BMP-SMAD-ID promotes reprogramming to pluripotency by inhibiting p16/INK4A-dependent senescence

Microfluidic captured patient-derived circulating endothelial cells identify novel targets of pulmonary arterial hypertension

Endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction and gene expression abnormalities in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) vary among patients. Existing PAH cell sources, often from lung transplant patients, are influenced by drug treatments and are inadequate for identifying early-stage PAH genes. We propose isolating viable circulating endothelial cells (CECs) from the whole blood of PAH patients to evaluate their potential as surrogates for PAH-ECs and discover novel gene expression profiles relevant to PAH. We developed a microfluidic bioengineering system to directly detect and separate CECs from the blood of PAH patients. Viable CECs were isolated and compared with those from healthy individuals and PAH patients. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, and the role of the novel gene PRND in PAH was investigated using in vitro, genomic, and in vivo methods. CEC levels were higher in PAH patients and correlated with disease severity. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 138 DEGs when comparing healthy controls with PAH patients of intermediate severity. These DEGs were associated with PAH-specific markers and angiogenesis. The Doppel (PRND) gene, previously unlinked to PAH, was significantly upregulated in PAH-CECs and PAH-ECs. Overexpression of Doppel in human PAH-ECs matched 13-15 % of DEGs related to hypoxia and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). Doppel blocking or knockdown in ECs activated the BMPRII/pSMAD1/5 pathway and altered EndMT-related gene levels, while Doppel-knockout mice showed reduced right ventricular systolic pressure in Sugen/Hypoxia PH model. Collectively our findings demonstrate that PAH patient-derived CECs are a promising tool for identifying novel genes involved in PAH pathogenesis.

Nanohybrid Hydrogel with Dual Functions: Controlled Low-Temperature Photothermal Antibacterial Activity and Promoted Regeneration for Treating MRSA-Infected Bone Defects

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-related bone defects pose significant clinical challenges due to treatment failures. Here, an injectable nanohybrid hydrogel (FND-ZHD) is developed that combines controlled low-temperature photothermal antibacterial therapy with enhanced bone regeneration. The hydrogel uses Pluronic F-127 as the matrix, incorporating polydopamine-coated nano-hydroxyapatite and zinc oxide nanoparticles encapsulated with polydopamine and hyaluronic acid, forming a sophisticated nanostructured composite. Under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation, the FND-ZHD hydrogel exhibits efficient photothermal properties, enabling precise low-temperature photothermal therapy to eliminate MRSA infections. The photothermal process generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), contributing to potent antibacterial activity, while the hydrogel design allows self-elimination of excess ROS to minimize cytotoxicity. Simultaneously, the hydrogel enhances bone regeneration by upregulating heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), promoting osteogenic differentiation and accelerating bone repair. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate that the FND-ZHD hydrogel not only possesses strong antibacterial efficacy against MRSA but also significantly improves bone healing in infected bone defect models. This dual-function strategy leverages the synergistic effects of nanomaterials at the nano- and microscale, achieving simultaneous antibacterial action and bone regeneration. The work highlights the potential of nanotechnology-based multifunctional biomaterials in addressing complex medical problems, paving the way for advanced therapies in orthopedic and regenerative medicine.

Reprogramming of skin fibroblasts by 3D spheroid culture promotes peripheral nerve regeneration via the ID3/semaphorin7a pathway

Peripheral nerve injury remains an intractable clinical issue with high morbidity, causing an excessive burden on the economy and society. Peripheral nerve tissue engineering combined with nerve conduits and supporting seed cells is considered a promising strategy for treating of long nerve defects. However, supporting seed cell sources that are easily accessible, capable of rapid expansion, and do not require genetic intervention are still urgently needed. This study intended to clarify whether the easily accessible and rapid expansion skin fibroblasts are the ideal supporting seed cells and can be reprogrammed into neural progenitor-like cells (NPCs) by forcing them to grow into a three-dimensional (3D) spheroid morphology. Results showed that 3D spheroid mouse dermal fibroblasts (MDFs) exhibited neural cell-like properties and could efficiently induce dorsal root ganglion neurons to extend the neurites. Transplantation of 3D spheroid MDFs significantly accelerated the regeneration of the sciatic nerve and improved the motor function of rats after transection compared to monolayer MDFs. Mechanism studies revealed that 3D spheroid culture significantly upregulated the expressions of the inhibitor of DNA binding 3 (ID3) and the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). The upregulation of the inhibitor of DNA binding 3 in 3D spheroid MDFs plays a critical role in acquiring NPC properties. Meanwhile, the upregulated ID3 and HIF-1α could synergistically upregulate semaphorin7a expression, which finally improved the extending of nerve axon in vitro and in vivo. This study may shed new light on treatments for peripheral nerve injury.

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva emerges from obscurity

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), a disorder of congenital skeletal malformations and progressive extraskeletal ossification, is the most severe form of heterotopic ossification (HO) in humans. Gain-of-function pathogenic variants in activin A receptor type I (ACVR1), a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) type 1 receptor, cause FOP by dramatically altering the normal physiologic functions of ACVR1, impacting BMP signaling and other interacting pathways. These alterations affect various systems, including inflammation, innate immunity, hypoxia sensing, wound healing, aging, temperature and mechanical thresholds, pain sensitivity, skeletal growth, diarthrodial joint patterning, joint function and fate, and HO. This article examines the emergent properties of FOP's diverse phenotypes, proposes a schema for targeting these phenotypes, and highlights outstanding questions and knowledge gaps.

Generation of human induced pluripotent stem cell lines derived from two glucose transporter 1 deficiency syndrome patients

Glucose transporter 1 deficiency syndrome (GLUT1DS), caused by impaired glucose transport at the blood-brain barriers, leads to various central nervous system dysfunctions. A comprehensive understanding of the underlying disease pathogenesis is still lacking. In this study, we have generated GLUT1DS-specific human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) derived from two patients. These established GLUT1DS-specific hiPSC lines showed self-renewal and pluripotency and carried heterozygous frameshift or missense mutations in the responsible SLC2A1 gene. These novel cell resources provide new avenues for understanding disease mechanisms and developing new therapies for GLUT1DS.

Generation of human induced pluripotent stem cell lines derived from patients of cystic biliary atresia

Biliary atresia (BA), resulting from abnormal development of the liver's internal or external bile ducts, can lead to liver damage and potentially fatal cirrhosis. Type I cystic biliary atresia is a relatively uncommon, but clinically significant variant of BA. It is critical to develop experimental models of BA to examine the etiology and pathogenesis, which remain elusive, and to develop future therapeutics. Here, we have successfully generated a panel of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) from five Japanese patients carrying type I cystic BA. These hiPSC lines exhibited characteristics of self-renewal and pluripotency. These cells held normal karyotypes mostly, but one of them carried hemizygous deletions, the clinical significance of which is unknown yet. Whole genome sequence analysis indicated that some of the mutations or single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) commonly found in these patients are related to hepatobiliary abnormality. Given the limited understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of cystic BA, attributed to unknown factors of genetic and environmental causes, these cellular resources will be instrumental in replicating disease phenotypes and in advancing novel therapies for this disease.

Complete suspension culture of human induced pluripotent stem cells supplemented with suppressors of spontaneous differentiation

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are promising resources for producing various types of tissues in regenerative medicine; however, the improvement in a scalable culture system that can precisely control the cellular status of hiPSCs is needed. Utilizing suspension culture without microcarriers or special materials allows for massive production, automation, cost-effectiveness, and safety assurance in industrialized regenerative medicine. Here, we found that hiPSCs cultured in suspension conditions with continuous agitation without microcarriers or extracellular matrix components were more prone to spontaneous differentiation than those cultured in conventional adherent conditions. Adding PKCβ and Wnt signaling pathway inhibitors in the suspension conditions suppressed the spontaneous differentiation of hiPSCs into ectoderm and mesendoderm, respectively. In these conditions, we successfully completed the culture processes of hiPSCs, including the generation of hiPSCs from peripheral blood mononuclear cells with the expansion of bulk population and single-cell sorted clones, long-term culture with robust self-renewal characteristics, single-cell cloning, direct cryopreservation from suspension culture and their successful recovery, and efficient mass production of a clinical-grade hiPSC line. Our results demonstrate that precise control of the cellular status in suspension culture conditions paves the way for their stable and automated clinical application.

Timing and Graded BMP Signalling Determines Fate of Neural Crest and Ectodermal Placode Derivatives from Pluripotent Stem Cells

Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) offer many potential research and clinical benefits due to their ability to differentiate into nearly every cell type in the body. They are often used as model systems to study early stages of ontogenesis to better understand key developmental pathways, as well as for drug screening. However, in order to fully realise the potential of PSCs and their translational applications, a deeper understanding of developmental pathways, especially in humans, is required. Several signalling molecules play important roles during development and are required for proper differentiation of PSCs. The concentration and timing of signal activation are important, with perturbations resulting in improper development and/or pathology. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are one such key group of signalling molecules involved in the specification and differentiation of various cell types and tissues in the human body, including those related to tooth and otic development. In this review, we describe the role of BMP signalling and its regulation, the consequences of BMP dysregulation in disease and differentiation, and how PSCs can be used to investigate the effects of BMP modulation during development, mainly focusing on otic development. Finally, we emphasise the unique role of BMP4 in otic specification and how refined understanding of controlling its regulation could lead to the generation of more robust and reproducible human PSC-derived otic organoids for research and translational applications.

Cellular senescence by loss of Men1 in osteoblasts is critical for age-related osteoporosis

Recent evidence suggests an association between age-related osteoporosis and cellular senescence in the bone; however, the specific bone cells that play a critical role in age-related osteoporosis and the mechanism remain unknown. Results revealed that age-related osteoporosis is characterized by the loss of osteoblast Men1. Osteoblast-specific inducible knockout of Men1 caused structural changes in the mice bones, matching the phenotypes in patients with age-related osteoporosis. Histomorphometrically, Men1-knockout mice femurs decreased osteoblastic activity and increased osteoclastic activity, hallmarks of age-related osteoporosis. Loss of Men1 induces cellular senescence via mTORC1 activation and AMPK suppression, rescued by metformin treatment. In bone morphogenetic protein-indued bone model, loss of Men1 leads to accumulation of senescent cells and osteoporotic bone formation, which are ameliorated by metformin. Our results indicate that cellular senescence in osteoblasts plays a critical role in age-related osteoporosis and that osteoblast-specific inducible Men1-knockout mice offer a promising model for developing therapeutics for age-related osteoporosis.

Generation of MBP-tdTomato reporter human induced pluripotent stem cell line for live myelin visualization

Myelin basic protein (MBP) is a major component of the myelin sheaths of oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system and Schwann cells of the peripheral nervous system. Here we generated heterozygous fluorescent reporter of MBP gene in human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology was employed to knock in fused tdTomato fluorescent protein and EF1 alpha promoter-driven Bleomycin (Zeocin) resistance gene to the translational MBP C-terminal region. The resulting line, MBP-TEZ, showed tdTomato fluorescence upon oligodendrocyte differentiation. This reporter hiPSC line provides a precedential opportunity for monitoring human myelin formation and degeneration and purifying MBP-expressing cell lineages.

An engineered human cardiac tissue model reveals contributions of systemic lupus erythematosus autoantibodies to myocardial injury

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogenous autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs, including the heart. The mechanisms of myocardial injury in SLE remain poorly understood. In this study, we engineered human cardiac tissues and cultured them with IgG from patients with SLE, with and without myocardial involvement. IgG from patients with elevated myocardial inflammation exhibited increased binding to apoptotic cells within cardiac tissues subjected to stress, whereas IgG from patients with systolic dysfunction exhibited enhanced binding to the surface of live cardiomyocytes. Functional assays and RNA sequencing revealed that, in the absence of immune cells, IgG from patients with systolic dysfunction altered cellular composition, respiration and calcium handling. Phage immunoprecipitation sequencing (PhIP-seq) confirmed distinctive IgG profiles between patient subgroups. Coupling IgG profiling with cell surfaceome analysis identified four potential pathogenic autoantibodies that may directly affect the myocardium. Overall, these insights may improve patient risk stratification and inform the development of new therapeutic strategies.

Cell fate decision by a morphogen-transcription factor-chromatin modifier axis

Cell fate decisions remain poorly understood at the molecular level. Embryogenesis provides a unique opportunity to analyze molecular details associated with cell fate decisions. Works based on model organisms have provided a conceptual framework of genes that specify cell fate control, for example, transcription factors (TFs) controlling processes from pluripotency to immunity1. How TFs specify cell fate remains poorly understood. Here we report that SALL4 relies on NuRD (nucleosome-remodeling and deacetylase complex) to interpret BMP4 signal and decide cell fate in a well-controlled in vitro system. While NuRD complex cooperates with SALL4 to convert mouse embryonic fibroblasts or MEFs to pluripotency, BMP4 diverts the same process to an alternative fate, PrE (primitive endoderm). Mechanistically, BMP4 signals the dissociation of SALL4 from NuRD physically to establish a gene regulatory network for PrE. Our results provide a conceptual framework to explore the rich landscapes of cell fate choices intrinsic to development in higher organisms involving morphogen-TF-chromatin modifier pathways.

PRDM6 promotes medulloblastoma by repressing chromatin accessibility and altering gene expression

SNCAIP duplication may promote Group 4 medulloblastoma via induction of PRDM6, a poorly characterized member of the PRDF1 and RIZ1 homology domain-containing (PRDM) family of transcription factors. Here, we investigated the function of PRDM6 in human hindbrain neuroepithelial stem cells and tested PRDM6 as a driver of Group 4 medulloblastoma. We report that human PRDM6 localizes predominantly to the nucleus, where it causes widespread repression of chromatin accessibility and complex alterations of gene expression patterns. Genome-wide mapping of PRDM6 binding reveals that PRDM6 binds to chromatin regions marked by histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation that are located within, or proximal to, genes. Moreover, we show that PRDM6 expression in neuroepithelial stem cells promotes medulloblastoma. Surprisingly, medulloblastomas derived from PRDM6-expressing neuroepithelial stem cells match human Group 3, but not Group 4, medulloblastoma. We conclude that PRDM6 expression has oncogenic potential but is insufficient to drive Group 4 medulloblastoma from neuroepithelial stem cells. We propose that both PRDM6 and additional factors, such as specific cell-of-origin features, are required for Group 4 medulloblastoma. Given the lack of PRDM6 expression in normal tissues and its oncogenic potential shown here, we suggest that PRDM6 inhibition may have therapeutic value in PRDM6-expressing medulloblastomas.

Tracking single hiPSC-derived cardiomyocyte contractile function using CONTRAX an efficient pipeline for traction force measurement

Cardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC-CMs) are powerful in vitro models to study the mechanisms underlying cardiomyopathies and cardiotoxicity. Quantification of the contractile function in single hiPSC-CMs at high-throughput and over time is essential to disentangle how cellular mechanisms affect heart function. Here, we present CONTRAX, an open-access, versatile, and streamlined pipeline for quantitative tracking of the contractile dynamics of single hiPSC-CMs over time. Three software modules enable: parameter-based identification of single hiPSC-CMs; automated video acquisition of >200 cells/hour; and contractility measurements via traction force microscopy. We analyze >4,500 hiPSC-CMs over time in the same cells under orthogonal conditions of culture media and substrate stiffnesses; +/- drug treatment; +/- cardiac mutations. Using undirected clustering, we reveal converging maturation patterns, quantifiable drug response to Mavacamten and significant deficiencies in hiPSC-CMs with disease mutations. CONTRAX empowers researchers with a potent quantitative approach to develop cardiac therapies.

Generation of human induced pluripotent stem cell lines derived from four Rett syndrome patients with MECP2 mutations

Rett syndrome is characterized by severe global developmental impairments with autistic features and loss of purposeful hand skills. Here we show that human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) lines derived from four Japanese female patients with Rett syndrome are generated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells using Sendai virus vectors. The generated hiPSC lines showed self-renewal and pluripotency and carried heterozygous frameshift, missense, or nonsense mutations in the MECP2 gene. Since the molecular pathogenesis caused by MECP2 dysfunction remains unclear, these cell resources are useful tools to establish disease models and develop new therapies for Rett syndrome.

Silibinin is a suppressor of the metastasis-promoting transcription factor ID3

BACKGROUND

ID3 (inhibitor of DNA binding/differentiation-3) is a transcription factor that enables metastasis by promoting stem cell-like properties in endothelial and tumor cells. The milk thistle flavonolignan silibinin is a phytochemical with anti-metastatic potential through largely unknown mechanisms.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

We have mechanistically investigated the ability of silibinin to inhibit the aberrant activation of ID3 in brain endothelium and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) models.

METHODS

Bioinformatic analyses were performed to investigate the co-expression correlation between ID3 and bone morphogenic protein (BMP) ligands/BMP receptors (BMPRs) genes in NSCLC patient datasets. ID3 expression was assessed by immunoblotting and qRT-PCR. Luciferase reporter assays were used to evaluate the gene sequences targeted by silibinin to regulate ID3 transcription. In silico computational modeling and LanthaScreen TR-FRET kinase assays were used to characterize and validate the BMPR inhibitory activity of silibinin. Tumor tissues from NSCLC xenograft models treated with oral silibinin were used to evaluate the in vivo anti-ID3 effects of silibinin.

RESULTS

Analysis of lung cancer patient datasets revealed a top-ranked positive association of ID3 with the BMP9 endothelial receptor ACVRL1/ALK1 and the BMP ligand BMP6. Silibinin treatment blocked the BMP9-induced activation of the ALK1-phospho-SMAD1/5-ID3 axis in brain endothelial cells. Constitutive, acquired, and adaptive expression of ID3 in NSCLC cells were all significantly downregulated in response to silibinin. Silibinin blocked ID3 transcription via BMP-responsive elements in ID3 gene enhancers. Silibinin inhibited the kinase activities of BMPRs in the micromolar range, with the lower IC50 values occurring against ACVRL1/ALK1 and BMPR2. In an in vivo NSCLC xenograft model, tumoral overexpression of ID3 was completely suppressed by systematically achievable oral doses of silibinin.

CONCLUSIONS

ID3 is a largely undruggable metastasis-promoting transcription factor. Silibinin is a novel suppressor of ID3 that may be explored as a novel therapeutic approach to interfere with the metastatic dissemination capacity of NSCLC.

Superior Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Generation through Phactr3-Driven Mechanomodulation of Both Early and Late Phases of Cell Reprogramming

Human cell reprogramming traditionally involves time-intensive, multistage, costly tissue culture polystyrene-based cell culture practices that ultimately produce low numbers of reprogrammed cells of variable quality. Previous studies have shown that very soft 2- and 3-dimensional hydrogel substrates/matrices (of stiffnesses ≤ 1 kPa) can drive ~2× improvements in human cell reprogramming outcomes. Unfortunately, these similarly complex multistage protocols lack intrinsic scalability, and, furthermore, the associated underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated, limiting the potential to further maximize reprogramming outcomes. In screening the largest range of polyacrylamide (pAAm) hydrogels of varying stiffness to date (1 kPa to 1.3 MPa), we have found that a medium stiffness gel (~100 kPa) increased the overall number of reprogrammed cells by up to 10-fold (10×), accelerated reprogramming kinetics, improved both early and late phases of reprogramming, and produced induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) having more naïve characteristics and lower remnant transgene expression, compared to the gold standard tissue culture polystyrene practice. Functionalization of these pAAm hydrogels with poly-l-dopamine enabled, for the first-time, continuous, single-step reprogramming of fibroblasts to iPSCs on hydrogel substrates (noting that even the tissue culture polystyrene practice is a 2-stage process). Comparative RNA sequencing analyses coupled with experimental validation revealed that a novel reprogramming regulator, protein phosphatase and actin regulator 3, up-regulated under the gel condition at a very early time point, was responsible for the observed enhanced reprogramming outcomes. This study provides a novel culture protocol and substrate for continuous hydrogel-based cell reprogramming and previously unattained clarity of the underlying mechanisms via which substrate stiffness modulates reprogramming kinetics and iPSC quality outcomes.

The NRF2/ID2 Axis in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells: Novel Insights into the Interplay between Vascular Calcification and Aging

Vascular calcification (VC) increases with age and markedly exacerbates the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, effective pharmaceutical interventions are lacking and the molecular mechanisms linking aging to VC remain elusive. This study explored the role of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) in age-associated VC, specifically focusing on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) senescence. Using a chronologically aging mouse model, we noted a significant decline in the expression of NRF2 in the aged mice aortas, coinciding with increased VC. Administering NRF2 activators effectively reduced calcification. By establishing adenine-and vitamin D-induced VC models in VSMC-specific Nrf2 knockout (Nrf2SMCKO) mice, there was an increase in VC with increased VSMC senescence. Aortic rings and primary VSMCs from Nrf2SMCKO mice also showed increased VC under high-phosphate conditions. Furthermore, Nrf2 overexpression inhibited VSMC calcification with decreased VSMC senescence and an osteogenic phenotype, whereas Nrf2 silencing aggravated calcification. Transcriptome RNA-seq analysis of the aortas from Nrf2SMCKO and control mice revealed that inhibitor of DNA binding 2 (Id2) is a core downstream gene of NRF2. Id2 overexpression alleviated NRF2 knockdown-induced VC and VSMC senescence, while silencing Id2 negated the protective effects of NRF2. Moreover, results of a dual luciferase reporter assay indicated that NRF2 promotes the transcriptional activity of the Id2 gene promoter region. This study emphasizes the critical role of age-related NRF2 dysfunction in the nexus between VSMC senescence and VC. The NRF2-ID2 axis in VSMCs has been proposed as a promising therapeutic target for reducing VC and mitigating age-related cardiovascular diseases.

Cell Senescence in Heterotopic Ossification

The formation of bone outside the normal skeleton, or heterotopic ossification (HO), occurs through genetic and acquired mechanisms. Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), the most devastating genetic condition of HO, is due to mutations in the ACVR1/ALK2 gene and is relentlessly progressive. Acquired HO is mostly precipitated by injury or orthopedic surgical procedures but can also be associated with certain conditions related to aging. Cellular senescence is a hallmark of aging and thought to be a tumor-suppressive mechanism with characteristic features such as irreversible growth arrest, apoptosis resistance, and an inflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Here, we review possible roles for cellular senescence in HO and how targeting senescent cells may provide new therapeutic approaches to both FOP and acquired forms of HO.

Glycogen synthase kinase 3 signaling in neural regeneration in vivo

Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) signaling plays important and broad roles in regulating neural development in vitro and in vivo. Here, we reviewed recent findings of GSK3-regulated axon regeneration in vivo in both the peripheral and central nervous systems and discussed a few controversial findings in the field. Overall, current evidence indicates that GSK3β signaling serves as an important downstream mediator of the PI3K-AKT pathway to regulate axon regeneration in parallel with the mTORC1 pathway. Specifically, the mTORC1 pathway supports axon regeneration mainly through its role in regulating cap-dependent protein translation, whereas GSK3β signaling might be involved in regulating N6-methyladenosine mRNA methylation-mediated, cap-independent protein translation. In addition, GSK3 signaling also plays a key role in reshaping the neuronal transcriptomic landscape during neural regeneration. Finally, we proposed some research directions to further elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulatory function of GSK3 signaling and discover novel GSK3 signaling-related therapeutic targets. Together, we hope to provide an updated and insightful overview of how GSK3 signaling regulates neural regeneration in vivo.

An engineered human cardiac tissue model reveals contributions of systemic lupus erythematosus autoantibodies to myocardial injury

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a highly heterogenous autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs, including the heart. The mechanisms by which myocardial injury develops in SLE, however, remain poorly understood. Here we engineered human cardiac tissues and cultured them with IgG fractions containing autoantibodies from SLE patients with and without myocardial involvement. We observed unique binding patterns of IgG from two patient subgroups: (i) patients with severe myocardial inflammation exhibited enhanced binding to apoptotic cells within cardiac tissues subjected to stress, and (ii) patients with systolic dysfunction exhibited enhanced binding to the surfaces of viable cardiomyocytes. Functional assays and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) revealed that IgGs from patients with systolic dysfunction exerted direct effects on engineered tissues in the absence of immune cells, altering tissue cellular composition, respiration and calcium handling. Autoantibody target characterization by phage immunoprecipitation sequencing (PhIP-seq) confirmed distinctive IgG profiles between patient subgroups. By coupling IgG profiling with cell surface protein analyses, we identified four pathogenic autoantibody candidates that may directly alter the function of cells within the myocardium. Taken together, these observations provide insights into the cellular processes of myocardial injury in SLE that have the potential to improve patient risk stratification and inform the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Retrospective identification of cell-intrinsic factors that mark pluripotency potential in rare somatic cells

Pluripotency can be induced in somatic cells by the expression of OCT4, KLF4, SOX2, and MYC. Usually only a rare subset of cells reprogram, and the molecular characteristics of this subset remain unknown. We apply retrospective clone tracing to identify and characterize the rare human fibroblasts primed for reprogramming. These fibroblasts showed markers of increased cell cycle speed and decreased fibroblast activation. Knockdown of a fibroblast activation factor identified by our analysis increased the reprogramming efficiency. We provide evidence for a unified model in which cells can move into and out of the primed state over time, explaining how reprogramming appears deterministic at short timescales and stochastic at long timescales. Furthermore, inhibiting the activity of LSD1 enlarged the pool of cells that were primed for reprogramming. Thus, even homogeneous cell populations can exhibit heritable molecular variability that can dictate whether individual rare cells will reprogram or not.

Cultivation, Differentiation, and Lentiviral Transduction of Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell (hiPSC)-Derived Glutamatergic Neurons for Studying Human Tau

Tau pathology is a major hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases summarized under the term tauopathies. In most of these disorders,  such as Alzheimer's disease, the neuronal axonal microtubule-binding Tau protein becomes mislocalized to the somatodendritic compartment. In human disease, this missorting of Tau is accompanied by an abnormally high phosphorylation state of the Tau protein, and several downstream pathological consequences (e.g., loss of microtubules, degradation of postsynaptic spines, impaired synaptic transmission, neuronal death). While some mechanisms of Tau sorting, missorting, and associated pathologies have been addressed in rodent models, few studies have addressed human Tau in physiological disease-relevant human neurons. Thus, suitable human-derived in vitro models are necessary. This protocol provides a simple step-by-step protocol for generating homogeneous cultures of cortical glutamatergic neurons using an engineered Ngn2 transgene-carrying WTC11 iPSC line. We further demonstrate strategies to improve neuronal maturity, that is, synapse formation, Tau isoform expression, and neuronal activity by co-culturing hiPSC-derived glutamatergic neurons with mouse-derived astrocytes. Finally, we describe a simple protocol for high-efficiency lentiviral transduction of hiPSC-derived neurons at almost all stages of differentiation.

ASCL1 characterizes adrenergic neuroblastoma via its pioneer function and cooperation with core regulatory circuit factors

Neuroblastoma originates from developing neural crest and can interconvert between the mesenchymal (MES) and adrenergic (ADRN) states, each of which are controlled by different sets of transcription factors forming the core regulatory circuit (CRC). However, the roles of CRC factors in induction and maintenance of specific state are poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that overexpression of ASCL1, an ADRN CRC factor, in MES neuroblastoma cells opens closed chromatin at the promoters of key ADRN genes, accompanied by epigenetic activation and establishment of enhancer-promoter interactions, initiating the ADRN gene expression program. ASCL1 inhibits the transforming growth factor β-SMAD2/3 pathway but activates the bone morphogenetic protein SMAD1-ID3/4 pathway. ASCL1 and other CRC members potentiate each other's activity, increasing the expression of the original targets and inducing a new set of genes, thereby fully inducing the ADRN program. Our results demonstrate that ASCL1 serves as a pioneer factor and cooperates with CRC factors to characterize the ADRN gene expression program.

Human iPSCs as Model Systems for BMP-Related Rare Diseases

Disturbances in bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signalling contribute to onset and development of a number of rare genetic diseases, including Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). After decades of animal research to build a solid foundation in understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms, the progressive implementation of iPSC-based patient-derived models will improve drug development by addressing drug efficacy, specificity, and toxicity in a complex humanized environment. We will review the current state of literature on iPSC-derived model systems in this field, with special emphasis on the access to patient source material and the complications that may come with it. Given the essential role of BMPs during embryonic development and stem cell differentiation, gain- or loss-of-function mutations in the BMP signalling pathway may compromise iPSC generation, maintenance, and differentiation procedures. This review highlights the need for careful optimization of the protocols used. Finally, we will discuss recent developments towards complex in vitro culture models aiming to resemble specific tissue microenvironments with multi-faceted cellular inputs, such as cell mechanics and ECM together with organoids, organ-on-chip, and microfluidic technologies.

PRDM6 promotes medulloblastoma by repressing chromatin accessibility and altering gene expression

SNCAIP duplication may promote Group 4 medulloblastoma via induction of PRDM6, a poorly characterized member of the PRDF1 and RIZ1 homology domain-containing (PRDM) family of transcription factors. Here, we investigated the function of PRDM6 in human hindbrain neuroepithelial stem cells and tested PRDM6 as a driver of Group 4 medulloblastoma. We report that human PRDM6 localizes predominantly to the nucleus, where it causes widespread repression of chromatin accessibility and complex alterations of gene expression patterns. Genome-wide mapping of PRDM6 binding reveals that PRDM6 binds to chromatin regions marked by histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation that are located within, or proximal to, genes. Moreover, we show that PRDM6 expression in neuroepithelial stem cells promotes medulloblastoma. Surprisingly, medulloblastomas derived from PRDM6-expressing neuroepithelial stem cells match human Group 3, but not Group 4, medulloblastoma. We conclude that PRDM6 expression has oncogenic potential but is insufficient to drive Group 4 medulloblastoma from neuroepithelial stem cells. We propose that both PRDM6 and additional factors, such as specific cell-of-origin features, are required for Group 4 medulloblastoma. Given the lack of PRDM6 expression in normal tissues and its oncogenic potential shown here, we suggest that PRDM6 inhibition may have therapeutic value in PRDM6-expressing medulloblastomas.

Low RNA stability signifies increased post-transcriptional regulation of cell identity genes

Cell identity genes are distinct from other genes with respect to the epigenetic mechanisms to activate their transcription, e.g. by super-enhancers and broad H3K4me3 domains. However, it remains unclear whether their post-transcriptional regulation is also unique. We performed a systematic analysis of transcriptome-wide RNA stability in nine cell types and found that unstable transcripts were enriched in cell identity-related pathways while stable transcripts were enriched in housekeeping pathways. Joint analyses of RNA stability and chromatin state revealed significant enrichment of super-enhancers and broad H3K4me3 domains at the gene loci of unstable transcripts. Intriguingly, the RNA m6A methyltransferase, METTL3, preferentially binds to chromatin at super-enhancers, broad H3K4me3 domains and their associated genes. METTL3 binding intensity is positively correlated with RNA m6A methylation and negatively correlated with RNA stability of cell identity genes, probably due to co-transcriptional m6A modifications promoting RNA decay. Nanopore direct RNA-sequencing showed that METTL3 knockdown has a stronger effect on RNA m6A and mRNA stability for cell identity genes. Our data suggest a run-and-brake model, where cell identity genes undergo both frequent transcription and fast RNA decay to achieve precise regulation of RNA expression.

Development of a next-generation endogenous OCT4 inducer and its anti-aging effect in vivo

The identification of small molecules capable of replacing transcription factors has been a longstanding challenge in the generation of human chemically induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Recent studies have shown that ectopic expression of OCT4, one of the master pluripotency regulators, compromised the developmental potential of resulting iPSCs, This highlights the importance of finding endogenous OCT4 inducers for the generation of clinical-grade human iPSCs. Through a cell-based high throughput screen, we have discovered several new OCT4-inducing compounds (O4Is). In this work, we prepared metabolically stable analogues, including O4I4, which activate endogenous OCT4 and associated signaling pathways in various cell lines. By combining these with a transcription factor cocktail consisting of SOX2, KLF4, MYC, and LIN28 (referred to as "CSKML") we achieved to reprogram human fibroblasts into a stable and authentic pluripotent state without the need for exogenous OCT4. In Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila, O4I4 extends lifespan, suggesting the potential application of OCT4-inducing compounds in regenerative medicine and rejuvenation therapy.

A pluripotent developmental state confers a low fidelity of chromosome segregation

During in vitro propagation, human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) frequently become aneuploid with incorrect chromosome numbers due to mitotic chromosome segregation errors. Yet, it is not understood why hPSCs exhibit a low mitotic fidelity. Here, we investigate the mechanisms responsible for mitotic errors in hPSCs and show that the primary cause is lagging chromosomes in anaphase with improper merotelic microtubule attachments. Accordingly, short-term treatment (<24 h) with small molecules that prolong mitotic duration or destabilize chromosome microtubule attachments reduces merotelic errors and lagging chromosome rates, although hPSCs adapt and lagging chromosome rates rebound upon long-term (>24 h) microtubule destabilization. Strikingly, we also demonstrate that mitotic error rates correlate with developmental potential decreasing or increasing upon loss or gain of pluripotency, respectively. Thus, a low mitotic fidelity is an inherent and conserved phenotype of hPSCs. Moreover, chromosome segregation fidelity depends on developmental state in normal human cells.

Retrospective identification of intrinsic factors that mark pluripotency potential in rare somatic cells

Pluripotency can be induced in somatic cells by the expression of the four "Yamanaka" factors OCT4, KLF4, SOX2, and MYC. However, even in homogeneous conditions, usually only a rare subset of cells admit reprogramming, and the molecular characteristics of this subset remain unknown. Here, we apply retrospective clone tracing to identify and characterize the individual human fibroblast cells that are primed for reprogramming. These fibroblasts showed markers of increased cell cycle speed and decreased fibroblast activation. Knockdown of a fibroblast activation factor identified by our analysis led to increased reprogramming efficiency, identifying it as a barrier to reprogramming. Changing the frequency of reprogramming by inhibiting the activity of LSD1 led to an enlarging of the pool of cells that were primed for reprogramming. Our results show that even homogeneous cell populations can exhibit heritable molecular variability that can dictate whether individual rare cells will reprogram or not.

Gene regulatory network reconfiguration in direct lineage reprogramming

In direct lineage conversion, transcription factor (TF) overexpression reconfigures gene regulatory networks (GRNs) to reprogram cell identity. We previously developed CellOracle, a computational method to infer GRNs from single-cell transcriptome and epigenome data. Using inferred GRNs, CellOracle simulates gene expression changes in response to TF perturbation, enabling in silico interrogation of network reconfiguration. Here, we combine CellOracle analysis with lineage tracing of fibroblast to induced endoderm progenitor (iEP) conversion, a prototypical direct reprogramming paradigm. By linking early network state to reprogramming outcome, we reveal distinct network configurations underlying successful and failed fate conversion. Via in silico simulation of TF perturbation, we identify new factors to coax cells into successfully converting their identity, uncovering a central role for the AP-1 subunit Fos with the Hippo signaling effector, Yap1. Together, these results demonstrate the efficacy of CellOracle to infer and interpret cell-type-specific GRN configurations, providing new mechanistic insights into lineage reprogramming.

A transcription factor atlas of directed differentiation

Transcription factors (TFs) regulate gene programs, thereby controlling diverse cellular processes and cell states. To comprehensively understand TFs and the programs they control, we created a barcoded library of all annotated human TF splice isoforms (>3,500) and applied it to build a TF Atlas charting expression profiles of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) overexpressing each TF at single-cell resolution. We mapped TF-induced expression profiles to reference cell types and validated candidate TFs for generation of diverse cell types, spanning all three germ layers and trophoblasts. Targeted screens with subsets of the library allowed us to create a tailored cellular disease model and integrate mRNA expression and chromatin accessibility data to identify downstream regulators. Finally, we characterized the effects of combinatorial TF overexpression by developing and validating a strategy for predicting combinations of TFs that produce target expression profiles matching reference cell types to accelerate cellular engineering efforts.

Bone morphogenetic protein 4 inhibits pulmonary fibrosis by modulating cellular senescence and mitophagy in lung fibroblasts

BACKGROUND

Accumulation of myofibroblasts is critical to fibrogenesis in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Senescence and insufficient mitophagy in fibroblasts contribute to their differentiation into myofibroblasts, thereby promoting the development of lung fibrosis. Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), a multifunctional growth factor, is essential for the early stage of lung development; however, the role of BMP4 in modulating lung fibrosis remains unknown.

METHODS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of BMP4 in lung fibrosis using BMP4-haplodeleted mice, BMP4-overexpressed mice, primary lung fibroblasts and lung samples from patients with IPF.

RESULTS

BMP4 expression was downregulated in IPF lungs and fibroblasts compared to control individuals, negatively correlated with fibrotic genes, and BMP4 decreased with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 stimulation in lung fibroblasts in a time- and dose-dependent manner. In mice challenged with bleomycin, BMP4 haploinsufficiency perpetuated activation of lung myofibroblasts and caused accelerated lung function decline, severe fibrosis and mortality. BMP4 overexpression using adeno-associated virus 9 vectors showed preventative and therapeutic efficacy against lung fibrosis. In vitro, BMP4 attenuated TGF-β1-induced fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation and extracellular matrix (ECM) production by reducing impaired mitophagy and cellular senescence in lung fibroblasts. Pink1 silencing by short-hairpin RNA transfection abolished the ability of BMP4 to reverse the TGF-β1-induced myofibroblast differentiation and ECM production, indicating dependence on Pink1-mediated mitophagy. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of BMP4 on fibroblast activation and differentiation was accompanied with an activation of Smad1/5/9 signalling and suppression of TGF-β1-mediated Smad2/3 signalling in vivo and in vitro.

CONCLUSION

Strategies for enhancing BMP4 signalling may represent an effective treatment for pulmonary fibrosis.

Compound C Inhibits Ovarian Cancer Progression via PI3K-AKT-mTOR-NFκB Pathway

Epithelial Ovarian cancer (OvCa) is the leading cause of death from gynecologic malignancies in the United States, with most patients diagnosed at late stages. High-grade serous cancer (HGSC) is the most common and lethal subtype. Despite aggressive surgical debulking and chemotherapy, recurrence of chemo-resistant disease occurs in ~80% of patients. Thus, developing therapeutics that not only targets OvCa cell survival, but also target their interactions within their unique peritoneal tumor microenvironment (TME) is warranted. Herein, we report therapeutic efficacy of compound C (also known as dorsomorphin) with a novel mechanism of action in OvCa. We found that CC not only inhibited OvCa growth and invasiveness, but also blunted their reciprocal crosstalk with macrophages, and mesothelial cells. Mechanistic studies indicated that compound C exerts its effects on OvCa cells through inhibition of PI3K-AKT-NFκB pathways, whereas in macrophages and mesothelial cells, CC inhibited cancer-cell-induced canonical NFκB activation. We further validated the specificity of the PI3K-AKT-NFκB as targets of compound C by overexpression of constitutively active subunits as well as computational modeling. In addition, real-time monitoring of OvCa cellular bioenergetics revealed that compound C inhibits ATP production, mitochondrial respiration, and non-mitochondrial oxygen consumption. Importantly, compound C significantly decreased tumor burden of OvCa xenografts in nude mice and increased their sensitivity to cisplatin-treatment. Moreover, compound C re-sensitized patient-derived resistant cells to cisplatin. Together, our findings highlight compound C as a potent multi-faceted therapeutic in OvCa.

STK25 inhibits PKA signaling by phosphorylating PRKAR1A

In the heart, protein kinase A (PKA) is critical for activating calcium handling and sarcomeric proteins in response to beta-adrenergic stimulation leading to increased myocardial contractility and performance. The catalytic activity of PKA is tightly regulated by regulatory subunits that inhibit the catalytic subunit until released by cAMP binding. Phosphorylation of type II regulatory subunits promotes PKA activation; however, the role of phosphorylation in type I regulatory subunits remain uncertain. Here, we utilize human induced pluripotent stem cell cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) to identify STK25 as a kinase of the type Iα regulatory subunit PRKAR1A. Phosphorylation of PRKAR1A leads to inhibition of PKA kinase activity and increased binding to the catalytic subunit in the presence of cAMP. Stk25 knockout in mice diminishes Prkar1a phosphorylation, increases Pka activity, and augments contractile response to beta-adrenergic stimulation. Together, these data support STK25 as a negative regulator of PKA signaling through phosphorylation of PRKAR1A.

BMP4 and Gremlin 1 regulate hepatic cell senescence during clinical progression of NAFLD/NASH

The role of hepatic cell senescence in human non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is not well understood. To examine this, we performed liver biopsies and extensive characterization of 58 individuals with or without NAFLD/NASH. Here, we show that hepatic cell senescence is strongly related to NAFLD/NASH severity, and machine learning analysis identified senescence markers, the BMP4 inhibitor Gremlin 1 in liver and visceral fat, and the amount of visceral adipose tissue as strong predictors. Studies in liver cell spheroids made from human stellate and hepatocyte cells show BMP4 to be anti-senescent, anti-steatotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic, whereas Gremlin 1, which is particularly highly expressed in visceral fat in humans, is pro-senescent and antagonistic to BMP4. Both senescence and anti-senescence factors target the YAP/TAZ pathway, making this a likely regulator of senescence and its effects. We conclude that senescence is an important driver of human NAFLD/NASH and that BMP4 and Gremlin 1 are novel therapeutic targets.

Bone morphogenetic protein 4 rescues the bone regenerative potential of old muscle-derived stem cells via regulation of cell cycle inhibitors

BACKGROUND

Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) promotes the osteogenic differentiation and the bone regenerative potential of muscle-derived stem cells (MDSCs). BMP4 also promotes the self-renewal of both embryonic and somatic stem cells; however, BMP4 signaling activity significantly decreases with age. Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors P16^INK4A (P16) and P18^INK4C (P18) induce early G1-phase cell cycle blockade by targeting cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6. It is still unclear if BMP4 affects the bone regenerative potential of old MDSCs through regulation of P16 and P18 expression.

METHODS

Young and old MDSCs were isolated from 3 week (young) and 2-year-old (old) mice. In vitro cell proliferation and multipotent differentiation were performed for young and old MDSCs both before and after BMP4/GFP transduction. Cell cycle genes were analyzed using Q-PCR. The bone regenerative potential of young and old MDSCs transduced with BMP4/GFP were compared using Micro-CT and histological analysis. The bone regenerative potential of young and old MDSCs was also compared between single and double transduction (higher BMP4 levels expression). The cell proliferation, mitochondrial function and osteogenic differentiation was also compared in vitro between cells that have been transduced with BMP4GFP (single and double transduction). The correlation of bone regeneration capacity of young and old MDSCs with P16 and P18 expression was further evaluated at 10 days after cell transplantation using histology and western blot analysis.

RESULTS

Old murine MDSCs (MDSCs) exhibit reduced proliferation and multi-lineage differentiation potential with or without BMP4 stimulation, when compared to young murine MDSCs. Old MDSCs express significantly higher P16 and lower P18, with more cells in the G0/1 phase and fewer cells in the G2/M phase, compared to young MDSCs. Old MDSCs retrovirally transduced to express BMP4 regenerated less bone in a critical size skull defect in CD-1 nude mice when compared to young retrovirally transduced MDSCs expressing similar BMP4 levels and contribute less to the new regenerated new bone. Importantly, both young and old MDSCs can regenerate more bone when BMP4 expression levels are increased by double-transduction with the retroviral-BMP4/GFP. However, the bone regeneration enhancement with elevated BMP4 was more profound in old MDSCs (400% at 2 weeks) compared to young MDSCs (200%). Accordingly, P18 is upregulated while P16 is downregulated after BMP4 transduction. Double transduction did not further increase cell proliferation nor mitochondrial function but did significantly increase Osx expression in both young and old MDSCs. Old MDSCs had even significant higher Osx levels as compared to young MDSCs following double transduction, while a similar Alp expression was observed between young and old MDSCs after double transduction. In addition, at 10 days after cell transplantation, old MDSCs having undergone double transduction regenerated bone more rapidly as showed by Alcian blue and Von Kossa staining. Western blot assays demonstrated that old MDSCs after retro-BMP4/GFP double transduction have significantly lower P18 expression levels when compared to young BMP4-transduced MDSCs. In addition, P18 expression was slightly increased in old MDSCs after double transduction when compared to single transduction. P16 expression was not detectable for both young and two old BMP4/GFP transduced MDSCs groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, BMP4 can offset the adverse effect of aging on the osteogenic differentiation and the bone regenerative potential of old MDSCs via up-regulation of P18 and down-regulation P16 expression.

Association of a common genetic variant with Parkinson's disease is mediated by microglia

Studies of multiple neurodegenerative disorders have identified many genetic variants that are associated with risk of disease throughout a lifetime. For example, Parkinson's disease (PD) risk is attributed in part to both coding mutations in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene and to a common noncoding variation in the 5' region of the LRRK2 locus, as identified by genome-wide association studies (GWAS). However, the mechanisms linking GWAS variants to pathogenicity are largely unknown. Here, we found that the influence of PD-associated noncoding variation on LRRK2 expression is specifically propagated through microglia and not by other cell types that express LRRK2 in the human brain. We find microglia-specific regulatory chromatin regions that modulate the LRRK2 expression in human frontal cortex and substantia nigra and confirm these results in a human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived microglia model. We showed, using a large-scale clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats interference (CRISPRi) screen, that a regulatory DNA element containing the single-nucleotide variant rs6581593 influences the LRRK2 expression in microglia. Our study demonstrates that cell type should be considered when evaluating the role of noncoding variation in disease pathogenesis and sheds light on the mechanism underlying the association of the 5' region of LRRK2 with PD risk.

Cellular direct conversion by cell penetrable OCT4-30Kc19 protein and BMP4 growth factor

Background

The number of patients suffering from osteoporosis is increasing as the elderly population increases. The demand for investigating bone regeneration strategies naturally arises. One of the approaches to induce bone regeneration is somatic cell transdifferentiation. Among the transcriptional regulators for transdifferentiation, octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) is famous for its role in the regulation of pluripotency of stem cells. Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) is another factor that is known to have a significant role in osteogenic differentiation. Previous studies have achieved transdifferentiation of cells into osteoblasts using viral and plasmid deliveries of these factors. Although these methods are efficient, viral and plasmid transfection have safety issues such as permanent gene incorporations and bacterial DNA insertions. Herein, we developed a cell penetrating protein-based strategy to induce transdifferentiation of endothelial cells into osteoblasts via nuclear delivery of OCT4 recombinant protein combined with the BMP4 treatment. For the nuclear delivery of OCT4 protein, we fused the protein with 30Kc19, a cell-penetrating and protein stabilizing protein derived from a silkworm hemolymph of Bombyx mori with low cytotoxic properties. This study proposes a promising cell-based therapy without any safety issues that existing transdifferentiation approaches had.

Methods

OCT4-30Kc19 protein with high penetrating activities and stability was synthesized for a protein-based osteogenic transdifferentiation system. Cells were treated with OCT4-30Kc19 and BMP4 to evaluate their cellular penetrating activity, cytotoxicity, osteogenic and angiogenic potentials in vitro. The osteogenic potential of 3D cell spheroids was also analyzed. In addition, in vivo cell delivery into subcutaneous tissue and cranial defect model was performed.

Results

OCT4-30Kc19 protein was produced in a soluble and stable form. OCT4-30Kc19 efficiently penetrated cells and were localized in intracellular compartments and the nucleus. Cells delivered with OCT4-30Kc19 protein combined with BMP4 showed increased osteogenesis, both in 2D and 3D culture, and showed increased angiogenesis capacity in vitro. Results from in vivo subcutaneous tissue delivery of cell-seeded scaffolds confirmed enhanced osteogenic properties of transdifferentiated HUVECs via treatment with both OCT4-30Kc19 and BMP4. In addition, in vivo mouse cranial defect experiment demonstrated successful bone regeneration of HUVECs pretreated with both OCT4-30Kc19 and BMP4.

Conclusions

Using a protein-based transdifferentiation method allows an alternative approach without utilizing any genetic modification strategies, thus providing a possibility for safer use of cell-based therapies in clinical applications.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40824-022-00280-8.

The functional multipotency of transforming growth factor β signaling at the intersection of senescence and cancer

The transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family of cytokines comprises a group of proteins, their receptors, and effector molecules that, in a coordinated manner, modulate a plethora of physiological and pathophysiological processes. TGF-β1 is the best known and plausibly most active representative of this group. It acts as an immunosuppressant, contributes to extracellular matrix remodeling, and stimulates tissue fibrosis, differentiation, angiogenesis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In recent years, this cytokine has been established as a vital regulator of organismal aging and cellular senescence. Finally, the role of TGF-β1 in cancer progression is no longer in question. Because this protein is involved in so many, often overlapping phenomena, the question arises whether it can be considered a molecular bridge linking some of these phenomena together and governing their reciprocal interactions. In this study, we reviewed the literature from the perspective of the role of various TGF-β family members as regulators of a complex mutual interplay between senescence and cancer. These aspects are then considered in a broader context of remaining TGF-β-related functions and coexisting processes. The main narrative axis in this work is centered around the interaction between the senescence of normal peritoneal cells and ovarian cancer cells. The discussion also includes examples of TGF-β activity at the interface of other normal and cancer cell types.

Proteasome regulators in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is one of the most lethal cancers with rising incidence. Despite progress in its treatment, with the introduction of more effective chemotherapy regimens in the last decade, prognosis of metastatic disease remains inferior to other cancers with long term survival being the exception. Molecular characterization of pancreatic cancer has elucidated the landscape of the disease and has revealed common lesions that contribute to pancreatic carcinogenesis. Regulation of proteostasis is critical in cancers due to increased protein turnover required to support the intense metabolism of cancer cells. The proteasome is an integral part of this regulation and is regulated, in its turn, by key transcription factors, which induce transcription of proteasome structural units. These include FOXO family transcription factors, NFE2L2, hHSF1 and hHSF2, and NF-Y. Networks that encompass proteasome regulators and transduction pathways dysregulated in pancreatic cancer such as the KRAS/ BRAF/MAPK and the Transforming growth factor beta/SMAD pathway contribute to pancreatic cancer progression. This review discusses the proteasome and its transcription factors within the pancreatic cancer cellular micro-environment. We also consider the role of stemness in carcinogenesis and the use of proteasome inhibitors as therapeutic agents.

Clearance of Senescent Cells From Injured Muscle Abrogates Heterotopic Ossification in Mouse Models of Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare genetic disease caused by mutations in activin A receptor type I/activin-like kinase 2 (ACVR1/ALK2), a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) type I receptor, resulting in the formation of extraskeletal or heterotopic ossification (HO) and other features consistent with premature aging. During the first decade of life, episodic bouts of inflammatory swellings (flare-ups) occur, which are typically triggered by soft tissue trauma. Through an endochondral process, these exacerbations ultimately result in skeletal muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and aponeuroses transforming into ectopic bone, rendering movement impossible. We have previously shown that soft tissue injury causes early FOP lesions characterized by cellular hypoxia, cellular damage, and local inflammation. Here we show that muscle injury in FOP also results in senescent cell accumulation, and that senescence promotes tissue reprogramming toward a chondrogenic fate in FOP muscle but not wild-type (WT) muscle. Using a combination of senolytic drugs we show that senescent cell clearance and reduction in the senescence associated secretory phenotype (SASP) ameliorate HO in mouse models of FOP. We conclude that injury-induced senescent cell burden and the SASP contribute to FOP lesion formation and that tissue reprogramming in FOP is mediated by cellular senescence, altering myogenic cell fate toward a chondrogenic cell fate. Furthermore, pharmacological removal of senescent cells abrogates tissue reprogramming and HO formation. Here we provide proof-of-principle evidence for senolytic drugs as a future therapeutic strategy in FOP. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

In silico-labeled ghost cytometry

Characterization and isolation of a large population of cells are indispensable procedures in biological sciences. Flow cytometry is one of the standards that offers a method to characterize and isolate cells at high throughput. When performing flow cytometry, cells are molecularly stained with fluorescent labels to adopt biomolecular specificity which is essential for characterizing cells. However, molecular staining is costly and its chemical toxicity can cause side effects to the cells which becomes a critical issue when the cells are used downstream as medical products or for further analysis. Here, we introduce a high-throughput stain-free flow cytometry called in silico-labeled ghost cytometry which characterizes and sorts cells using machine-predicted labels. Instead of detecting molecular stains, we use machine learning to derive the molecular labels from compressive data obtained with diffractive and scattering imaging methods. By directly using the compressive 'imaging' data, our system can accurately assign the designated label to each cell in real time and perform sorting based on this judgment. With this method, we were able to distinguish different cell states, cell types derived from human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, and subtypes of peripheral white blood cells using only stain-free modalities. Our method will find applications in cell manufacturing for regenerative medicine as well as in cell-based medical diagnostic assays in which fluorescence labeling of the cells is undesirable.

Generation of human induced pluripotent stem cell lines carrying homozygous JAG1 deletions

JAG1gene encodes Jagged1 protein, which is a ligand for NOTCH receptors. JAG1 mutations cause Alagille syndrome, in which liver failure occurs caused by abnormalities in the bile ducts. In this study, we generated two homozygous JAG1 knockout iPSC lines (JAG1KO iPSC) by creating indels with CRISPR-Cas9 technology. These newly generated JAG1KO iPSC lines showed similar self-renewal and pluripotency as their original iPSC WTC11 line. These iPSC lines carried deletions around the translation start codon of JAG1 gene, causing compromised Jagged1 protein expression. These JAG1KO iPSC lines are promising bioresources to studyJagged1 function in human development and pathology.

RNA-seq of buffalo fibroblasts over-expressed pluripotent-related genes to investigate characteristics of its preliminarily reprogrammed stage

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can enhance the efficiency of buffalo genetic improvements because of their differentiation potential and proliferation ability, which are similar to those of embryonic stem cells. However, very few studies have focussed on buffalo iPSCs, and a stable induction system has not been established for buffalo somatic cell reprogramming. In this study, we constructed a PiggyBac transposon vector co-expressing buffalo OCT4, C-MYC, KLF4 and SOX2 genes (PB_OMKS) separated by the nucleotide sequence of three 2A peptides and established the buffalo foetal skin fibroblast (BFSF) cell line BFSF_OMKS. RNA-seq technology and bioinformatics analysis methods were mainly employed to perform a transcriptome analysis between BFSF and BFSF_OMKS. The results revealed that over-expression of OCT4, C-MYC, KLF4 and SOX2 in BFSFs led to the activation of reprogramming-related LIF, activin, BMP4, SMAD1/5/9 and Wnt signals. These results increased our understanding of buffalo somatic cell reprogramming mechanisms and could provide a possible theory for the selection of small-molecule cocktails to promote reprogramming.

ID1/ID3 mediate the contribution of skin fibroblasts to local nerve regeneration through Itga6 in wound repair

Cutaneous wound healing requires intricate synchronization of several key processes. Among them, local nerve regeneration is known to be vitally important for proper repair. However, the underlying mechanisms of local nerve regeneration are still unclear. Fibroblasts are one of the key cell types within the skin whose role in local nerve regeneration has not been extensively studied. In our study, we found skin fibroblasts were in tight contact with regenerated nerves during wound healing, while rare interactions were shown under normal circumstances. Moreover, skin fibroblasts surrounding the nerves were shown to be activated and reprogrammed to exhibit neural cell‐like properties by upregulated expressing inhibitor of DNA binding 1 (ID1) and ID3. Furthermore, we identified the regulation of integrin α6 (Itga6) by ID1/ID3 in fibroblasts as the mechanism for axon guidance. Accordingly, transplantation of the ID1/ID3‐overexpressing fibroblasts or topical injection of ID1/ID3 lentivirus significantly promoted local nerve regeneration and wound healing following skin excision or sciatic nerve injury. Therefore, we demonstrated a new role for skin fibroblasts in nerve regeneration following local injury by directly contacting and guiding axon regrowth, which might hold therapeutic potential in peripheral nerve disorders and peripheral neuropathies in relatively chronic refractory wounds.

Id proteins: emerging roles in CNS disease and targets for modifying neural stemcell behavior

Neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) are found in the adult brain and spinal cord, and endogenous or transplanted NSPCs contribute to repair processes and regulate immune responses in the CNS. However, the molecular mechanisms of NSPC survival and integration as well as their fate determination and functionality are still poorly understood. Inhibitor of DNA binding (Id) proteins are increasingly recognized as key determinants of NSPC fate specification. Id proteins act by antagonizing the DNA-binding activity of basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors, and the balance of Id and bHLH proteins determines cell fate decisions in numerous cell types and developmental stages. Id proteins are central in responses to environmental changes, as they occur in CNS injury and disease, and cellular responses in adult NSPCs implicate Id proteins as prime candidates for manipulating stemcell behavior. Here, we outline recent advances in understanding Id protein pleiotropic functions in CNS diseases and propose an integrated view of Id proteins and their promise as potential targets in modifying stemcell behavior to ameliorate CNS disease.

Functional Genomic Screening During Somatic Cell Reprogramming Identifies DKK3 as a Roadblock of Organ Regeneration

Somatic cell reprogramming and tissue repair share relevant factors and molecular programs. Here, Dickkopf-3 (DKK3) is identified as novel factor for organ regeneration using combined transcription-factor-induced reprogramming and RNA-interference techniques. Loss of Dkk3 enhances the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells but does not affect de novo derivation of embryonic stem cells, three-germ-layer differentiation or colony formation capacity of liver and pancreatic organoids. However, DKK3 expression levels in wildtype animals and serum levels in human patients are elevated upon injury. Accordingly, Dkk3-null mice display less liver damage upon acute and chronic failure mediated by increased proliferation in hepatocytes and LGR5+ liver progenitor cell population, respectively. Similarly, recovery from experimental pancreatitis is accelerated. Regeneration onset occurs in the acinar compartment accompanied by virtually abolished canonical-Wnt-signaling in Dkk3-null animals. This results in reduced expression of the Hedgehog repressor Gli3 and increased Hedgehog-signaling activity upon Dkk3 loss. Collectively, these data reveal Dkk3 as a key regulator of organ regeneration via a direct, previously unacknowledged link between DKK3, canonical-Wnt-, and Hedgehog-signaling.

Functional Regulatory Mechanisms Underlying Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell Senescence During Cell Passages

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation is an effective periodontal regenerative therapy. MSCs are multipotent, have self-renewal ability, and can differentiate into periodontal cells. However, senescence is inevitable for MSCs. In vitro, cell senescence can be induced by long-term culture with/without cell passage. However, the regulatory mechanism of MSC senescence remains unclear. Undifferentiated MSC-specific transcription factors can regulate MSC function. Herein, we identified the regulatory transcription factors involved in MSC senescence and elucidated their mechanisms of action. We cultured human MSCs (hMSCs) with repetitive cell passages to induce cell senescence and evaluated the mRNA and protein expression of cell senescence-related genes. Additionally, we silenced the cell senescence-induced transcription factors, GATA binding protein 6 (GATA6) and SRY-box 11 (SOX11), and investigated senescence-related signaling pathways. With repeated passages, the number of senescent cells increased, while the cell proliferation capacity decreased; GATA6 mRNA expression was upregulated and that of SOX11 was downregulated. Repetitive cell passages decreased Wnt and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway-related gene expression. Silencing of GATA6 and SOX11 regulated Wnt and BMP signaling pathway-related genes and affected cell senescence-related genes; moreover, SOX11 silencing regulated GATA6 expression. Hence, we identified them as pair of regulatory transcription factors for cell senescence in hMSCs via the Wnt and BMP signaling pathways.

The whole profiling and competing endogenous RNA network analyses of noncoding RNAs in adipose-derived stem cells from diabetic, old, and young patients

Background

Mesenchymal stem cells including adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) have a considerable potential in the field of translational medicine. Unfortunately, multiple factors (e.g., older age, co-existing diabetes, and obesity) may impair cellular function, which hinders the overall effectiveness of autologous stem cell therapy. Noncoding RNAs—including microRNAs (miRNAs), long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs)—have been shown to play important roles in stem cell biology. However, the overall diabetes-related and aging-related expression patterns and interactions of these RNAs in ASCs remain unknown.

Method

The phenotypes and functions of ASCs isolated from diabetic (D-ASCs), old (O-ASCs), and young (Y-ASCs) donors were evaluated by in vitro assays. We conducted high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) in these ASCs to identify the differentially expressed (DE) RNAs. Gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analyses were performed to investigate mRNAs with significant differences among groups. The lncRNA- or circRNA-associated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks were constructed based on bioinformatics analyses and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) results. The miR-145-5p mimics were transfected into O-ASCs and verified by PCR.

Results

ASCs from diabetic and old donors showed inferior migration ability and increased cellular senescence. Furthermore, O-ASCs have decreased capacities for promoting endothelial cell angiogenesis and fibroblast migration, compared with Y-ASCs. The DE miRNAs, mRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs were successfully identified by RNA-seq in O-ASCs vs. Y-ASCs and D-ASCs vs. O-ASCs. GO and KEGG analyses demonstrated that DE mRNAs were significantly enriched in aging and cell senescence terms separately. PPI networks revealed critical DE mRNAs in the above groups. RNAs with high fold changes and low p values were validated by PCR. ceRNA networks were constructed based on bioinformatics analyses and validated RNAs. Additionally, the lncRNA RAET1E-AS1–miR-145-5p–WNT11/BMPER axis was validated by PCR and correlation analyses. Finally, the overexpression of miR-145-5p was found to rejuvenate O-ASCs phenotype and augment the functionality of these cells.

Conclusion

Our research may provide insights regarding the underlying mechanisms of ASC dysfunction; it may also offer novel targets for restoring therapeutic properties in ASCs.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-021-02388-5.