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Li J, Bai Y, Liu Y, Song Z, Yang Y, Zhao Y. Transcriptome-based chemical screens identify CDK8 as a common barrier in multiple cell reprogramming systems. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112566. [PMID: 37235474 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblasts can be chemically induced to pluripotent stem cells (CiPSCs) through an extraembryonic endoderm (XEN)-like state or directly converted into other differentiated cell lineages. However, the mechanisms underlying chemically induced cell-fate reprogramming remain unclear. Here, a transcriptome-based screen of biologically active compounds uncovered that CDK8 inhibition was essential to enable chemically induced reprogramming from fibroblasts into XEN-like cells, then CiPSCs. RNA-sequencing analysis showed that CDK8 inhibition downregulated proinflammatory pathways that suppress chemical reprogramming and facilitated the induction of a multi-lineage priming state, indicating the establishment of plasticity in fibroblasts. CDK8 inhibition also resulted in a chromatin accessibility profile like that under initial chemical reprogramming. Moreover, CDK8 inhibition greatly promoted reprogramming of mouse fibroblasts into hepatocyte-like cells and induction of human fibroblasts into adipocytes. These collective findings thus highlight CDK8 as a general molecular barrier in multiple cell reprogramming processes, and as a common target for inducing plasticity and cell fate conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yunfei Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Plastech Pharmaceutical Technology Ltd, Nanjing 210031, China
| | - Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Plastech Pharmaceutical Technology Ltd, Nanjing 210031, China
| | - Zhongya Song
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, MOE Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
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Chen J, Huang L, Yang Y, Xu W, Qin Q, Qin R, Liang X, Lai X, Huang X, Xie M, Chen L. Somatic Cell Reprogramming for Nervous System Diseases: Techniques, Mechanisms, Potential Applications, and Challenges. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13030524. [PMID: 36979334 PMCID: PMC10046178 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13030524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Nervous system diseases present significant challenges to the neuroscience community due to ethical and practical constraints that limit access to appropriate research materials. Somatic cell reprogramming has been proposed as a novel way to obtain neurons. Various emerging techniques have been used to reprogram mature and differentiated cells into neurons. This review provides an overview of somatic cell reprogramming for neurological research and therapy, focusing on neural reprogramming and generating different neural cell types. We examine the mechanisms involved in reprogramming and the challenges that arise. We herein summarize cell reprogramming strategies to generate neurons, including transcription factors, small molecules, and microRNAs, with a focus on different types of cells.. While reprogramming somatic cells into neurons holds the potential for understanding neurological diseases and developing therapeutic applications, its limitations and risks must be carefully considered. Here, we highlight the potential benefits of somatic cell reprogramming for neurological disease research and therapy. This review contributes to the field by providing a comprehensive overview of the various techniques used to generate neurons by cellular reprogramming and discussing their potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiafeng Chen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Lijuan Huang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Yue Yang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Qingchun Qin
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Rongxing Qin
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Xiaojun Liang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Xinyu Lai
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-Related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Xiaoying Huang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Minshan Xie
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-Related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Nanning 530021, China
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Kim TM, Lee RH, Kim MS, Lewis CA, Park C. ETV2/ER71, the key factor leading the paths to vascular regeneration and angiogenic reprogramming. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:41. [PMID: 36927793 PMCID: PMC10019431 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03267-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Extensive efforts have been made to achieve vascular regeneration accompanying tissue repair for treating vascular dysfunction-associated diseases. Recent advancements in stem cell biology and cell reprogramming have opened unforeseen opportunities to promote angiogenesis in vivo and generate autologous endothelial cells (ECs) for clinical use. We have, for the first time, identified a unique endothelial-specific transcription factor, ETV2/ER71, and revealed its essential role in regulating endothelial cell generation and function, along with vascular regeneration and tissue repair. Furthermore, we and other groups have demonstrated its ability to directly reprogram terminally differentiated non-ECs into functional ECs, proposing ETV2/ER71 as an effective therapeutic target for vascular diseases. In this review, we discuss the up-to-date status of studies on ETV2/ER71, spanning from its molecular mechanism to vasculo-angiogenic role and direct cell reprogramming toward ECs. Furthermore, we discuss future directions to deploy the clinical potential of ETV2/ER71 as a novel and potent target for vascular disorders such as cardiovascular disease, neurovascular impairment and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Min Kim
- Graduate School of International Agricultural Technology and Institutes of Green-Bio Science and Technology, Seoul National University, 1447 Pyeongchang-daero, Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do, 25354, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ra Ham Lee
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
| | - Min Seong Kim
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
| | - Chloe A Lewis
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
| | - Changwon Park
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA.
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Abbey D. Chemical journey of somatic cells to pluripotency. CELL REGENERATION 2022; 11:27. [PMID: 35918563 PMCID: PMC9346013 DOI: 10.1186/s13619-022-00126-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
AbstractReprogramming somatic cells to pluripotent stem cells has revolutionized the biomedical field by providing enormous hopes and opportunities for the regeneration of tissues and organs for transplantation. Using a small molecule cocktail of epigenetic modifiers and cell signalling inhibitors, a chemical-based easy and controllable technique for converting human somatic cells into chemically induced pluripotent stem cells was recently reported (Guan, Nature 605:325–31, 2022). This novel approach offers well-defined, safe, simple, easy, and clinical-grade manufacturing strategies for modifying the fate of human cells required for regenerative therapeutics.
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Bai Y, Yang Z, Xu X, Ding W, Qi J, Liu F, Wang X, Zhou B, Zhang W, Zhuang X, Li G, Zhao Y. Direct chemical induction of hepatocyte-like cells with capacity for liver repopulation. Hepatology 2022; 77:1550-1565. [PMID: 35881538 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cell fate can be directly reprogrammed from accessible cell types (e.g., fibroblasts) into functional cell types by exposure to small molecule stimuli. However, no chemical reprogramming method has been reported to date that successfully generates functional hepatocyte-like cells that can repopulate liver tissue, casting doubt over the feasibility of chemical reprogramming approaches to obtain desirable cell types for therapeutic applications. APPROACH AND RESULTS Here, through chemical induction of phenotypic plasticity, we provide a proof-of-concept demonstration of the direct chemical reprogramming of mouse fibroblasts into functional hepatocyte-like cells using exposure to small molecule cocktails in culture medium to successively stimulate endogenous expression of master transcription factors associated with hepatocyte development, such as hepatocyte nuclear factor 4a, nuclear receptor subfamily 1, group I, member 2, and nuclear receptor subfamily 1, group H, member 4. RNA sequencing analysis, metabolic assays, and in vivo physiological experiments show that chemically induced hepatocytes (CiHeps) exhibit comparable activity and function to primary hepatocytes, especially in liver repopulation to rescue liver failure in fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase-/- recombination activating gene 2-/- interleukin 2 receptor, gamma chain-/- mice in vivo. Single-cell RNA-seq further revealed that gastrointestinal-like and keratinocyte-like cells were induced along with CiHeps, resembling the activation of an intestinal program within hepatic reprogramming as described in transgenic approaches. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that direct chemical reprogramming can generate hepatocyte-like cells with high-quality physiological properties, providing a paradigm for establishing hepatocyte identity in fibroblasts and demonstrating the potential for chemical reprogramming in organ/tissue repair and regeneration therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfei Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Center for Life Sciences, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenghao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Center for Life Sciences, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Wanqiu Ding
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Juntian Qi
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Beijing International Cooperation Base for Science and Technology on NAFLD Diagnosis, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Beijing International Cooperation Base for Science and Technology on NAFLD Diagnosis, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenpeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaomei Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Guanglu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Center for Life Sciences, Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
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