Survival Of Embryonic Stem Cells Research Articles

A novel chemical genetic approach reveals paralog-specific role of ERK1/2 in mouse embryonic stem cell fate control.

Introduction: Mouse embryonic stem cell (ESC) self-renewal can be maintained through dual inhibition of GSK3 and MEK kinases. MEK has two highly homologous downstream kinases, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2). However, the exact roles of ERK1/2 in mouse ESC self-renewal and differentiation remain unclear. Methods: We selectively deleted or inhibited ERK1, ERK2, or both using genetic and chemical genetic approaches combined with small molecule inhibitors. The effects of ERK paralog-specific inhibition on mouse ESC self-renewal and differentiation were then assessed. Results: ERK1/2 were found to be dispensable for mouse ESC survival and self-renewal. The inhibition of both ERK paralogs, in conjunction with GSK3 inhibition, was sufficient to maintain mouse ESC self-renewal. In contrast, selective deletion or inhibition of only one ERK paralog did not mimic the effect of MEK inhibition in promoting mouse ESC self-renewal. Regarding ESC differentiation, inhibition of ERK1/2 prevented mesendoderm differentiation. Additionally, selective inhibition of ERK1, but not ERK2, promoted mesendoderm differentiation. Discussion: These findings suggest that ERK1 and ERK2 have both overlapping and distinct roles in regulating ESC self-renewal and differentiation. This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of ERK1/2 in governing ESC maintenance and lineage commitment, potentially informing future strategies for controlling stem cell fate in research and therapeutic applications.

TAF8 regions important for TFIID lobe B assembly or for TAF2 interactions are required for embryonic stem cell survival

The human general transcription factor TFIID is composed of the TATA-binding protein (TBP) and 13 TBP-associated factors (TAFs). In eukaryotic cells, TFIID is thought to nucleate RNA polymerase II (Pol II) preinitiation complex formation on all protein coding gene promoters and thus, be crucial for Pol II transcription. TFIID is composed of three lobes, named A, B, and C. A 5TAF core complex can be assembled in vitro constituting a building block for the further assembly of either lobe A or B in TFIID. Structural studies showed that TAF8 forms a histone fold pair with TAF10 in lobe B and participates in connecting lobe B to lobe C. To better understand the role of TAF8 in TFIID, we have investigated the requirement of the different regions of TAF8 for the in vitro assembly of lobe B and C and the importance of certain TAF8 regions for mouse embryonic stem cell (ESC) viability. We have identified a region of TAF8 distinct from the histone fold domain important for assembling with the 5TAF core complex in lobe B. We also delineated four more regions of TAF8 each individually required for interacting with TAF2 in lobe C. Moreover, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing indicated that the 5TAF core-interacting TAF8 domain and the proline-rich domain of TAF8 that interacts with TAF2 are both required for mouse embryonic stem cell survival. Thus, our study defines distinct TAF8 regions involved in connecting TFIID lobe B to lobe C that appear crucial for TFIID function and consequent ESC survival.

Fatty acid oxidation is required for embryonic stem cell survival during metabolic stress.

Metabolic regulation is critical for the maintenance of pluripotency and the survival of embryonic stem cells (ESCs). The transcription factor Tfcp2l1 has emerged as a key factor for the naïve pluripotency of ESCs. Here, we report an unexpected role of Tfcp2l1 in metabolic regulation in ESCs-promoting the survival of ESCs through regulating fatty acid oxidation (FAO) under metabolic stress. Tfcp2l1 directly activates many metabolic genes in ESCs. Deletion of Tfcp2l1 leads to an FAO defect associated with upregulation of glucose uptake, the TCA cycle, and glutamine catabolism. Mechanistically, Tfcp2l1 activates FAO by inducing Cpt1a, a rate-limiting enzyme transporting free fatty acids into the mitochondria. ESCs with defective FAO are sensitive to cell death induced by glycolysis inhibition and glutamine deprivation. Moreover, the Tfcp2l1-Cpt1a-FAO axis promotes the survival of quiescent ESCs and diapause-like blastocysts induced by mTOR inhibition. Thus, our results reveal how ESCs orchestrate pluripotent and metabolic programs to ensure their survival in response to metabolic stress.

The nuclear transporter importin 13 is critical for cell survival during embryonic stem cell differentiation

Nuclear transporter Importin (Imp, Ipo) 13 is known to transport various mammalian cargoes into/out of the nucleus, but its role in directing cell-fate is unclear. Here we examine the role of Imp13 in the maintenance of pluripotency and differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) for the first time, using an embryonic body (EB)-based model. When induced to differentiate, Ipo13−/− ESCs displayed slow proliferation, reduced EB size, and lower expression of the proliferation marker KI67, concomitant with an increase in the number of TUNEL+ nuclei compared to wildtype ESCs. At days 5 and 10 of differentiation, Ipo13−/− EBs also showed enhanced loss of the pluripotency transcript OCT3/4, and barely detectable clusters of OCT3/4 positive cells. Day 5 Ipo13−/− EBs further exhibited reduced levels of the mesodermal markers Brachyury and Mixl1, correlating with reduced numbers of haemoglobinised cells generated. Our findings suggest that Imp13 is critical to ESC survival as well as early post-gastrulation differentiation.

Intracellular Delivery of Anti-SMC2 Antibodies against Cancer Stem Cells.

Structural maintenance of chromosomes protein 2 (SMC2) is a central component of the condensin complex involved in DNA supercoiling, an essential process for embryonic stem cell survival. SMC2 over-expression has been related with tumorigenesis and cancer malignancy and its inhibition is regarded as a potential therapeutic strategy even though no drugs are currently available. Here, we propose to inhibit SMC2 by intracellular delivery of specific antibodies against the SMC2 protein. This strategy aims to reduce cancer malignancy by targeting cancer stem cells (CSC), the tumoral subpopulation responsible of tumor recurrence and metastasis. In order to prevent degradation and improve cellular internalization, anti-SMC2 antibodies (Ab-SMC2) were delivered by polymeric micelles (PM) based on Pluronic® F127 amphiphilic polymers. Importantly, scaffolding the Ab-SMC2 onto nanoparticles allowed its cellular internalization and highly increased its efficacy in terms of cytotoxicity and inhibition of tumorsphere formation in MDA-MB-231 and HCT116 breast and colon cancer cell lines, respectively. Moreover, in the case of the HCT116 cell line G1, cell-cycle arrest was also observed. In contrast, no effects from free Ab-SMC2 were detected in any case. Further, combination therapy of anti-SMC2 micelles with paclitaxel (PTX) and 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) was also explored. For this, PTX and 5-FU were respectively loaded into an anti-SMC2 decorated PM. The efficacy of both encapsulated drugs was higher than their free forms in both the HCT116 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Remarkably, micelles loaded with Ab-SMC2 and PTX showed the highest efficacy in terms of inhibition of tumorsphere formation in HCT116 cells. Accordingly, our data clearly suggest an effective intracellular release of antibodies targeting SMC2 in these cell models and, further, strong cytotoxicity against CSC, alone and in combined treatments with Standard-of-Care drugs.

Kidins220/ARMS Expression Confers Proliferation But Independent of Self-Renewal in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells.

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are characterized by their ability to self-renew and their potential to differentiate into any cell type. Therefore, identification of novel molecular markers to verify the pluripotent status of mouse ESCs (mESCs) is of great significance. Kinase D interacting substrate of 220 kDa (Kidins220)/ankyrin repeat-rich membrane spanning (ARMS) plays a crucial role in the integration of growth factor receptor pathways during embryonic development. However, the role of Kidins220/ARMS in ESCs is still unknown. To elucidate the effects of Kidins220/ARMS on ESCs, we performed a knockdown of the Kidins220/ARMS gene by RNA interference. To our surprise, downregulation of Kidins220/ARMS did not alter the pluripotent state of mESCs. In contrast, it was essential for the proliferation and survival of ESCs. Furthermore, downregulation of the ARMS gene limited the migration of embryoid body cells derived from mESCs. This study indicates novel roles of Kidins220/ARMS in ESCs, which may represent valuable targets for future clinical applications of ESCs.

LIF-dependent survival of embryonic stem cells is regulated by a novel palmitoylated Gab1 signalling protein.

ABSTRACTThe cytokine leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) promotes self-renewal of mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) through activation of the transcription factor Stat3. However, the contribution of other ancillary pathways stimulated by LIF in ESCs, such as the MAPK and PI3K pathways, is less well understood. We show here that naive-type mouse ESCs express high levels of a novel effector of the MAPK and PI3K pathways. This effector is an isoform of the Gab1 (Grb2-associated binder protein 1) adaptor protein that lacks the N-terminal pleckstrin homology (PH) membrane-binding domain. Although not essential for rapid unrestricted growth of ESCs under optimal conditions, the novel Gab1 variant (Gab1β) is required for LIF-mediated cell survival under conditions of limited nutrient availability. This enhanced survival is absolutely dependent upon a latent palmitoylation site that targets Gab1β directly to ESC membranes. These results show that constitutive association of Gab1 with membranes through a novel mechanism promotes LIF-dependent survival of murine ESCs in nutrient-poor conditions.

Transplantation of CREG modified embryonic stem cells improves cardiac function after myocardial infarction in mice

Engraftment of embryonic stem cells (ESC) has been proposed as a potential therapeutic approach for post-infarction cardiac dysfunction. However, only mild function improvement has been achieved due to low survival rate and paracrine dysfunction of transplanted stem cells. Cellular repressor of E1A stimulated genes (CREG) has been reported to be a secreted glycoprotein implicated in promoting survival and differentiation of many cell types. Therefore we hypothesized that transplantation of genetically modified ESC with CREG (CREG-ESC) can improve cardiac function after myocardial infarction in mice. A total of 2 × 105 CREG-ESC or EGFP-ESC were engrafted into the border zone in a myocardial infarction model in mice. Cardiac function, infarct size and fibrosis at 4 weeks, survival of transplanted ESC, apoptosis and cytokine level of heart tissue, and teratoma formation were assessed in vivo. Apoptosis of ESC under inflammatory stimuli and cardiac differentiation of ESC were investigated in vitro. After 4 weeks, we found transplantation of CREG-ESC could significantly improve cardiac function, ameliorate cardiac remodeling, and reduce infarct size and fibrosis area. Transplantation of CREG-ESC remarkably increased ESC survival in the border zone and inhibited apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, the decrease of inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) and increase of anti-inflammatory factors (TGF-β, bFGF and VEGF165) in the border zone were higher in CREG-ESC transplanted hearts. Safety evaluation showed that all transplantation at 2 × 105 per heart dose produced no teratoma. Surprisingly, the mice with 3.0 × 106 CREG-ESC transplantation was demonstrated teratoma free without cardiac rhythm disturbances in contrast to 100% teratoma formation and rhythm abnormality for the same dose of EGFP-ESC transplantation. In addition, overexpression of CREG inhibits ESC apoptosis and enhanced their differentiation into cardiomyocytes in vitro. Transplantation of CREG-modified ESC exhibits a favorable survival pattern in infarcted hearts, which translates into a substantial preservation of cardiac function after acute myocardial infarction.

Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Is Essential for the Self-Renewal of Embryonic Stem Cells from Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Through Stat3 Signaling.

To date, little is known about the mechanisms underlying the self-renewal of embryonic stem (ES) cells from fish species. In this study, we report that the leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF; named as OnLif) from a teleost fish, Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), is essential for the proliferation, survival, and pluripotency maintenance of Nile tilapia ES cells (TES1) by activating the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3). This protein has 221 amino acid residues with similar sequence features to mammalian LIF. By fusing to a small ubiquitin-related modifier and inducing expression at 16°C, the soluble tag-free protein had been successfully obtained. Further investigation indicates that OnLif could significantly enhance the proliferation and survival of TES1. Moreover, it contributed to the pluripotency maintenance of TES1 characteristic of high expression of pluripotency genes, no or low expression of differentiation genes, and strong alkaline phosphatase activity. Notably, it mediated Stat3 phosphorylation, whose inhibitor treatment could lead to apoptosis. In addition, OnLif significantly enhanced the proliferation of ES cells from medaka (Oryzias latipes), suggesting its potential role in other fish ES cells. These data first suggest that Lif/Stat3 signaling has an essential role in the self-renewal of ES cells from fish, just like that in the ground state pluripotency maintenance of mouse and human ES cells. Our study would not only be helpful for the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying self-renewal of ES cells from the perspective of evolution but also facilitate ES-based biotechnology application in fishery.

54 Effect of Different Cryopreservation Protocols for Sheep Embryonic Stem Cells

Particular attention is required to improve cryopreservation of embryonic stem cells (ESC) and study their characteristics. Stem cells were obtained from the inner cell mass of Day 5-6 blastocysts. The ESC were then cultured on mTeSR™1 medium (Stemcell Technologies, Cambridge, MA, USA). We studied the survival of ESC after slow freezing and vitrification. Slow freezing was carried out using a Planer Kryo 360-3.3 freezer (Planer plc, Sunbury-on-Thames, United Kingdom), using various cryoprotectants: 1.5 M dimethyl sulfoxide (Me2SO), 1.5 M ethylene glycol (EG), or 1.5 M propylene glycol (PG). Six vitrification solutions (VS) were used to vitrify ESC: VS1 = 20% Me2SO + 20% EG + 0.5 M sucrose; VS2 = 20% Me2SO + 20% PROH + 0.5 M sucrose; VS3 = 20% EG + 20% PG + 0.5 M sucrose; VS4 = 20% Me2SO + 20% EG + 0.5 M sucrose + 10% FCS; VS5 = 20% Me2SO + 20% PROH + 0.5 M sucrose + 10% FCS; and VS6 = 20% EG + 20% PG + 0.5 M sucrose + 10% FCS. For the dehydration of cells and the addition of vitrification solutions, a 3-step equilibration was used. The proliferative properties of the cells were determined using an Apel PD-303S spectrophotometer (Apel Co. Ltd., Kawaguchi, Japan), using an MTT test (staining with methylthiazolyl-diphenyl tetrazolium). After slow freezing, the highest percentage of frozen–thawed cells proliferating was observed when using 1.5 M EG (P > 0.05). At the same time, the highest cell doubling after thawing was observed when using 1.5 M EG, and 1.5 M Me2SO. After vitrification, the highest percentage of proliferation was observed in the VS2 and VS4 groups (49.7 ± 3.2% and 53.2 ± 3.8%, respectively). It should be noted that the addition of fetal calf serum to the vitrification solution also increased the proliferation of ESC after vitrification and thawing.

Baf53a is involved in survival of mouse ES cells, which can be compensated by Baf53b

The human Baf (Brg1/Brm associated factor) complex, also known as the mammalian SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complex, is involved in a variety of cellular processes. The pluripotency and self-renewal abilities are major characteristics of embryonic stem (ES) cells and are regulated by the ES cell-specific BAF (esBAF) complex. Baf53a is one of the subunits of the esBAF complex. Here, we found that Baf53a was expressed in undifferentiated ES cells and that it interacted with Oct3/4. Analyses of tetracycline-inducible Baf53a conditional knockout ES cells revealed that the undifferentiated markers, including Nanog and Oct3/4, were expressed in Baf53a-deficient ES cells; however, growth of the cells was repressed, and expression of p53, p21, and cleaved Caspase 3 was increased. Cell death of Baf53a-deficient ES cells was rescued by overexpression of Baf53a, but not by the Baf53a M3 mutant (E388A/R389A/R390A). Interestingly, Baf53b, a homologue of Baf53a, rescued cell death of Baf53a-deficient ES cells. Baf53a-deficient ES cells overexpressing exogenous Baf53a or Baf53b remained in the undifferentiated state, proliferated, and repressed expression of p21. In summary, our findings suggest that Baf53a is involved in the survival of ES cells by regulating p53 and Caspase3, and that Baf53b is able to compensate for this functional aspect of Baf53a.

GA-Binding Protein Alpha Is Involved in the Survival of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells.

Ets-related transcription factor GA-binding protein alpha (GABPα), which is encoded by Gabpa, is expressed in a variety of cell types and is involved in cellular functions such as cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, and differentiation. Here, we generated Gabpa conditional knockout embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and characterized its cellular phenotypes. Disruption of Gabpa revealed that the proliferation of Gabpa-null ESCs was drastically repressed and cells started to die within 2 days. The repressed proliferation of Gabpa-null ESCs was recovered by artificially forced expression of GABPα. Expression analysis showed that p53 mRNA levels were comparable; however, p53 target genes, including Cdkn1a/p21, Mdm2, and Gadd45a, were upregulated and cell cycle-related genes, including Cyclin D1/D2 and Cyclin E1/E2, were downregulated in Gabpa-null ESCs. Interestingly, p53 and cleaved Caspase3 expressions were enhanced in the cells and reduced proliferation as well as cell death of Gabpa-null ESCs were rescued by either transfection of p53 RNAi or treatment of the p53 inhibitor pifithrin-α. These results suggest that GABPα inhibits the accumulation of p53 and is involved in the proliferation and survival of ESCs. Stem Cells 2017;35:2229-2238.

ERas is constitutively expressed in full term placenta of pregnant cows

ERas is a new gene recently found in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells and localized on the X chromosome. It plays a role in mouse ES cell survival and is constitutively active without any mutations. It was also found to be responsible for the maintenance of quiescence of the hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), liver-resident mesenchymal stem cells, the activation of which results in liver fibrosis. This gene was not present in human ES cells. ERas was found to be activated in a significant population of human gastric cancer, where ERAS may play a crucial role in gastric cancer cell survival and metastases to liver via down-regulation of E-cadherin. ERas gene has been found to be expressed both in ES cells and adult tissues of cynomolgus monkey. Cynomolgus ERAS did not promote cell proliferation or induce tumor formation. ERAS was also detected in normal and neoplastic urothelium of the urinary bladder in cattle, where bovine ERAS formed a constitutive complex with platelet derived growth factor β receptor (PDGFβR) resulting in the activation of AKT signaling. Here, molecular and morphological findings of ERAS in the full term placenta of pregnant cows have been investigated for the first time. ERAS was studied by reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR). Alignment of the sequence detects a 100% identity with all transcript variant bovine ERas mRNAs, present in the GenBank database (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). Furthermore, ERAS was detected by Western blot and investigated by real time PCR that revealed an amount of ERAS more than ERAS found in normal bovine urothelium but less than ERAS present in the liver. Immunohistochemical examination revealed the presence of ERAS protein both at the level of plasma membrane and in cytoplasm of epithelial cells lining caruncular crypts and in trophoblasts of villi. An evident ERAS immunoreactivity was also seen throughout the chorionic and uterine gland epithelium. Although this is not a functional study and further investigations will be warranted, it is conceivable that ERAS may have pleiotropic effects in the placenta, some of which, like normal urothelial cells, might lead to activation of AKT pathway. We speculate that ERAS may play a key role in cellular processes such as cell differentiation and movement. Accordingly, we believe it may be an important factor involved in trophoblast invasiveness via AKT signaling pathway. Therefore, ERas gene is a functional gene which contributes to homeostasis of bovine placenta.

THAP1: Role in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell Survival and Differentiation.

SummaryTHAP1 (THAP [Thanatos-associated protein] domain-containing, apoptosis-associated protein 1) is a ubiquitously expressed member of a family of transcription factors with highly conserved DNA-binding and protein-interacting regions. Mutations in THAP1 cause dystonia, DYT6, a neurologic movement disorder. THAP1 downstream targets and the mechanism via which it causes dystonia are largely unknown. Here, we show that wild-type THAP1 regulates embryonic stem cell (ESC) potential, survival, and proliferation. Our findings identify THAP1 as an essential factor underlying mouse ESC survival and to some extent, differentiation, particularly neuroectodermal. Loss of THAP1 or replacement with a disease-causing mutation results in an enhanced rate of cell death, prolongs Nanog, Prdm14, and/or Rex1 expression upon differentiation, and results in failure to upregulate ectodermal genes. ChIP-Seq reveals that these activities are likely due in part to indirect regulation of gene expression.

SETDB1 plays an essential role in maintenance of gonocyte survival in pigs.

Histone methyltransferase SETDB1 suppresses gene expression and modulates heterochromatin formation through H3K9me2/3. Previous studies have revealed that SETDB1 catalyzes lysine 9 of histone H3 tri-methylation and plays essential roles in maintaining the survival of embryonic stem cells and spermatogonial stem cells in mice. However, the function of SETDB1 in porcine male germ cells remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to reveal the expression profile and function of SETDB1 in porcine germ cells. SETDB1 expression gradually increased during testis development. SETDB1 was strongly localized in gonocytes. Knockdown of SETDB1 gene expression led to gonocyte apoptosis and a decrease in H3K27me3, but no significant change in H3K9me3. These observations suggested that SETDB1 is a novel epigenetic regulator of porcine male germ cells, and contributes to the maintenance of gonocyte survival in pigs, probably due to the regulation of H3K27me3 rather than H3K9me3. These findings will provide a theoretical basis for the future study of epigenetic regulation of spermatogenesis.

Pyrintegrin Induces Soft Tissue Formation by Transplanted or Endogenous Cells

Focal adipose deficiency, such as lipoatrophy, lumpectomy or facial trauma, is a formidable challenge in reconstructive medicine, and yet scarcely investigated in experimental studies. Here, we report that Pyrintegrin (Ptn), a 2,4-disubstituted pyrimidine known to promote embryonic stem cells survival, is robustly adipogenic and induces postnatal adipose tissue formation in vivo of transplanted adipose stem/progenitor cells (ASCs) and recruited endogenous cells. In vitro, Ptn stimulated human adipose tissue derived ASCs to differentiate into lipid-laden adipocytes by upregulating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α (C/EBPα), with differentiated cells increasingly secreting adiponectin, leptin, glycerol and total triglycerides. Ptn-primed human ASCs seeded in 3D-bioprinted biomaterial scaffolds yielded newly formed adipose tissue that expressed human PPARγ, when transplanted into the dorsum of athymic mice. Remarkably, Ptn-adsorbed 3D scaffolds implanted in the inguinal fat pad had enhanced adipose tissue formation, suggesting Ptn’s ability to induce in situ adipogenesis of endogenous cells. Ptn promoted adipogenesis by upregulating PPARγ and C/EBPα not only in adipogenesis induction medium, but also in chemically defined medium specifically for osteogenesis, and concurrently attenuated Runx2 and Osx via BMP-mediated SMAD1/5 phosphorylation. These findings suggest Ptn’s novel role as an adipogenesis inducer with a therapeutic potential in soft tissue reconstruction and augmentation.

Akt3 is responsible for the survival and proliferation of embryonic stem cells.

ABSTRACTThe phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (PKB/Akt) pathway plays an important role in regulating cell proliferation, metabolism, and survival. However, the distinct roles of Akt isoforms (Akt1, Akt2, and Akt3) in pluripotent stem cell maintenance are not fully defined. Using mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs), we show that direct inhibition of Akt activity leads to ESC apoptosis. The Akt3, but not Akt1 or Akt2, activity specifically regulates this effect. Inhibiting Akt3 also leads to a cell cycle arrest at G1 phase. These regulatory roles of Akt3 are dependent on its kinase activity. Blocking the expression of Akt1 plus Akt2 in ESCs does not affect cell survival or proliferation, although blocking Akt1 aggravates the apoptotic effect induced by depletion of Akt3. We further show that blocking Akt3 in ESCs results in significant nuclear accumulation of p53, as well as the activation of its downstream targets, such as Mdm2, p21, and Fas. Inhibiting p53 and its downstream targets partially rescued the effects caused by Akt3-depletion. Our results revealed an Akt3 isoform-specific mechanism for ESC survival and proliferation involving the control of p53 activity.

Concentration dependent survival and neural differentiation of murine embryonic stem cells cultured on polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate hydrogels possessing a continuous concentration gradient of n-cadherin derived peptide His-Ala-Val-Asp-Lle.

Single cell encapsulation is common in tissue engineering matrices. This eliminates cellular access to cell-cell signaling. N-cadherin, a cell-cell signaling molecule, plays a vital role in the development of neural tissues, but has not been well studied as a bioactive signaling element in neural tissue engineering matrices. The present study uses a systematic continuous gradient approach to identify concentration dependent effects of n-cadherin derived peptide, HAVDI, on the survival and neural differentiation of murine embryonic stem cells. This work underscores the need for greater use to combinatorial strategies to understand the effect complex bioactive signaling, such as n-cadherin, and the need to optimize the concentration of such bioactive signaling within tissue engineering matrices for maximal cellular response.

Real-time and non-invasive monitoring of embryonic stem cell survival during the development of embryoid bodies with smart nanosensor.

The distribution pattern of viable embryonic stem cells (ESCs) within embryoid body (EB) is closely related with the maturation of EBs. Noninvasive and real-time monitoring of viable ESC distribution in EBs would allow researchers to optimize the culturing condition in time during the EB development and to select the suitable EBs for subsequent applications.

Indispensable role for mouse ELP3 in embryonic stem cell maintenance and early development

ELP3, a core component of Elongator, has been implicated in translational regulation via modification of tRNA at the wobble position. However, the precise biological function of ELP3 in early mouse development has not yet been defined. We here provide evidence that ELP3 plays crucial roles in mouse embryonic stem cell (ESC) maintenance and early development. ELP3 was detected ubiquitously in blastocysts and E10.5 embryos and shown to be increased during ESC differentiation. Depletion of ELP3 in ESC led to aberrant cell cycle progression, along with reduced expression of genes for pluripotency. Interestingly, our analyses revealed that, although the mRNA levels of the genes related to cell cycle were increased, protein levels were diminished in knockdown (KD) ESCs. The data, therefore, suggest that ELP3 function is critical for translational efficiency of the genes. Consistent with a proliferation defect in KD cells, Elp3 knockout (KO) embryos suffered from severe growth retardation and failed to develop beyond E12.5. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that ELP3 plays an indispensable role in ESC survival, differentiation and embryonic development in mouse.