Undifferentiated Embryonic Stem Cells Research Articles

The Plasminogen Activation System Modulates Differently Adipogenesis and Myogenesis of Embryonic Stem Cells

Regulation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important functional role either in physiological or pathological conditions. The plasminogen activation (PA) system, comprising the uPA and tPA proteases and their inhibitor PAI-1, is one of the main suppliers of extracellular proteolytic activity contributing to tissue remodeling. Although its function in development is well documented, its precise role in mouse embryonic stem cell (ESC) differentiation in vitro is unknown. We found that the PA system components are expressed at very low levels in undifferentiated ESCs and that upon differentiation uPA activity is detected mainly transiently, whereas tPA activity and PAI-1 protein are maximum in well differentiated cells. Adipocyte formation by ESCs is inhibited by amiloride treatment, a specific uPA inhibitor. Likewise, ESCs expressing ectopic PAI-1 under the control of an inducible expression system display reduced adipogenic capacities after induction of the gene. Furthermore, the adipogenic differentiation capacities of PAI-1−/− induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are augmented as compared to wt iPSCs. Our results demonstrate that the control of ESC adipogenesis by the PA system correspond to different successive steps from undifferentiated to well differentiated ESCs. Similarly, skeletal myogenesis is decreased by uPA inhibition or PAI-1 overexpression during the terminal step of differentiation. However, interfering with uPA during days 0 to 3 of the differentiation process augments ESC myotube formation. Neither neurogenesis, cardiomyogenesis, endothelial cell nor smooth muscle formation are affected by amiloride or PAI-1 induction. Our results show that the PA system is capable to specifically modulate adipogenesis and skeletal myogenesis of ESCs by successive different molecular mechanisms.

Long non‐coding RNAs in stem cell pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the self-renewal of undifferentiated embryonic stem cells (ESCs), and is maintained by a tightly regulated gene regulatory network involving an intricate interplay between transcription factors and their genomic targets, as well as epigenetic processes that influence gene expression. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are newly discovered members of gene regulatory networks that govern a variety of cell functions. Defined as RNA transcripts larger than 200 nucleotides, lncRNAs have little or no protein-coding capacity and have been shown to act via various mechanisms, and are important in a variety of biological functions. Recent reports have described the discovery of pluripotent lncRNAs involved in the maintenance and induction of stem cell pluripotency. Here, we discuss how lncRNAs may integrate into the pluripotency network, as well as prominent questions in this emerging field.

Apoptosis-Related Gene Expression Profiles of Mouse ESCs and maGSCs: Role of Fgf4 and Mnda in Pluripotent Cell Responses to Genotoxicity

Stem cells in the developing embryo proliferate and differentiate while maintaining genomic integrity, failure of which may lead to accumulation of mutations and subsequent damage to the embryo. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs), the in vitro counterpart of embryo stem cells are highly sensitive to genotoxic stress. Defective ESCs undergo either efficient DNA damage repair or apoptosis, thus maintaining genomic integrity. However, the genotoxicity- and apoptosis-related processes in germ-line derived pluripotent cells, multipotent adult germ-line stem cells (maGSCs), are currently unknown. Here, we analyzed the expression of apoptosis-related genes using OligoGEArray in undifferentiated maGSCs and ESCs and identified a similar set of genes expressed in both cell types. We detected the expression of intrinsic, but not extrinsic, apoptotic pathway genes in both cell types. Further, we found that apoptosis-related gene expression patterns of differentiated ESCs and maGSCs are identical to each other. Comparative analysis revealed that several pro- and anti-apoptotic genes are expressed specifically in pluripotent cells, but markedly downregulated in the differentiated counterparts of these cells. Activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway cause approximately ∼35% of both ESCs and maGSCs to adopt an early-apoptotic phenotype. Moreover, we performed transcriptome studies using early-apoptotic cells to identify novel pluripotency- and apoptosis-related genes. From these transcriptome studies, we selected Fgf4 (Fibroblast growth factor 4) and Mnda (Myeloid cell nuclear differentiating antigen), which are highly downregulated in early-apoptotic cells, as novel candidates and analyzed their roles in apoptosis and genotoxicity responses in ESCs. Collectively, our results show the existence of common molecular mechanisms for maintaining the pristine stem cell pool of both ESCs and maGSCs.

Immunobiology of SCNT Derived Embryonic Stem Cells: Pivotal Role of mtDNA in Rejection of Transplanted Stem Cells

Background: For regenerative therapies, somatic cell nucleus transfer (SCNT) can be used to transfer the nucleus of a somatic cell into the cytoplasm of an enucleated egg. The resulting SCNT-embryo has the capability to develop to the blastocyst stage. Subsequently, embryonic stem cells (ESCs) can be derived from the inner cell mass of these blastocysts. These ESCs are genetically identical with the donor nucleus, with the exception of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from the receiving egg. This study aimed to investigate the role of mtDNA in ESC transplantation and its immunological recognition. Methods: SCNT-ESCs were generated by transferring donor cells from Balb/C background into enucleated oocytes from BDF1 background. 1×106 of these SCNT-ESCs or SCNT-ESC-derived cardiomyocytes (CMs) were injected into Balb/C (mitochondria-incompatible) or BDF1 (nucleus-incompatible) mice (n=10). After 5 days, cellular and humoral responses were investigated by ELISPOT, donorspecific antibodies, histopathology, and confocal immunofluorescence microscopy. Immunodeficient SCIDbeige mice were used as controls (n=6). In vivo bioluminescence imaging was used to visualize cell survival longitudinal. The amount of mitochondria in undifferentiated ESCs was compared to ESC-derived CMs using the TMRM assay (Figure 1).[Figure 1]Results: Using ELISPOT assays for Th1, Th2, and Th17-cells, we found that foreign mitochondria caused a similar immune response compared to ESCs with foreign nuclear DNA, both being significant higher than in SCIDbeige (p< 0.001). Similar results were observed for the humoral response. Re-injection of ESCs resulted in an adaptive immune response, highlighting the role of T-cell mediated rejection as shown by ELISPOT assays and in vivo bioluminescence imaging. Antigenicity of ESCs increased with their differentiation into CMs, correlating with increased MHCI-expression and amount of mitochondrial antigens (Figure 1). Conclusion: mtDNA is coding for 13 proteins, which surprisingly resulted in an adaptive immune response and donorspecific antibody production after transplantation. Upon ESC differentiation into CMs we observed an increase of mitochondrial antigens resulting in a greater immunological recognition of transplanted cells. In summary, SCNT-derivates are not sufficient immune privileged and undergo immune rejection after transplantation.

Immune Characterization and Differentiation of Murine Embryonic Stem Cells to Definitive Endoderm for Treatment of Liver Disease

Embryonic stem (ES) cells have the potential to differentiate into any tissue type and thereby harbor great promise to treat and cure disease. However, the heterogeneity of cell populations derived from current differentiation protocols, as well as the immunogenicity of stem cells and their differentiated cell types, comprise two major barriers to their clinical use. The goal of this study is to establish a protocol to reproducibly differentiate murine ES cells into hepatocyte-like cells and to define their immunologic properties in the pluripotent and differentiated states. The mouse E14 ES cell line was cultured on matrigel for 5 days in the presence of Activin A (50 ng/ml) to undergo stepwise differentiation through mesoendoderm (ME) to definitive endoderm (DE), a pathway toward a hepatic fate. qPCR and flow cytometry analyses for expression of key transcription factors (Sox17, Oct 4, FoxA2, Brachyury) and proteins (E-cadherin, CXCR4) were used to define ES-derived differentiation states. Immunofluorescent staining and flow cytometry was used to characterize the expression of immune markers in the E14 cell line in pluripotent and differentiated states. qPCR demonstrated that E14 cells express Oct 4, but not CXCR4, Sox17, FoxA2 or Brachyury transcripts as anticipated for undifferentiated ES cells. On day 3 of differentiation, cells expressed Brachyury, indicating a ME state, and by day 5, cells expressed Sox17, FoxA2, and CXCR4 without Brachyury expression, consistent with DE. Surface expression of CXCR4 and E-Cadherin was upregulated on day 5, also consistent with DE. Phenotypic characterization of E14 ES cells demonstrated expression of the natural killer (NK) cell activation receptor ligand, Rae-1, low levels of MHC class I, but not MHC class II. By day 5 of differentiation, cells have increased expression of MHC class I but have lost Rae-1 expression. Thus, in vitro differentiation utilizing Activin A is effective in driving ES cells towards DE. However, the expression of MHC class I and the NK cell activation receptor ligand Rae1 indicates that survival of transplanted ES cells, or their differentiated cell products into allogeneic hosts, will require control of both the innate and adaptive immune response.

Transplantation of parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells ameliorates cardiac dysfunction and remodelling after myocardial infarction

Parthenogenetic embryonic stem cells (pESCs) derived from artificially activated oocytes without fertilization presumably raise minimal ethical concerns and may serve as attractive candidates for regenerative medicine. Here we investigated whether pESCs could repair myocardial infarction (MI), in comparison to embryonic stem cells (ESCs). A total of 89 mice that survived coronary artery ligation randomly received an intramyocardial injection of undifferentiated pESCs, ESCs, or saline. Sham-operated mice (n = 21) that received no treatment served as control animals. After 7 days, transplantation of pESCs increased expression of pro-angiogenic factors and reduced leucocyte infiltration. By 14 and 30 days post-MI, similar to treatment with ESCs, treatment with pESCs efficiently prevented cardiac remodelling and enhanced angiogenesis, in contrast to saline-treated hearts. Improved heart contractile function was also notable 30 days following transplantation of pESCs. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that tissues regenerated from pESCs in the infarcted myocardium were positive for markers of cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells. Unlike ESC-treated mice, which exhibited a high incidence of teratoma (6 of 34), the pESC-treated mice showed no teratomas (0 of 30) 30 days following transplantation. Transplantation of pESCs could attenuate cardiac dysfunction and adverse ventricular remodelling post-MI, suggesting that pESCs may provide promising therapeutic sources for MI in females.

Development of embryonic stem cells in recombinant kidneys

Embryonic stem cells (ESC) are self-renewing and can generate all cell types during normal development. Previous studies have begun to explore fates of ESCs and their mesodermal derivatives after injection into explanted intact metanephric kidneys and neonatal kidneys maturing in vivo. Here, we exploited a recently described recombinant organ culture model, mixing fluorescent quantum dot labeled mouse exogenous cells with host metanephric cells. We compared abilities of undifferentiated ESCs with ESC-derived mesodermal or non-mesodermal cells to contribute to tissue compartments within recombinant, chimeric metanephroi. ESC-derived mesodermal cells downregulated Oct4, a marker of undifferentiated cells, and, as assessed by locations of quantum dots, contributed to Wilms’ tumor 1-expressing forming nephrons, synaptopodin-expressing glomeruli, and organic ion-transporting tubular epithelia. Similar results were observed when labeled native metanephric cells were recombined with host cells. In striking contrast, non-mesodermal ESC-derived cells strongly inhibited growth of embryonic kidneys, while undifferentiated ESCs predominantly formed Oct4 expressing colonies between forming nephrons and glomeruli. These findings clarify the conclusion that ESC-derived mesodermal cells have functional nephrogenic potential, supporting the idea that they could potentially replace damaged epithelia in diseased kidneys. On the other hand, undifferentiated ESCs and non-mesodermal precursors derived from ESCs would appear to be less suitable materials for use in kidney cell therapies.

Isolation, culture and characterization of caprine mesenchymal stem cells derived from amniotic fluid

Amniotic fluid (AF) represents heterologous cell types and a specific group of these cells show high growth rate and multipotent characteristics. The aim of the present study was to culture and fully characterize the putative stem cell population isolated from caprine mesenchymal stem cells. Plastic adherent fibroblastoid cell population could be successfully isolated from the caprine amniotic fluid. In vitro expanded caprine amniotic fluid derived mesenchymal stem cells (cAF-MSCs) showed high proliferation ratio with a doubling time of 33.1h and stained positive for alkaline phosphatase. Relative transcript abundance of CD-73, CD-90 and CD-105 surface markers were analyzed by SYBR green based real time PCR and their respective proteins were localized through immunocytochemistry, however cAF-MSCs were found negative for haematopoietic marker CD-34. When exposed to corresponding induction condition, cAF-MSCs differentiated into osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic lineages which was confirmed through von Kossa, Oil Red O and Alcian blue staining respectively. Furthermore, these cells were found positive for undifferentiated embryonic stem cell markers like Oct-4, Nanog, Sox-2, SSEA-1 and SSEA-4 which accentuate their pluripotent property. In conclusion, caprine amniotic fluid represents a promising source of mesenchymal stem cells with high proliferative and differentiation potential and these cells offer their scope for multiple regenerative therapies.

Evaluation of unrestricted somatic stem cells as a feeder layer to support undifferentiated embryonic stem cells

The use of unrestricted somatic stem cells (USSCs) holds great promise for future clinical applications. Conventionally, mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) or other animal-based feeder layers are used to support embryonic stem cell (ESC) growth; the use of such feeder cells increases the risk of retroviral and other pathogenic infection in clinical trials. Implementation of a human-based feeder layer, such as hUSSCs that are isolated from human sources, lowers such risks. Isolated cord blood USSCs derived from various donors were used as a novel, supportive feeder layer for growth of C4mES cells (Royan C4 ESCs). Complete cellular characterization using immunocytochemical and flow cytometric methods were performed on murine ESCs (mESCs) and hUSSCs. mESCs cultured on hUSSCs showed similar cellular morphology and presented the same cell markers of undifferentiated mESC as would have been observed in mESCs grown on MEFs. Our data revealed these cells had negative expression of Stat3, Sox2, and Fgf4 genes while showing positive expression for Pou5f1, Nanog, Rex1, Brachyury, Lif, Lifr, Tert, B2m, and Bmp4 genes. Moreover, mESCs cultured on hUSSCs exhibited proven differentiation potential to germ cell layers showing normal karyotype. The major advantage of hUSSCs is their ability to be continuously cultured for at least 50 passages. We have also found that hUSSCs have the potential to provide ESC support from the early moments of isolation. Further study of hUSSC as a novel human feeder layer may lead to their incorporation into clinical methods, making them a vital part of the application of human ESCs in clinical cell therapy.

Ceramide Glycosylation by Glucosylceramide Synthase Selectively Maintains the Properties of Breast Cancer Stem Cells

Cancer stem cells are distinguished from normal adult stem cells by their stemness without tissue homeostasis control. Glycosphingolipids (GSLs), particularly globo-series GSLs, are important markers of undifferentiated embryonic stem cells, but little is known about whether or not ceramide glycosylation, which controls glycosphingolipid synthesis, plays a role in modulating stem cells. Here, we report that ceramide glycosylation catalyzed by glucosylceramide synthase, which is enhanced in breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) but not in normal mammary epithelial stem cells, maintains tumorous pluripotency of BCSCs. Enhanced ceramide glycosylation and globotriosylceramide (Gb3) correlate well with the numbers of BCSCs in breast cancer cell lines. In BCSCs sorted with CD44(+)/ESA(+)/CD24(-) markers, Gb3 activates c-Src/β-catenin signaling and up-regulates the expression of FGF-2, CD44, and Oct-4 enriching tumorigenesis. Conversely, silencing glucosylceramide synthase expression disrupts Gb3 synthesis and selectively kills BCSCs through deactivation of c-Src/β-catenin signaling. These findings highlight the unexploited role of ceramide glycosylation in selectively maintaining the tumorous pluripotency of cancer stem cells. It speculates that disruption of ceramide glycosylation or globo-series GSL is a useful approach to specifically target BCSCs specifically.

Correlation between the amount of residual undifferentiated embryonic stem cells in embryoid bodies and its tumorigenicity

Objective To explore the correlation between the amount of residual undifferentiated embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in embryoid bodies and its tumorigenicity.Methods Mouse R1 ESCs were cultured in suspension to form embryoid bodies (EBs).Ten days later,EBs were digested into single cells and then re-plated in standard ESCs culture condition.The residual undifferentiated embryonic stem cells surface maker SSEA-1 was examined by flow cytometry in EBs.The morphology of residual undifferentiated cells in EBs were observed,meanwhile the surface marker SSEA-1 was examined by immunofluorescent staining.EBs were digested into single cells and grouped into 104,105,106,2×106,and then injected into limb muscle of nude mice.The correlation of the amount of cells and its tumorigenicity was observed.Results Residual undifferentiated ESCs were observed after EBs differentiated for 10 days,which displayed clonal morphology and expressed undifferentiated ceil markers of ESCs,such as SSEA-1.The expression rate of undifferentiated cells surface marker SSEA-1 was (13.5±0.75)％ in EBs differentiated for 10 days.Only two millions single cells harvested from EBs were able to form teratoma after being injected into muscle of nude mice for 6 weeks.Mature endoderm,mesoderm and ectoderm tissues could be found in teratoma.No teratoma formed in other groups.Conclusion A certain amount residual undifferentiated ESCs still exist after differentiation of ESCs into EBs.About 2.7× 105 undifferentiated cells are able to form teratoma by iniecting into muscle of nude mice. Key words: Embryonic stem cells; Embryoid bodies; SSEA-1; Teratoma

Gene Isoform Specificity through Enhancer-Associated Antisense Transcription

Enhancers and antisense RNAs play key roles in transcriptional regulation through differing mechanisms. Recent studies have demonstrated that enhancers are often associated with non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), yet the functional role of these enhancer:ncRNA associations is unclear. Using RNA-Sequencing to interrogate the transcriptomes of undifferentiated mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) and their derived neural precursor cells (NPs), we identified two novel enhancer-associated antisense transcripts that appear to control isoform-specific expression of their overlapping protein-coding genes. In each case, an enhancer internal to a protein-coding gene drives an antisense RNA in mESCs but not in NPs. Expression of the antisense RNA is correlated with expression of a shorter isoform of the associated sense gene that is not present when the antisense RNA is not expressed. We demonstrate that expression of the antisense transcripts as well as expression of the short sense isoforms correlates with enhancer activity at these two loci. Further, overexpression and knockdown experiments suggest the antisense transcripts regulate expression of their associated sense genes via cis-acting mechanisms. Interestingly, the protein-coding genes involved in these two examples, Zmynd8 and Brd1, share many functional domains, yet their antisense ncRNAs show no homology to each other and are not present in non-murine mammalian lineages, such as the primate lineage. The lack of homology in the antisense ncRNAs indicates they have evolved independently of each other and suggests that this mode of lineage-specific transcriptional regulation may be more widespread in other cell types and organisms. Our findings present a new view of enhancer action wherein enhancers may direct isoform-specific expression of genes through ncRNA intermediates.

Abstract 46: RSK4 Is a Novel Negative Regulator of Endothelial Differentiation via Direct Suppression of Protein Kinase A Activity

Endothelial cells (ECs) differentiation is strictly regulated to generate functional blood vessels. Previously, we demonstrated that Flk1+ cells derived from embryonic stem (ES) cells serve as vascular progenitors and can constructively reproduce the early differentiation of both ECs and Mural cells (MCs; vascular smooth muscle cells and pericytes). We recently reported that cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA) signaling enhanced EC differentiation from Flk1+ vascular progenitors via induction of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors expression. To identify a novel molecule involved in EC differentiation, we performed microarray analyses at various differentiation stages from ES cells to vascular cells; undifferentiated ES cells, Flk1+ vascular progenitors, ECs and MCs. Then, we found that mRNA of p90 ribosomal protein S6 kinase 4 (RSK4) was highly expressed in Flk1+ vascular progenitors and almost diminished during EC differentiation, whereas it remained being expressed in MCs. The addition of a broad-spectrum RSK inhibitor, SL0101, to Flk1+ vascular progenitors enhanced VEGF receptor expression and EC differentiation specifically in the presence of the simultaneous cAMP signal activation. SL0101-elicited EC differentiation was abolished by PKA catalytic subunit alpha (PKAc) knockdown. Specific RSK4 knockdown in Flk1+ vascular progenitors reproduced the effects of SL0101 on EC differentiation via increasing Flk1 expression. RSK4 had potential to bind with PKAc and inhibited PKA activity. Furthermore, an ex vivo whole embryo culture assay showed that SL0101 treatment drastically resulted in increased CD31+ vasculature area, enlarged vessel diameter and defected vascular remodeling in yolk sac. Taken together, these results indicate that RSK4 acts as a novel negative regulator for EC differentiation via inhibition of PKA function. Fine tuning of PKA and Flk1 signaling by RSK4 is critical to normal vascular development. Elucidation of the new-mode cell fate determination by RSK4 would provide novel insights in developmental biology, stem cell biology, and regenerative medicine.

Teratocarcinoma Formation in Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Neural Progenitor Hippocampal Transplants

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) hold great therapeutic potential due to their ability to differentiate into cells of the three primary germ layers, which can be used to repopulate disease-damaged tissues. In fact, two cell therapies using ESC derivatives are currently in phase I clinical trials. A main concern in using ESCs and their derivatives for cell transplantation is the ability of undifferentiated ESCs to generate tumors in the host. Positive selection steps are often included in protocols designed to generate particular cell types from ESCs; however, the transition from ESC to progenitor cell or terminally differentiated cell is not synchronous, and residual undifferentiated cells often remain. In our transplants of ESC-derived neural progenitors (ESNPs) into the adult mouse hippocampus, we have observed the formation of teratocarcinomas. We set out to reduce teratocarcinoma formation by enrichment of ESNPs using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and have found that, although enrichment prior to transplant reduces the overall rate of teratocarcinoma formation, the tumorigenicity of cell batches can vary widely, even after FACS enrichment to as much as 95% ESNPs. Our data suggest that this variability may be due to the percentage of residual ESCs remaining in the transplant cell population and to the presence of pluripotent epiblast-like cells, not previously identified in transplant batches. Our data emphasize the need for stringent characterization of transplant cell populations that will be used for cell replacement therapies in order to reduce the risk of tumor formation.

Generation of mouse induced pluripotent stem cells from different genetic backgrounds using Sleeping beauty transposon mediated gene transfer

Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell technology involves reprogramming somatic cells to a pluripotent state. The original technology used to produce these cells requires viral gene transduction and results in the permanent integration of exogenous genes into the genome. This can lead to the development of abnormalities in the derived iPS cells. Here, we report that non-viral transfection of a Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon containing the coding sequences Oct3/4 (Pouf1), Sox-2, Klf-4 and c-Myc (OSKM) linked with 2A peptides, can reprogram mouse fibroblasts. We have established reprogrammed mouse cell lines from three different genetic backgrounds: (1) ICR—outbred, (2) C57BL/6—inbred and (3) F1-hybrid (C57BL/6 x DBA/2J), with parallel robust expression of all exogenous (Oct3/4, Sox-2, Klf-4, and c-Myc) and endogenous (e.g. Oct3/4 and Nanog) pluripotency genes. The iPS cell lines exhibited characteristics typical for undifferentiated embryonic stem (ES) cell lines: ES cell-like morphology, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) positivity and gene expression pattern (shown by reverse transcription PCR, and immunofluorescence of ES cell markers—e.g. Oct3/4, SSEA1, Nanog). Furthermore, cells were able to form embryoid bodies (EBs), to beat rhythmically, and express cardiac (assayed by immunofluorescence, e.g. cardiac Troponin T, desmin) and neuronal (assayed by immunofluorescence e.g. nestin, Tuj1) markers. The in vitro differentiation potential was found to be the highest in the ICR-derived iPS lines (ICR-iPS). Interestingly, the ICR-iPS lines had even higher differentiation potential than the ICR-ES cell lines: the rate of EBs forming rhythmically beating cardiomyocytes was 4% in ICR-ES and 79% in ICR-iPS cells, respectively. In vivo, the ICR and F1 hybrid iPS cells formed chimeras and one of the iPS cells from the F1 hybrid background transmitted to the germline. Our results suggest that iPS technology may be useful for generating pluripotent stem cells from genetic backgrounds of which good quality ES cell generation is difficult. These studies provide insights into viral-free iPS technology and may contribute towards defining future cell-based therapies, drug-screening methods and production of transgenic animals using genetically modified iPS cells.

Pluripotency Network in Porcine Embryos and Derived Cell Lines

Huge amounts of work have been dedicated to the establishment of embryonic stem cell lines from farm animal species since the successful isolation of embryonic stem cells from the mouse and from the human. However, no conclusive results have been obtained so far, and validated lines have yet to be established in domestic animals. Many limiting factors have been suggested and need to be studied further to isolate truly pluripotent cell lines from livestock. In this review, we will discuss the difficulties in deriving and maintaining embryonic stem cell lines from farm animal embryos and how can this lack of success be explained. We will summarize results obtained in our laboratory regarding derivation of pluripotent cells in the pigs. Problems related to the identification of standard methods for derivation, maintenance and characterization of cell lines will also be examined. We will focus our attention on the need for appropriate stemness-related marker molecules that can be used to reliably investigate pluripotency in domestic species. Finally, we will review data presently available on functional key pluripotency-maintaining pathways in farm animals.

MIF Produced by Bone Marrow–Derived Macrophages Contributes to Teratoma Progression after Embryonic Stem Cell Transplantation

Although stem cell therapy holds promise as a potential treatment in a number of diseases, the tumorigenicity of embryonic stem cells (ESC) and induced pluripotent stem cells remains a major obstacle. In vitro predifferentiation of ESCs can help prevent the risk of teratoma formation, yet proliferating neural progenitors can generate tumors, especially in the presence of immunosuppressive therapy. In this study, we investigated the effects of the microenvironment on stem cell growth and teratoma development using undifferentiated ESCs. Syngeneic ESC transplantation triggered an inflammatory response that involved the recruitment of bone marrow (BM)-derived macrophages. These macrophages differentiated into an M2 or angiogenic phenotype that expressed multiple angiogenic growth factors and proteinases, such as macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), VEGF, and matrix metalloproteinase 9, creating a microenvironment that supported the initiation of teratoma development. Genetic deletion of MIF from the host but not from ESCs specifically reduced angiogenesis and teratoma growth, and MIF inhibition effectively reduced teratoma development after ESC transplantation. Together, our findings show that syngeneic ESC transplantation provokes an inflammatory response that involves the rapid recruitment and activation of BM-derived macrophages, which may be a crucial driving force in the initiation and progression of teratomas.

Embryonic stem cell markers.

Embryonic stem cell (ESC) markers are molecules specifically expressed in ES cells. Understanding of the functions of these markers is critical for characterization and elucidation for the mechanism of ESC pluripotent maintenance and self-renewal, therefore helping to accelerate the clinical application of ES cells. Unfortunately, different cell types can share single or sometimes multiple markers; thus the main obstacle in the clinical application of ESC is to purify ES cells from other types of cells, especially tumor cells. Currently, the marker-based flow cytometry (FCM) technique and magnetic cell sorting (MACS) are the most effective cell isolating methods, and a detailed maker list will help to initially identify, as well as isolate ESCs using these methods. In the current review, we discuss a wide range of cell surface and generic molecular markers that are indicative of the undifferentiated ESCs. Other types of molecules, such as lectins and peptides, which bind to ESC via affinity and specificity, are also summarized. In addition, we review several markers that overlap with tumor stem cells (TSCs), which suggest that uncertainty still exists regarding the benefits of using these markers alone or in various combinations when identifying and isolating cells.

Histone H1 Depletion Impairs Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation

Pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are known to possess a relatively open chromatin structure; yet, despite efforts to characterize the chromatin signatures of ESCs, the role of chromatin compaction in stem cell fate and function remains elusive. Linker histone H1 is important for higher-order chromatin folding and is essential for mammalian embryogenesis. To investigate the role of H1 and chromatin compaction in stem cell pluripotency and differentiation, we examine the differentiation of embryonic stem cells that are depleted of multiple H1 subtypes. H1c/H1d/H1e triple null ESCs are more resistant to spontaneous differentiation in adherent monolayer culture upon removal of leukemia inhibitory factor. Similarly, the majority of the triple-H1 null embryoid bodies (EBs) lack morphological structures representing the three germ layers and retain gene expression signatures characteristic of undifferentiated ESCs. Furthermore, upon neural differentiation of EBs, triple-H1 null cell cultures are deficient in neurite outgrowth and lack efficient activation of neural markers. Finally, we discover that triple-H1 null embryos and EBs fail to fully repress the expression of the pluripotency genes in comparison with wild-type controls and that H1 depletion impairs DNA methylation and changes of histone marks at promoter regions necessary for efficiently silencing pluripotency gene Oct4 during stem cell differentiation and embryogenesis. In summary, we demonstrate that H1 plays a critical role in pluripotent stem cell differentiation, and our results suggest that H1 and chromatin compaction may mediate pluripotent stem cell differentiation through epigenetic repression of the pluripotency genes.

Efficient Differentiation of Embryonic Stem Cells into Mesodermal Precursors by BMP, Retinoic Acid and Notch Signalling

The ability to direct differentiation of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells into specific lineages not only provides new insights into the pathways that regulate lineage selection but also has translational applications, for example in drug discovery. We set out to develop a method of differentiating ES cells into mesodermal cells at high efficiency without first having to induce embryoid body formation. ES cells were plated on a feeder layer of PA6 cells, which have membrane-associated stromal-derived inducing activity (SDIA), the molecular basis of which is currently unknown. Stimulation of ES/PA6 co-cultures with Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 (BMP4) both favoured self-renewal of ES cells and induced differentiation into a Desmin and Nestin double positive cell population. Combined stimulation with BMP4 and all-trans Retinoic Acid (RA) inhibited self-renewal and resulted in 90% of cells expressing Desmin and Nestin. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis confirmed that the cells were of mesodermal origin and expressed markers of mesenchymal and smooth muscle cells. BMP4 activation of a MAD-homolog (Smad)-dependent reporter in undifferentiated ES cells was attenuated by co-stimulation with RA and co-culture with PA6 cells. The Notch ligand Jag1 was expressed in PA6 cells and inhibition of Notch signalling blocked the differentiation inducing activity of PA6 cells. Our data suggest that mesodermal differentiation is regulated by the level of Smad activity as a result of inputs from BMP4, RA and the Notch pathway.