scholarly journals LINE-1 retrotransposition impacts the genome of human pre-implantation embryos and extraembryonic tissues

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Muñoz-Lopez ◽  
Raquel Vilar ◽  
Claude Philippe ◽  
Raheleh Rahbari ◽  
Sandra R. Richardson ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTLong Interspersed Element 1 (LINE-1/L1) is an abundant retrotransposon that has greatly impacted human genome evolution. LINE-1s are responsible for the generation of millions of insertions in the current human population. The characterization of sporadic cases of mosaic individuals carrying pathogenic L1-insertions, suggest that heritable insertions occurs during early embryogenesis. However, the timing and potential genomic impact of LINE-1 mobilization during early embryogenesis is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that inner cell mass of human pre-implantation embryos support the expression and retrotransposition of LINE −1s. Additionally, we show that LINE-1s are expressed in trophectoderm cells of embryos, and identify placenta-restricted endogenous LINE-1 insertions in newborns. Using human embryonic stem cells as a model of post-implantation epiblast cells, we demonstrate ongoing LINE-1 retrotransposition, which can impact expression of targeted genes. Our data demonstrate that LINE-1 retrotransposition starts very shortly after fertilization and may represent a previously underappreciated factor in human biology and disease.


2003 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher G. Grupen ◽  
Stephen M. McIlfatrick ◽  
Rodney J. Ashman ◽  
Andrew C. Boquest ◽  
David T. Armstrong ◽  
...  

The developmental competence of oocytes recovered from the ovaries of slaughtered prepubertal and adult pigs was evaluated after in vitro maturation, parthenogenetic activation and culture in vitro. In addition, the effect of prepubertal and adult follicular fluid (FF) on the developmental competence of prepubertal and adult oocytes was investigated. When matured in adult FF, the rates of cleavage (92 v. 73%; P < 0.01) and blastocyst formation (57 v. 38%; P < 0.05) were greater for adult oocytes than for prepubertal oocytes. Blastocysts derived from adult oocytes had more trophectoderm cells (43 v. 30; P < 0.05) and total cells (51 v. 36; P < 0.05) than blastocysts derived from prepubertal oocytes. The developmental competence of prepubertal oocytes was not affected by the FF donor age, whereas the developmental competence of adult oocytes was. Blastocysts derived from adult oocytes matured in adult FF had more trophectoderm cells (38 v. 24; P < 0.005), inner cell mass cells (7 v. 3; P < 0.01) and total cells (45 v. 27; P < 0.001) than blastocysts derived from adult oocytes matured in prepubertal FF. Characterization of the steroid content of the FF used to supplement the maturation medium revealed that adult FF contained more progesterone (42 v. 23 ng mL−1; P < 0.005) and androstenedione (70 v. 16 ng mL−1; P < 0.05) than prepubertal FF. In addition, the molar ratios of progesterone to androstenedione, androstenedione to 17β-oestradiol and androstenedione to testosterone differed (P < 0.05) between prepubertal and adult FF. The results support the hypothesis that a greater proportion of adult oocytes than of prepubertal oocytes has completed ‘oocyte capacitation’. The differences in FF steroid content are indicative of the different follicular environments from which the prepubertal and adult oocytes were isolated, and may be attributed to the observed effects on oocyte developmental competence.





2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chuan Chen ◽  
Wenqiang Liu ◽  
Jiayin Guo ◽  
Yuanyuan Liu ◽  
Xuelian Liu ◽  
...  

AbstractN6-methyladenosine (m6A) on chromosome-associated regulatory RNAs (carRNAs), including repeat RNAs, plays important roles in tuning the chromatin state and transcription, but the intrinsic mechanism remains unclear. Here, we report that YTHDC1 plays indispensable roles in the self-renewal and differentiation potency of mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs), which highly depends on the m6A-binding ability. Ythdc1 is required for sufficient rRNA synthesis and repression of the 2-cell (2C) transcriptional program in ESCs, which recapitulates the transcriptome regulation by the LINE1 scaffold. Detailed analyses revealed that YTHDC1 recognizes m6A on LINE1 RNAs in the nucleus and regulates the formation of the LINE1-NCL partnership and the chromatin recruitment of KAP1. Moreover, the establishment of H3K9me3 on 2C-related retrotransposons is interrupted in Ythdc1-depleted ESCs and inner cell mass (ICM) cells, which consequently increases the transcriptional activities. Our study reveals a role of m6A in regulating the RNA scaffold, providing a new model for the RNA-chromatin cross-talk.



2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Kimia Hosseini ◽  
Emilia Lekholm ◽  
Aikeremu Ahemaiti ◽  
Robert Fredriksson

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are pluripotent cells, capable of differentiation into different cellular lineages given the opportunity. Derived from the inner cell mass of blastocysts in early embryonic development, the cell self-renewal ability makes them a great tool for regenerative medicine, and there are different protocols available for maintaining hESCs in their undifferentiated state. In addition, protocols for differentiation into functional human neural stem cells (hNSCs), which have the potential for further differentiation into various neural cell types, are available. However, many protocols are time-consuming and complex and do not always fit for purpose. In this study, we carefully combined, optimized, and developed protocols for differentiation of hESCs into adherent monolayer hNSCs over a short period of time, with the possibility of both expansion and freezing. Moreover, the method details further differentiation into neurons, cholinergic neurons, and glial cells in a simple, single step by step protocol. We performed immunocytochemistry, qPCR, and electrophysiology to examine the expression profile and characteristics of the cells to verify cell lineage. Using presented protocols, the creation of neuronal cultures, cholinergic neurons, and a mixed culture of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes can be completed within a three-week time period.



Author(s):  
Jeffrey D. Kidder ◽  
James R. Giles ◽  
Robert H. Foote ◽  
Milo E. Richmond ◽  
Michelle Salerno


1993 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 7971-7976
Author(s):  
L M Whyatt ◽  
A Düwel ◽  
A G Smith ◽  
P D Rathjen

Embryonic stem (ES) cells, derived from the inner cell mass of the preimplantation mouse embryo, are used increasingly as an experimental tool for the investigation of early mammalian development. The differentiation of these cells in vitro can be used as an assay for factors that regulate early developmental decisions in the embryo, while the effects of altered gene expression during early embryogenesis can be analyzed in chimeric mice generated from modified ES cells. The experimental versatility of ES cells would be significantly increased by the development of systems which allow precise control of heterologous gene expression. In this paper, we report that ES cells are responsive to alpha and beta interferons (IFNs). This property has been exploited for the development of inducible ES cell expression vectors, using the promoter of the human IFN-inducible gene, 6-16. The properties of these vectors have been analyzed in both transiently and stably transfected ES cells. Expression was minimal or absent in unstimulated ES cells, could be stimulated up to 100-fold by treatment of the cells with IFN, and increased in linear fashion with increasing levels of IFN. High levels of induced expression were maintained for extended periods of time in the continuous presence of the inducing signal or following a 12-h pulse with IFN. Treatment of ES cells with IFN did not affect their growth or differentiation in vitro or compromise their developmental potential. This combination of features makes the 6-16-based expression vectors suitable for the functional analysis of developmental control control genes in ES cells.



Development ◽  
1982 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 133-152
Author(s):  
Susan J. Kimber ◽  
M. Azim ◽  
H. Surani ◽  
Sheila C. Barton

Whole 8-cell morulae can be aggregated with isolated inner cell masses from blastocysts. On examining semithin light microscope sections of such aggregates we found that cells of the morula changed shape and spread over the surface of the ICM, thus translocating it to the inside of the aggregate. Using single cells from 8-cell embryos in combination with single cells from other stage embryos or isolated ICMs we show that 1/8 blastomeres spread over other cells providing a suitably adhesive surface. The incidence of spreading is high with inner cells from 16-cell embryos (56 %) and 32-cell embryos (62%) and isolated inner cell masses (64%). In contrast, the incidence of spreading of 1/8 blastomeres is low over outer cells from 16-cell embryos (26%) and 32-cell embryos (13%). Blastomeres from 8-cell embryos do not spread over unfertilized 1-cell eggs, 1/2 or 1/4 cells or trophectoderm cells contaminating isolated ICMs. When 1/8 cells are aggregated in pairs they flatten on one another (equal spreading) as occurs at compaction in whole 8-cell embryos. However, if 1/8 is allowed to divide to 2/16 in culture one of the cells engulfs the other (51-62/ pairs). Based on the ideas of Holtfreter (1943) and Steinberg (1964,1978) these results are interpreted to indicate an increase in adhesiveness at the 8-cell stage as well as cytoskeletal mobilization. Following the 8-cell stage there is an increase in adhesiveness of inside cells while the outside cells decrease in adhesiveness. The difference in adhesiveness between inside and outside cells in late morulae is probably central to the divergent differentiation of (inner) ICM and (outer) trophectoderm cell populations.



Reproduction ◽  
2003 ◽  
pp. 299-308 ◽  
Author(s):  
N Gopichandran ◽  
HJ Leese

The formation of a viable blastocyst is dependent upon the establishment of a correct inner cell mass (ICM):trophectoderm cell ratio but little is known about the metabolism of the two cell populations or about the composition of blastocoel fluid. In this study, the metabolism of intact bovine blastocysts, isolated ICM and trophectoderm was examined in terms of glucose and pyruvate uptake, lactate production, and amino acid consumption or production. The concentration of these nutrients in blastocoel fluid was also determined. The metabolism of glucose, pyruvate and lactate differed significantly between the isolated ICM and trophectoderm. Isolated trophectoderm had a higher pyruvate (P<0.001) and lower glucose (P<0.05) consumption, and higher lactate production (P<0.05) than did ICM. The consumption or production of amino acids by ICM and trophectoderm also differed, with the trophectoderm displaying a higher turnover (the sum of production and consumption). The ICM and trophectoderm both depleted arginine, aspartate and leucine, whereas the production of alanine was consistent. Isolated ICM depleted a further six amino acids, which appeared during trophectoderm culture; the reverse trend was observed for the remaining amino acids. The concentration of lactate in blastocoel fluid was significantly higher than in synthetic oviductal fluid supplemented with amino acids and BSA (SOFaaBSA; P<0.05). However, glucose (P<0.05) and pyruvate (P<0.001) concentrations were both lower. Aspartate, glutamate, glycine, alanine and tryptophan were present at significantly higher concentrations in blastocoel fluid than in SOFaaBSA, whereas threonine and asparagine concentrations were significantly lower. The metabolism of composite blastocysts, obtained by summing the consumption and production profiles of the ICM and trophectoderm, and taking into account their respective number of cells, was higher than that of intact blastocysts, indicating that upon isolation of the two cell populations there may be disruption to paracrine interactions or the onset of culture-induced cellular stress or both.



Development ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 113 (3) ◽  
pp. 815-824 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.B. Rogers ◽  
B.A. Hosler ◽  
L.J. Gudas

We have previously isolated a cDNA clone for a gene whose expression is reduced by retinoic acid (RA) treatment of F9 embryonal carcinoma cells. The nucleotide sequence indicated that this gene, Rex-1, encodes a zinc-finger protein and thus may be a transcriptional regulator. The Rex-1 message level is high in two lines of embryonic stem cells (CCE and D3) and is reduced when D3 cells are induced to differentiate using four different growth conditions. As expected for a stem-cell-specific message, Rex-1 mRNA is present in the inner cell mass (ICM) of the day 4.5 mouse blastocyst. It is also present in the polar trophoblast of the blastocyst. One and two days later, Rex-1 message is found in the ectoplacental cone and extraembryonic ectoderm of the egg cylinder (trophoblast-derived tissues), but its abundance is much reduced in the embryonic ectoderm which is directly descended from the ICM. Rex-1 is expressed in the day 18 placenta (murine gestation is 18 days), a tissue which is largely derived from trophoblast. The only tested adult tissue that contains detectable amounts of Rex-1 mRNA is the testis. In situ hybridization and northern analyses of RNA from germ-cell-deficient mouse testis and stage-specific germ cell preparations suggest that Rex-1 expression is limited to spermatocytes (germ cells undergoing meiosis). These results suggest that Rex-1 is involved in trophoblast development and spermatogenesis, and is a useful marker for studies of early cell fate determination in the ICM.



Development ◽  
1984 ◽  
Vol 84 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-90
Author(s):  
Tom P. Fleming ◽  
Paul D. Warren ◽  
Julia C. Chisholm ◽  
Martin H. Johnson

Mouse blastocysts, aged 0, 2, 6 and 12 h from the onset of cavitation, were examined by transmission (TEM) and scanning (SEM) electron microscopy. In TEM sections, trophectoderm cells (TE) differed morphologically from those of the inner cell mass (ICM) by their flattened shape, paler cytosol staining and polarized disposition of both junctional complexes (apicolateral) and intracellular secondary lysosomes (SL; basal). Throughout this period of development, cytoplasmic processes, characterized by abundant SLs, cover approximately 80 % of the juxtacoelic face of the ICM. These processes are shown to be derived from the basal surface of TE cells intermediately placed between polar and mural regions. In SEM preparations of the juxtacoelic ICM surface, revealed by ‘cracking open’ blastocysts, the processes appear as tongue-shaped, centripetally oriented structures which terminate collectively at a central area on the ICM surface. The potential of cultured ICMs to generate TE was demonstrated following their immunosurgical isolation from blastocysts aged up to 12 h post cavitation and by examining the sequence of ultrastructural changes associated with TE generation by ICMs from 2 h blastocysts. In contrast, the juxtacoelic cells of similarly aged ICMs observed in situ in ultrasections of intact embryos showed little or no evidence of totipotency expression as judged by the absence of TE characteristics. Since TE expression within presumptive ICM cells is thought to be generated by an asymmetry of cell contacts (Johnson & Ziomek, 1983), we propose that the juxtacoelic TE processes, by providing a cellular cover to the ICM, function in suppressing the expression in situ of ICM totipotency.



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