Expression Of Pluripotency Markers Research Articles

Human induced pluripotent stem cell line YCMi007-A generated from a dilated cardiomyopathy patient with a heterozygous dominant c.613C > T (p. Arg205Trp) variant of the TNNT2 gene

Cardiac muscle troponin T protein binds to tropomyosin and regulates the calcium-dependent actin–myosin interaction on thin filaments in cardiomyocytes. Recent genetic studies have revealed that TNNT2 mutations are strongly linked to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). In this study, we generated YCMi007-A, a human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) line from a DCM patient with a p. Arg205Trp mutation in the TNNT2 gene. The YCMi007-A cells show high expression of pluripotent markers, normal karyotype, and differentiation into three germ layers. Thus, YCMi007-A—an established iPSC—could be useful for the investigation of DCM.

Generation and heterozygous repair of human iPSC lines from three individuals with cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy and vestibular areflexia syndrome (CANVAS) carrying biallelic AAGGG expansions in RFC1

Cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy, and vestibular areflexia syndrome (CANVAS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder predominantly caused by biallelic AAGGG expansions in the second intron of the RFC1 gene. Here, we used a simultaneous reprogramming and CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing approach to generate three patient iPSC lines with homozygous AAGGG expansions along with three heterozygous gene corrected iPSC lines. The iPSC lines expressed pluripotency markers, had a normal karyotype, and were able to differentiate into all three embryonic germ layers. These mutant and corrected iPSC lines will be a valuable tool for studying the molecular mechanisms underlying CANVAS.

Generation of miR-15a/16-1 cluster-deficient human induced pluripotent stem cell line (DMBi001-A-2) using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing

miR-15a/16-1 cluster, composed of MIR15A and MIR16-1 genes located in close proximity on chromosome 13 was described to regulate post-natal cell cycle withdrawal of cardiomyocytes in mice. In humans, on the other hand, the level of miR-15a-5p and miR-16-p was negatively associated with the severity of cardiac hypertrophy. Therefore, to better understand the role of these microRNAs in human cardiomyocytes in regard to their proliferative potential and hypertrophic growth, we generated hiPSC line with complete deletion of miR-15a/16-1 cluster using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. Obtained cells demonstrate expression of pluripotency markers, differentiation capacity into all three germ layers and normal karyotype.

Generation of telomeric repeat binding factor 1 (TRF1)-knockout human embryonic stem cell lines, KRIBBe010-A-95, KRIBBe010-A-96, and KRIBBe010-A-97, using CRISPR/Cas9 technology

Telomeric repeat binding factor 1 (TRF1) plays an essential role in maintaining telomere length. Here, we established TRF1-knockout human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs; hTRF1-KO) using the CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The hTRF1-KO cell lines expressed pluripotency markers and demonstrated a normal karyotype (46, XX) and DNA profile. In addition, hTRF1-KOcells spontaneously differentiated into all three germ layers in vitro. Thus, these cell lines could be useful models in various research fields.

Generation of integration-free Down syndrome and isogenic euploid human induced pluripotent stem cells

A pair of Down syndrome (DS) human iPSCs (hiPSCs) and isogenic euploid hiPSCs generated by using an integration-free Sendai viral vector system showed trisomy 21 (47; XY) and typical (46; XY) karyotype respectively. Pluripotency of both hiPSC lines was confirmed by pluripotency marker expression and three germ layer differentiation potentials.

Different Effects of Sugars and Methods to Preserve Post-Thaw Functional Properties of Cryopreserved Caprine Spermatogonial Stem Cells

The present study aimed to identify the effects of sugar and methods (slow freezing [SF] vs. fast freezing [FF]) on post-thaw in vitro functional characteristics of cryopreserved caprine spermatogonial stem cells (cSSCs) and the cells obtained from cryopreserved testis tissue of prepubertal Barbari bucks. For this, in experiment 1, cSSCs were isolated and cryopreserved by either SF or FF method with different non-permeable (sugars; trehalose [140 m<sc>m</sc>; 140T or 400 m<sc>m</sc>; 400T] and sucrose [140 m<sc>m</sc>; 140S or 400 m<sc>m</sc>; 400S]) or/and permeable (5% ethylene glycol [EG] and dimethyl sulfoxide) cryoprotectants. After 1 week of cryopreservation, the cSSCs were thawed and cultured for evaluation of their characteristics. Further, in experiment 2, the effectiveness of sugars (trehalose [140 m<sc>m</sc>] or sucrose [140 m<sc>m</sc>]) for cryopreservation of testicular tissues of prepubertal Barbari bucks using the SF or FF method was evaluated. After 1 week of cryopreservation, the tissues were thawed and cSSCs were isolated and cultured for 3 weeks. In both experiments, cSSCs were evaluated for recovery rate, proliferation, metabolic viability, senescence, and stemness markers’ expression. The recovery rate was 1.3-, 1.3-, and 1.1-fold higher in the 140T group compared with EG, 140S, and 400S groups, respectively. Similarly, the expression of stemness markers (protein gene product 9.5 and octamer-binding transcription factor-4) was relatively higher in 140T group compared with the other groups. In experiment 2, the recovery rate of cells per unit tissue weight was significantly (p < 0.05) higher when cryopreserved using 140 m<sc>m</sc> trehalose compared with other groups. The results of immunocytochemical analyses imply the expression of pluripotent stem cell markers in cSSCs following cryopreservation. Overall, the outcome of the study demonstrates different effects of sugars and methods on post-thaw functional properties of cSSCs with superiority of 140 m<sc>m</sc> trehalose using SF method over other treatment groups. These results are important for ex vivo expansion and differentiation of cSSCs for fertility preservation and their other downstream applications.

The adaptation of bovine embryonic stem cells to the changes of feeder layers.

Although the feeder-free culture system has been established, the microenvironment provided by the feeder cells still possesses a unique advantage in maintaining the long-term stability and the rapid proliferation of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). The aim of this study is to discover the adaptive ability of PSCs upon changes of feeder layers. In this study, the morphology, pluripotent marker expression, differentiation ability of bovine embryonic stem cells (bESCs) cultured on low-density, or methanol fixed mouse embryonic fibroblasts were examined by immunofluorescent staining, Western blotting, real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and RNA-seq. The results showed that the changes of feeder layers did not induce the rapid differentiation of bESCs, while resulting in the differentiation initiation and alteration of pluripotent state of bESCs. More importantly, the expression of endogenous growth factors and extracellular matrix were increased, and the expression of cell adhesion molecules was altered, which indicated that bESCs may compensate some functions of the feeder layers upon its changes. This study shows the PSCs have the self-adaptive ability responded to the feeder layer alteration.

Generation of RUNX1c-eGFP induced pluripotent stem cell, MUSIi012-A-4, using CRISPR/Cas9

Runt-Related Transcription Factor 1c (RUNX1c) plays an important role in regulating the development of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). Using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology, we established a RUNX1c-eGFP reporter cell line from the MUSIi012-A cell line. The MUSIi012-A-4 cell line has normal stem cell morphology and karyotype, expresses pluripotency markers, and can be differentiated into all three germ layers in vitro and in vivo. This cell line serves as a valuable model to observe the expression of RUNX1c via eGFP tracking during human hematopoietic development.

Generation of a TIMP3 knockout stem cell line via CRISPR/Cas9 system

The tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases 3 (TIMP3) play an essential role in the tumorigenesis of human pancreatic endocrine tumors and Sorsby fundus dystrophy. To further investigate the significance of TIMP3 in disease, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to create a TIMP3 knock out human embryonic stem cell line (WAe009-A-89) that can differentiate into any desired cell type. Our results show that the WAe009-A-89 cell line retains the typical colony form and normal karyotype of stem cells. The cells strongly expressed pluripotency markers and could differentiate into tissues of all three germ layers in vivo. This cell line allowed exploring the role of the TIMP3 gene in related diseases.

A generated induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line (CMGANTi005-A) of a Marfan syndrome patient with an FBN1 c.7754T > C (p.Ile2585Thr) variation

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a connective tissue disorder with pleiotropic manifestations in the ocular, skeletal and cardiovascular system; and is typically cause by pathogenic variants in the fibrillin-1 (FBN1) gene. We report a generated induced pluripotent cell (iPSC) line of a MFS patient with an FBN1 c.7754T > C (p.Ile2585Thr) variant. The cell line was generated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and after reprogramming the line showed a no relevant copy number alterations, expression of pluripotency markers and was able to differentiate into three germ layers while carrying the original genotype.

Generation of two mother–child pairs of iPSCs from maternally inherited Leigh syndrome patients with m.8993 T > G and m.9176 T > G MT-ATP6 mutations

We generated two pairs of mother–child iPSCs lines for Maternally Inherited Leigh Syndrome (MILS) carrying the m.8993 T > G and m.9176 T > G mutations in the MT-ATP6 gene. We delivered reprogramming factors OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, and c-MYC via Sendai virus. All iPSCs lines had a normal karyotype, expressed pluripotency markers, and differentiated into the three germ layers. Both patient-iPSCs retained the same degrees of heteroplasmy as their source fibroblasts (>97.0 %). In maternal iPSCs, the heteroplasmy remained 0.0 % in the case of the m.8993 T > G mutation and dropped from 55.0 % to 1.0 % in the case of m.9176 T > G mutation.

Comparative Analysis of the Potential for Germ Cell (GC) Differentiation of Bovine Peripheral Blood Derived-Mesenchymal Stem Cells (PB-MSC) and Spermatogonial Stem Cells (SSC) in Co-Culture System with Sertoli Cells (SC).

Although spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) constitute primary candidates for in vitro germ cell (GC) derivation, they are scarce and difficult to maintain in an undifferentiated state. Alternatively, mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are also candidates for GC derivation due to their simplicity for culture and multipotential for transdifferentiation. The aim of the present study was to compare the GC differentiation potentials of bull peripheral blood-derived MSC (PB-MSC) and SSC using an in vitro 3D co-culture system with Sertoli cells (SC). Samples of PB-MSC or SSC co-cultures with SC were collected on days 0, 7, 14 and 21 and analyzed for pluripotency, GC and mesenchymal marker expression. Co-culture of PB-MSC+SC resulted in down-regulation of NANOG and up-regulation of OCT4 at day 7. In comparison, co-culture of SSC+SC resulted in consistent expression of NANOG, OCT4 and SOX2 at day 14. During co-culture, SSC+SC increased the expression of DAZL, PIWIL2, FRAGILIS and STELLA and activated the expression of STRA8, whereas co-culture of PB-MSC+SC only increased the expression of DAZL and PIWIL2. Thus, co-culture of bull PB-MSC+SC and SSC+SC in 3D SACS results in differential expression of pluripotency and GC markers, where bull SSC display a more robust GC differentiation profile compared to PB-MSC.

Generation of an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line from a patient with GEFS+ carrying a STX1B (p.Lys45delinsArgMetCysIleGlu and p.Leu46Met) mutation

The STX1B gene encodes the presynaptic protein syntaxin-1B, which plays a major role in regulating fusion of synaptic vesicles. Mutations in STX1B are known to cause epilepsy syndromes, such as genetic epilepsies with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+). Here, we reprogrammed skin fibroblasts from a female patient affected by GEFS+ to human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The patient carries an InDel mutation (c.133_134insGGATGTGCATTG; p.Lys45delinsArgMetCysIleGlu and c.135_136AC > GA; p.Leu46Met), located in the regulatory Habc-domain of STX1B. Successful reprogramming of cells was confirmed by a normal karyotype, expression of several pluripotency markers and the potential to differentiate into all three germ layers.

Using CRISPR/Cas9 to generate a heterozygous COL2A1 p.R719C iPSC line (MCRIi019-A-6) model of human precocious osteoarthritis

The human iPSC line MCRIi019-A-6 was generated using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing to introduce a heterozygous COL2A1 exon 33 c.2155C>T (p.R719C) mutation into the control human iPSC line MCRIi019-A. Both the edited and parental lines display typical iPSC characteristics, including the expression of pluripotency markers, the ability to be differentiated into the three germ lines, and a normal karyotype. This cell line, along with the isogenic control line, can be used to study the molecular pathology of precocious osteoarthritis in a human model, more broadly understand type II collagenopathies, and explore novel therapeutic targets for this class of diseases.

Exploring cell surface markers and cell-cell interactions of human breast milk stem cells.

Breakthrough studies have shown that pluripotent stem cells are present in human breast milk. The expression of pluripotency markers by breast milk cells is heterogeneous, relating to cellular hierarchy, from early-stage multi-lineage stem cells to fully differentiated mammary epithelial cells, as well as weeks of gestation and days of lactation. Here, we qualitatively analyze cell marker expression in freshly isolated human breast milk cells, without any manipulation that could influence protein expression. Moreover, we use electron microscopy to investigate cell-cell networks in breast milk for the first time, providing evidence of active intercellular communication between cells expressing different cellular markers. The immunocytochemistry results of human breast milk cells showed positive staining in all samples for CD44, CD45, CD133, and Ki67 markers. Variable positivity was present with P63, Tβ4 and CK14 markers. No immunostaining was detected for Wt1, nestin, Nanog, OCT4, SOX2, CK5, and CD34 markers. Cells isolated from human breast milk form intercellular connections, which together create a cell-to-cell communication network. Cells freshly isolated form human breast milk, without particular manipulations, show heterogeneous expression of stemness markers. The studied milk staminal cells show "pluripotency" at different stages of differentiation, and are present as single cells or grouped cells. The adjacent cell interactions are evidenced by electron microscopy, which showed the formation of intercellular connections, numerous contact regions, and thin pseudopods.

An Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Line (ICGi023-A) Obtained from a Patient with Parkinson’s Disease Associated Polymorphisms in &lt;i&gt;LRRK2&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;PINK1&lt;/i&gt; Genes

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder with a range of causes, only 5% of which can be explained by known genetic variants. We revealed polymorphisms in LRRK2 and PINK1 genes of a person with parkinsonism cases in family anamnesis. PBMCs of the patient were reprogrammed with a non-integrating episomal vectors to generate an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line. The iPSC line showed typical morphology and normal karyotype, expressed pluripotency markers, and was capable to differentiate into three germ layers. The iPSCs represent a valuable tool for investigating a potential implication of the genetic variants into the Parkinson’s disease pathogenesis.

Generation of an Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Line, ICGi042-A, by Reprogramming Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Parkinson’s Disease Patient with &lt;i&gt;c.1000G&amp;gt;A&lt;/i&gt; Mutation in &lt;i&gt;LRRK2&lt;/i&gt; Gene

The search for new polymorphisms associated with hereditary diseases is important for diagnostics and the study of the disease development pathology. We have analyzed clinical exome of a Parkinson’s disease patient and identified single-nucleotide variations in the LRRK2 (c.1000GA, c.2167AG) and PINK1 (c.1562AC) genes. The LRRK2:c.1000GA mutation has uncertain clinical significance, and is interesting for further investigation. We generated induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs) from PBMCs of the patient by a non-integrating episomal vectors. IPSCs demonstrate typical morphology and normal karyotype (46,XY), express pluripotency markers (OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, SSEA4, TRA-1-60), and are able to produce derivatives of three germ layers.

Creation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells ICGi044-B and ICGi044-C Using Reprogramming of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of a Patient with Parkinson’s Disease Associated with &lt;i&gt;с.1492T&amp;gt;G&lt;/i&gt; Mutation in the &lt;i&gt;GLUD2&lt;/i&gt; Gene

Parkinson’s disease is a multifactorial disease; both genetic predisposition (5% of all cases), environmental factors and age-related changes in the brain and other body systems contribute to its etiology. For the diagnosis and study of the pathology of the development of the disease, it is important to search for new polymorphisms associated with hereditary forms of the disease. We analyzed the clinical exome of a 55-year-old patient with Parkinson’s disease and identified a single nucleotide polymorphism in the GLUD2 gene (c.1492TG). This genetic variant is pathogenic according to the ClinVar database, but the mechanism of pathogenesis is still poorly understood. In addition, there are currently no relevant models based on human cells, which is of great interest. We generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from patient peripheral blood mononuclear cells using non-integrating episomal vectors expressing OCT4, KLF4, L‑MYC, SOX2, LIN28, and p53 shRNA. The obtained iPSC lines (ICGi044-B and ICGi044-C) demonstrate typical ESC-like morphology, normal karyotype (46,XY), express pluripotency markers (OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, SSEA4, TRA-1-60) and are able to give derivatives of three germ layers. The iPSC lines ICGi044-B and ICGi044-C, as well as their neural derivatives, represent an unique in vitro cell model for studying the pathogenetic mechanisms of the development of Parkinson’s disease associated with the c.1492TG mutation in the GLUD2 gene.

Generation of an Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Line, ICGi043-A, by Reprogramming Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Parkinson’s Disease Patient with p.G2019S Mutation in &lt;i&gt;LRRK2&lt;/i&gt; Gene

The pathological variant p.G2019S in the LRRK2 gene leads to the occurrence of a hereditary form of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and affects 7% of patients with a familial form of the disease. However, the mechanisms that trigger pathological events during the development of the disease are not yet fully understood. We obtained iPSCs (ICGi043-A line) from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of a patient with a hereditary form of PD associated with the genetic variant c.6055GA (p.G2019S, rs34637584) in the LRRK2 gene using transfection with episomal vectors. iPSCs rapidly proliferate in dense monolayer cell colonies, are positive for endogenous alkaline phosphatase, have a normal karyotype (46,XX), express pluripotency markers (OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, TRA-1-60, SSEA-4) and are able to differentiate into three germ layers (ecto-, endo- and mesoderm), which confirms their pluripotent status. Future directed differentiation of the obtained iPSCs into dopaminergic neurons will allow the creation of an in vitro cell model of PD associated with the pathological variant c.6055GA in the LRRK2 gene, and contribute to understanding the pathogenesis of PD.

Stemness maintenance of stem cells derived from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) in 3D spheroid formation through the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown great potential as important therapeutic tools for dental pulp tissue engineering, with the maintenance and enhancement of their stemness being crucial for successful therapeutic application in vivo and three-dimensional (3D) spheroid formation considered a reliable technique for enhancing their pluripotency. Human exfoliated deciduous tooth stem cells (SHED) were cultured in a low attachment plate to form aggregates for five days. Then, the resulting spheroids were analyzed for pluripotent marker expression, paracrine secretory function, proliferation, signaling pathways involved, and distribution of key proteins within the spheroids. The results indicated that 3D spheroid formation significantly increased the activation of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)/Smad signaling pathway and upregulated the secretion and mRNA expression levels of TGF-β, which in turn enhanced the expression of pluripotency markers in SHED spheroids. The activation of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway through 3D spheroid formation was found to preserve the stemness properties of SHED. Thus, understanding the mechanisms behind pluripotency maintenance of SHED culture through 3D spheroid formation could have implications for the therapeutic application of MSCs in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.