Lovastatin Decreases the Expression of CD133 and Influences the Differentiation Potential of Human Embryonic Stem Cells

The lipophilic statin lovastatin decreases cholesterol synthesis and is a safe and effective treatment for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Growing evidence points at antitumor potential of lovastatin. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanism of lovastatin function in different cell types is critical to effective therapy design. In this study, we investigated the effects of lovastatin on the differentiation potential of human embryonic stem (hES) cells (H9 cell line). Multiparameter flow cytometric assay was used to detect changes in the expression of transcription factors characteristic of hES cells. We found that lovastatin treatment delayed NANOG downregulation during ectodermal and endodermal differentiation. Likewise, expression of ectodermal (SOX1 and OTX2) and endodermal (GATA4 and FOXA2) markers was higher in treated cells. Exposure of hES cells to lovastatin led to a minor decrease in the expression of SSEA-3 and a significant reduction in CD133 expression. Treated cells also formed fewer embryoid bodies than control cells. By analyzing hES with and without CD133, we discovered that CD133 expression is required for proper formation of embryoid bodies. In conclusion, lovastatin reduced the heterogeneity of hES cells and impaired their differentiation potential.

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Clonal culturing of human embryonic stem cells on laminin-521/E-cadherin matrix in defined and xeno-free environment

Nature Communications ◽

10.1038/ncomms4195 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 150

Author(s):

Sergey Rodin ◽

Liselotte Antonsson ◽

Colin Niaudet ◽

Oscar E. Simonson ◽

Elina Salmela ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Inner Cell Mass ◽

Cell Mass ◽

Embryonic Stem ◽

Cell Types ◽

A Cell ◽

Hes Cells ◽

Free Environment ◽

Different Cell Types ◽

E Cadherin

Abstract Lack of robust methods for establishment and expansion of pluripotent human embryonic stem (hES) cells still hampers development of cell therapy. Laminins (LN) are a family of highly cell-type specific basement membrane proteins important for cell adhesion, differentiation, migration and phenotype stability. Here we produce and isolate a human recombinant LN-521 isoform and develop a cell culture matrix containing LN-521 and E-cadherin, which both localize to stem cell niches in vivo. This matrix allows clonal derivation, clonal survival and long-term self-renewal of hES cells under completely chemically defined and xeno-free conditions without ROCK inhibitors. Neither LN-521 nor E-cadherin alone enable clonal survival of hES cells. The LN-521/E-cadherin matrix allows hES cell line derivation from blastocyst inner cell mass and single blastomere cells without a need to destroy the embryo. This method can facilitate the generation of hES cell lines for development of different cell types for regenerative medicine purposes.

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MicroRNAs and Stem-like Properties: The Complex Regulation Underlying Stemness Maintenance and Cancer Development

Biomolecules ◽

10.3390/biom11081074 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. 1074

Author(s):

Giuseppina Divisato ◽

Silvia Piscitelli ◽

Mariantonietta Elia ◽

Emanuela Cascone ◽

Silvia Parisi

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽

Embryonic Stem ◽

Cell Types ◽

Cancer Development ◽

Special Focus ◽

Self Renewal ◽

Mesenchymal Transition ◽

Different Cell Types

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have the extraordinary properties to indefinitely proliferate and self-renew in culture to produce different cell progeny through differentiation. This latter process recapitulates embryonic development and requires rounds of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT is characterized by the loss of the epithelial features and the acquisition of the typical phenotype of the mesenchymal cells. In pathological conditions, EMT can confer stemness or stem-like phenotypes, playing a role in the tumorigenic process. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a subpopulation, found in the tumor tissues, with stem-like properties such as uncontrolled proliferation, self-renewal, and ability to differentiate into different cell types. ESCs and CSCs share numerous features (pluripotency, self-renewal, expression of stemness genes, and acquisition of epithelial–mesenchymal features), and most of them are under the control of microRNAs (miRNAs). These small molecules have relevant roles during both embryogenesis and cancer development. The aim of this review was to recapitulate molecular mechanisms shared by ESCs and CSCs, with a special focus on the recently identified classes of microRNAs (noncanonical miRNAs, mirtrons, isomiRs, and competitive endogenous miRNAs) and their complex functions during embryogenesis and cancer development.

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Epigenetic Regulation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Focus on Osteogenic and Adipogenic Differentiation

Stem Cells International ◽

10.4061/2011/201371 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 2011 ◽

pp. 1-18 ◽

Cited By ~ 57

Author(s):

Chad M. Teven ◽

Xing Liu ◽

Ning Hu ◽

Ni Tang ◽

Stephanie H. Kim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Mesenchymal Stem Cells ◽

Epigenetic Regulation ◽

Adult Stem Cells ◽

Es Cells ◽

Adipogenic Differentiation ◽

Embryonic Stem ◽

Cell Types ◽

Differentiation Potential ◽

Msc Differentiation

Stem cells are characterized by their capability to self-renew and terminally differentiate into multiple cell types. Somatic or adult stem cells have a finite self-renewal capacity and are lineage-restricted. The use of adult stem cells for therapeutic purposes has been a topic of recent interest given the ethical considerations associated with embryonic stem (ES) cells. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult stem cells that can differentiate into osteogenic, adipogenic, chondrogenic, or myogenic lineages. Owing to their ease of isolation and unique characteristics, MSCs have been widely regarded as potential candidates for tissue engineering and repair. While various signaling molecules important to MSC differentiation have been identified, our complete understanding of this process is lacking. Recent investigations focused on the role of epigenetic regulation in lineage-specific differentiation of MSCs have shown that unique patterns of DNA methylation and histone modifications play an important role in the induction of MSC differentiation toward specific lineages. Nevertheless, MSC epigenetic profiles reflect a more restricted differentiation potential as compared to ES cells. Here we review the effect of epigenetic modifications on MSC multipotency and differentiation, with a focus on osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. We also highlight clinical applications of MSC epigenetics and nuclear reprogramming.

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CRISPR-Cas9 delivery to hard-to-transfect cells via membrane deformation

Science Advances ◽

10.1126/sciadv.1500454 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 1 (7) ◽

pp. e1500454 ◽

Cited By ~ 124

Author(s):

Xin Han ◽

Zongbin Liu ◽

Myeong chan Jo ◽

Kai Zhang ◽

Ying Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Genome Editing ◽

Function Analysis ◽

Embryonic Stem ◽

Cell Types ◽

Disease Genes ◽

Deformation Method ◽

Targeting Therapy ◽

Membrane Deformation ◽

Guide Rna ◽

Different Cell Types

The CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)–Cas (CRISPR-associated) nuclease system represents an efficient tool for genome editing and gene function analysis. It consists of two components: single-guide RNA (sgRNA) and the enzyme Cas9. Typical sgRNA and Cas9 intracellular delivery techniques are limited by their reliance on cell type and exogenous materials as well as their toxic effects on cells (for example, electroporation). We introduce and optimize a microfluidic membrane deformation method to deliver sgRNA and Cas9 into different cell types and achieve successful genome editing. This approach uses rapid cell mechanical deformation to generate transient membrane holes to enable delivery of biomaterials in the medium. We achieved high delivery efficiency of different macromolecules into different cell types, including hard-to-transfect lymphoma cells and embryonic stem cells, while maintaining high cell viability. With the advantages of broad applicability across different cell types, particularly hard-to-transfect cells, and flexibility of application, this method could potentially enable new avenues of biomedical research and gene targeting therapy such as mutation correction of disease genes through combination of the CRISPR-Cas9–mediated knockin system.

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Isolation, Characterization and Differentiation Potential of Chicken Spermatogonial Stem Cell Derived Embryoid Bodies

Annals of Animal Science ◽

10.1515/aoas-2015-0063 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

pp. 115-128 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Thanh Luan Nguyen ◽

Jae Gyu Yoo ◽

Neelesh Sharma ◽

Sung Woo Kim ◽

Yong Jun Kang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Developmental Biology ◽

Regenerative Medicine ◽

Connexin 43 ◽

Es Cells ◽

Periodic Acid ◽

Embryonic Stem ◽

Embryoid Bodies ◽

Significant Finding ◽

Differentiation Potential

Abstract Human, murine and monkey spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) have the capability to undergo self-renewal and differentiation into different body cell types in vitro, which are expected to serve as a powerful tool and resource for the developmental biology and regenerative medicine. We have successfully isolated and characterized the chicken SSCs from 3-day-old chicken testicular cells. The pluripotency was using Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS ) staining or alkaline phosphatase staining, and antibodies to stage-specific embryonic antigens. In suspension culture conditions SSCs formed embryoid bodies (EBs) like embryonic stem (ES) cells. Subsequently EB differentiated into osteoblasts, adipocytes and most importantly into cardiomyocytes under induced differentiation conditions. The differentiation potential of EBs into cardiomyocyte-like cells was confirmed by using antibodies against sarcomeric α-actinin, cardiac troponin T and connexin 43. Cardiomyocytes-like cells were also confirmed by RT-PCR analysis for several cardiac cell genes like GATA-4, Nkx2-5, α-MHC, and ANF. We have successfully established an in vitro differentiation system for chicken SSCs into different body cells such as osteoblasts, adipocytes and cardiomyocytes. The most significant finding of this study is the differentiation potential of chicken SSCs into cardiomyocytes. Our findings may have implication in developmental biology and regenerative medicine by using chicken as the most potential animal model.

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Single cell profiling of total RNA using Smart-seq-total

10.1101/2020.06.02.131060 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Alina Isakova ◽

Norma Neff ◽

Stephen R. Quake

Keyword(s):

Single Cell ◽

Single Cells ◽

Embryonic Stem ◽

Cell Types ◽

Embryoid Bodies ◽

High Yield ◽

Rna Seq ◽

Mcf7 Cells ◽

Total Rna ◽

Non Coding Rna

ABSTRACTThe ability to interrogate total RNA content of single cells would enable better mapping of the transcriptional logic behind emerging cell types and states. However, current RNA-seq methods are unable to simultaneously monitor both short and long, poly(A)+ and poly(A)-transcripts at the single-cell level, and thus deliver only a partial snapshot of the cellular RNAome. Here, we describe Smart-seq-total, a method capable of assaying a broad spectrum of coding and non-coding RNA from a single cell. Built upon the template-switch mechanism, Smart-seq-total bears the key feature of its predecessor, Smart-seq2, namely, the ability to capture full-length transcripts with high yield and quality. It also outperforms current poly(A)–independent total RNA-seq protocols by capturing transcripts of a broad size range, thus, allowing us to simultaneously analyze protein-coding, long non-coding, microRNA and other non-coding RNA transcripts from single cells. We used Smart-seq-total to analyze the total RNAome of human primary fibroblasts, HEK293T and MCF7 cells as well as that of induced murine embryonic stem cells differentiated into embryoid bodies. We show that simultaneous measurement of non-coding RNA and mRNA from the same cell enables elucidation of new roles of non-coding RNA throughout essential processes such as cell cycle or lineage commitment. Moreover, we show that cell types can be distinguished based on the abundance of non-coding transcripts alone.

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Single-cell quantification of a broad RNA spectrum reveals unique noncoding patterns associated with cell types and states

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences ◽

10.1073/pnas.2113568118 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 118 (51) ◽

pp. e2113568118

Author(s):

Alina Isakova ◽

Norma Neff ◽

Stephen R. Quake

Keyword(s):

Single Cell ◽

Noncoding Rna ◽

Single Cells ◽

Embryonic Stem ◽

Cell Types ◽

Embryoid Bodies ◽

Rna Seq ◽

Total Rna ◽

Rna Transcripts ◽

Rna Content

The ability to interrogate total RNA content of single cells would enable better mapping of the transcriptional logic behind emerging cell types and states. However, current single-cell RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) methods are unable to simultaneously monitor all forms of RNA transcripts at the single-cell level, and thus deliver only a partial snapshot of the cellular RNAome. Here we describe Smart-seq-total, a method capable of assaying a broad spectrum of coding and noncoding RNA from a single cell. Smart-seq-total does not require splitting the RNA content of a cell and allows the incorporation of unique molecular identifiers into short and long RNA molecules for absolute quantification. It outperforms current poly(A)-independent total RNA-seq protocols by capturing transcripts of a broad size range, thus enabling simultaneous analysis of protein-coding, long-noncoding, microRNA, and other noncoding RNA transcripts from single cells. We used Smart-seq-total to analyze the total RNAome of human primary fibroblasts, HEK293T, and MCF7 cells, as well as that of induced murine embryonic stem cells differentiated into embryoid bodies. By analyzing the coexpression patterns of both noncoding RNA and mRNA from the same cell, we were able to discover new roles of noncoding RNA throughout essential processes, such as cell cycle and lineage commitment during embryonic development. Moreover, we show that independent classes of short-noncoding RNA can be used to determine cell-type identity.

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182 Establishment of expanded potential embryonic stem cell lines from porcine embryos

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rdv31n1ab182 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 31 (1) ◽

pp. 215

Author(s):

M. Nowak-Imialek ◽

X. Gao ◽

P. Liu ◽

H. Niemann

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

Embryonic Stem Cell ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Embryonic Stem ◽

Embryoid Bodies ◽

Differentiation Potential ◽

Germ Layers ◽

Embryonic Tissues

The domestic pig is an excellent large animal in biomedical medicine and holds great potential for testing the clinical safety and efficacy of stem cell therapies. Previously, numerous studies reported the derivation of porcine embryonic stem cell (ESC)-like lines, but none of these lines fulfilled the stringent criteria for true pluripotent germline competent ESC. Here, we report the first establishment of porcine expanded potential stem cells (pEPSC) from parthenogenetic and in vivo-derived blastocysts. A total of 12 cell lines from parthenogenetic blastocysts from Day 7 (12/24) and 26 cell lines from in vivo-derived blastocysts from Day 5 (26/27) were established using defined stem cell culture conditions. These cells closely resembled mouse ESC with regard to morphology, formed compact colonies with high nuclear/cytoplasmic ratios, and could be maintained in vitro for more than 40 passages with a normal karyotype. The pEPSC expressed key pluripotency genes, including OCT4, NANOG, SOX2, and SALL4 at similar levels as porcine blastocysts. Immunostaining analysis confirmed expression of critical cell surface markers SSEA-1 and SSEA-4 in pEPSC. The EPSC differentiated in vitro into tissues expressing markers of the 3 germ layers: SOX7, AFP, T, DES, CRABP2, α-SMA, β-tubulin, PAX6, and, notably, the trophoblast markers HAND1, GATA3, PGF, and KRT7. After injection into immunocompromised mice, the pEPSC formed teratomas with derivatives of the 3 germ layers and placental lactogen-1 (PL-1)-positive trophoblast-like cells. Additionally, pEPSC cultured in vitro under conditions specific for germ cells formed embryoid bodies, which contained ~9% primordial germ cell (PGC)-like cells (PGCLC) that expressed PGC-specific genes, including NANOS3, BLIMP1, TFAP2C, CD38, DND1, KIT, and OCT4 as detected by quantitative RT-PCR and immunostaining. Next, we examined the in vivo differentiation potential of pEPSC and injected pEPSC stably expressing the CAG-H2B-mCherry transgene reporter into porcine embryos. The donor cells proliferated and were localised in both the trophectoderm and inner cell mass of the blastocysts cultured in vitro. After transfer to 3 recipient sows, chimeric embryos implanted and a total of 45 fetuses were recovered on Days 26 to 28. Flow cytometry of single cells collected from embryonic and extraembryonic tissues of the fetuses revealed mCherry+ cells in 7 conceptuses, in both the placenta and embryonic tissues; in 3 chimeric conceptuses, mCherry+ cells were exclusively found in embryonic tissues; and in 2 conceptuses, mCherry+ cells were exclusively localised in the placenta. The contribution of the mCherry+ cells was low (0.4-1.7%), but they were found and co-detected in multiple porcine embryonic tissues using tissue lineage-specific markers, including SOX2, TUJ1, GATA4, SOX17, AFP, α-SMA, and trophoblast markers PL-1 and KRT7 in the placental cells. The successful establishment of pEPSC represents a major step forward in stem cell research and provides cell lines with the unique state of cellular potency useful for genetic engineering and unravelling pluripotency regulation in pigs.

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Nuclear Receptors in Regulation of Mouse ES Cell Pluripotency and Differentiation

PPAR Research ◽

10.1155/2007/61563 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 2007 ◽

pp. 1-10 ◽

Cited By ~ 32

Author(s):

Eimear M. Mullen ◽

Peili Gu ◽

Austin J. Cooney

Keyword(s):

Nuclear Receptors ◽

Therapeutic Potential ◽

Es Cells ◽

Embryonic Stem ◽

Cell Types ◽

Cell Phenotype ◽

Es Cell ◽

Complex Signaling ◽

Different Cell Types ◽

Mouse Es Cell

Embryonic stem (ES) cells have great therapeutic potential because they are capable of indefinite self-renewal and have the potential to differentiate into over 200 different cell types that compose the human body. The switch from the pluripotent phenotype to a differentiated cell involves many complex signaling pathways including those involving LIF/Stat3 and the transcription factors Sox2, Nanog and Oct-4. Many nuclear receptors play an important role in the maintenance of pluripotence (ERRβ, SF-1, LRH-1, DAX-1) repression of the ES cell phenotype (RAR, RXR, GCNF) and also the differentiation of ES cells (PPARγ). Here we review the roles of the nuclear receptors involved in regulating these important processes in ES cells.

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Hepatocyte Differentiation from Human ES Cells using the Simple Embryoid Body Formation Method and the Staged-Additional Cocktail

The Scientific World JOURNAL ◽

10.1100/tsw.2009.97 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

pp. 884-890 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Katsunori Sasaki ◽

Hinako Ichikawa ◽

Shunsuke Takei ◽

Hee Sung No ◽

Daihachiro Tomotsune ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Embryoid Body ◽

Es Cells ◽

Embryonic Stem ◽

Culture Method ◽

Polymerase Chain Reaction Analysis ◽

Embryoid Bodies ◽

Hepatocyte Differentiation ◽

Gene Markers ◽

Transmission Electron ◽

Hes Cells

To induce hepatocytes from human embryonic stem (hES) cells easily and effectively, a simple suspension culture method that separates ES colonies with a scraper and transfers them into newly developed, nonadherent MPC (2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) plates, and the staged-additional cocktail method, including growth factors, cytokines, and Lanford serum-free medium, were developed and evaluated mainly by morphological analysis. The formed embryoid bodies (EBs) showed compact cellular agglomeration until day 4 and later formed coeloms in their interior. RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction) analysis showed that they are gene markers of the three germ layers. Mesenchymal cells with rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) and extracellular matrix (ECM), and without junctions, were recognized in the interior of the EBs by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in addition to epithelial cells. When they were stimulated by the staged-additional cocktail, they expressed albumin-positive immunoreactivity, indocyanine green (ICG) uptake, and typical ultrastructures of the hepatocytes, including bile canaliculi. These results indicate that these combined methods promote EB formation and hepatocyte differentiation from hES cells.

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