion and incomplete spiral artery remodeling. Moreover, changes in Wnt signaling have been observed upon cytomegalovirus infection and in recurrent abortions. In summary, the current literature suggests a critical role of Wnt signaling in physiological and abnormal trophoblast function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Knöfler
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal-Maternal Medicine, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna Austria
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23
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Schiffmacher AT, Keefer CL. CDX2 regulates multiple trophoblast genes in bovine trophectoderm CT-1 cells. Mol Reprod Dev 2013; 80:826-39. [PMID: 23836438 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2013] [Accepted: 06/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The bovine trophectoderm (TE) undergoes a dramatic morphogenetic transition prior to uterine endometrial attachment. Many studies have documented trophoblast-specific gene expression profiles at various pre-attachment stages, yet genetic interactions within the transitioning TE gene regulatory network are not well characterized. During bovine embryogenesis, transcription factors OCT4 and CDX2 are co-expressed during early trophoblast elongation. In this study, the bovine trophectoderm-derived CT-1 cell line was utilized as a genetic model to examine the roles of CDX2 and OCT4 within the bovine trophoblast gene regulatory network. An RT-PCR screen for TE-lineage transcription factors identified expression of CDX2, ERRB, ID2, SOX15, ELF5, HAND1, and ASCL2. CT-1 cells also express a nuclear-localized, 360 amino acid OCT4 ortholog of the pluripotency-specific human OCT4A. To delineate the roles of CDX2 and OCT4 within the CT-1 gene network, CDX2 and OCT4 levels were manipulated via overexpression and siRNA-mediated knockdown. An increase in CDX2 negatively regulated OCT4 expression, but increased expression of IFNT, HAND1, ASCL2, SOX15, and ELF5. A reduction of CDX2 levels exhibited a reciprocal effect, resulting in decreased expression of IFNT, HAND1, ASCL2, and SOX15. Both overexpression and knockdown of CDX2 increased ETS2 transcription. In contrast to CDX2, manipulation of OCT4 levels only revealed a positive autoregulatory mechanism and upregulation of ASCL2. Together, these results suggest that CDX2 is a core regulator of multiple trophoblast genes within CT-1 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T Schiffmacher
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
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24
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Cochran SD, Cole JB, Null DJ, Hansen PJ. Discovery of single nucleotide polymorphisms in candidate genes associated with fertility and production traits in Holstein cattle. BMC Genet 2013; 14:49. [PMID: 23759029 PMCID: PMC3686577 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2156-14-49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2013] [Accepted: 05/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for specific genes involved in reproduction might improve reliability of genomic estimates for these low-heritability traits. Semen from 550 Holstein bulls of high (≥ 1.7; n = 288) or low (≤ −2; n = 262) daughter pregnancy rate (DPR) was genotyped for 434 candidate SNPs using the Sequenom MassARRAY® system. Three types of SNPs were evaluated: SNPs previously reported to be associated with reproductive traits or physically close to genetic markers for reproduction, SNPs in genes that are well known to be involved in reproductive processes, and SNPs in genes that are differentially expressed between physiological conditions in a variety of tissues associated in reproductive function. Eleven reproduction and production traits were analyzed. Results A total of 40 SNPs were associated (P < 0.05) with DPR. Among these were genes involved in the endocrine system, cell signaling, immune function and inhibition of apoptosis. A total of 10 genes were regulated by estradiol. In addition, 22 SNPs were associated with heifer conception rate, 33 with cow conception rate, 36 with productive life, 34 with net merit, 23 with milk yield, 19 with fat yield, 13 with fat percent, 19 with protein yield, 22 with protein percent, and 13 with somatic cell score. The allele substitution effect for SNPs associated with heifer conception rate, cow conception rate, productive life and net merit were in the same direction as for DPR. Allele substitution effects for several SNPs associated with production traits were in the opposite direction as DPR. Nonetheless, there were 29 SNPs associated with DPR that were not negatively associated with production traits. Conclusion SNPs in a total of 40 genes associated with DPR were identified as well as SNPs for other traits. It might be feasible to include these SNPs into genomic tests of reproduction and other traits. The genes associated with DPR are likely to be important for understanding the physiology of reproduction. Given the large number of SNPs associated with DPR that were not negatively associated with production traits, it should be possible to select for DPR without compromising production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah D Cochran
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-0910, USA
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25
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Turco MY, Furia L, Dietze A, Fernandez Diaz L, Ronzoni S, Sciullo A, Simeone A, Constam D, Faretta M, Lanfrancone L. Cellular heterogeneity during embryonic stem cell differentiation to epiblast stem cells is revealed by the ShcD/RaLP adaptor protein. Stem Cells 2013; 30:2423-36. [PMID: 22948967 PMCID: PMC3533801 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The Shc family of adaptor proteins are crucial mediators of a plethora of receptors such as the tyrosine kinase receptors, cytokine receptors, and integrins that drive signaling pathways governing proliferation, differentiation, and migration. Here, we report the role of the newly identified family member, ShcD/RaLP, whose expression in vitro and in vivo suggests a function in embryonic stem cell (ESC) to epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs) transition. The transition from the naïve (ESC) to the primed (EpiSC) pluripotent state is the initial important step for ESCs to commit to differentiation and the mechanisms underlying this process are still largely unknown. Using a novel approach to simultaneously assess pluripotency, apoptosis, and proliferation by multiparameter flow cytometry, we show that ESC to EpiSC transition is a process involving a tight coordination between the modulation of the Oct4 expression, cell cycle progression, and cell death. We also describe, by high-content immunofluorescence analysis and time-lapse microscopy, the emergence of cells expressing caudal-related homeobox 2 (Cdx2) transcription factor during ESC to EpiSC transition. The use of the ShcD knockout ESCs allowed the unmasking of this process as they presented deregulated Oct4 modulation and an enrichment in Oct4-negative Cdx2-positive cells with increased MAPK/extracellular-regulated kinases 1/2 activation, within the differentiating population. Collectively, our data reveal ShcD as an important modulator in the switch of key pathway(s) involved in determining EpiSC identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Y Turco
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
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26
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Sakatani M, Bonilla L, Dobbs KB, Block J, Ozawa M, Shanker S, Yao J, Hansen PJ. Changes in the transcriptome of morula-stage bovine embryos caused by heat shock: relationship to developmental acquisition of thermotolerance. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2013; 11:3. [PMID: 23320502 PMCID: PMC3583805 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-11-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2012] [Accepted: 01/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While initially sensitive to heat shock, the bovine embryo gains thermal resistance as it progresses through development so that physiological heat shock has little effect on development to the blastocyst stage by Day 5 after insemination. Here, experiments using 3' tag digital gene expression (3'DGE) and real-time PCR were conducted to determine changes in the transcriptome of morula-stage bovine embryos in response to heat shock (40 degrees C for 8 h) that could be associated with thermotolerance. RESULTS Using 3'DGE, expression of 173 genes were modified by heat shock, with 94 genes upregulated by heat shock and 79 genes downregulated by heat shock. A total of 38 differentially-regulated genes were associated with the ubiquitin protein, UBC. Heat shock increased expression of one heat shock protein gene, HSPB11, and one heat shock protein binding protein, HSPBP1, tended to increase expression of HSPA1A and HSPB1, but did not affect expression of 64 other genes encoding heat shock proteins, heat shock transcription factors or proteins interacting with heat shock proteins. Moreover, heat shock increased expression of five genes associated with oxidative stress (AKR7A2, CBR1, GGH, GSTA4, and MAP2K5), decreased expression of HIF3A, but did not affect expression of 42 other genes related to free radical metabolism. Heat shock also had little effect on genes involved in embryonic development. Effects of heat shock for 2, 4 and 8 h on selected heat shock protein and antioxidant genes were also evaluated by real-time PCR. Heat shock increased steady-state amounts of mRNA for HSPA1A (P<0.05) and tended to increase expression of HSP90AA1 (P<0.07) but had no effect on expression of SOD1 or CAT. CONCLUSIONS Changes in the transcriptome of the heat-shocked bovine morula indicate that the embryo is largely resistant to effects of heat shock. As a result, transcription of genes involved in thermal protection is muted and there is little disruption of gene networks involved in embryonic development. It is likely that the increased resistance of morula-stage embryos to heat shock as compared to embryos at earlier stages of development is due in part to developmental acquisition of mechanisms to prevent accumulation of denatured proteins and free radical damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miki Sakatani
- Kyushu-Okinawa Agricultural Research Center, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Kumamoto, 861-1192, Japan
| | - Luciano Bonilla
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611-0910, USA
- Present address: Minitube International Center for Biotechnology, Mt. Horeb, WI, 53572, USA
| | - Kyle B Dobbs
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611-0910, USA
| | - Jeremy Block
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611-0910, USA
- Ovatech LLC, Gainesville Florida, FL, 32608, USA
| | - Manabu Ozawa
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611-0910, USA
- Laboratory of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Savita Shanker
- Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - JiQiang Yao
- Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Peter J Hansen
- Department of Animal Sciences, D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611-0910, USA
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Lee TTY, Tsai CF, Hsieh TH, Chen JJJ, Wang YC, Kao MC, Wu RM, Singh S, Tsai EM, Lee JN. Ectopic pregnancy-derived human trophoblastic stem cells regenerate dopaminergic nigrostriatal pathway to treat parkinsonian rats. PLoS One 2012; 7:e52491. [PMID: 23285066 PMCID: PMC3528662 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2012] [Accepted: 11/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Stem cell therapy is a potential strategy to treat patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD); however, several practical limitations remain. As such, finding the appropriate stem cell remains the primary issue in regenerative medicine today. We isolated a pre-placental pluripotent stem cell from the chorionic villi of women with early tubal ectopic pregnancies. Our objectives in this study were (i) to identify the characteristics of hTS cells as a potential cell source for therapy; and (ii) to test if hTS cells can be used as a potential therapeutic strategy for PD. Methods and Findings hTS cells expressed gene markers of both the trophectoderm (TE) and the inner cell mass (ICM). hTS cells exhibited genetic and biological characteristics similar to that of hES cells, yet genetically distinct from placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells. All-trans retinoic acid (RA) efficiently induced hTS cells into trophoblast neural stem cells (tNSCs) in 1-day. Overexpression of transcription factor Nanog was possibly achieved through a RA-induced non-genomic c-Src/Stat3/Nanog signaling pathway mediated by the subcellular c-Src mRNA localization for the maintenance of pluripotency in tNSCs. tNSC transplantation into the lesioned striatum of acute and chronic PD rats not only improved behavioral deficits but also regenerated dopaminergic neurons in the nigrostriatal pathway, evidenced by immunofluorescent and immunohistological analyses at 18-weeks. Furthermore, tNSCs showed immunological advantages for the application in regenerative medicine. Conclusions We successfully isolated and characterized the unique ectopic pregnancy-derived hTS cells. hTS cells are pluripotent stem cells that can be efficiently induced to tNSCs with positive results in PD rat models. Our data suggest that the hTS cell is a dynamic stem cell platform that is potentially suitable for use in disease models, drug discovery, and cell therapy such as PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony Tung-Yin Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Center of Excellence for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Fang Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hsun Hsieh
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Jin Jason Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chih Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Center of Excellence for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Mi-Chun Kao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Center of Excellence for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ruey-Meei Wu
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sher Singh
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Eing-Mei Tsai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Center of Excellence for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (JNL) (ET); (EMT) (JL)
| | - Jau-Nan Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Center of Excellence for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (JNL) (ET); (EMT) (JL)
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28
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Kohan-Ghadr HR, Smith LC, Arnold DR, Murphy BD, Lefebvre RC. Aberrant expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin proteins in placenta of bovine embryos derived from somatic cell nuclear transfer. Reprod Fertil Dev 2012; 24:588-98. [PMID: 22541547 DOI: 10.1071/rd11162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2011] [Accepted: 08/27/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal placental development is common in the bovine somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)-derived fetus. In the present study, we characterised the expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin, structural proteins of adherens junctions, in SCNT gestations as a model for impaired placentation. Cotyledonary tissues were separated from pregnant uteri of SCNT (n = 6) and control pregnancies (n = 8) obtained by artificial insemination. Samples were analysed by western blot, quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. Bovine trophectoderm cell lines derived from SCNT and control embryos were analysed to compare with the in utero condition. Although no differences in E-cadherin or β-catenin mRNA abundance were observed in fetal tissues between the two groups, proteins encoded by these genes were markedly under-expressed in SCNT trophoblast cells. Immunohistochemistry revealed a different pattern of E-cadherin and total β-catenin localisation in SCNT placentas compared with controls. No difference was observed in subcellular localisation of dephosphorylated active-β-catenin protein in SCNT tissues compared with controls. However, qRT-PCR confirmed that the wingless (WNT)/β-catenin signalling pathway target genes CCND1, CLDN1 and MSX1 were downregulated in SCNT placentas. No differences were detected between two groups of bovine trophectoderm cell lines. Our results suggest that impaired expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin proteins, along with defective β-catenin signalling during embryo attachment, specifically during placentation, is a molecular mechanism explaining insufficient placentation in the bovine SCNT-derived fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- H R Kohan-Ghadr
- Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Montreal, 3200 Sicotte, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec J2S 2M2, Canada
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29
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Cho LTY, Wamaitha SE, Tsai IJ, Artus J, Sherwood RI, Pedersen RA, Hadjantonakis AK, Niakan KK. Conversion from mouse embryonic to extra-embryonic endoderm stem cells reveals distinct differentiation capacities of pluripotent stem cell states. Development 2012; 139:2866-77. [PMID: 22791892 DOI: 10.1242/dev.078519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The inner cell mass of the mouse pre-implantation blastocyst comprises epiblast progenitor and primitive endoderm cells of which cognate embryonic (mESCs) or extra-embryonic (XEN) stem cell lines can be derived. Importantly, each stem cell type retains the defining properties and lineage restriction of their in vivo tissue of origin. Recently, we demonstrated that XEN-like cells arise within mESC cultures. This raises the possibility that mESCs can generate self-renewing XEN cells without the requirement for gene manipulation. We have developed a novel approach to convert mESCs to XEN cells (cXEN) using growth factors. We confirm that the downregulation of the pluripotency transcription factor Nanog and the expression of primitive endoderm-associated genes Gata6, Gata4, Sox17 and Pdgfra are necessary for cXEN cell derivation. This approach highlights an important function for Fgf4 in cXEN cell derivation. Paracrine FGF signalling compensates for the loss of endogenous Fgf4, which is necessary to exit mESC self-renewal, but not for XEN cell maintenance. Our cXEN protocol also reveals that distinct pluripotent stem cells respond uniquely to differentiation promoting signals. cXEN cells can be derived from mESCs cultured with Erk and Gsk3 inhibitors (2i), and LIF, similar to conventional mESCs. However, we find that epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs) derived from the post-implantation embryo are refractory to cXEN cell establishment, consistent with the hypothesis that EpiSCs represent a pluripotent state distinct from mESCs. In all, these findings suggest that the potential of mESCs includes the capacity to give rise to both extra-embryonic and embryonic lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily T Y Cho
- The Anne McLaren Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0SZ, UK
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30
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Sanchez-Ferras O, Coutaud B, Djavanbakht Samani T, Tremblay I, Souchkova O, Pilon N. Caudal-related homeobox (Cdx) protein-dependent integration of canonical Wnt signaling on paired-box 3 (Pax3) neural crest enhancer. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:16623-35. [PMID: 22457346 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.356394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the earliest events in neural crest development takes place at the neural plate border and consists in the induction of Pax3 expression by posteriorizing Wnt·β-catenin signaling. The molecular mechanism of this regulation is not well understood, but several observations suggest a role for posteriorizing Cdx transcription factors (Cdx1/2/4) in this process. Cdx genes are known as integrators of posteriorizing signals from Wnt, retinoic acid, and FGF pathways. In this work, we report that Wnt-mediated regulation of murine Pax3 expression is indirect and involves Cdx proteins as intermediates. We show that Pax3 transcripts co-localize with Cdx proteins in the posterior neurectoderm and that neural Pax3 expression is reduced in Cdx1-null embryos. Using Wnt3a-treated P19 cells and neural crest-derived Neuro2a cells, we demonstrate that Pax3 expression is induced by the Wnt-Cdx pathway. Co-transfection analyses, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and transgenic studies further indicate that Cdx proteins operate via direct binding to an evolutionarily conserved neural crest enhancer of the Pax3 proximal promoter. Taken together, these results suggest a novel neural function for Cdx proteins within the gene regulatory network controlling neural crest development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oraly Sanchez-Ferras
- Molecular Genetics of Development, Department of Biological Sciences, and BioMed Research Center, Faculty of Sciences, University of Quebec, Montreal, Quebec H2X 3Y7, Canada
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31
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Wnt/β-catenin signaling in embryonic stem cell self-renewal and somatic cell reprogramming. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2012; 7:836-46. [PMID: 21603945 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-011-9275-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are characterized by their ability to self-renew and to generate differentiated cells of all three germ layers. This potential makes them an attractive source to address question of developmental and also for use in clinical regenerative medicine. Although the culture conditions to maintain pluripotency and reprogramming technologies have been established, the underlying molecular mechanisms are incompletely understood. Accumulating evidence indicates that the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of pluripotency as well as in the process of somatic cell reprogramming. Reciprocally, Wnt/β-catenin signaling also plays a critical role in the lineage decision/commitment process. These dramatically different outcomes upon activation of the Wnt signaling cascade has fueled enormous controversy concerning the role of Wnt signaling in the maintenance of potency and induction of differentiation in stem cells. Here, we discuss and explore the divergent roles of the Wnt signaling pathways based on findings from our lab. Accumulated results from our lab indicate the usage of a critical switching mechanism that regulates the divergent Wnt/catenin transcriptional programs associated with either maintenance of potency or initiation of differentiation.
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32
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Bernardo AS, Faial T, Gardner L, Niakan KK, Ortmann D, Senner CE, Callery EM, Trotter MW, Hemberger M, Smith JC, Bardwell L, Moffett A, Pedersen RA. BRACHYURY and CDX2 mediate BMP-induced differentiation of human and mouse pluripotent stem cells into embryonic and extraembryonic lineages. Cell Stem Cell 2012; 9:144-55. [PMID: 21816365 PMCID: PMC3567433 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2011.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 276] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2010] [Revised: 04/14/2011] [Accepted: 06/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BMP is thought to induce hESC differentiation toward multiple lineages including mesoderm and trophoblast. The BMP-induced trophoblast phenotype is a long-standing paradox in stem cell biology. Here we readdressed BMP function in hESCs and mouse epiblast-derived cells. We found that BMP4 cooperates with FGF2 (via ERK) to induce mesoderm and to inhibit endoderm differentiation. These conditions induced cells with high levels of BRACHYURY (BRA) that coexpressed CDX2. BRA was necessary for and preceded CDX2 expression; both genes were essential for expression not only of mesodermal genes but also of trophoblast-associated genes. Maximal expression of the latter was seen in the absence of FGF but these cells coexpressed mesodermal genes and moreover they differed in cell surface and epigenetic properties from placental trophoblast. We conclude that BMP induces human and mouse pluripotent stem cells primarily to form mesoderm, rather than trophoblast, acting through BRA and CDX2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia S Bernardo
- The Anne McLaren Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0SZ, UK.
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33
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Kuckenberg P, Kubaczka C, Schorle H. The role of transcription factor Tcfap2c/TFAP2C in trophectoderm development. Reprod Biomed Online 2012; 25:12-20. [PMID: 22560121 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2012.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2011] [Revised: 01/23/2012] [Accepted: 02/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, knowledge regarding the genetic and epigenetic programmes governing specification, maintenance and differentiation of the extraembryonic lineage has advanced substantially. Establishment and analysis of mice deficient in genes implicated in trophoblast lineage and the option to generate and manipulate murine stem cell lines from the inner cell mass and the trophectoderm in vitro represent major advances. The activating enhancer binding protein 2 (AP2) family of transcription factors is expressed during mammalian development and in certain malignant diseases. This article summarizes the data regarding expression and function of murine Tcfap2 and human TFAP2 in extraembryonic development and differentiation. It also presents a model integrating Tcfap2c into the framework of trophoblast development and highlights the requirement of Tcfap2c to maintain trophoblast stem cells. With regard to human trophoblast cell-lineage restriction, the role of TFAP2C in lineage specification and maintenance is speculated upon. Furthermore, an overview of target genes of AP2 in mouse and human affecting placenta development and function is provided and the evidence suggesting that defects in regulating TFAP2 members might contribute to placental defects is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Kuckenberg
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Developmental Pathology, University of Bonn, Germany
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34
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Galat V, Malchenko S, Galat Y, Ishkin A, Nikolsky Y, Kosak ST, Soares BM, Iannaccone P, Crispino JD, Hendrix MJC. A model of early human embryonic stem cell differentiation reveals inter- and intracellular changes on transition to squamous epithelium. Stem Cells Dev 2011; 21:1250-63. [PMID: 21861759 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2010.0578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular events leading to human embryonic stem cell (hESC) differentiation are the subject of considerable scrutiny. Here, we characterize an in vitro model that permits analysis of the earliest steps in the transition of hESC colonies to squamous epithelium on basic fibroblast growth factor withdrawal. A set of markers (GSC, CK18, Gata4, Eomes, and Sox17) point to a mesendodermal nature of the epithelial cells with subsequent commitment to definitive endoderm (Sox17, Cdx2, nestin, and Islet1). We assayed alterations in the transcriptome in parallel with the distribution of immunohistochemical markers. Our results indicate that the alterations of tight junctions in pluripotent culture precede the beginning of differentiation. We defined this cell population as "specified," as it is committed toward differentiation. The transitional zone between "specified" pluripotent and differentiated cells displays significant up-regulation of keratin-18 (CK18) along with a decrease in the functional activity of gap junctions and the down-regulation of 2 gap junction proteins, connexin 43 (Cx43) and connexin 45 (Cx45), which is coincidental with substantial elevation of intracellular Ca2+ levels. These findings reveal a set of cellular changes that may represent the earliest markers of in vitro hESC transition to an epithelial phenotype, before the induction of gene expression networks that guide hESC differentiation. Moreover, we hypothesize that these events may be common during the primary steps of hESC commitment to functionally varied epithelial tissue derivatives of different embryological origins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliy Galat
- Developmental Biology Program, iPS and Human Stem Cell Core Facility, Children's Memorial Research Center, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60614-3394, USA.
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35
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Tanaka SS, Kojima Y, Yamaguchi YL, Nishinakamura R, Tam PPL. Impact of WNT signaling on tissue lineage differentiation in the early mouse embryo. Dev Growth Differ 2011; 53:843-56. [PMID: 21762130 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-169x.2011.01292.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
WNT signaling activity is involved in the regulation of many cellular functions, including proliferation, migration, cell fate specification, maintenance of pluripotency and induction of tumorigenicity. Here we summarize recent progress towards understanding the regulation of canonical WNT/β-catenin signaling activity through feedback regulatory loops involving the ligands, agonists and antagonists, the availability of intracellular pools of active β-catenin and the cross-regulation of the WNT activity by β-catenin independent pathway. We also review recent findings on the role of WNT/β-catenin signaling in tissue lineage differentiation during embryogenesis and the maintenance and self renewal of embryo-derived stem cells in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satomi S Tanaka
- Department of Kidney Development, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.
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36
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Pillarisetti A, Desai JP, Ladjal H, Schiffmacher A, Ferreira A, Keefer CL. Mechanical phenotyping of mouse embryonic stem cells: increase in stiffness with differentiation. Cell Reprogram 2011; 13:371-80. [PMID: 21728815 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2011.0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has emerged as a promising tool to characterize the mechanical properties of biological materials and cells. In our studies, undifferentiated and early differentiating mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) were assessed individually using an AFM system to determine if we could detect changes in their mechanical properties by surface probing. Probes with pyramidal and spherical tips were assessed, as were different analytical models for evaluating the data. The combination of AFM probing with a spherical tip and analysis using the Hertz model provided the best fit to the experimental data obtained and thus provided the best approximation of the elastic modulus. Our results showed that after only 6 days of differentiation, individual cell stiffness increased significantly with early differentiating mESCs having an elastic modulus two- to threefold higher than undifferentiated mESCs, regardless of cell line (R1 or D3 mESCs) or treatment. Single-touch (indentation) probing of individual cells is minimally invasive compared to other techniques. Therefore, this method of mechanical phenotyping should prove to be a valuable tool in the development of improved methods of identification and targeted cellular differentiation of embryonic, adult, and induced-pluripotent stem cells for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand Pillarisetti
- Robotics, Automation, Medical Systems (RAMS) Laboratory, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
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37
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West FD, Terlouw SL, Kwon DJ, Mumaw JL, Dhara SK, Hasneen K, Dobrinsky JR, Stice SL. Porcine induced pluripotent stem cells produce chimeric offspring. Stem Cells Dev 2011; 19:1211-20. [PMID: 20380514 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2009.0458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Ethical and moral issues rule out the use of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in chimera studies that would determine the full extent of their reprogrammed state, instead relying on less rigorous assays such as teratoma formation and differentiated cell types. To date, only mouse iPSC lines are known to be truly pluripotent. However, initial mouse iPSC lines failed to form chimeric offspring, but did generate teratomas and differentiated embryoid bodies, and thus these specific iPSC lines were not completely reprogrammed or truly pluripotent. Therefore, there is a need to address whether the reprogramming factors and process used eventually to generate chimeric mice are universal and sufficient to generate reprogrammed iPSC that contribute to chimeric offspring in additional species. Here we show that porcine mesenchymal stem cells transduced with 6 human reprogramming factors (POU5F1, SOX2, NANOG, KLF4, LIN28, and C-MYC) injected into preimplantation-stage embryos contributed to multiple tissue types spanning all 3 germ layers in 8 of 10 fetuses. The chimerism rate was high, 85.3% or 29 of 34 live offspring were chimeras based on skin and tail biopsies harvested from 2- to 5-day-old pigs. The creation of pluripotent porcine iPSCs capable of generating chimeric offspring introduces numerous opportunities to study the facets significantly affecting cell therapies, genetic engineering, and other aspects of stem cell and developmental biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franklin D West
- Regenerative Bioscience Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA
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38
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Galvin-Burgess KE, Vivian JL. Transforming growth factor-beta superfamily in mouse embryonic stem cell self-renewal. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2011; 87:341-65. [PMID: 22127250 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-386015-6.00035-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic stem (ES) cells are pluripotent cells that maintain the capability of undifferentiated self-renewal in culture. As mouse ES cells have the capacity to give rise to all the tissues of the body, they are an excellent developmental biology model system and a model for regenerative therapies. The extracellular cues and the intracellular signaling cascades that regulate ES cell self-renewal and cell-fate choices are complex and actively studied. Many developmental signaling pathways regulate the ES cell phenotype, and their intracellular programs interact to modulate the gene networks controlling ES cell pluripotency. This review focuses on the current understanding and outstanding questions of the roles of the transforming growth factor-beta-related signaling pathways in regulating pluripotency and differentiation of mouse ES cells. The complex dichotomic roles of bone morphogenetic protein signaling in maintaining the undifferentiated state and also inducing specific cell fates will be reviewed. The emerging roles of Nodal signaling in ES cell self-renewal will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Galvin-Burgess
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Institute for Reproductive Health and Regenerative Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, USA
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Abstract
Trophoblast stem cells (TSC) are the precursors of the differentiated cells of the placenta. In the mouse, TSC can be derived from outgrowths of either blastocyst polar trophectoderm (TE) or extraembryonic ectoderm (ExE), which originates from polar TE after implantation. The mouse TSC niche appears to be located within the ExE adjacent to the epiblast, on which it depends for essential growth factors, but whether this cellular architecture is the same in other species remains to be determined. Mouse TSC self-renewal can be sustained by culture on mitotically inactivated feeder cells, which provide one or more factors related to the NODAL pathway, and a medium supplemented with FGF4, heparin, and fetal bovine serum. Repression of the gene network that maintains pluripotency and emergence of the transcription factor pathways that specify a trophoblast (TR) fate enables TSC derivation in vitro and placental formation in vivo. Disrupting the pluripotent network of embryonic stem cells (ESC) causes them to default to a TR ground state. Pluripotent cells that have acquired sublethal chromosomal alterations may be sequestered into TR for similar reasons. The transition from ESC to TSC, which appears to be unidirectional, reveals important aspects of initial fate decisions in mice. TSC have yet to be derived from domestic species in which remarkable TR growth precedes embryogenesis. Recent derivation of TSC from blastocysts of the rhesus monkey suggests that isolation of the human equivalents may be possible and will reveal the extent to which mechanisms uncovered by using animal models are true in our own species.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Michael Roberts
- Division of Animal Sciences, Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
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40
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Abstract
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) has been used to prevent subsequent miscarriages after previous recurrent miscarriages. In addition to the luteotrophic effects, hCG has uterine immune and autocrine actions. hCG also affects cytokine expression. A Cochrane database systematic review has indicated that hCG seems to prevent further miscarriages, (OR for miscarriage = 0.26, 95% CI 0.14-0.52). However, the trials in the Cochrane database were not matched for the number of miscarriages, 1°, 2° or 3° aborter status, maternal age, etc. and no account was made for chromosomally abnormal pregnancies. All of these impact on the subsequent prognosis and may confound the results. The previous trials in the literature all assessed urinary (u-hCG) rather than recombinant hCG (r-hCG), raising the question whether the effect on pregnancy outcome is due to hCG itself, or other urinary proteins present in u-hCG. A new trial is indicated in which r-hCG is compared to u-hCG and the most effective compared to placebo. Treatment and placebos arms should be stratified for the prognostic factors above and the results corrected for fetal chromosomal aberrations. Until such a trial is carried out, the use of hCG supplementation is empiric.
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Affiliation(s)
- H J A Carp
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
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41
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Sonderegger S, Pollheimer J, Knöfler M. Wnt signalling in implantation, decidualisation and placental differentiation--review. Placenta 2010; 31:839-47. [PMID: 20716463 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2010.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2010] [Revised: 07/20/2010] [Accepted: 07/21/2010] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The family of secreted Wingless ligands plays major roles in embryonic development, stem cell maintenance, differentiation and tissue homeostasis. Accumulating evidence suggests that the canonical Wnt pathway involving nuclear recruitment of β-catenin and activation of Wnt-dependent transcription factors is also critically involved in development and differentiation of the diverse reproductive tissues. Here, we summarise our present knowledge about expression, regulation and function of Wnt ligands and their frizzled receptors in murine and human endometrial and placental cell types. In mice, Wnt signalling promotes early trophoblast lineage development, blastocyst activation, implantation and chorion-allantois fusion. Moreover, different Wnt ligands play essential roles in the development of the murine uterine tract, in cycling endometrial cells and during decidualisation. In humans, estrogen-dependent endometrial cell proliferation, decidualisation, trophoblast attachment and invasion were shown to be controlled by the particular signalling pathway. Failures in Wnt signalling are associated with infertility, endometriosis, endometrial cancer and gestational diseases such as complete mole placentae and choriocarcinomas. However, our present knowledge is still scarce due to the complexity of the Wnt network involving numerous ligands, receptors and non-canonical pathways. Hence, much remains to be learned about the role of different Wnt signalling cascades in reproductive cell types and their changes under pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sonderegger
- Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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42
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Galvin KE, Travis ED, Yee D, Magnuson T, Vivian JL. Nodal signaling regulates the bone morphogenic protein pluripotency pathway in mouse embryonic stem cells. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:19747-56. [PMID: 20427282 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.077347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Members of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily play essential roles in both the pluripotency and differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells. Although bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs) maintain pluripotency of undifferentiated mouse ES cells, the role of autocrine Nodal signaling is less clear. Pharmacological, molecular, and genetic methods were used to further understand the roles and potential interactions of these pathways. Treatment of undifferentiated ES cells with SB431542, a pharmacological inhibitor of Smad2 signaling, resulted in a rapid reduction of phosphorylated Smad2 and altered the expression of several putative downstream targets. Unexpectedly, inhibition of the Nodal signaling pathway resulted in enhanced BMP signaling, as assessed by Smad1/5 phosphorylation. SB431542-treated cells also demonstrated significant induction of the Id genes, which are known direct targets of BMP signaling and important factors in ES cell pluripotency. Inhibition of BMP signaling decreased the SB431542-mediated phosphorylation of Smad1/5 and induction of Id genes, suggesting that BMP signaling is necessary for some Smad2-mediated activity. Because Smad7, a known inhibitory factor to both Nodal and BMP signaling, was down-regulated following inhibition of Nodal-Smad2 signaling, the contribution of Smad7 to the cross-talk between the transforming growth factor-beta pathways in ES cells was examined. Biochemical manipulation of Smad7 expression, through shRNA knockdown or inducible gene expression, significantly reduced the SB431542-mediated phosphorylation of Smad1/5 and induction of the Id genes. We conclude that autocrine Nodal signaling in undifferentiated mouse ES cells modulates the vital pluripotency pathway of BMP signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Galvin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Division of Cancer and Developmental Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160, USA
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43
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The transcription factor TCFAP2C/AP-2gamma cooperates with CDX2 to maintain trophectoderm formation. Mol Cell Biol 2010; 30:3310-20. [PMID: 20404091 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.01215-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, cell lineage specification is established at the blastocyst stage. At this stage, transcription factor Cdx2 represses pluripotency genes, thus promoting extraembryonic trophoblast fate. Recently, transcription factor Gata3 was shown to act in a parallel pathway in promoting trophoblast cell fate, suggesting that there are more factors working in the trophoblast lineage. Here, we report that the transcription factor Tcfap2c is expressed at a high level in the trophectoderm and is able to induce trophoblast fate in embryonic stem cells. Trophoblast fate induced by Tcfap2c does not require Cdx2 and vice versa, suggesting that the molecules act in alternative pathways. However, both Tcfap2c and Cdx2 are required for the upregulation of Elf5, a marker of trophoblast stem cell maintenance, suggesting that both factors are required for stable trophoblast induction. Tcfap2c-induced trophoblast-like cells are stable in long-term culture, indicating that they are capable of self-renewal. Tcfap2c-controlled trophoblast maintenance involves the induction of Cdx2 and the repression of the pluripotency factor Nanog. Tcfap2c-induced trophoblast-like cells differentiate to trophoblast derivatives in vitro and contribute to the trophectoderm in blastocysts in vivo. Taken together, these observations suggest that Tcfap2c and Cdx2 cooperate to override the pluripotency program and establish the extraembryonic trophoblast maintenance program in murine embryos.
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44
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Fitzgerald JS, Germeyer A, Huppertz B, Jeschke U, Knöfler M, Moser G, Scholz C, Sonderegger S, Toth B, Markert UR. Governing the invasive trophoblast: current aspects on intra- and extracellular regulation. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 63:492-505. [PMID: 20236263 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2010.00824.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This review summarizes several aspects especially of regulating factors governing trophoblast invasion. Those include the composition of the extracellular matrix containing a variety of matrix metalloproeinases and their inhibitors, but also intracellular signals. Furthermore, a newly described trophoblast subtype, the endoglandular trophoblast, is presented. Its presence may provide a possible mechanism for opening and connecting uterine glands into the intervillous space. Amongst others, two intracellular signalling pathways are crucial for regulation of trophoblast functions and development: Wnt- and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 signalling. Wnt signalling promotes implantation, placentation and trophoblast differentiation. Several Wnt-dependent cascades and regulatory mechanisms display different functions in trophoblast cells. The STAT3 signalling system is fundamental for induction and regulation of invasiveness in physiological trophoblastic cells, but also in tumours. The role of galectins (Gal) in trophoblast regulation and placenta development comes increasingly into focus. The Gal- 1-4, 7-10 and 12-14 have been detected in humans. Detailed information is only available for Gal-1, -2, -3, -4, -9 and -12 in endometrium and decidua. Gal-1, -3 and -13 (-14) have been detected and studied in trophoblast cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine S Fitzgerald
- Department of Obstetrics, Placenta Laboratory, University Hospital, Jena, Germany
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45
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Sonderegger S, Haslinger P, Sabri A, Leisser C, Otten JV, Fiala C, Knöfler M. Wingless (Wnt)-3A induces trophoblast migration and matrix metalloproteinase-2 secretion through canonical Wnt signaling and protein kinase B/AKT activation. Endocrinology 2010; 151:211-20. [PMID: 19887570 PMCID: PMC2974214 DOI: 10.1210/en.2009-0557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Invasion of human trophoblasts is promoted through activation of wingless (Wnt) signaling, suggesting a role of the pathway in placental development and morphogenesis. However, details on the process such as involvement of canonical and/or noncanonical Wnt signaling cascades as well as their target genes are largely unknown. Hence, signal transduction via canonical Wnt signaling or phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT and their cross talk as well as trophoblast-specific protease expression were investigated in trophoblastic SGHPL-5 cells and primary extravillous trophoblasts purified from first-trimester placentas. Western blot analyses revealed that the recombinant Wnt ligand Wnt-3A increased phosphorylation of AKT and the downstream kinase glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3beta as well as accumulation of activated, nuclear beta-catenin. In accordance, luciferase expression of a canonical Wnt/TCF reporter and cell migration in first-trimester villous explant cultures and of SGHPL-5 cells were stimulated. Chemical inhibition of PI3K abolished Wnt-dependent phosphorylation of AKT and GSK-3beta and trophoblast motility but did not affect appearance of activated beta-catenin or Wnt/TCF reporter activity. In contrast, inhibition of the canonical pathway through soluble Dickkopf-1 did not influence AKT and GSK-3beta phosphorylation but reduced Wnt reporter activity, accumulation of active beta-catenin, and cell migration. Both inhibitors decreased Wnt-3A-induced secretion of pro- and active matrix metalloproteinase-2 from SGHPL-5 cells and pure EVT. The data suggest that Wnt-3A may activate canonical Wnt signaling and PI3K/AKT through distinct receptors. The two signaling cascades act independently in trophoblasts; however, both pathways promote Wnt-dependent migration and the release of matrix metalloproteinase-2, which has been identified as novel Wnt target in invasive trophoblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Sonderegger
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal-Maternal Medicine, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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46
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Hayashi Y, Furue MK, Tanaka S, Hirose M, Wakisaka N, Danno H, Ohnuma K, Oeda S, Aihara Y, Shiota K, Ogura A, Ishiura S, Asashima M. BMP4 induction of trophoblast from mouse embryonic stem cells in defined culture conditions on laminin. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2009; 46:416-30. [PMID: 20033790 PMCID: PMC2862943 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-009-9266-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2009] [Accepted: 11/16/2009] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Because mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) do not contribute to the formation of extraembryonic placenta when they are injected into blastocysts, it is believed that mESCs do not differentiate into trophoblast whereas human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) can express trophoblast markers when exposed to bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) in vitro. To test whether mESCs have the potential to differentiate into trophoblast, we assessed the effect of BMP4 on mESCs in a defined monolayer culture condition. The expression of trophoblast-specific transcription factors such as Cdx2, Dlx3, Esx1, Gata3, Hand1, Mash2, and Plx1 was specifically upregulated in the BMP4-treated differentiated cells, and these cells expressed trophoblast markers. These results suggest that BMP4 treatment in defined culture conditions enabled mESCs to differentiate into trophoblast. This differentiation was inhibited by serum or leukemia inhibitory factor, which are generally used for mESC culture. In addition, we studied the mechanism underlying BMP4-directed mESC differentiation into trophoblast. Our results showed that BMP4 activates the Smad pathway in mESCs inducing Cdx2 expression, which plays a crucial role in trophoblast differentiation, through the binding of Smad protein to the Cdx2 genomic enhancer sequence. Our findings imply that there is a common molecular mechanism underlying hESC and mESC differentiation into trophoblast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Hayashi
- Department of Life Sciences (Biology), Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 153-8902, Japan
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47
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Beltrami AP, Cesselli D, Beltrami CA. Pluripotency rush! Molecular cues for pluripotency, genetic reprogramming of adult stem cells, and widely multipotent adult cells. Pharmacol Ther 2009; 124:23-30. [PMID: 19545589 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2009.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2009] [Accepted: 06/02/2009] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In the last few years, pluripotent stem cells have been the objective of intense investigation efforts. These cells are of paramount therapeutic interest, since they could be utilized: as in vitro models of disease, for pharmaceutical screening purposes, and for the regeneration of damaged organs. Over the years, pluripotent cells have been cultured from teratomas, the inner cell mass, and primordial germ cells. Accumulating informations have partially decrypted the molecular machinery responsible for the maintenance of a very primitive state, permitting the reprogramming of differentiated cells. Although the debate is still open, an extreme excitement is arising from two strictly related possibilities: pluripotent cells could be obtained from adult tissues with minimal manipulations or very rare pluripotent cells could be identified in adult tissues. This intriguing option will trigger new researches aimed both at identifying the possible biological role of pluripotent adult stem cells and at exploiting their potential clinical use. The present review article will summarize current knowledge of the molecular cues for pluripotency but also discusses whether pluripotent stem cells could be obtained from adult tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Paolo Beltrami
- Interdepartmental Center for Regenerative Medicine (CIME), Department of Pathology, University of Udine, Italy.
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48
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Prockop DJ. Repair of tissues by adult stem/progenitor cells (MSCs): controversies, myths, and changing paradigms. Mol Ther 2009; 17:939-46. [PMID: 19337235 PMCID: PMC2835176 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2009.62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 415] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2009] [Accepted: 03/04/2009] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Research on stem cells has progressed at a rapid pace and, as might be anticipated, the results have generated several controversies, a few myths and a change in a major paradigm. Some of these issues will be reviewed in this study with special emphasis on how they can be applied to the adult stem/progenitor cells from bone marrow, referred to as MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darwin J Prockop
- Texas A&M Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Scott & White Hospital, Temple, Texas 76502-6954, USA.
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49
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Telugu BPVL, Walker AM, Green JA. Characterization of the bovine pregnancy-associated glycoprotein gene family--analysis of gene sequences, regulatory regions within the promoter and expression of selected genes. BMC Genomics 2009; 10:185. [PMID: 19393060 PMCID: PMC2682831 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-10-185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2008] [Accepted: 04/24/2009] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) belong to a large family of aspartic peptidases expressed exclusively in the placenta of species in the Artiodactyla order. In cattle, the PAG gene family is comprised of at least 22 transcribed genes, as well as some variants. Phylogenetic analyses have shown that the PAG family segregates into 'ancient' and 'modern' groupings. Along with sequence differences between family members, there are clear distinctions in their spatio-temporal distribution and in their relative level of expression. In this report, 1) we performed an in silico analysis of the bovine genome to further characterize the PAG gene family, 2) we scrutinized proximal promoter sequences of the PAG genes to evaluate the evolution pressures operating on them and to identify putative regulatory regions, 3) we determined relative transcript abundance of selected PAGs during pregnancy and, 4) we performed preliminary characterization of the putative regulatory elements for one of the candidate PAGs, bovine (bo) PAG-2. RESULTS From our analysis of the bovine genome, we identified 18 distinct PAG genes and 14 pseudogenes. We observed that the first 500 base pairs upstream of the translational start site contained multiple regions that are conserved among all boPAGs. However, a preponderance of conserved regions, that harbor recognition sites for putative transcriptional factors (TFs), were found to be unique to the modern boPAG grouping, but not the ancient boPAGs. We gathered evidence by means of Q-PCR and screening of EST databases to show that boPAG-2 is the most abundant of all boPAG transcripts. Finally, we provided preliminary evidence for the role of ETS- and DDVL-related TFs in the regulation of the boPAG-2 gene. CONCLUSION PAGs represent a relatively large gene family in the bovine genome. The proximal promoter regions of these genes display differences in putative TF binding sites, likely contributing to observed differences in spatial and temporal expression. We also discovered that boPAG-2 is the most abundant of all boPAG transcripts and provided evidence for the role of ETS and DDVL TFs in its regulation. These experiments mark the crucial first step in discerning the complex transcriptional regulation operating within the boPAG gene family.
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50
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Mouse cofactor of BRCA1 (Cobra1) is required for early embryogenesis. PLoS One 2009; 4:e5034. [PMID: 19340312 PMCID: PMC2661135 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0005034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2009] [Accepted: 02/26/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Negative elongation factor (NELF) is a four-subunit protein complex conserved from Drosophila to humans. In vitro biochemical and tissue culture-based studies have demonstrated an important role of NELF in controlling RNA polymerase II (Pol II) pausing in transcription. However, the physiological significance of NELF function is not clear due to the lack of any genetic systems for studying NELF. Principal Findings Here we show that disruption of the mouse B subunit of NELF (NELF-B), also known as cofactor of BRCA1 (Cobra1), causes inner cell mass (ICM) deficiency and embryonic lethality at the time of implantation. Consistent with the phenotype of the Cobra1 knockout (KO) embryos, knockdown of Cobra1 in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) reduces the efficiency of colony formation and increases spontaneous differentiation. Cobra1-depleted ESCs maintain normal levels of Oct4, Nanog, and Sox2, master regulators of pluripotency in ESCs. However, knockdown of Cobra1 leads to precocious expression of developmental regulators including lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (Lef1). Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) indicates that Cobra1 binds to the Lef1 promoter and modulates the abundance of promoter-bound RNA polymerase. Conclusions Cobra1 is essential for early embryogenesis. Our findings also indicate that Cobra1 helps maintain the undifferentiated state of mESCs by preventing unscheduled expression of developmental genes.
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