Proliferative potential and phenotypic analysis of long-term cultivated human granulosa cells initiated by addition of follicular fluid

Treatment of Premature Ovarian Failure Mouse Model Using Granulosa-Like Cells Derived from Wharton's Jelly-Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a significant reproductive disorder characterized by the loss of ovarian function, leading to infertility and endocrine disruption. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) remains the most commonly used clinical treatment for POF. However, in patients with a history of ovarian or breast cancer, HRT poses significant risks, necessitating the development of alternative approaches. Stem cell-based therapy has emerged as a promising option for treating female infertility disorders such as POF. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of ovarian granulosa-like cells (OGLCs) derived from Wharton's jelly-mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) in a POF mouse model. WJ-MSCs were successfully differentiated into OGLCs using combination with a growth factor cocktails, as confirmed by the significant upregulation of granulosa cell-specific markers (P < 0.01). To assess their therapeutic potential, POF was induced in female mice using cyclophosphamide and busulfan, and OGLCs were injected into the ovaries. After 3 weeks, vaginal smear analysis revealed restoration of estrus cycle in OGLC-treated mice. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis demonstrated the recovery of serum 17β-estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone levels (P < 0.05), while histological staining confirmed increased follicular development and restoration of ovarian structure. Furthermore, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis showed a significant upregulation of genes related to follicular development and primordial follicle activation, including downstream molecules of the mTOR/PI3K pathway, following OGLCs treatment. These findings suggest that OGLCs possess a strong potential for restoring ovarian function in POF. This study provides evidence supporting the use of OGLCs as a novel cell-based therapeutic approach for female reproductive diseases.

Endometriotic Follicular Fluid Affects Granulosa Cells' Morphology and Increases Duplication Rate and Connexin-43 Expression

Endometriosis is a complicated condition characterized by inflammation, low oocyte quality, and decreased uterus receptivity, associated with fertility issues. This study aims to better understand the reduced pregnancy outcome in endometriosis by analyzing both the granulosa cells (GCs) and the follicular fluids (FFs) obtained during the assisted reproductive technology (ART)-related oocyte pick-up. Seventy patients, approaching our ART Center with the diagnosis of infertility for Age-Idiopathic Factor (AIF) (n = 36), endometriosis (ENDO) (n = 23), or male factor (MF) (n = 11), were enrolled in this study. GCs from each group were separately analyzed for morphology, replication, and expression of Connexin-43 and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Receptor (FSHR) by microscopy, flow cytometry, and immunocytochemistry. Results show that FF in a culture medium allowed GCs to survive and replicate. Upon culturing GCs from each group with ENDO follicular fluid, increases were observed in both population doublings and in the development of fibroblast-like and muscle-like morphologies. Despite undergoing morphological changes, GCs consistently expressed FSHR. However, exposure to ENDO follicular fluid led to an upregulation of Connexin-43 expression across all GC groups. These findings suggest that in endometriosis, FF contains unidentified factors that can induce aberrant replication, morphological differentiation, and overexpression of Connexin-43, potentially contributing to follicular dysfunction.

Efficient improvement of the proliferation, differentiation, and anti-arthritic capacity of mesenchymal stem cells by simply culturing on the immobilized FGF2 derived peptide, 44-ERGVVSIKGV-53

INTRODUCTION

The stem cell microenvironment has been evidenced to robustly affect its biological functions and clinical grade. Natural or synthetic growth factors, especially, are essential for modulating stem cell proliferation, metabolism, and differentiation via the interaction with specific extracellular receptors. Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) possesses pleiotropic functions in various tissues and organs. It interacts with the FGF receptor (FGFR) and activates FGFR signaling pathways, which involve numerous biological functions, such as angiogenesis, wound healing, cell proliferation, and differentiation.

OBJECTIVES

Here, we aim to explore the molecular functions, mode of action, and therapeutic activity of yet undetermined function, FGF-2-derived peptide, FP2 (44-ERGVVSIKGV-53) in promoting the proliferation, differentiation, and therapeutic application of human Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (hWJ-MSCs) in comparison to other test peptides, canofin1 (FP1), hexafin2 (FP3), and canofin3 (FP4) with known functions.

METHODS

The immobilization of test peptides that are fused with mussel adhesive proteins (MAP) on the culture plate was carried out via EDC/NHS chemistry. Cell Proliferation assay, colony-forming unit, western blotting analysis, gene expression analysis, RNA-Seq. analysis, osteogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation capacity were applied to test the activity of the test peptides. We additionally utilized three-dimensional (3D) structural analysis and artificial intelligence (AI)-based AlphaFold2 and CABS-dock programs for receptor interaction prediction of the peptide receptor. We also verified the in vivo therapeutic capacity of FP2-cultured hWJ-MSCs using an osteoarthritis mice model.

RESULTS

Culture of hWJ-MSC onto an FP2-immobilized culture plate showed a significant increase in cell proliferation (n = 3; *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01) and the colony-forming unit (n = 3; *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01) compared with the test peptides. FP2 showed a significantly upregulated phosphorylation of FRS2α and FGFR1 and activated the AKT and ERK signaling pathways (n = 3; *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001). Interestingly, we detected efficient FP2 receptor binding that was predicted using AI-based tools. Treatment with an AKT inhibitor significantly abrogated the FP2-mediated enhancement of cell differentiation (n = 3; *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001). Intra-articular injection of FP2-cultured MSCs significantly mitigated arthritis symptoms in an osteoarthritis mouse model, as shown through the functional tests (n = 10; *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001, ****p < 0.0001), modulation of the expression level of the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory genes, and improved osteochondral regeneration as demonstrated by tissue sections.

CONCLUSION

Our study identified the FGF-2-derived peptide FP2 as a promising candidate peptide to improve the therapeutic potential of hWJ-MSCs, especially in bone and cartilage regeneration.

Role of thyroid stimulating hormone in the maintenance and functioning of the human corpus luteum

PURPOSE

To evaluate the impact of high thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels on human granulosa-luteal (hGL) cells.

METHODS

hGL cells were isolated from follicular aspirates derived from patients undergoing IVF treatment without any thyroid disorder (serum TSH 0.5-2 mU/L). Cells were cultured at 37 °C in DMEM, supplemented with 5% FBS. The cells were treated with 1 nM LH and increasing concentrations of TSH. At the end of culture, conditioned medium and cells were collected to analyze progesterone production, cell viability, and mRNA levels of genes involved in the steroidogenesis process. Human ovarian tissues were analyzed for TSH receptor (TSHR) expression by IHC.

RESULTS

The expression of TSHR was detected in human corpus luteum by IHC and in hGL by RT-PCR. In hGL cells, TSH treatment did not modulate progesterone production nor the expression of steroidogenic genes, such as p450scc and HSD3b 1/2. However, TSH induced a dose-dependent increase in cell death. Finally, TSH did not affect LH-induced p450scc and HSD3b1/2 expression while LH partially reverted TSH negative effect on cell death in hGL.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated TSH levels in hypothyroid women may be associated with impaired CL functioning and maintenance. These findings open a new line of research for the importance of the treatment of women with thyroid dysfunction that could contribute to the onset of infertility.

Synthetic human gonadal tissues for toxicology

The process of mammalian reproduction involves the development of fertile germ cells in the testis and ovary, supported by the surrounders. Fertilization leads to embryo development and ultimately the birth of offspring inheriting parental genome information. Any disruption in this process can result in disorders such as infertility and cancer. Chemical toxicity affecting the reproductive system and embryogenesis can impact birth rates, overall health, and fertility, highlighting the need for animal toxicity studies during drug development. However, the translation of animal data to human health remains challenging due to interspecies differences. In vitro culture systems offer a promising solution to bridge this gap, allowing the study of mammalian cells in an environment that mimics the physiology of the human body. Current advances on in vitro culture systems, such as organoids, enable the development of biomaterials that recapitulate the physiological state of reproductive organs. Application of these technologies to human gonadal cells would provide effective tools for drug screening and toxicity testing, and these models would be a powerful tool to study reproductive biology and pathology. This review focuses on the 2D/3D culture systems of human primary testicular and ovarian cells, highlighting the novel approaches for in vitro study of human reproductive toxicology, specifically in the context of testis and ovary.

Inhibitory Effects and Related Molecular Mechanisms of Huanglian-Ganjiang Combination Against H1N1 Influenza Virus

Influenza is an infectious acute respiratory disease with complications and a high mortality rate; the effective medicines for influenza therapy are limited. "Huanglian" or Coptidis Rhizoma, Coptis chinensis Franch., Ranunculaceae, and "ganjiang" or Zingiberis Rhizoma, Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Zingiberaceae, combination is clinically used for treating respiratory diseases. HPLC was applied for the quantification of berberine hydrochloride (1.101 mg/ml) and 6-gingerol (38.41 μg/ml) in the H₂O-soluble extract of the herbal formulation. In this study, the effect of "huanglian"- "ganjiang" extract on influenza virus H1N1-induced acute pulmonary inflammation was evaluated, in addition to the investigation of its anti-influenza mechanism in a mouse model. The analyzed herbal combination inhibited the expression of cytokine IL-6 and stimulated the expression of IL-2 in the serum of influenza virus-infected mice. Meanwhile, the herbal combination downregulated the gene and protein expression levels of TLR3, TLR7, MyD88, RIG-I, MAVS, TRAF3, and NF-κB p65, which are key targets of toll-like and RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathways in mice. In addition, the herbal combination could also promote the combination of intracellular autophagosomes and lysosomes in autophagosome-lysosome formation and improve impaired fusion of autophagosomes and lysosomes by influenza virus. This study suggested that the "huanglian"- "ganjiang" extract may be a candidate therapeutic strategy for the treatment of H1N1 influenza.

Graphical Abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43450-023-00372-z.

High Therapeutic and Esthetic Properties of Extracellular Vesicles Produced from the Stem Cells and Their Spheroids Cultured from Ocular Surgery-Derived Waste Orbicularis Oculi Muscle Tissues

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are paracrine factors that mediate stem cell therapeutics. We aimed at evaluating the possible therapeutic and esthetic applications of EVs prepared from the waste human facial tissue-derived orbicularis oculi muscle stem cells (OOM-SCs). OOM-SCs were isolated from the ocular tissues (from elders and youngsters) after upper eyelid blepharoplasty or epiblepharon surgeries. EVs were prepared from the OOM-SCs (OOM-SC-EVs) and their three-dimensional spheroids. OOM-SCs showed a spindle-like morphology with trilineage differentiation capacity, positive expression of CD105, CD 90, and CD73, and negative expression of CD45 and CD34, and their stem cell properties were compared with other adult mesenchymal stem cells. OOM-SC-EVs showed a high inhibitory effect on melanin synthesis in B16F10 cells by blocking tyrosinase activity. OOM-SC-EVs treatment led to a significant attenuation of senescence-associated changes, a decrease in reactive oxygen species generation, and an upregulation of antioxidant genes. We demonstrated the regeneration activity of OOM-SC-EVs in in vitro wound healing of normal human dermal fibroblasts and upregulation of anti-wrinkle-related genes and confirmed the therapeutic potential of OOM-SC-EVs in the healing of the in vivo wound model. Our study provides promising therapeutic and esthetic applications of OOM-SC-EVs, which can be obtained from the ocular surgery-derived waste human facial tissues.

Muscle Cell Morphogenesis, Structure, Development and Differentiation Processes Are Significantly Regulated during Human Ovarian Granulosa Cells In Vitro Cultivation

Granulosa cells (GCs) have many functions and are fundamental for both folliculogenesis and oogenesis, releasing hormones and communicating directly with the oocyte. Long-term in vitro cultures of GCs show significant stem-like characteristics. In the current study, RNA of human ovarian granulosa cells was collected at 1, 7, 15 and 30 days of long-term in vitro culture. Understanding the process of differentiation of GCs towards different cell lineages, as well as the molecular pathways underlying these mechanisms, is fundamental to revealing other possible stemness markers of this type of cell. Identifying new markers of GC plasticity may help to understand the aetiology and recurrence of a wide variety of diseases and health conditions and reveal possible clinical applications of the ovarian tissue cells, affecting not only the reproductive ability but also sex hormone production. Granulosa cells were the subject of this study, as they are readily available as remnant material leftover after in vitro fertilisation procedures and exhibit significant stem-like characteristics in culture. The change in gene expression was investigated through a range of molecular and bioinformatic analyses. Expression microarrays were used, allowing the identification of groups of genes typical of specific cellular pathways. This candidate gene study focused on ontological groups associated with muscle cell morphogenesis, structure, development and differentiation, namely, “muscle cell development”, “muscle cell differentiation”, “muscle contraction”, “muscle organ development”, “muscle organ morphogenesis”, “muscle structure development”, “muscle system process” and “muscle tissue development”. The results showed that the 10 most upregulated genes were keratin 19, oxytocin receptor, connective tissue growth factor, nexilin, myosin light chain kinase, cysteine and glycine-rich protein 3, caveolin 1, actin, activating transcription factor 3 and tropomyosin, while the 10 most downregulated consisted of epiregulin, prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2, transforming growth factor, interleukin, collagen, 5-hydroxytryptmine, interleukin 4, phosphodiesterase, wingless-type MMTV integration site family and SRY-box 9. Moreover, ultrastructural observations showing heterogeneity of granulosa cell population are presented in the study. At least two morphologically different subpopulations were identified: large, light coloured and small, darker cells. The expression of genes belonging to the mentioned ontological groups suggest the potential ability of GCs to differentiate and proliferate toward muscle lineage, showing possible application in muscle regeneration and the treatment of different diseases.

MicroRNA and mRNA analysis of angiotensin II-induced renal artery endothelial cell dysfunction

Continuous activation of angiotensin II (Ang II) induces renal vascular endothelial dysfunction, inflammation and oxidative stress, all of which may contribute to renal damage. MicroRNAs (miRs/miRNAs) play a crucial regulatory role in the pathogenesis of hypertensive nephropathy (HN). The present study aimed to assess the differential expression profiles of potential candidate genes involved in Ang II-induced rat renal artery endothelial cell (RRAEC) dysfunction and explore their possible functions. In the present study, the changes in energy metabolism and autophagy function in RRAECs were evaluated using the Seahorse XF Glycolysis Stress Test and dansylcadaverine/transmission electron microscopy following exposure to Ang II. Subsequently, mRNA-miRNA sequencing experiments were performed to determine the differential expression profiles of mRNAs and miRNAs. Integrated bioinformatics analysis was applied to further explore the molecular mechanisms of Ang II on endothelial injury induced by Ang II. The present data supported the notion that Ang II upregulated glycolysis levels and promoted autophagy activation in RRAECs. The sequencing data demonstrated that 443 mRNAs and 58 miRNAs were differentially expressed (DE) in response to Ang II exposure, where 66 mRNAs and 55 miRNAs were upregulated, while 377 mRNAs and 3 miRNAs were downregulated (fold change >1.5 or <0.67; P<0.05). Functional analysis indicated that DE mRNA and DE miRNA target genes were mainly associated with cell metabolism (metabolic pathways), differentiation (Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation), autophagy (autophagy-animal and autophagy-other) and repair (RNA-repair). To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report on mRNA-miRNA integrated profiles of Ang II-induced RRAECs. The present results provided evidence suggesting that the miRNA-mediated effect on the ‘mTOR signaling pathway’ might play a role in Ang II-induced RRAEC injury by driving glycolysis and autophagy activation. Targeting miRNAs and their associated pathways may provide valuable insight into the clinical management of HN and may improve patient outcome.

The transcriptional regulator CBX2 and ovarian function: A whole genome and whole transcriptome approach

The chromobox homolog 2 (CBX2) was found to be important for human testis development, but its role in the human ovary remains elusive. We conducted a genome-wide analysis based on DNA adenine methyltransferase identification (DamID) and RNA sequencing strategies to investigate CBX2 in the human granulosa cells. Functional analysis revealed that CBX2 was upstream of genes contributing to ovarian function like folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis (i.e. ESR1, NRG1, AKR1C1, PTGER2, BMP15, BMP2, FSHR and NTRK1/2). We identified CBX2 regulated genes associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) such as TGFβ, MAP3K15 and DKK1, as well as genes implicated in premature ovarian failure (POF) (i.e. POF1B, BMP15 and HOXA13) and the pituitary deficiency (i.e. LHX4 and KISS1). Our study provided an excellent opportunity to identify genes surrounding CBX2 in the ovary and might contribute to the understanding of ovarian physiopathology causing infertility in women.

Pluripotent Cell Models for Gonadal Research

Sex development is a complex process involving many genes and hormones. Defects in this process lead to Differences of Sex Development (DSD), a group of heterogeneous conditions not as rare as previously thought. Part of the obstacles in proper management of these patients is due to an incomplete understanding of the genetics programs and molecular pathways involved in sex development and DSD. Several challenges delay progress and the lack of a proper model system for the single patient severely hinders advances in understanding these diseases. The revolutionary techniques of cellular reprogramming and guided in vitro differentiation allow us now to exploit the versatility of induced pluripotent stem cells to create alternatives models for DSD, ideally on a patient-specific personalized basis.

Characterization and identification of human immortalized granulosa cells derived from ovarian follicular fluid

Follicular fluid serves a crucial role in follicular development and oocyte maturation. Increasing evidence indicates that follicular fluid is rich in proteins and functional cells. In addition to oocyte cells, follicular fluid contains granulosa, thecal and ovarian surface epithelial cells. Granulosa cells (GCs) represent the predominant somatic cell type of the ovarian follicle and are involved in steroidogenesis and folliculogenesis. However, the long-term culture of GCs in vitro remains challenging. The present study aimed to extend the culture of GCs in vitro. Human GCs were collected from the follicular fluid of patients included in an in vitro fertilization program and cultured in the presence of conditioned medium obtained from mouse embryonic fibroblasts. GCs were cultured for over a year and 130 passages, and the population doubling time was ~22 h. Cells presented epithelial-like morphology and a cobblestone-like appearance when they reached confluence. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that cells expressed CD29, CD166 and CD49f but not CD31, CD34, CD45, CD90, CD105 or CD13. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that cells expressed follicle stimulating hormone receptor, luteinizing hormone receptor and cytochrome P450 aromatase, which was confirmed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In the presence of androstenedione, cells secreted estradiol. In addition, estradiol level was further stimulated by dibutyryl cAMP treatment. In addition, intracellular cAMP and progesterone expression levels were upregulated by follicle stimulating hormone and/or human chorionic gonadotropin. Furthermore, cells survived in severe combined immunodeficiency mice following intra-ovarian injection. Histological analysis revealed that certain cells formed follicle-like structures. The results from the present study suggested that immortalized GCs may be a useful tool for further research on GC and improve the clinical application of drugs such as follicle-stimulating hormone or human chorionic gonadotropin.

Female Age Affects the Mesenchymal Stem Cell Characteristics of Aspirated Follicular Cells in the In Vitro Fertilization Programme

Aspirated follicular cells (AFCs) from the in vitro fertilization program can express various stem cell markers and are even able to differentiate into different types of cells in vitro. The female reproductive potential decreases with increasing age due to lowered ovarian reserve and oocyte quality, but data on the effect of female age on stem cell characteristics of AFCs are scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to elucidate whether female age affects the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) characteristics of AFCs. Follicular aspirates were collected from 12 patients included in the in vitro fertilization programme with a normal ovarian reserve. Patients were divided into four age groups: Group A ≤ 30 years, Group B 31-35 years, Group C 36-39 years and Group D ≥ 40 years. After removal of the oocytes, AFCs were collected from follicular aspirates using hypo-osmotic technique and cultured in vitro, and their stemness was compared according to female age. The cultured AFCs were analysed for gene expression using the Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell RT² Profiler™ PCR Array, for their potential for differentiation into adipogenic and osteogenic lineage, and for their expression of MSC-related markers using immunocytochemistry. We found that female age can significantly influence their stemness: expression of pluripotency and MSC-related genes, and their differentiation potential. Despite the relatively high expression of MSC-related genes, the AFCs of the oldest patients had the lowest potential to differentiate into osteogenic and adipogenic lineages in vitro, which may be related to their age and the changed ovarian function.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Are Functionally and Genetically Different From Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells

There has been considerable interest in the generation of functional mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) preparations from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and this is now regarded as a potential source of unlimited, standardized, high‐quality cells for therapeutic applications in regenerative medicine. Although iMSCs meet minimal criteria for defining MSCs in terms of marker expression, there are substantial differences in terms of trilineage potential, specifically a marked reduction in chondrogenic and adipogenic propensity in iMSCs compared with bone marrow‐derived (BM) MSCs. To reveal the cellular basis underlying these differences, we conducted phenotypic, functional, and genetic comparisons between iMSCs and BM‐MSCs. We found that iMSCs express very high levels of both KDR and MSX2 compared with BM‐MSCs. In addition, BM‐MSCs had significantly higher levels of PDGFRα. These distinct gene expression profiles were maintained during culture expansion, suggesting that prepared iMSCs are more closely related to vascular progenitor cells (VPCs). Although VPCs can differentiate along the chondrogenic, osteogenic, and adipogenic pathways, they require different inductive conditions compared with BM‐MSCs. These observations suggest to us that iMSCs, based on current widely used preparation protocols, do not represent a true alternative to primary MSCs isolated from BM. Furthermore, this study highlights the fact that high levels of expression of typical MSC markers such as CD73, CD90, and CD105 are insufficient to distinguish MSCs from other mesodermal progenitors in differentiated induced pluripotent stem cell cultures. stem cells2019;37:754–765

Presence of growth/differentiation factor-15 cytokine in human follicular fluid, granulosa cells, and oocytes

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study was to determine whether the GDF-15 is present in follicular fluid; to evaluate if there is a relation between follicular and serum levels of GDF-15 and fertility status of study subjects; and to test whether granulosa cells, oocytes, or both produce GDF-15.

METHODS

This study used follicular fluid (FF, serum, and oocytes obtained under informed consent from women undergoing oocyte retrieval for in vitro fertilization. It also used ovaries from deceased preterm newborns. Collection of FF and blood at the time of oocyte retrieval, ELISA and western blot were performed to determine levels and forms of GDF-15. Concentrations of GDF-15 in FF and serum, its expression in ovarian tissue, and secretion from granulosa cells were analyzed.

RESULTS

GDF-15 concentration in FF ranged from 35 to 572 ng/ml, as determined by ELISA. Western blot analysis revealed the GDF-15 pro-dimer only in FF. Both normal healthy and cancerous granulosa cells secreted GDF-15 into culture media. Primary oocytes displayed cytoplasmic GDF-15 positivity in immunostained newborn ovaries, and its expression was also observed in fully grown human oocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documentation of cytokine GDF-15 presence in follicular fluid. Its concentration was not associated with donor/patient fertility status. Our data also show that GDF-15 is expressed and inducible in both normal healthy and cancerous granulosa cells, as well as in oocytes.

Differentiation of human menstrual blood-derived endometrial mesenchymal stem cells into oocyte-like cells

Human endometrial mesenchymal stem cells (EnSCs) derived from menstrual blood are a unique stem cell source. Evidence suggests that EnSCs exhibit a multi-lineage potential and have attracted extensive attention in regenerative medicine. However, the potential of EnSCs to differentiate into germline cells in vitro remains unclear. In this study, EnSCs were induced to differentiate into germ cells in a differentiation medium supplemented with 20% human follicular fluid. Our results demonstrated that EnSCs derived from human menstrual blood form oocyte-like cells and express germ cell markers. The induced cell aggregates contained not only oocyte-like structures but also cells expressing follicle stimulating hormone receptor and luteotropic hormone receptor, and produced estrogen and progesterone regulated by gonodatropin, suggesting that granulosa-like and theca-like cells were also induced. We further found that granulosa cells promote the development of oocyte-like cells and activate the induction of blastocyst-like structures derived from EnSCs. In conclusion, EnSCs may potentially represent an in vitro system for the investigation of human folliculogenesis.

XPO1-dependent nuclear export is a druggable vulnerability in KRAS-mutant lung cancer

The common participation of oncogenic KRAS proteins in many of the most lethal human cancers, together with the ease of detecting somatic KRAS mutant alleles in patient samples, has spurred persistent and intensive efforts to develop drugs that inhibit KRAS activity. However, advances have been hindered by the pervasive inter- and intra-lineage diversity in the targetable mechanisms that underlie KRAS-driven cancers, limited pharmacological accessibility of many candidate synthetic-lethal interactions and the swift emergence of unanticipated resistance mechanisms to otherwise effective targeted therapies. Here we demonstrate the acute and specific cell-autonomous addiction of KRAS-mutant non-small-cell lung cancer cells to receptor-dependent nuclear export. A multi-genomic, data-driven approach, utilizing 106 human non-small-cell lung cancer cell lines, was used to interrogate 4,725 biological processes with 39,760 short interfering RNA pools for those selectively required for the survival of KRAS-mutant cells that harbour a broad spectrum of phenotypic variation. Nuclear transport machinery was the sole process-level discriminator of statistical significance. Chemical perturbation of the nuclear export receptor XPO1 (also known as CRM1), with a clinically available drug, revealed a robust synthetic-lethal interaction with native or engineered oncogenic KRAS both in vitro and in vivo. The primary mechanism underpinning XPO1 inhibitor sensitivity was intolerance to the accumulation of nuclear IκBα (also known as NFKBIA), with consequent inhibition of NFκB transcription factor activity. Intrinsic resistance associated with concurrent FSTL5 mutations was detected and determined to be a consequence of YAP1 activation via a previously unappreciated FSTL5-Hippo pathway regulatory axis. This occurs in approximately 17% of KRAS-mutant lung cancers, and can be overcome with the co-administration of a YAP1-TEAD inhibitor. These findings indicate that clinically available XPO1 inhibitors are a promising therapeutic strategy for a considerable cohort of patients with lung cancer when coupled to genomics-guided patient selection and observation.

The protective effect of follicular fluid against the emerging mycotoxins alternariol and beauvericin

Porcine granulosa cells were cultured in the absence or presence of 10% porcine follicular fluid (FF) at different concentrations (0-20 μM) of the mycotoxins alternariol (AOH) and beauvericin (BEA). The analyses were performed after exposure to these mycotoxins in a medium supplemented or not with FF harvested from gilts and sows. Cell enzymatic activity and nuclear membrane integrity were evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and ethidium homodimer-1 labelling. Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity was measured to calculate the capacity of the cells to counteract reactive oxygen species. qRT-PCR was used to determine the relative gene expression of efflux transporters (ABCG1 and ABCG2) as well CYP11 and CYP19. Mycotoxin cytotoxicity was more related to enzymatic activity than to nuclear membrane damage and no direct relationship with oxidative stress was observed, except when cells were exposed to AOH. In this case, medium supplementation with FF from sows increased the antioxidant capacity of the cells. AOH did not regulate gene expression in the present conditions, but 5 μM BEA led to the up-regulation of ABCG2 gene expression and a down-regulation of CYP19 expression. In conclusion, follicular fluid from sows is capable to decrease toxicity of AOH and of BEA.

Human amniotic fluid stem cells have a potential to recover ovarian function in mice with chemotherapy-induced sterility

BACKGROUND

Human amniotic fluid cells (hAFCs) may differentiate into multiple cell lineages and thus have a great potential to become a donor cell source for regenerative medicine. The ability of hAFCs to differentiate into germ cell and oocyte-like cells has been previously documented. Herein we report the potential use of hAFCs to help restore follicles in clinical condition involving premature ovarian failure.

RESULTS

Human amniotic fluid was obtained via amniocentesis, yielding a subpopulation of cloned hAFCs that was able to form embryoid bodies (EBs) and differentiate into three embryonic germ layers. Moreover, culture of EBs in medium containing human follicular fluid (HFF) or a germ cell maturation factor cocktail (FAC), expressed germ cells markers such as BLIMP1, STELLA, DAZL, VASA, STRA8, SCP3, SCP1, and GDF9. Furthermore, one cell line was grown from clone cells transfected with lentivirus-GFP and displaying morphological characteristics of mesenchymal cells, had the ability to restore ovarian morphology following cell injection into the ovaries of mice sterilized by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide and busulphan. Restored ovaries displayed many follicle-enclosed oocytes at all stages of development, but no oocytes or follicles were observed in sterilized mice whose ovaries had been injected with medium only (control). Notably, identification of GFP-labeled cells and immunostaining with anti-human antigen-specific antibodies demonstrated that grafted hAFCs survived and differentiated into granulosa cells which directed oocyte maturation. Furthermore, labeling of ovarian tissue for anti-Müllerian hormone expression, a functional marker of folliculogenesis, was strong in hAFCs-transplanted ovaries but inexistent in negative controls.

CONCLUSION

These findings highlight the possibility of using human amniotic fluid-derived stem cells in regenerative medicine, in particular in the area of reproductive health.

Cells with stem cell characteristics in somatic compartments of the ovary

Antral follicular growth in the ovary is characterized by rapid expansion of granulosa cells accompanied by a rising complexity of their functionality. Within two weeks the number of human granulosa cells increases from less than 500,000 to more than 50 millions cells per follicle and differentiates into groups of cells with a variety of specialized functions involved in steroidogenesis, nursing the oocyte, and forming a functional syncitium. Both the rapid proliferation and different specialized functions of the granulosa cells can only be explained through the involvement of stem cells. However, luteinizing granulosa cells were believed to be terminally differentiated cells. Only recently, stem and progenitor cells with FSH-receptor activity were identified in populations of luteinizing granulosa cells obtained during oocyte collected for assisted reproduction. In the presence of the leukaemia-inhibiting factor (LIF), it was possible to culture a subpopulation of the luteinizing granulosa cells over prolonged time periods. Furthermore, when embedded in a matrix consisting of collagen type I, these cells continued to express the FSH receptor over prolonged time periods, developed globular formations that surrogated as follicle-like structures, providing a promising tool for reproductive biology.