1
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Andrews PW, Gokhale PJ. A short history of pluripotent stem cells markers. Stem Cell Reports 2024; 19:1-10. [PMID: 38157849 PMCID: PMC10828816 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The expression of one or more of a small number of molecules, typically cell surface-associated antigens, or transcription factors, is widely used for identifying pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) or for monitoring their differentiation. However, none of these marker molecules are uniquely expressed by PSCs and all are expressed by stem cells that have lost the ability to differentiate. Consequently, none are indicators of pluripotency, per se. Here we summarize the nature and characteristics of several markers that are in wide use, including the cell surface antigens, stage-specific embryonic antigen (SSEA)-1, SSEA-3, SSEA-4, TRA-1-60, TRA-1-81, GCTM2, and the transcription factors POUF5/OCT4, NANOG, and SOX2, highlighting issues that must be considered when interpreting data about their expression on putative PSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter W Andrews
- The School of Biosciences, The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Paul J Gokhale
- The School of Biosciences, The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK.
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2
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Price CJ, Stavish D, Gokhale PJ, Stevenson BA, Sargeant S, Lacey J, Rodriguez TA, Barbaric I. Genetically variant human pluripotent stem cells selectively eliminate wild-type counterparts through YAP-mediated cell competition. Dev Cell 2021; 56:2455-2470.e10. [PMID: 34407428 PMCID: PMC8443275 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The appearance of genetic changes in human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) presents a concern for their use in research and regenerative medicine. Variant hPSCs that harbor recurrent culture-acquired aneuploidies display growth advantages over wild-type diploid cells, but the mechanisms that yield a drift from predominantly wild-type to variant cell populations remain poorly understood. Here, we show that the dominance of variant clones in mosaic cultures is enhanced through competitive interactions that result in the elimination of wild-type cells. This elimination occurs through corralling and mechanical compression by faster-growing variants, causing a redistribution of F-actin and sequestration of yes-associated protein (YAP) in the cytoplasm that induces apoptosis in wild-type cells. YAP overexpression or promotion of YAP nuclear localization in wild-type cells alleviates their "loser" phenotype. Our results demonstrate that hPSC fate is coupled to mechanical cues imposed by neighboring cells and reveal that hijacking this mechanism allows variants to achieve clonal dominance in cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Price
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK; Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Dylan Stavish
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK; Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Paul J Gokhale
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Ben A Stevenson
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Samantha Sargeant
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK; Department of Automatic Control and Systems Engineering, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK
| | - Joanne Lacey
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Tristan A Rodriguez
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Ivana Barbaric
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK; Neuroscience Institute, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK.
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3
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Halliwell JA, Frith TJR, Laing O, Price CJ, Bower OJ, Stavish D, Gokhale PJ, Hewitt Z, El-Khamisy SF, Barbaric I, Andrews PW. Nucleosides Rescue Replication-Mediated Genome Instability of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. Stem Cell Reports 2020; 14:1009-1017. [PMID: 32413278 PMCID: PMC7355123 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2020.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are subject to the appearance of recurrent genetic variants on prolonged culture. We have now found that, compared with isogenic differentiated cells, PSCs exhibit evidence of considerably more DNA damage during the S phase of the cell cycle, apparently as a consequence of DNA replication stress marked by slower progression of DNA replication, activation of latent origins of replication, and collapse of replication forks. As in many cancers, which, like PSCs, exhibit a shortened G1 phase and DNA replication stress, the resulting DNA damage may underlie the higher incidence of abnormal and abortive mitoses in PSCs, resulting in chromosomal non-dysjunction or cell death. However, we have found that the extent of DNA replication stress, DNA damage, and consequent aberrant mitoses can be substantially reduced by culturing PSCs in the presence of exogenous nucleosides, resulting in improved survival, clonogenicity, and population growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason A Halliwell
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Thomas J R Frith
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Owen Laing
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Christopher J Price
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Oliver J Bower
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Dylan Stavish
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Paul J Gokhale
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Zoe Hewitt
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Sherif F El-Khamisy
- Krebs Institute, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Ivana Barbaric
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK.
| | - Peter W Andrews
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK.
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4
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Thompson O, von Meyenn F, Hewitt Z, Alexander J, Wood A, Weightman R, Gregory S, Krueger F, Andrews S, Barbaric I, Gokhale PJ, Moore HD, Reik W, Milo M, Nik-Zainal S, Yusa K, Andrews PW. Low rates of mutation in clinical grade human pluripotent stem cells under different culture conditions. Nat Commun 2020; 11:1528. [PMID: 32251294 PMCID: PMC7089967 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15271-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The occurrence of repetitive genomic changes that provide a selective growth advantage in pluripotent stem cells is of concern for their clinical application. However, the effect of different culture conditions on the underlying mutation rate is unknown. Here we show that the mutation rate in two human embryonic stem cell lines derived and banked for clinical application is low and not substantially affected by culture with Rho Kinase inhibitor, commonly used in their routine maintenance. However, the mutation rate is reduced by >50% in cells cultured under 5% oxygen, when we also found alterations in imprint methylation and reversible DNA hypomethylation. Mutations are evenly distributed across the chromosomes, except for a slight increase on the X-chromosome, and an elevation in intergenic regions suggesting that chromatin structure may affect mutation rate. Overall the results suggest that pluripotent stem cells are not subject to unusually high rates of genetic or epigenetic alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Thompson
- The Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Ferdinand von Meyenn
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
- Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, King's College London, London, SE1 9RT, UK
- Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, 8603, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Zoe Hewitt
- The Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - John Alexander
- The Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
- Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Andrew Wood
- The Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Richard Weightman
- The Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Sian Gregory
- The Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Felix Krueger
- Bioinformatics Group, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Simon Andrews
- Bioinformatics Group, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Ivana Barbaric
- The Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Paul J Gokhale
- The Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Harry D Moore
- The Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Wolf Reik
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Marta Milo
- The Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Serena Nik-Zainal
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
- Academic Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Box 238, Lv6 Addenbrooke' Treatment Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Research Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
- MRC Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Hutchinson/MRC Research Centre, Box 1297, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0XZ, UK
| | - Kosuke Yusa
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK.
- Institute for Frontier Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.
| | - Peter W Andrews
- The Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK.
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5
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Allison TF, Andrews PW, Avior Y, Barbaric I, Benvenisty N, Bock C, Brehm J, Brüstle O, Damjanov I, Elefanty A, Felkner D, Gokhale PJ, Halbritter F, Healy LE, Hu TX, Knowles BB, Loring JF, Ludwig TE, Mayberry R, Micallef S, Mohamed JS, Müller FJ, Mummery CL, Nakatsuji N, Ng ES, Oh SKW, O’Shea O, Pera MF, Reubinoff B, Robson P, Rossant J, Schuldt BM, Solter D, Sourris K, Stacey G, Stanley EG, Suemori H, Takahashi K, Yamanaka S. Assessment of established techniques to determine developmental and malignant potential of human pluripotent stem cells. Nat Commun 2018; 9:1925. [PMID: 29765017 PMCID: PMC5954055 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-04011-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The International Stem Cell Initiative compared several commonly used approaches to assess human pluripotent stem cells (PSC). PluriTest predicts pluripotency through bioinformatic analysis of the transcriptomes of undifferentiated cells, whereas, embryoid body (EB) formation in vitro and teratoma formation in vivo provide direct tests of differentiation. Here we report that EB assays, analyzed after differentiation under neutral conditions and under conditions promoting differentiation to ectoderm, mesoderm, or endoderm lineages, are sufficient to assess the differentiation potential of PSCs. However, teratoma analysis by histologic examination and by TeratoScore, which estimates differential gene expression in each tumor, not only measures differentiation but also allows insight into a PSC's malignant potential. Each of the assays can be used to predict pluripotent differentiation potential but, at this stage of assay development, only the teratoma assay provides an assessment of pluripotency and malignant potential, which are both relevant to the pre-clinical safety assessment of PSCs.
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6
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Baker D, Hirst AJ, Gokhale PJ, Juarez MA, Williams S, Wheeler M, Bean K, Allison TF, Moore HD, Andrews PW, Barbaric I. Detecting Genetic Mosaicism in Cultures of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. Stem Cell Reports 2017; 7:998-1012. [PMID: 27829140 PMCID: PMC5106530 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2016.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Revised: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic changes in human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) gained during culture can confound experimental results and potentially jeopardize the outcome of clinical therapies. Particularly common changes in hPSCs are trisomies of chromosomes 1, 12, 17, and 20. Thus, hPSCs should be regularly screened for such aberrations. Although a number of methods are used to assess hPSC genotypes, there has been no systematic evaluation of the sensitivity of the commonly used techniques in detecting low-level mosaicism in hPSC cultures. We have performed mixing experiments to mimic the naturally occurring mosaicism and have assessed the sensitivity of chromosome banding, qPCR, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and digital droplet PCR in detecting variants. Our analysis highlights the limits of mosaicism detection by the commonly employed methods, a pivotal requirement for interpreting the genetic status of hPSCs and for setting standards for safe applications of hPSCs in regenerative medicine. hPSCs conform to random sampling rules used for karyotyping Excluding mosaicism at <1% level requires sampling >500 metaphases qPCR is a rapid assay for detection of commonly amplified regions in hPSCs Cultures scored as normal by commonly used methods could harbor up to 10% variants
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Affiliation(s)
- Duncan Baker
- Department of Biomedical Science, Centre for Stem Cell Biology, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK; Sheffield Diagnostic Genetic Services, Sheffield Children's Hospital, Sheffield S10 2TH, UK
| | - Adam J Hirst
- Department of Biomedical Science, Centre for Stem Cell Biology, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Paul J Gokhale
- Department of Biomedical Science, Centre for Stem Cell Biology, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Miguel A Juarez
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S3 7RH, UK
| | - Steve Williams
- Sheffield Diagnostic Genetic Services, Sheffield Children's Hospital, Sheffield S10 2TH, UK
| | - Mark Wheeler
- Sheffield Diagnostic Genetic Services, Sheffield Children's Hospital, Sheffield S10 2TH, UK
| | - Kerry Bean
- Sheffield Diagnostic Genetic Services, Sheffield Children's Hospital, Sheffield S10 2TH, UK
| | - Thomas F Allison
- Department of Biomedical Science, Centre for Stem Cell Biology, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Harry D Moore
- Department of Biomedical Science, Centre for Stem Cell Biology, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Peter W Andrews
- Department of Biomedical Science, Centre for Stem Cell Biology, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Ivana Barbaric
- Department of Biomedical Science, Centre for Stem Cell Biology, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK.
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7
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Abstract
The extraction of statistically meaningful quantitative information from microscopy images is increasingly important for modern biological research. Obtaining accurate, quantitative information from biological specimens, however, is a complex process that requires optimization of several parameters. One must consider the number of probes, fluorescent channels required, type of plate to be used, number of fields to be acquired and optimal resolution for image acquisition. The extraction of information from images is dependent on and can be aided greatly by careful consideration of the factors involved in the image acquisition process. I summarize here the general principles behind the imaging and software technology that is used to quantify images and highlight particular issues of concern for critically applying image quantitation techniques for research.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Gokhale
- a Department of Biomedical Science , University of Sheffield , Western Bank, Sheffield , United Kingdom
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8
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Gokhale PJ, Au-Young JK, Dadi S, Keys DN, Harrison NJ, Jones M, Soneji S, Enver T, Sherlock JK, Andrews PW. Culture adaptation alters transcriptional hierarchies among single human embryonic stem cells reflecting altered patterns of differentiation. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0123467. [PMID: 25875838 PMCID: PMC4397016 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
We have used single cell transcriptome analysis to re-examine the substates of early passage, karyotypically Normal, and late passage, karyotypically Abnormal (‘Culture Adapted’) human embryonic stem cells characterized by differential expression of the cell surface marker antigen, SSEA3. The results confirmed that culture adaptation is associated with alterations to the dynamics of the SSEA3(+) and SSEA3(-) substates of these cells, with SSEA3(-) Adapted cells remaining within the stem cell compartment whereas the SSEA3(-) Normal cells appear to have differentiated. However, the single cell data reveal that these substates are characterized by further heterogeneity that changes on culture adaptation. Notably the Adapted population includes cells with a transcriptome substate suggestive of a shift to a more naïve-like phenotype in contrast to the cells of the Normal population. Further, a subset of the Normal SSEA3(+) cells expresses genes typical of endoderm differentiation, despite also expressing the undifferentiated stem cell genes, POU5F1 (OCT4) and NANOG, whereas such apparently lineage-primed cells are absent from the Adapted population. These results suggest that the selective growth advantage gained by genetically variant, culture adapted human embryonic stem cells may derive in part from a changed substate structure that influences their propensity for differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J. Gokhale
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | | | - SriVidya Dadi
- ThermoFisher, Foster City, California, United States of America
| | - David N. Keys
- ThermoFisher, Foster City, California, United States of America
| | - Neil J. Harrison
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Jones
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Shamit Soneji
- Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Tariq Enver
- Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jon K. Sherlock
- ThermoFisher, Foster City, California, United States of America
| | - Peter W. Andrews
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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9
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Gokhale PJ. A recipe for pluripotency: the correct sp(l)ices make all the difference. Focus on “Induced overexpression of OCT4A in human embryonic stem cells increases cloning efficiency”. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2014; 306:C1106-7. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00116.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paul J. Gokhale
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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10
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Wongtrakoongate P, Jones M, Gokhale PJ, Andrews PW. STELLA facilitates differentiation of germ cell and endodermal lineages of human embryonic stem cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e56893. [PMID: 23457636 PMCID: PMC3573007 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0056893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2011] [Accepted: 01/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stella is a developmentally regulated gene highly expressed in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells and in primordial germ cells (PGCs). In human, the gene encoding the STELLA homologue lies on chromosome 12p, which is frequently amplified in long-term cultured human ES cells. However, the role played by STELLA in human ES cells has not been reported. In the present study, we show that during retinoic acid (RA)-induced differentiation of human ES cells, expression of STELLA follows that of VASA, a marker of germline differentiation. By contrast, human embryonal carcinoma cells express STELLA at a higher level compared with both karyotypically normal and abnormal human ES cell lines. We found that over-expression of STELLA does not interfere with maintenance of the stem cell state of human ES cells, but following retinoic acid induction it leads to up-regulation of germline- and endodermal-associated genes, whereas neural markers PAX6 and NEUROD1 are down-regulated. Further, STELLA over-expression facilitates the differentiation of human ES cells into BE12-positive cells, in which the expression of germline- and endodermal-associated genes is enriched, and suppresses differentiation of the neural lineage. Taken together, this finding suggests a role for STELLA in facilitating germline and endodermal differentiation of human ES cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patompon Wongtrakoongate
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (PW); (PWA)
| | - Mark Jones
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Paul J. Gokhale
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Peter W. Andrews
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (PW); (PWA)
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11
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Hyka-Nouspikel N, Desmarais J, Gokhale PJ, Jones M, Meuth M, Andrews PW, Nouspikel T. Deficient DNA damage response and cell cycle checkpoints lead to accumulation of point mutations in human embryonic stem cells. Stem Cells 2013; 30:1901-10. [PMID: 22821732 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) tend to lose genomic integrity during long periods of culture in vitro and to acquire a cancer-like phenotype. In this study, we aim at understanding the contribution of point mutations to the adaptation process and at providing a mechanistic explanation for their accumulation. We observed that, due to the absence of p21/Waf1/Cip1, cultured hESCs lack proper cell cycle checkpoints and are vulnerable to the kind of DNA damage usually repaired by the highly versatile nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway. In response to UV-induced DNA damage, the majority of hESCs succumb to apoptosis; however, a subpopulation continues to proliferate, carrying damaged DNA and accumulating point mutations with a typical UV-induced signature. The UV-resistant cells retain their proliferative capacity and potential for pluripotent differentiation and are markedly less apoptotic to subsequent UV exposure. These findings demonstrate that, due to deficient DNA damage response, the modest NER activity in hESCs is insufficient to prevent increased mutagenesis. This provides for the appearance of genetically aberrant hESCs, paving the way for further major genetic changes.
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12
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Gokhale PJ, Andrews PW. The development of pluripotent stem cells. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2012; 22:403-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2012.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2012] [Revised: 06/12/2012] [Accepted: 07/04/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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13
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Amps K, Andrews PW, Anyfantis G, Armstrong L, Avery S, Baharvand H, Baker J, Baker D, Munoz MB, Beil S, Benvenisty N, Ben-Yosef D, Biancotti JC, Bosman A, Brena RM, Brison D, Caisander G, Camarasa MV, Chen J, Chiao E, Choi YM, Choo ABH, Collins D, Colman A, Crook JM, Daley GQ, Dalton A, De Sousa PA, Denning C, Downie J, Dvorak P, Montgomery KD, Feki A, Ford A, Fox V, Fraga AM, Frumkin T, Ge L, Gokhale PJ, Golan-Lev T, Gourabi H, Gropp M, Lu G, Hampl A, Harron K, Healy L, Herath W, Holm F, Hovatta O, Hyllner J, Inamdar MS, Irwanto AK, Ishii T, Jaconi M, Jin Y, Kimber S, Kiselev S, Knowles BB, Kopper O, Kukharenko V, Kuliev A, Lagarkova MA, Laird PW, Lako M, Laslett AL, Lavon N, Lee DR, Lee JE, Li C, Lim LS, Ludwig TE, Ma Y, Maltby E, Mateizel I, Mayshar Y, Mileikovsky M, Minger SL, Miyazaki T, Moon SY, Moore H, Mummery C, Nagy A, Nakatsuji N, Narwani K, Oh SKW, Oh SK, Olson C, Otonkoski T, Pan F, Park IH, Pells S, Pera MF, Pereira LV, Qi O, Raj GS, Reubinoff B, Robins A, Robson P, Rossant J, Salekdeh GH, Schulz TC, Sermon K, Sheik Mohamed J, Shen H, Sherrer E, Sidhu K, Sivarajah S, Skottman H, Spits C, Stacey GN, Strehl R, Strelchenko N, Suemori H, Sun B, Suuronen R, Takahashi K, Tuuri T, Venu P, Verlinsky Y, Ward-van Oostwaard D, Weisenberger DJ, Wu Y, Yamanaka S, Young L, Zhou Q. Screening ethnically diverse human embryonic stem cells identifies a chromosome 20 minimal amplicon conferring growth advantage. Nat Biotechnol 2011; 29:1132-44. [PMID: 22119741 PMCID: PMC3454460 DOI: 10.1038/nbt.2051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 405] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2011] [Accepted: 10/26/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The International Stem Cell Initiative analyzed 125 human embryonic stem (ES) cell lines and 11 induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell lines, from 38 laboratories worldwide, for genetic changes occurring during culture. Most lines were analyzed at an early and late passage. Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis revealed that they included representatives of most major ethnic groups. Most lines remained karyotypically normal, but there was a progressive tendency to acquire changes on prolonged culture, commonly affecting chromosomes 1, 12, 17 and 20. DNA methylation patterns changed haphazardly with no link to time in culture. Structural variants, determined from the SNP arrays, also appeared sporadically. No common variants related to culture were observed on chromosomes 1, 12 and 17, but a minimal amplicon in chromosome 20q11.21, including three genes expressed in human ES cells, ID1, BCL2L1 and HM13, occurred in >20% of the lines. Of these genes, BCL2L1 is a strong candidate for driving culture adaptation of ES cells.
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Affiliation(s)
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- Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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14
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Sood A, Salih S, Roh D, Lacharme-Lora L, Parry M, Hardiman B, Keehan R, Grummer R, Winterhager E, Gokhale PJ, Andrews PW, Abbott C, Forbes K, Westwood M, Aplin JD, Ingham E, Papageorgiou I, Berry M, Liu J, Dick AD, Garland RJ, Williams N, Singh R, Simon AK, Lewis M, Ham J, Roger L, Baird DM, Crompton LA, Caldwell MA, Swalwell H, Birch-Machin M, Lopez-Castejon G, Randall A, Lin H, Suleiman MS, Evans WH, Newson R, Case CP. Signalling of DNA damage and cytokines across cell barriers exposed to nanoparticles depends on barrier thickness. Nat Nanotechnol 2011; 6:824-833. [PMID: 22056725 DOI: 10.1038/nnano.2011.188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2011] [Accepted: 09/28/2011] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The use of nanoparticles in medicine is ever increasing, and it is important to understand their targeted and non-targeted effects. We have previously shown that nanoparticles can cause DNA damage to cells cultured below a cellular barrier without crossing this barrier. Here, we show that this indirect DNA damage depends on the thickness of the cellular barrier, and it is mediated by signalling through gap junction proteins following the generation of mitochondrial free radicals. Indirect damage was seen across both trophoblast and corneal barriers. Signalling, including cytokine release, occurred only across bilayer and multilayer barriers, but not across monolayer barriers. Indirect toxicity was also observed in mice and using ex vivo explants of the human placenta. If the importance of barrier thickness in signalling is a general feature for all types of barriers, our results may offer a principle with which to limit the adverse effects of nanoparticle exposure and offer new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sood
- Bristol Musculoskeletal Research Unit, Clinical Science at North Bristol University of Bristol, Avon Orthopaedic Centre, Southmead Hospital, Bristol
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15
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Barbaric I, Gokhale PJ, Jones M, Glen A, Baker D, Andrews PW. Novel regulators of stem cell fates identified by a multivariate phenotype screen of small compounds on human embryonic stem cell colonies. Stem Cell Res 2010; 5:104-19. [PMID: 20542750 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2010.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2009] [Revised: 03/24/2010] [Accepted: 04/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the complex mechanisms that govern the fate decisions of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) is fundamental to their use in cell replacement therapies. The progress of dissecting these mechanisms will be facilitated by the availability of robust high-throughput screening assays on hESCs. In this study, we report an image-based high-content assay for detecting compounds that affect hESC survival or pluripotency. Our assay was designed to detect changes in the phenotype of hESC colonies by quantifying multiple parameters, including the number of cells in a colony, colony area and shape, intensity of nuclear staining, and the percentage of cells in the colony that express a marker of pluripotency (TRA-1-60), as well as the number of colonies per well. We used this assay to screen 1040 compounds from two commercial compound libraries, and identified 17 that promoted differentiation, as well as 5 that promoted survival of hESCs. Among the novel small compounds we identified with activity on hESC are several steroids that promote hESC differentiation and the antihypertensive drug, pinacidil, which affects hESC survival. The analysis of overlapping targets of pinacidil and the other survival compounds revealed that activity of PRK2, ROCK, MNK1, RSK1, and MSK1 kinases may contribute to the survival of hESCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Barbaric
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
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16
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Akopian V, Andrews PW, Beil S, Benvenisty N, Brehm J, Christie M, Ford A, Fox V, Gokhale PJ, Healy L, Holm F, Hovatta O, Knowles BB, Ludwig TE, McKay RDG, Miyazaki T, Nakatsuji N, Oh SKW, Pera MF, Rossant J, Stacey GN, Suemori H. Comparison of defined culture systems for feeder cell free propagation of human embryonic stem cells. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2010; 46:247-58. [PMID: 20186512 PMCID: PMC2855804 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-010-9297-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2010] [Accepted: 01/15/2010] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
There are many reports of defined culture systems for the propagation of human embryonic stem cells in the absence of feeder cell support, but no previous study has undertaken a multi-laboratory comparison of these diverse methodologies. In this study, five separate laboratories, each with experience in human embryonic stem cell culture, used a panel of ten embryonic stem cell lines (including WA09 as an index cell line common to all laboratories) to assess eight cell culture methods, with propagation in the presence of Knockout Serum Replacer, FGF-2, and mouse embryonic fibroblast feeder cell layers serving as a positive control. The cultures were assessed for up to ten passages for attachment, death, and differentiated morphology by phase contrast microscopy, for growth by serial cell counts, and for maintenance of stem cell surface marker expression by flow cytometry. Of the eight culture systems, only the control and those based on two commercial media, mTeSR1 and STEMPRO, supported maintenance of most cell lines for ten passages. Cultures grown in the remaining media failed before this point due to lack of attachment, cell death, or overt cell differentiation. Possible explanations for relative success of the commercial formulations in this study, and the lack of success with other formulations from academic groups compared to previously published results, include: the complex combination of growth factors present in the commercial preparations; improved development, manufacture, and quality control in the commercial products; differences in epigenetic adaptation to culture in vitro between different ES cell lines grown in different laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
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- The Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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17
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Avery S, Zafarana G, Gokhale PJ, Andrews PW. The Role of SMAD4 in Human Embryonic Stem Cell Self-Renewal and Stem Cell Fate. Stem Cells 2010; 28:863-73. [DOI: 10.1002/stem.409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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18
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Olariu V, Harrison NJ, Coca D, Gokhale PJ, Baker D, Billings S, Kadirkamanathan V, Andrews PW. Modeling the evolution of culture-adapted human embryonic stem cells. Stem Cell Res 2010; 4:50-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2009.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2009] [Accepted: 09/04/2009] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
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19
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Harrison NJ, Barnes J, Jones M, Baker D, Gokhale PJ, Andrews PW. CD30 expression reveals that culture adaptation of human embryonic stem cells can occur through differing routes. Stem Cells 2009; 27:1057-65. [PMID: 19415777 PMCID: PMC2860760 DOI: 10.1002/stem.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2008] [Accepted: 02/04/2009] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Human embryonic stem cells undergo adaptive changes that can increase their growth capacity upon prolonged culture in vitro. This is frequently associated with nonrandom karyotypic changes, commonly involving amplification of genetic material from chromosomes 12, 17, and X. A recent study suggested that the karyotypically abnormal cells can be identified by their expression of CD30, which confers resistance to apoptosis. We have now investigated CD30 expression and apoptosis in karyotypically normal and abnormal sublines of the human ES cell line, H7, but our results were contrary to those previously observed. In this cell line, CD30 expression did not segregate the normal and abnormal cells, and abnormal cells were not protected from apoptosis. These data suggest that culture adaptation can occur through a variety of mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil J Harrison
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
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20
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Abstract
Substantial advances in the biology of human embryonic stem (ES) cells, and the technology for working with them, have been made over the past 10 years. Regulatory frameworks for their study are well developed, although some countries remain particularly restrictive. Markers and criteria for characterising human ES cells are also generally agreed, and protocols for promoting their differentiation are being established, providing the groundwork for the development of applications over the next 10 years. The recent appearance of technology to convert somatic cells to 'induced Pluripotent Stem Cells' closely resembling ES cells will certainly speed up these developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Gokhale
- Department of Biomedical Science, Centre for Stem Cell Biology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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21
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Abstract
Nanog is a transcription factor that is expressed by mouse and human embryonic stem (ES) cells and by primordial germ cells. New research published recently in Nature (Chambers et al., 2007) points to an unexpected role for Nanog in the maintenance of pluripotency in mouse ES cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Gokhale
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
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22
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Abstract
Unlike pluripotent mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells, human ES cells and their malignant equivalents, embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells, require close cell-cell contact for efficient growth. Signaling through the NOTCH receptor, initiated by interaction with ligands of the DELTA/JAGGED family expressed on neighboring cells, plays a role in regulating the self-renewal of several stem cell systems. Members of the NOTCH and DELTA/JAGGED families are expressed by human EC and ES cells, and we have therefore investigated the possible role of NOTCH in the maintenance of these cells. Cleavage of both NOTCH1 and NOTCH2 to yield the intracellular domain responsible for the canonical signaling pathway of NOTCH was detected in several human EC and ES cell lines, suggesting that NOTCH signaling is active. Furthermore, the proliferation of human EC cells, as well as the expression of several downstream NOTCH target genes, was markedly reduced after small interfering RNA knockdown of NOTCH1, NOTCH2, and the canonical effector CBF-1 or after blocking NOTCH signaling with the gamma-secretase inhibitor L-685,458. The inhibitor also caused a reduction in the growth of human ES cells, although without evidence of differentiation. The results indicate that cell-cell signaling through the NOTCH system provides a critical cue for the proliferation of human EC and ES cell in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Fox
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, United Kingdom
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23
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Adewumi O, Aflatoonian B, Ahrlund-Richter L, Amit M, Andrews PW, Beighton G, Bello PA, Benvenisty N, Berry LS, Bevan S, Blum B, Brooking J, Chen KG, Choo ABH, Churchill GA, Corbel M, Damjanov I, Draper JS, Dvorak P, Emanuelsson K, Fleck RA, Ford A, Gertow K, Gertsenstein M, Gokhale PJ, Hamilton RS, Hampl A, Healy LE, Hovatta O, Hyllner J, Imreh MP, Itskovitz-Eldor J, Jackson J, Johnson JL, Jones M, Kee K, King BL, Knowles BB, Lako M, Lebrin F, Mallon BS, Manning D, Mayshar Y, McKay RDG, Michalska AE, Mikkola M, Mileikovsky M, Minger SL, Moore HD, Mummery CL, Nagy A, Nakatsuji N, O'Brien CM, Oh SKW, Olsson C, Otonkoski T, Park KY, Passier R, Patel H, Patel M, Pedersen R, Pera MF, Piekarczyk MS, Pera RAR, Reubinoff BE, Robins AJ, Rossant J, Rugg-Gunn P, Schulz TC, Semb H, Sherrer ES, Siemen H, Stacey GN, Stojkovic M, Suemori H, Szatkiewicz J, Turetsky T, Tuuri T, van den Brink S, Vintersten K, Vuoristo S, Ward D, Weaver TA, Young LA, Zhang W. Characterization of human embryonic stem cell lines by the International Stem Cell Initiative. Nat Biotechnol 2007; 25:803-16. [PMID: 17572666 DOI: 10.1038/nbt1318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 765] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2007] [Accepted: 05/31/2007] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The International Stem Cell Initiative characterized 59 human embryonic stem cell lines from 17 laboratories worldwide. Despite diverse genotypes and different techniques used for derivation and maintenance, all lines exhibited similar expression patterns for several markers of human embryonic stem cells. They expressed the glycolipid antigens SSEA3 and SSEA4, the keratan sulfate antigens TRA-1-60, TRA-1-81, GCTM2 and GCT343, and the protein antigens CD9, Thy1 (also known as CD90), tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase and class 1 HLA, as well as the strongly developmentally regulated genes NANOG, POU5F1 (formerly known as OCT4), TDGF1, DNMT3B, GABRB3 and GDF3. Nevertheless, the lines were not identical: differences in expression of several lineage markers were evident, and several imprinted genes showed generally similar allele-specific expression patterns, but some gene-dependent variation was observed. Also, some female lines expressed readily detectable levels of XIST whereas others did not. No significant contamination of the lines with mycoplasma, bacteria or cytopathic viruses was detected.
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Abstract
Stem cell research has stimulated considerable recent interest, but the concepts are old. Nevertheless, our understanding of the basic biology of different stem cell systems is poor. Many questions remain to be answered: How can we recognize stem cells? Are the underlying control mechanisms common to different types of stem cell, the so-called stemness concept, or is the control of self-renewal and commitment distinct in different stem cell types? What is the significance of differences in stem cells from different species? Do stem cells from somatic tissues really show plasticity with an ability to generate cells from distinct lineages, or are the observed examples consequences of experimental artifact, or rare events of no physiological significance? Do genetic mutations in the genes controlling stem cell self-renewal and differentiation lie at the heart of carcinogenesis? Answers to these and related questions now offer exciting future possibilities for both basic biology and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Gokhale
- The Centre for Stem Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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25
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Adamah DJB, Gokhale PJ, Eastwood DJ, Rajpert De-Meyts E, Goepel J, Walsh JR, Moore HD, Andrews PW. Dysfunction of the mitotic:meiotic switch as a potential cause of neoplastic conversion of primordial germ cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 29:219-27. [PMID: 16466543 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2005.00569.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Germ cell tumours (GCT) are thought to arise as the result of a defect in early development, probably shortly after arrival of the migrating primordial germ cells (PGC) in the genital ridge when, if in a male genital ridge, the germ cells arrest in mitosis, but in a female genital ridge they enter meiosis. We suggest that dysfunction of the mitotic:meiotic switch, with cells aberrantly co-expressing functions pertinent to both states, might provide the genetic instability that could initiate tumour development. If this hypothesis is correct, GCT could arise because of disruption in the function of any one of a number of different genes involved in controlling mitosis and meiosis, rather than being dependent upon a single prominent susceptibility gene. The Notch signalling system is one candidate system for controlling the switch and we have identified expression of Notch2 and Notch4 in seminomas and carcinoma in situ. Thus those two members of the Notch family are candidates for proto-oncogenes that could play a role in GCT development. We have also identified a human homologue of the synaptonemal complex protein, SCP3, and have found its apparently aberrant expression in some established EC cell lines. One possibility is that abnormal regulation of such proteins involved in the synaptonemal complex could also lead to genetic instability in PGC and so also initiate tumour development.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J B Adamah
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
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26
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Abstract
Human embryonic stem (ES) cells offer substantial opportunities for providing well-defined differentiated cells for drug discovery, toxicology, and regenerative medicine, but the development of efficient techniques for their large-scale culture under defined conditions, and for controlling and directing their differentiation, presents a substantial challenge. Markers for defining the undifferentiated cells are well established, based upon previous studies of embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells, their malignant counterparts from teratocarcinomas. These provide valuable tools for monitoring human ES cultures and their state of differentiation. However, current culture techniques are suboptimal and involve the use of poorly defined culture media and the use of feeder cells. Over time, the cells may also acquire karyotypic changes, reflecting genetic selection and adaptation to in vitro culture conditions. Nevertheless, progress is being made. Originally, human ES cells were derived and maintained in medium containing fetal calf serum. They are now widely cultured in a proprietary serum-free formulation (serum replacement from Invitrogen Corp., Carlsbad, CA), and recently we have derived a new human ES line in this medium without fetal calf serum. Human fibroblasts can also be used to replace mouse embryo fibroblasts as feeder cells. We have now found it possible to culture a subline of human ES cells on Matrigel, or purified collagen type IV, laminin, and fibronectin, without feeders or feeder-conditioned medium. These cells nevertheless retain the features of undifferentiated human ES cells, including a capacity for differentiation. Although these cells also carried karyotypic changes, further research focused upon understanding the mechanisms that control self-renewal, apoptosis, and commitment to differentiation will facilitate the development of defined culture conditions that minimize genetic change and optimize the maintenance of the undifferentiated stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan S Draper
- Centre for Stem Cell Biology and Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
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27
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Matin MM, Walsh JR, Gokhale PJ, Draper JS, Bahrami AR, Morton I, Moore HD, Andrews PW. Specific Knockdown of Oct4 and 2-microglobulin Expression by RNA Interference in Human Embryonic Stem Cells and Embryonic Carcinoma Cells. Stem Cells 2004; 22:659-68. [PMID: 15342930 DOI: 10.1634/stemcells.22-5-659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We have used RNA interference (RNAi) to downregulate beta2-microglobulin and Oct4 in human embryonal carcinoma (hEC) cells and embryonic stem (hES) cells, demonstrating that RNAi is an effective tool for regulating specific gene activity in these human stem cells. The knockdown of Oct4 but not beta2-microglobulin expression in both EC and ES cells resulted in their differentiation, as indicated by a marked change in morphology, growth rate, and surface antigen phenotype, with respect to SSEA1, SSEA3, and TRA-1-60 expression. Expression of hCG and Gcm1 was also induced following knockdown of Oct4 expression, in both 2102Ep hEC cells and in H7 and H14 hES cells, consistent with the conclusion that, as in the mouse, Oct4 is required to maintain the undifferentiated stem cell state, and that differentiation to trophectoderm occurs in its absence. NTERA2 hEC cells also differentiated, but not to trophectoderm, suggesting their equivalence to a later stage of embryogenesis than other hEC and hES cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam M Matin
- The Centre for Stem Cell Biology, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, S10 2TN, U.K
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28
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Gokhale PJ, Giesberts AM, Andrews PW. Brachyury is expressed by human teratocarcinoma cells in the absence of mesodermal differentiation. Cell Growth Differ 2000; 11:157-62. [PMID: 10768863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Reverse transcription-PCR and Northern and Western blot analyses indicate that mRNA and protein encoded by the Brachyury gene are expressed by the pluripotent human embryonal carcinoma cell line NTERA2 and are only modestly down-regulated during retinoic acid-induced differentiation. This differentiation occurs along a neural lineage, with no obvious evidence of the formation of mesodermal derivatives. Several other human embryonal carcinoma cell lines that do not differentiate, a yolk sac carcinoma cell line and two choriocarcinoma cell lines, also express readily detectable levels of Brachyury mRNA and protein. Thus, in human teratocarcinomas, Brachyury expression is not necessarily an indicator of commitment to mesodermal differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Gokhale
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom
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