Lineage specific differentiation of pluripotent cells in vitro: a role for extraembryonic cell types

2001 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Rathjen ◽  
S. Dunn ◽  
M. D. Bettess ◽  
P. D. Rathjen
Keyword(s):  
Es Cells ◽  
Embryonic Stem ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Embryoid Bodies ◽  
Cell Aggregates ◽  
Visceral Endoderm ◽  
Es Cell ◽  
Pluripotent Cells ◽  
Developmental Potential

The controlled differentiation of pluripotent cells will be a prerequisite for many cell therapies. We have previously reported homogeneous conversion of embryonic stem (ES) cells in vitro to early primitive ectoderm-like (EPL) cells, equivalent to early primitive ectoderm, an obligatory differentiation intermediate between ES cells and somatic cell populations. Early primitive ectoderm-like cells differentiated within aggregates form mesodermal lineages at the expense of ectoderm. In this work we demonstrate that the failure of EPL cells to form ectodermal cell types does not reflect an inherent restriction in developmental potential. Early primitive ectoderm-like cells form ectodermal derivatives such as neurons in response to neural inducers such as retinoic acid, or when differentiated in the environment provided by ES cell embryoid bodies. This could be explained by signals from the extraembryonic cell type visceral endoderm which forms in differentiating ES cell but not EPL cell aggregates. Consistent with this possibility, culture of EPL cell aggregates in the presence of visceral endoderm-like signals did not prevent differentiation of the pluripotent cells, but resulted in suppression of mesoderm formation. These results suggest a role for visceral endoderm in regulation of germ layer specification from pluripotent cells, and can be integrated into a model for cell differentiation in vitro and in vivo.

scholarly journals Designer blood: creating hematopoietic lineages from embryonic stem cells

Blood ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 107 (4) ◽  
pp. 1265-1275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abby L. Olsen ◽  
David L. Stachura ◽  
Mitchell J. Weiss
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Es Cells ◽  
Embryonic Stem ◽  
Basic Research ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Es Cell ◽  
Blood Disorders ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem

Embryonic stem (ES) cells exhibit the remarkable capacity to become virtually any differentiated tissue upon appropriate manipulation in culture, a property that has been beneficial for studies of hematopoiesis. Until recently, the majority of this work used murine ES cells for basic research to elucidate fundamental properties of blood-cell development and establish methods to derive specific mature lineages. Now, the advent of human ES cells sets the stage for more applied pursuits to generate transplantable cells for treating blood disorders. Current efforts are directed toward adapting in vitro hematopoietic differentiation methods developed for murine ES cells to human lines, identifying the key interspecies differences in biologic properties of ES cells, and generating ES cell-derived hematopoietic stem cells that are competent to repopulate adult hosts. The ultimate medical goal is to create patient-specific and generic ES cell lines that can be expanded in vitro, genetically altered, and differentiated into cell types that can be used to treat hematopoietic diseases.

scholarly journals Reversible programming of pluripotent cell differentiation

2000 ◽  
Vol 113 (3) ◽  
pp. 555-566 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Lake ◽  
J. Rathjen ◽  
J. Remiszewski ◽  
P.D. Rathjen
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Embryoid Bodies ◽  
Visceral Endoderm ◽  
Es Cell ◽  
Primitive Endoderm ◽  
Pluripotent Cell ◽  
Pluripotent Cells ◽  
Differentiation Potential

We have undertaken an in vitro differentiation analysis of two related, interconvertible, pluripotent cell populations, ES and early primitive ectoderm-like (EPL) cells, which are most similar in morphology, gene expression, cytokine responsiveness and differentiation potential in vivo to ICM and early primitive ectoderm, respectively. Pluripotent cells were differentiated in vitro as aggregates (embryoid bodies) and the appearance and abundance of cell lineages were assessed by morphology and gene expression. Differentiation in EPL cell embryoid bodies recapitulated normal developmental progression in vivo, but was advanced in comparison to ES cell embryoid bodies, with the rapid establishment of late primitive ectoderm specific gene expression, and subsequent loss of pluripotent cell markers. Nascent mesoderm was formed earlier and more extensively in EPL cell embryoid bodies, and resulted in the appearance of terminally differentiated mesodermal cell types prior to and at higher levels than in ES cell embryoid bodies. Nascent mesoderm in EPL cell embryoid bodies was not specified but could be programmed to alternative fates by the addition of exogenous factors. EPL cells remained competent to form primitive endoderm even though this is not the normal fate of primitive ectoderm in vivo. The establishment of primitive ectoderm-like gene expression and inability to participate in embryogenesis following blastocyst injection is therefore not directly associated with restriction in the ability to form extra-embryonic lineages. However, the EPL cell embryoid body environment did not support differentiation of primitive endoderm to visceral endoderm, indicating the lack of an inductive signal for visceral endoderm formation deduced to originate from the pluripotent cells. Similarly, the inability of EPL cells to form neurons when differentiated as embryoid bodies was attributable to perturbation of the differentiation environment and loss of inductive signals rather than a restricted differentiation potential. Reversion of EPL cells to ES cells was accompanied by restoration of ES cell-like differentiation potential. These results demonstrate the ability of pluripotent cells to adopt developmentally distinct, stable cell states with altered differentiation potentials.

X chromosome retains the memory of its parental origin in murine embryonic stem cells

Development ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 119 (3) ◽  
pp. 813-821 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Tada ◽  
M. Tada ◽  
N. Takagi
Keyword(s):  
X Chromosome ◽  
Polar Region ◽  
Biochemical Study ◽  
Es Cells ◽  
Embryonic Stem ◽  
Embryoid Bodies ◽  
Parental Origin ◽  
Visceral Endoderm ◽  
Es Cell ◽  
Preferential Inactivation

A cytogenetic and biochemical study of balloon-like cystic embryoid bodies, formed by newly established embryonic stem (ES) cell lines having a cytogenetically or genetically marked X chromosome, revealed that the paternally derived X chromosome was inactivated in the majority of cells in the yolk sac-like mural region consisting of the visceral endoderm and mesoderm. The nonrandomness was less evident in the more solid polar region containing the ectodermal vesicle, mesoderm and visceral endoderm. Since the same was true in embryoid bodies derived from ES cells at the 30th subculture generation, it was concluded that the imprinting responsible for the preferential inactivation of the paternal X chromosome that was limited to non-epiblast cells of the female mouse embryos, was stably maintained in undifferentiated ES cells. Differentiating epiblast cells should be able to erase or avoid responding to the imprint.

Development to term of mouse androgenetic aggregation chimeras

Development ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 113 (4) ◽  
pp. 1325-1333 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.R. Mann ◽  
C.L. Stewart
Keyword(s):  
Mouse Strain ◽  
Es Cells ◽  
Embryonic Stem ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Considerable Improvement ◽  
Es Cell ◽  
Partial Explanation ◽  
Developmental Potential ◽  
Skeletal Abnormalities ◽  
Embryonic Tissues

Diploid androgenetic eggs contain two sperm-derived genomes, and only rarely develop to the early somite stage. Also, previous studies have indicated that androgenetic eggs cannot be rescued in aggregation chimeras beyond embryonic stages. Paradoxically, in blastocyst injection chimeras made with androgenetic embryonic stem (ES) cells of the 129/Sv strain, we previously obtained considerable improvement in developmental potential. Although considerable death occurred in utero, overtly normal chimeric fetuses and occasional postnatal chimeras that developed skeletal abnormalities were observed. Consequently, we have re-evaluated the developmental potential of androgenetic aggregation chimeras utilizing androgenetic eggs of the 129/Sv strain, and of the BALB/c and CD-1 strains for comparison. Regardless of strain, androgenetic aggregation chimeras were generally more inviable than previously observed with androgenetic ES cell chimeras, and often the embryoproper was abnormal even when an androgenetic contribution was detected only in the extra-embryonic membranes. This is at least a partial explanation of the greater viability of androgenetic ES cell chimeras, as ES cells do not colonize significantly certain extra-embryonic tissues. Nevertheless, in the 129/Sv strain, occasional development of chimeras to term was obtained, and one chimera that survived postnatally developed identical skeletal abnormalities to those observed previously in androgenetic ES cell chimeras. This result demonstrates that at least one example of paternal imprinting is faithfully conserved in androgenetic ES cells. Also, the postnatal chimerism shows that androgenetic eggs can give rise to terminally differentiated cell types, and are therefore pluripotent. In contrast, only possibly one BALB/c and no CD-1 androgenetic aggregation chimeras developed to term. Therefore, the developmental potential of androgenetic aggregation chimeras is to some extent dependent on mouse strain.

DNA synthesis and multinucleation in embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes

1995 ◽  
Vol 269 (6) ◽  
pp. H1913-H1921 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. G. Klug ◽  
M. H. Soonpaa ◽  
L. J. Field
Keyword(s):  
Dna Synthesis ◽  
Thymidine Incorporation ◽  
Es Cells ◽  
Embryonic Stem ◽  
Embryoid Bodies ◽  
Es Cell ◽  
Isolated Cells ◽  
In Vitro System ◽  
Multinucleated Cells

The proliferative capacity of embryonic stem (ES) cell-derived cardiomyocytes was assessed. Enriched preparations of cardiomyocytes were isolated by microdissection of the cardiogenic regions of cultured embryoid bodies. The identity of the isolated cells was established by immunocytology, and mitotic activity was monitored by [3H]thymidine incorporation and pulse-chase experiments. ES-derived cardiomyocytes were mitotically active and predominantly mononucleated at 11 days after cardiogenic induction. By 21 days postinduction, cardiomyocyte DNA synthesis was markedly decreased, with a concomitant increase in the percentage of multinucleated cells. Interestingly, the duration of active cardiomyocyte reduplication in the ES system appeared to be roughly similar to that observed during normal murine cardiogenesis. Given these observations, as well as the genetic tractability of ES cells, ES-derived cardiogenesis might provide a useful in vitro system with which to assess the molecular regulation of the cardiomyocyte cell cycle.

Derivation, Characterization, and In Vitro Differentiation of Canine Embryonic Stem Cells.

Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 110 (11) ◽  
pp. 4059-4059
Author(s):  
Aravind Ramakrishnan ◽  
Brian Hayes ◽  
Sara R. Fagerlie ◽  
Szczepan Baran ◽  
Michael Harkey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cell ◽  
Es Cells ◽  
Embryonic Stem Cell Line ◽  
Embryonic Stem ◽  
Embryoid Bodies ◽  
Clara Cell ◽  
In Vivo Model ◽  
Large Animal ◽  
Es Cell

Abstract Embryonic stem (ES) cells have created considerable excitement in the last few years due to their unlimited potential to produce cells for tissue repair and replacement. However, a large animal pre-clinical model is necessary to establish the safety and efficacy of ES cell-derived tissue replacement therapy. The canine model has long been used in medical research, has been well established to study adult stem cell transplantation and has been highly predictive of clinical outcomes in humans, more so than rodent models. Given the documented record for extrapolating from dog to man, we hypothesize that the dog would serve as an ideal pre-clinical in vivo model for studying the clinical applications of ESC derived tissue. Eleven putative ES cell lines were initiated from canine blastocysts harvested from natural matings. One line described here, FHDO-7, has been maintained through 34 passages and has many characteristics of ES cells from other species. FHDO-7 cells are alkaline phosphatase positive and express both message and protein for the Oct4 transcription factor. They also express message for Nanog and do not express message for Cdx2 which is associated with trophectoderm. Furthermore, they express a cluster of pluripotency-associated microRNAs (miR-302b, miR-302c and miR-367) that have been found to be characteristic of human and mouse ES cells. The FHDO-7 cells grow on feeder layers of modified mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) as flat colonies that resemble ES cells from mink, a close phylogenetic relative of dog. When cultured in nonadherent plates without feeders the cells form embryoid bodies (EB). Under various culture conditions the EBs give rise to ectoderm-derived neuronal cells expressing β3-tubulin, mesoderm-derived osteocytes producing bone, and endoderm-derived cells expressing alpha feto protein or Clara cell specific protein. These results indicate that FHDO-7 is a pluripotent embryonic stem cell line.

Germ cells and pluripotent stem cells in the mouse

2001 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 661 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne McLaren ◽  
Gabriela Durcova-Hills
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factors ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Germ Cells ◽  
Primordial Germ Cells ◽  
Embryonic Stem ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Embryoid Bodies ◽  
Individual Growth ◽  
Developmental Potential

For many years, attempts to achieve long-term culture of mouse primordial germ cells (PGCs) proved unsuccessful, even when feeder layers were used and individual growth factors were added to the medium. However, when three growth factors were added simultaneously to the medium, some of the cells continued to proliferate indefinitely. Similar to embryonic stem cell lines, these embryonic germ (EG) cell lines were capable of giving rise to embryoid bodies in vitro, and colonizing all cell lineages in chimeras, including the germline. Initially, EG cells were made from PGCs before migration, 8.5 days post coitum (dpc), and after entry into the genital ridge, 11.5 and 12.5 dpc. New EG cell lines from 9.5 dpc (migrating) and 11.5 dpc PGCs, carrying either a LacZ or GFP transgene, are described here. The developmental potential of the new EG cell lines in vitro, in vivoin chimeras, and in tissue aggregates in organ culture was studied. The EG cells were compared with PGCs at the stage from which the EG cells were derived. The two cell types show several similarities, but also some differences in gene expression and cell behaviour, which require further exploration.

Specific Effect of 5-Fluorouracil on α-Fetoprotein Gene Expression During the In Vitro Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation

2010 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 297-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Pamies ◽  
Néstor Vicente-Salar ◽  
Miguel A. Sogorb ◽  
Enrique Roche ◽  
Juan A. Reig
Keyword(s):  
Es Cells ◽  
Embryonic Stem ◽  
Stem Cell Differentiation ◽  
Embryoid Bodies ◽  
Screening Methods ◽  
Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation ◽  
Visceral Endoderm ◽  
Gene Markers ◽  
Wide Range

Embryonic stem (ES) cells are considered an important alternative to develop in vitro screening methods for embryotoxicity. Mouse ES cells can be cultured as cell suspension aggregates termed “embryoid bodies” (EBs) in which cells start to differentiate. We have studied the expression of several genes in the presence of a wide range of concentrations of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). This well-established embryotoxic compound completely inhibited cell viability at 200 nmol/L in monolayer cultures. At lower concentrations, 5-FU led to decrease in the expression of the α-fetoprotein gene, a marker of the visceral endoderm, in the EBs. However, the expression of several mesodermal gene markers was not significantly affected at these concentrations. These results suggest a high sensitivity of the visceral endoderm differentiation to 5-FU. Therefore, the quantification of the α-fetoprotein gene after exposure to potential embryotoxicants should be considered an additional end point in future embryotoxicity assays in vitro with ES cells.

Isolation and culture of pluripotent cells from in vitro produced porcine embryos

Zygote ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ming Li ◽  
Yong-Hai Li ◽  
Yi Hou ◽  
Xiao-Fang Sun ◽  
Qingyuan Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fetal Bovine Serum ◽  
Es Cells ◽  
Embryonic Stem ◽  
Embryoid Bodies ◽  
Es Cell ◽  
Embryonic Fibroblasts ◽  
Feeder Layers ◽  
Edta Solution ◽  
Fetal Bovine

The present study was designed to examine whether in vitro produced porcine embryos can be used to establish an embryonic stem (ES) cell line. Porcine embryos were produced by in vitro maturation and in vitro fertilization. Embryos at the 4-cell to blastocyst stages were cultured in an ES medium containing 16% fetal bovine serum with mouse embryonic fibroblasts as a feeder layer. It was found that ES-like colonies were derived only from blastocysts. When these ES-like colonies were separated in 0.25% trypsin–0.02% EDTA solution and cultured again, ES-like colonies were further observed in the subsequent culture until the fourth passage. The cells from ES-like colonies showed positive alkaline phosphatase activity. Some cells from the colonies differentiated into several types of cells in vitro when they were cultured in the medium without feeder layers and leukemin inhibitory factor. Embryoid bodies were also formed when the cells were cultured in a suspension status. These results indicate that porcine ES-like cells can be derived from in vitro produced porcine blastocysts and these ES-like cells are pluripotent. The culture system used in the present study is useful to isolate and culture ES cells from in vitro produced porcine embryos.

scholarly journals Disruption of the Talin Gene Compromises Focal Adhesion Assembly in Undifferentiated but Not Differentiated Embryonic Stem Cells

1998 ◽  
Vol 142 (4) ◽  
pp. 1121-1133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Priddle ◽  
Lance Hemmings ◽  
Susan Monkley ◽  
Alison Woods ◽  
Bipin Patel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focal Adhesion ◽  
Es Cells ◽  
Embryonic Stem ◽  
Focal Adhesions ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Embryoid Bodies ◽  
Integrin Subunit ◽  
Β1 Integrin ◽  
Es Cell ◽  
Wild Type

We have used gene disruption to isolate two talin (−/−) ES cell mutants that contain no intact talin. The undifferentiated cells (a) were unable to spread on gelatin or laminin and grew as rounded colonies, although they were able to spread on fibronectin (b) showed reduced adhesion to laminin, but not fibronectin (c) expressed much reduced levels of β1 integrin, although levels of α5 and αV were wild-type (d) were less polarized with increased membrane protrusions compared with a vinculin (−/−) ES cell mutant (e) were unable to assemble vinculin or paxillin-containing focal adhesions or actin stress fibers on fibronectin, whereas vinculin (−/−) ES cells were able to assemble talin-containing focal adhesions. Both talin (−/−) ES cell mutants formed embryoid bodies, but differentiation was restricted to two morphologically distinct cell types. Interestingly, these differentiated talin (−/−) ES cells were able to spread and form focal adhesion-like structures containing vinculin and paxillin on fibronectin. Moreover, the levels of the β1 integrin subunit were comparable to those in wild-type ES cells. We conclude that talin is essential for β1 integrin expression and focal adhesion assembly in undifferentiated ES cells, but that a subset of differentiated cells are talin independent for both characteristics.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document