Hematopoietic commitment during embryonic stem cell differentiation in culture

NMD is required for timely cell fate transitions by fine-tuning gene expression and regulating translation

Here, Huth et al. investigated the role of components of the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) pathway in regulating embryonic stem cell (ESC) differentiation, and show that NMD controls expression levels of the translation initiation factor Eif4a2 and its premature termination codon-encoding isoform (Eif4a2^PTC). Their findings expose an intricate link between mRNA homeostasis and mTORC1 activity that must be maintained for normal dynamics of cell state transitions.

Cell fate transitions depend on balanced rewiring of transcription and translation programs to mediate ordered developmental progression. Components of the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) pathway have been implicated in regulating embryonic stem cell (ESC) differentiation, but the exact mechanism is unclear. Here we show that NMD controls expression levels of the translation initiation factor Eif4a2 and its premature termination codon-encoding isoform (Eif4a2^PTC). NMD deficiency leads to translation of the truncated eIF4A2^PTC protein. eIF4A2^PTC elicits increased mTORC1 activity and translation rates and causes differentiation delays. This establishes a previously unknown feedback loop between NMD and translation initiation. Furthermore, our results show a clear hierarchy in the severity of target deregulation and differentiation phenotypes between NMD effector KOs (Smg5 KO > Smg6 KO > Smg7 KO), which highlights heterodimer-independent functions for SMG5 and SMG7. Together, our findings expose an intricate link between mRNA homeostasis and mTORC1 activity that must be maintained for normal dynamics of cell state transitions.

Recent Advances in Developmental Hematopoiesis: Diving Deeper With New Technologies

The journey of a hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) involves the passage through successive anatomical sites where HSCs are in direct contact with their surrounding microenvironment, also known as niche. These spatial and temporal cellular interactions throughout development are required for the acquisition of stem cell properties, and for maintaining the HSC pool through balancing self-renewal, quiescence and lineage commitment. Understanding the context and consequences of these interactions will be imperative for our understanding of HSC biology and will lead to the improvement of in vitro production of HSCs for clinical purposes. The aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM) region is in this light of particular interest since this is the cradle of HSC emergence during the embryonic development of all vertebrate species. In this review, we will focus on the developmental origin of HSCs and will discuss the novel technological approaches and recent progress made to identify the cellular composition of the HSC supportive niche and the underlying molecular events occurring in the AGM region.

Assessment of the Hematopoietic Differentiation Potential of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells in 2D and 3D Culture Systems

BACKGROUND

In vitro methods for hematopoietic differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC) are a matter of priority for the in-depth research into the mechanisms of early embryogenesis. So-far, published results regarding the generation of hematopoietic cells come from studies using either 2D or 3D culture formats, hence, it is difficult to discern their particular contribution to the development of the concept of a unique in vitro model in close resemblance to in vivo hematopoiesis.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To assess using the same culture conditions and the same time course, the potential of each of these two formats to support differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells to primitive hematopoiesis without exogenous activation of Wnt signaling.

METHODS

We used in parallel 2D and 3D formats, the same culture environment and assay methods (flow cytometry, IF, qPCR) to investigate stages of commitment and specification of mesodermal, and hemogenic endothelial cells to CD34 hematopoietic cells and evaluated their clonogenic capacity in a CFU system.

RESULTS

We show an adequate formation of mesoderm, an efficient commitment to hemogenic endothelium, a higher number of CD34 hematopoietic cells, and colony-forming capacity potential only in the 3D format-supported differentiation.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that the 3D but not the 2D format ensures the induction and realization by endogenous mechanisms of human pluripotent stem cells' intrinsic differentiation program to primitive hematopoietic cells. We propose that the 3D format provides an adequate level of upregulation of the endogenous Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

Oncogenic Gata1 causes stage-specific megakaryocyte differentiation delay

The megakaryocyte/erythroid transient myeloproliferative disorder (TMD) in newborns with Down syndrome (DS) occurs when Nterminal truncating mutations of the hemopoietic transcription factor GATA1, that produce GATA1short protein (GATA1s), are acquired early in development. Prior work has shown that murine GATA1s, by itself, causes a transient yolk sac myeloproliferative disorder. However, it is unclear where in the hemopoietic cellular hierarchy GATA1s exerts its effects to produce this myeloproliferative state. Here, through a detailed examination of hemopoiesis from murine GATA1s embryonic stem cells (ESC) and GATA1s embryos we define defects in erythroid and megakaryocytic differentiation that occur late in hemopoiesis. GATA1s causes an arrest late in erythroid differentiation in vivo, and even more profoundly in ESC-derived cultures, with a marked reduction of Ter-119 cells and reduced erythroid gene expression. In megakaryopoiesis, GATA1s causes a differentiation delay at a specific stage, with accumulation of immature, kit-expressing CD41hi megakaryocytic cells. In this specific megakaryocytic compartment, there are increased numbers of GATA1s cells in S-phase of the cell cycle and a reduced number of apoptotic cells compared to GATA1 cells in the same cell compartment. There is also a delay in maturation of these immature GATA1s megakaryocytic lineage cells compared to GATA1 cells at the same stage of differentiation. Finally, even when GATA1s megakaryocytic cells mature, they mature aberrantly with altered megakaryocyte-specific gene expression and activity of the mature megakaryocyte enzyme, acetylcholinesterase. These studies pinpoint the hemopoietic compartment where GATA1s megakaryocyte myeloproliferation occurs, defining where molecular studies should now be focused to understand the oncogenic action of GATA1s.

The hemogenic endothelium: a critical source for the generation of PSC-derived hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells

In vitro generation of hematopoietic cells and especially hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are subject to intensive research in recent decades, as these cells hold great potential for regenerative medicine and autologous cell replacement therapies. Despite many attempts, in vitro, de novo generation of bona fide HSCs remains challenging, and we are still far away from their clinical use, due to insufficient functionality and quantity of the produced HSCs. The challenges of generating PSC-derived HSCs are already apparent in early stages of hemato-endothelial specification with the limitation of recapitulating complex, dynamic processes of embryonic hematopoietic ontogeny in vitro. Further, these current shortcomings imply the incompleteness of our understanding of human ontogenetic processes from embryonic mesoderm over an intermediate, specialized hemogenic endothelium (HE) to their immediate progeny, the HSCs. In this review, we examine the recent investigations of hemato-endothelial ontogeny and recently reported progress for the conversion of PSCs and other promising somatic cell types towards HSCs with the focus on the crucial and inevitable role of the HE to achieve the long-standing goal—to generate therapeutically applicable PSC-derived HSCs in vitro.

Generation and manipulation of human iPSC-derived platelets

The discovery of iPSCs has led to the ex vivo production of differentiated cells for regenerative medicine. In the case of transfusion products, the derivation of platelets from iPSCs is expected to complement our current blood-donor supplied transfusion system through donor-independent production with complete pathogen-free assurance. This derivation can also overcome alloimmune platelet transfusion refractoriness by resulting in autologous, HLA-homologous or HLA-deficient products. Several developments were necessary to produce a massive number of platelets required for a single transfusion. First, expandable megakaryocytes were established from iPSCs through transgene expression. Second, a turbulent-type bioreactor with improved platelet yield and quality was developed. Third, novel drugs that enabled efficient feeder cell-free conditions were developed. Fourth, the platelet-containing suspension was purified and resuspended in an appropriate buffer. Finally, the platelet product needed to be assured for competency and safety including non-tumorigenicity through in vitro and in vivo preclinical tests. Based on these advancements, a clinical trial has started. The generation of human iPSC-derived platelets could evolve transfusion medicine to the next stage and assure a ubiquitous, safe supply of platelet products. Further, considering the feasibility of gene manipulations in iPSCs, other platelet products may bring forth novel therapeutic measures.

Forming megakaryocytes from murine-induced pluripotent stem cells by the inducible overexpression of supporting factors

Background

Platelets are small anucleate cells that circulate in the blood in a resting state but can be activated by external cues. In case of need, platelets from blood donors can be transfused. As an alternative source, platelets can be produced from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs); however, recovered numbers are low.

Objectives

To optimize megakaryocyte (MK) and platelet output from murine iPSCs, we investigated overexpression of the transcription factors GATA‐binding factor 1 (GATA1); nuclear factor, erythroid 2; and pre–B‐cell leukemia transcription factor 1 (Pbx1) and a hyperactive variant of the small guanosine triphosphatase RhoA (RhoAhc).

Methods

To avoid off‐target effects, we generated iPSCs carrying the reverse tetracycline‐responsive transactivator M2 (rtTA‐M2) in the Rosa26 locus and expressed the factors from Tet‐inducible gammaretroviral vectors. Differentiation of iPSCs was initiated by embryoid body (EB) formation. After EB dissociation, early hematopoietic progenitors were enriched and cocultivated on OP9 feeder cells with thrombopoietin and stem cell factor to induce megakaryocyte (MK) differentiation.

Results

Overexpression of GATA1 and Pbx1 increased MK output 2‐ to 2.5‐fold and allowed prolonged collection of MK. Cytologic and ultrastructural analyses identified typical MK with enlarged cells, multilobulated nuclei, granule structures, and an internal membrane system. However, GATA1 and Pbx1 expression did not improve MK maturation or platelet release, although in vitro–generated platelets were functional in spreading on fibrinogen or collagen‐related peptide.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that the use of rtTA‐M2 transgenic iPSCs transduced with Tet‐inducible retroviral vectors allowed for gene expression at later time points during differentiation. With this strategy we could identify factors that increased in vitro MK production.

Kidney organoids: accurate models or fortunate accidents

There are now many reports of human kidney organoids generated via the directed differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) based on an existing understanding of mammalian kidney organogenesis. Such kidney organoids potentially represent tractable tools for the study of normal human development and disease with improvements in scale, structure, and functional maturation potentially providing future options for renal regeneration. The utility of such organotypic models, however, will ultimately be determined by their developmental accuracy. While initially inferred from mouse models, recent transcriptional analyses of human fetal kidney have provided greater insight into nephrogenesis. In this review, we discuss how well human kidney organoids model the human fetal kidney and how the remaining differences challenge their utility.

GATA2 deficiency and human hematopoietic development modeled using induced pluripotent stem cells

GATA2 deficiency is an inherited or sporadic genetic disorder characterized by distinct cellular deficiency, bone marrow failure, various infections, lymphedema, pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, and predisposition to myeloid malignancies resulting from heterozygous loss-of-function mutations in the GATA2 gene. How heterozygous GATA2 mutations affect human hematopoietic development or cause characteristic cellular deficiency and eventual hypoplastic myelodysplastic syndrome or leukemia is not fully understood. We used induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to study hematopoietic development in the setting of GATA2 deficiency. We performed hematopoietic differentiation using iPSC derived from patients with GATA2 deficiency and examined their ability to commit to mesoderm, hemogenic endothelial precursors (HEPs), hematopoietic stem progenitor cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. Patient-derived iPSC, either derived from fibroblasts/marrow stromal cells or peripheral blood mononuclear cells, did not show significant defects in committing to mesoderm, HEP, hematopoietic stem progenitor, or NK cells. However, HEP derived from GATA2-mutant iPSC showed impaired maturation toward hematopoietic lineages. Hematopoietic differentiation was nearly abolished from homozygous GATA2 knockout (KO) iPSC lines and markedly reduced in heterozygous KO lines compared with isogenic controls. On the other hand, correction of the mutated GATA2 allele in patient-specific iPSC did not alter hematopoietic development consistently in our model. GATA2 deficiency usually manifests within the first decade of life. Newborn and infant hematopoiesis appears to be grossly intact; therefore, our iPSC model indeed may resemble the disease phenotype, suggesting that other genetic, epigenetic, or environmental factors may contribute to bone marrow failure in these patients following birth. However, heterogeneity of PSC-based models and limitations of in vitro differentiation protocol may limit the possibility to detect subtle cellular phenotypes.

SNARE protein SEC22B regulates early embryonic development

The highly conserved SNARE protein SEC22B mediates diverse and critical functions, including phagocytosis, cell growth, autophagy, and protein secretion. However, these characterizations have thus far been limited to in vitro work. Here, we expand our understanding of the role Sec22b plays in vivo. We utilized Cre-Lox mice to delete Sec22b in three tissue compartments. With a germline deletion of Sec22b, we observed embryonic death at E8.5. Hematopoietic/endothelial cell deletion of Sec22b also resulted in in utero death. Notably, mice with Sec22b deletion in CD11c-expressing cells of the hematopoietic system survive to adulthood. These data demonstrate Sec22b contributes to early embryogenesis through activity both in hematopoietic/endothelial tissues as well as in other tissues yet to be defined.

Current Advances in Red Blood Cell Generation Using Stem Cells from Diverse Sources

Blood transfusions hold an indispensable part in the modern healthcare system. Up to date, the blood supply is largely dependent on donations. Unfortunately, collecting the clinical-grade blood products has become a challenging mission due to accelerated population aging, which not only increases the need for blood transfusions but also decreases the number of healthy donors. Moreover, individuals with severe hematological abnormalities or rare blood phenotypes need alternative therapeutic approaches instead of conventional blood transfusion. In these aspects, the concept of in vitro/ex vivo production of blood cells has been emerging and many attempts have been focused on manufacturing mature erythrocytes, so-called red blood cells (RBCs), the most common and important component among the blood derivatives. In this review, we provide a general overview regarding the current strategies for generating RBCs from various stem cell sources including pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) as well as circulating blood stem cells and the remaining challenges that must be overcome prior to their practical application.

MAPK p38alpha Kinase Influences Haematopoiesis in Embryonic Stem Cells

The activation of p38alpha kinase mediates cell response to various extracellular factors including many interleukins and growth factors important for haematopoiesis. The role of p38alpha kinase was previously analysed in particular haematopoietic cells. In this study and for the first time, the role of p38alpha kinase in haematopoiesis was studied using a model of continuous haematopoietic development in pluripotent embryonic stem cells in vitro. The expression of transcripts associated with haematopoiesis and the potential for the formation of specific haematopoietic cell colonies were compared between wild-type and mutant p38alpha gene-depleted cells. The absence of p38alpha kinase led to the inhibition of hemangioblast formation during the first step of haematopoiesis. Later, during differentiation, due to the lack of p38alpha kinase, erythrocyte maturation was impaired. Mutant p38α−/− cells also exhibited decreased potential with respect to the expansion of granulocyte colony-forming units. This effect was reversed in the absence of erythropoietin as shown by colony-forming unit assay in media for colony-forming unit granulocytes/macrophages. p38alpha kinase thus plays an important role in the differentiation of common myeloid precursor cells into granulocyte lineages.

Splitomicin, a SIRT1 Inhibitor, Enhances Hematopoietic Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells

Background and Objectives

Embryonic stem (ES) cells have pluripotent ability to differentiate into multiple tissue lineages. SIRT1 is a class III histone deacetylase which modulates chromatin remodeling, gene silencing, cell survival, metabolism, and development. In this study, we examined the effects of SIRT1 inhibitors on the hematopoietic differentiation of mouse ES cells.

Methods and Results

Treatment with the SIRT1 inhibitors, nicotinamide and splitomicin, during the hematopoietic differentiation of ES cells enhanced the production of hematopoietic progenitors and slightly up-regulated erythroid and myeloid specific gene expression. Furthermore, treatment with splitomicin increased the percentage of erythroid and myeloid lineage cells.

Conclusions

Application of the SIRT1 inhibitor splitomicin during ES cell differentiation to hematopoietic cells enhanced the yield of specific hematopoietic lineage cells from ES cells. This result suggests that SIRT1 is involved in the regulation of hematopoietic differentiation of specific lineages and that the modulation of the SIRT1 activity can be a strategy to enhance the efficiency of hematopoietic differentiation.

Quantification of Mouse Hematopoietic Progenitors' Formation Using Time-lapse Microscopy and Image Analysis

In vitro differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) towards blood cells constitutes a well-established system to study the endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition (EHT) at the onset of blood development. Assessing the emergence of small non-adherent round blood cells in the culture without disturbing it is essential to evaluate the progression of EHT and also to test conditions potentially enhancing or repressing this process. Here, we describe how to quantify the formation of mouse hematopoietic progenitors during EHT in normal conditions or following over-expression of eight essential transcription factors using time-lapse microscopy and image analysis.

Human embryonic stem cells: Distinct molecular personalities and applications in regenerative medicine

The field of stem cell biology is exciting because it provides researchers and clinicians with seemingly unlimited applications for treating many human diseases. Stem cells are a renewable source of pluripotent cells that can differentiate into nearly all human cell types. In this article we focus particularly on human embryonic stem (hES) cells, derived from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst and cultured for expansion while remaining undifferentiated, to explore their unique molecular personalities and clinical applications. The aim of this literature review is to reflect the interest in hES cells and to provide a resource for researchers and clinicians interested in the molecular characteristics of such cells. Clin. Anat. 32:354–360, 2019. © 2018 The Authors. Clinical Anatomy published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Association of Clinical Anatomists.

BAH domains and a histone-like motif in DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) regulate de novo and maintenance methylation in vivo

DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) is a multidomain protein believed to be involved only in the passive transmission of genomic methylation patterns via maintenance methylation. The mechanisms that regulate DNMT1 activity and targeting are complex and poorly understood. We used embryonic stem (ES) cells to investigate the function of the uncharacterized bromo-adjacent homology (BAH) domains and the glycine-lysine (GK) repeats that join the regulatory and catalytic domains of DNMT1. We removed the BAH domains by means of a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion within the endogenous Dnmt1 locus. The internally deleted protein failed to associate with replication foci during S phase in vivo and lost the ability to mediate maintenance methylation. The data indicate that ablation of the BAH domains causes DNMT1 to be excluded from replication foci even in the presence of the replication focus-targeting sequence (RFTS). The GK repeats resemble the N-terminal tails of histones H2A and H4 and are normally acetylated. Substitution of lysines within the GK repeats with arginines to prevent acetylation did not alter the maintenance activity of DNMT1 but unexpectedly activated de novo methylation of paternal imprinting control regions (ICRs) in mouse ES cells; maternal ICRs remained unmethylated. We propose a model under which DNMT1 deposits paternal imprints in male germ cells in an acetylation-dependent manner. These data reveal that DNMT1 responds to multiple regulatory inputs that control its localization as well as its activity and is not purely a maintenance methyltransferase but can participate in the de novo methylation of a small but essential compartment of the genome.

Embryonic Stem Cell Engineering with a Glycomimetic FGF2/BMP4 Co-Receptor Drives Mesodermal Differentiation in a Three-Dimensional Culture

Cell surface glycans, such as heparan sulfate (HS), are increasingly identified as co-regulators of growth factor signaling in early embryonic development; therefore, chemical tailoring of HS activity within the cellular glycocalyx of stem cells offers an opportunity to control their differentiation. The growth factors FGF2 and BMP4 are involved in mediating the exit of murine embryonic stem cells (mESCs) from their pluripotent state and their differentiation toward mesodermal cell types, respectively. Here, we report a method for remodeling the glycocalyx of mutant Ext1^-/- mESCs with defective biosynthesis of HS to drive their mesodermal differentiation in an embryoid body culture. Lipid-functionalized synthetic HS-mimetic glycopolymers with affinity for both FGF2 and BMP4 were introduced into the plasma membrane of Ext1^-/- mESCs, where they acted as functional co-receptors of these growth factors and facilitated signal transduction through associated MAPK and Smad signaling pathways. We demonstrate that these materials can be employed to remodel Ext1^-/- mESCs within three-dimensional embryoid body structures, providing enhanced association of BMP4 at the cell surface and driving mesodermal differentiation. As a more complete understanding of the function of HS in regulating development continues to emerge, this simple glycocalyx engineering method is poised to enable precise control over growth factor signaling activity and outcomes of differentiation in stem cells.

Making HSCs in vitro: don't forget the hemogenic endothelium

Generating a hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) in vitro from nonhematopoietic tissue has been a goal of experimental hematologists for decades. Until recently, no in vitro-derived cell has closely demonstrated the full lineage potential and self-renewal capacity of a true HSC. Studies revealing stem cell ontogeny from embryonic mesoderm to hemogenic endothelium to HSC provided the key to inducing HSC-like cells in vitro from a variety of cell types. Here we review the path to this discovery and discuss the future of autologous transplantation with in vitro-derived HSCs as a therapeutic modality.

Functional comparison of distinct Brachyury+ states in a renal differentiation assay

Mesodermal populations can be generated in vitro from mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) using three-dimensional (3-D) aggregates called embryoid bodies or two-dimensional (2-D) monolayer culture systems. Here, we investigated whether Brachyury-expressing mesodermal cells generated using 3-D or 2-D culture systems are equivalent or, instead, have different properties. Using a Brachyury-GFP/E2-Crimson reporter mESC line, we isolated Brachyury-GFP ⁺ mesoderm cells using flow-activated cell sorting and compared their gene expression profiles and ex vivo differentiation patterns. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed significant up-regulation of Cdx2, Foxf1 and Hoxb1 in the Brachyury-GFP⁺ cells isolated from the 3-D system compared with those isolated from the 2-D system. Furthermore, using an ex vivo mouse kidney rudiment assay, we found that, irrespective of their source, Brachyury-GFP⁺ cells failed to integrate into developing nephrons, which are derived from the intermediate mesoderm. However, Brachyury-GFP⁺ cells isolated under 3-D conditions appeared to differentiate into endothelial-like cells within the kidney rudiments, whereas the Brachyury-GFP⁺ isolated from the 2-D conditions only did so to a limited degree. The high expression of Foxf1 in the 3-D Brachyury-GFP⁺ cells combined with their tendency to differentiate into endothelial-like cells suggests that these mesodermal cells may represent lateral plate mesoderm.

Evaluation of hollow fiber culture for large-scale production of mouse embryonic stem cell-derived hematopoietic stem cells

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) have the ability to differentiate into all types of blood cells and can be transplanted to treat blood disorders. However, it is difficult to obtain HSCs in large quantities because of the shortage of donors. Recent efforts have focused on acquiring HSCs by differentiation of pluripotent stem cells. As a conventional differentiation method of pluripotent stem cells, the formation of embryoid bodies (EBs) is often employed. However, the size of EBs is limited by depletion of oxygen and nutrients, which prevents them from being efficient for the production of HSCs. In this study, we developed a large-scale hematopoietic differentiation approach for mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells by applying a hollow fiber (HF)/organoid culture method. Cylindrical organoids, which had the potential for further spontaneous differentiation, were established inside of hollow fibers. Using this method, we improved the proliferation rate of mouse ES cells to produce an increased HSC population and achieved around a 40-fold higher production volume of HSCs in HF culture than in conventional EB culture. Therefore, the HF/organoid culture method may be a new mass culture method to acquire pluripotent stem cell-derived HSCs.

Pluripotent stem cell-derived organoids: using principles of developmental biology to grow human tissues in a dish

Pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-derived organoids are miniature, three-dimensional human tissues generated by the application of developmental biological principles to PSCs in vitro The approach to generate organoids uses a combination of directed differentiation, morphogenetic processes, and the intrinsically driven self-assembly of cells that mimics organogenesis in the developing embryo. The resulting organoids have remarkable cell type complexity, architecture and function similar to their in vivo counterparts. In the past five years, human PSC-derived organoids with components of all three germ layers have been generated, resulting in the establishment of a new human model system. Here, and in the accompanying poster, we provide an overview of how principles of developmental biology have been essential for generating human organoids in vitro, and how organoids are now being used as a primary research tool to investigate human developmental biology.

DNA methylation of intragenic CpG islands depends on their transcriptional activity during differentiation and disease

The human genome contains ∼30,000 CpG islands (CGIs). While CGIs associated with promoters nearly always remain unmethylated, many of the ∼9,000 CGIs lying within gene bodies become methylated during development and differentiation. Both promoter and intragenic CGIs may also become abnormally methylated as a result of genome rearrangements and in malignancy. The epigenetic mechanisms by which some CGIs become methylated but others, in the same cell, remain unmethylated in these situations are poorly understood. Analyzing specific loci and using a genome-wide analysis, we show that transcription running across CGIs, associated with specific chromatin modifications, is required for DNA methyltransferase 3B (DNMT3B)-mediated DNA methylation of many naturally occurring intragenic CGIs. Importantly, we also show that a subgroup of intragenic CGIs is not sensitive to this process of transcription-mediated methylation and that this correlates with their individual intrinsic capacity to initiate transcription in vivo. We propose a general model of how transcription could act as a primary determinant of the patterns of CGI methylation in normal development and differentiation, and in human disease.

Transforming growth factor-β1 regulates the nascent hematopoietic stem cell niche by promoting gluconeogenesis

The understanding of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) emergence is important to generate HSCs from pluripotent precursors. However, integrated signaling network that regulates the niche of nascent HSCs remains unclear. Herein, we uncovered a novel role of TGF-β1 in the metabolic niche of HSC emergence using the tgf-β1b^-/- zebrafish. Our findings first showed that Tgf-β1 transcripts were enriched in the nascent HSCs. Loss of tgf-β1b caused a decrease of nascent HSCs within the aorta-gonad-mesonephros. Moreover, tgf-β1b⁺ cells were runx1⁺ HSCs and underwent an endothelial-to-hematopoietic-transition process. Although the autocrine of Tgf-β1 in HSCs rather than endothelial cells was highly demanded to regulate HSC generation, we found that tgf-β1b promoted HSC emergence through the endothelial c-Jun N-terminal kinase/c-Jun signaling. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-sequencing data showed that tgf-β1b/c-Jun targeted g6pc3 of FoxO signaling to promote gluconeogenesis and maintain a high glucose level in the niche. Furthermore, loss of tgf-β1b increased the endoplasmic-reticulum stress and oxidative stress by disturbing metabolic homeostasis. Adding a low dose of TGF-β1 protein could promote the differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells towards HSCs in vitro. Altogether, our study provided insights into a new feature of TGF-β1 in the regulation of glucose metabolism and nascent HSC niche, which may contribute to therapies of hematological malignancies.

Cellular and Molecular Characterization of Microglia: A Unique Immune Cell Population

Microglia are essential for the development and function of the adult brain. Microglia arise from erythro-myeloid precursors in the yolk sac and populate the brain rudiment early during development. Unlike monocytes that are constantly renewed from bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells throughout life, resident microglia in the healthy brain persist during adulthood via constant self-renewal. Their ontogeny, together with the absence of turnover from the periphery and the singular environment of the central nervous system, make microglia a unique cell population. Supporting this notion, recent genome-wide transcriptional studies revealed specific gene expression profiles clearly distinct from other brain and peripheral immune cells. Here, we highlight the breakthrough studies that, over the last decades, helped elucidate microglial cell identity, ontogeny, and function. We describe the main techniques that have been used for this task and outline the crucial milestones that have been achieved to reach our actual knowledge of microglia. Furthermore, we give an overview of the “microgliome” that is currently emerging thanks to the constant progress in the modern profiling techniques.

Functional comparison of human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells as sources of hepatocyte-like cells

Pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into many cell types including mature hepatocytes, and can be used in the development of new drugs, treatment of diseases, and in basic research. In this study, we established a protocol leading to efficient hepatic differentiation, and compared the capacity to differentiate into the hepatocyte lineage of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Optimal combinations of cytokines and growth factors were added to embryoid bodies produced by both types of cell. Differentiation of the cells was assessed with optical and electron microscopes, and hepatic-specific transcripts and proteins were detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemistry, respectively. Both types of embryoid body produced polygonal hepatocyte-like cells accompanied by time-dependent up regulation of genes for α-fetoprotein, albumin (ALB), asialoglycoprotein1, CK8, CK18, CK19, CYP1A2, and CYP3A4, which are expressed in fetal and adult hepatocytes. Both types of cell displayed functions characteristic of mature hepatocytes such as accumulation of glycogen, secretion of ALB, and uptake of indocyanine green. And these cells are transplanted into mouse model. Our findings indicate that hESCs and hiPSCs have similar abilities to differentiate into hepatocyte in vitro using the protocol developed here, and these cells are transplantable into damaged liver.

Electronic Supplementary Material

Supplementary material is available for this article at 10.1007/s13770-016-0094-y and is accessible for authorized users.

In vitro germ cell differentiation from embryonic stem cells of mice: induction control by BMP4 signalling

The present study aims to confirm and analyse germ cell-related patterns and specific gene expressions at a very early stage of cell commitment. Following the XY cytogenetic confirmation of the CCE mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) line, cells were cultured to form embryoid bodies (EBs). Expression pattern assessment of the mouse vasa homologue (Mvh), Stra8, α6 and β1 integrin genes in ESC and 1–3-day-old EB showed that all genes except α6 integrin were expressed in the ESC. The mean calibration of Mvh, Stra8 and α6 integrin expression significantly increased upon EB formation compared with the ESCs. During mouse embryogenesis, the signalling of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) is essential for germ-line formation. To investigate its role in germ-line induction in vitro, mESCs were cultured as 1-day-old EB aggregates with BMP4 for 4 days in STO co-culture systems, in the presence and absence of 5 ng/ml BMP4. At the end of the culture period, colony assay (number and diameter) was performed and the viability percentage and proliferation rate was determined. There were no significant statistical differences in the abovementioned criteria between these two groups. Moreover, the expression of Mvh, α6 and β1 integrins, Stra8 and Piwil2 genes was evaluated in co-culture groups. The molecular results of co-culture groups showed higher–but insignificant–Piwil2 and significant α6 integrin expressions in BMP4 treated co-culture systems. These results confirmed that the EB system and the presence of BMP4 in a STO co-culture system improve the differentiation of ESCs to germ cell.

Emerging cellular and gene therapies for congenital anemias

Congenital anemias comprise a group of blood disorders characterized by a reduction in the number of peripherally circulating erythrocytes. Various genetic etiologies have been identified that affect diverse aspects of erythroid physiology and broadly fall into two main categories: impaired production or increased destruction of mature erythrocytes. Current therapies are largely focused on symptomatic treatment and are often based on transfusion of donor-derived erythrocytes and management of complications. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation represents the only curative option currently available for the majority of congenital anemias. Recent advances in gene therapy and genome editing hold promise for the development of additional curative strategies for these blood disorders. The relative ease of access to the hematopoietic stem cell compartment, as well as the possibility of genetic manipulation ex vivo and subsequent transplantation in an autologous manner, make blood disorders among the most amenable to cellular therapies. Here we review cell-based and gene therapy approaches, and discuss the limitations and prospects of emerging avenues, including genome editing tools and the use of pluripotent stem cells, for the treatment of congenital forms of anemia. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Progress towards generation of human haematopoietic stem cells

De novo generation of haematopoietic stem cells from different human pluripotent stem cell sources remains a high priority for haematology and regenerative medicine. At present, efficient derivation of functional haematopoietic stem cells with the capability for definitive in vivo engraftment and multi-lineage potential remains challenging. Here, we discuss recent progress and strategies to overcome obstacles that have thwarted past efforts. In addition, we review promising advances in the generation of mature blood lineages and the potential of induced pluripotent stem cells.

Concise Review: Recent Advances in the In Vitro Derivation of Blood Cell Populations

: Hematopoietic cell-based therapies are currently available treatment options for many hematological and nonhematological disorders. However, the scarcity of allogeneic donor-derived cells is a major hurdle in treating these disorders. Embryonic stem cell-based directed differentiation and direct reprogramming of somatic cells provide excellent tools for the potential generation of hematopoietic stem cells usable in the clinic for cellular therapies. In addition to blood stem cell transplantation, mature blood cells such as red blood cells, platelets, and engineered T cells have also been increasingly used to treat several diseases. Besides cellular therapies, induced blood progenitor cells generated from autologous sources (either induced pluripotent stem cells or somatic cells) can be useful for disease modeling of bone marrow failures and acquired blood disorders. However, although great progress has been made toward these goals, we are still far from the use of in vitro-derived blood products in the clinic. We review the current state of knowledge on the directed differentiation of embryonic stem cells and the reprogramming of somatic cells toward the generation of blood stem cells and derivatives.

SIGNIFICANCE

Hematopoietic cell-based therapies are currently available treatment options for many hematological and nonhematological disorders. However, the scarcity of allogeneic donor-derived cells is a major hurdle in treating these disorders. The current state of knowledge on the directed differentiation of embryonic stem cells and the reprogramming of somatic cells toward the generation of blood stem cells and derivatives is reviewed.

CRISPR/Cas9 Targeted Gene Editing and Cellular Engineering in Fanconi Anemia

The ability to rationally target disease-causing mutations has been made possible with programmable nucleases with the CRISPR/Cas9 system representing a facile platform for individualized gene-based medicine. In this study we employed footprint free reprogramming of fibroblasts from a patient with mutations to the Fanconi anemia I (FANCI) gene to generate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). This process was accomplished without gene complementation and the resultant iPSC were able to be gene corrected in a robust manner using the Cas9 nickase. The self-renewing iPSC that were maintained under feeder free conditions were differentiated into cells with characteristics of definitive hematopoiesis. This defined and highly efficient procedure employed small molecule modulation of the hematopoietic differentiation pathway and a vascular induction technique to generate hematopoietic progenitors. In sum, our results demonstrate the ability to induce patient derived FA cells to pluripotency for patient specific therapeutic cell derivation.

Gene editing and its application for hematological diseases

The use of precise, rationally designed gene-editing nucleases allows for targeted genome and transcriptome modification, and at present, four major classes of nucleases are being employed: zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), meganucleases (MNs), and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9. Each reagent shares the ability to recognize and bind a target sequence of DNA. Depending on the properties of the reagent, the DNA can be cleaved on one or both strands, or epigenetic changes can be mediated. These novel properties can impact hematological disease by allowing for: (1) direct modification of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs), (2) gene alteration of hematopoietic lineage committed terminal effectors, (3) genome engineering in non-hematopoietic cells with reprogramming to a hematopoietic phenotype, and (4) transcriptome modulation for gene regulation, modeling, and discovery.

Converting cell fates: generating hematopoietic stem cells de novo via transcription factor reprogramming

Even though all paradigms of stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine emerged from the study of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), the inability to generate these cells de novo or expand them in vitro persists. Initial efforts to obtain these cells began with the use of embryonic stem cell (ESC) and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technologies, but these strategies have yet to yield fully functional cells. Subsequently, more recent approaches involve transcription factor (TF) overexpression to reprogram PSCs and various somatic cells. The induction of pluripotency with just four TFs by Yamanaka informs our ability to convert cell fates and demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing terminally differentiated cells to generate cells with multilineage potential. In this review, we discuss the recent efforts undertaken using TF-based reprogramming strategies to convert several cell types into HSCs.

Stem cells: An insight into the therapeutic aspects from medical and dental perspectives

The recent advancements in the field of stem cell (SC) biology have increased the hope of achieving the definitive treatments for the diseases which are now considered incurable such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease and other chronic long standing conditions. To achieve this possibility, it is necessary to understand the basic concepts of SC biology to utilize in various advanced techniques of regenerative medicine including tissue engineering and gene therapy. This article highlights the types of SCs available and their therapeutic capacity in regenerative medical and dental fields.

Making a Hematopoietic Stem Cell

Previous attempts to either generate or expand hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in vitro have involved either ex vivo expansion of pre-existing patient or donor HSCs or de novo generation from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), comprising both embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). iPSCs alleviated ESC ethical issues but attempts to generate functional mature hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) have been largely unsuccessful. New efforts focus on directly reprogramming somatic cells into definitive HSCs and HSPCs. To meet clinical needs and to advance drug discovery and stem cell therapy, alternative approaches are necessary. In this review, we synthesize the strategies used and the key findings made in recent years by those trying to make an HSC.

3D brown adipogenesis to create "Brown-Fat-in-Microstrands"

The ability of brown adipocytes (fat cells) to dissipate energy as heat shows great promise for the treatment of obesity and other metabolic disorders. Employing pluripotent stem cells, with an emphasis on directed differentiation, may overcome many issues currently associated with primary fat cell cultures. In addition, three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems are needed to better understand the role of brown adipocytes in energy balance and treating obesity. To address this need, we created 3D "Brown-Fat-in-Microstrands" by microfluidic synthesis of alginate hydrogel microstrands that encapsulated cells and directly induced cell differentiation into brown adipocytes, using mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) as a model of pluripotent stem cells, and brown preadipocytes as a positive control. Brown adipocyte differentiation within microstrands was confirmed by immunocytochemistry and qPCR analysis of the expression of the brown adipocyte-defining marker uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), as well as other general adipocyte markers. Cells within microstrands were responsive to a β-adrenergic agonist with an increase in gene expression of thermogenic UCP1, indicating that these "Brown-Fat-in-Microstrands" are functional. The ability to create "Brown-Fat-in-Microstrands" from pluripotent stem cells opens up a new arena to understanding brown adipogenesis and its implications in obesity and metabolic disorders.

Modeling Human Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes Using Pluripotent Stem Cells and Genome Engineering

The combination of epigenetic reprogramming with advanced genome editing technologies opened a new avenue to study disease mechanisms, particularly of disorders with depleted target tissue. Bone marrow failure syndromes (BMFS) typically present with a marked reduction of peripheral blood cells due to a destroyed or dysfunctional bone marrow compartment. Somatic and germline mutations have been etiologically linked to many cases of BMFS. However, without the ability to study primary patient material, the exact pathogenesis for many entities remained fragmentary. Capturing the pathological genotype in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) allows studying potential developmental defects leading to a particular phenotype. The lack of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in these patients can also be overcome by differentiating patient-derived iPSCs into hematopoietic lineages. With fast growing genome editing techniques, such as CRISPR/Cas9, correction of disease-causing mutations in iPSCs or introduction of mutations in cells from healthy individuals enable comparative studies that may identify other genetic or epigenetic events contributing to a specific disease phenotype. In this review, we present recent progresses in disease modeling of inherited and acquired BMFS using reprogramming and genome editing techniques. We also discuss the challenges and potential shortcomings of iPSC-based models for hematological diseases.

Rfx2 is required for spermatogenesis in the mouse

RFX transcription factors are key regulators of ciliogenesis in vertebrates. In Xenopus and zebrafish embryos, knockdown of Rfx2 causes defects in neural tube closure and in left-right axis patterning. To determine the essential role of the Rfx2 gene in mammalian development, we generated Rfx2-deficient mice using an embryonic stem cell clone containing a lacZ gene trap reporter inserted into the first intron of the Rfx2 gene. We found that the Rfx2 lacZ reporter is expressed in ciliated tissues during mouse development including the node, the floor plate and the dorsal neural tube. However, mice homozygous for the Rfx2 gene trap mutation did not have defects in neural tube closure or in organ situs. The gene trap insertion appears to create a null allele as Rfx2 mRNA was not detected in Rfx2^gt/gt embryos. Although Rfx2-deficient mice do not have an obvious embryonic phenotype, we found that Rfx2^gt/gt males are infertile because of a defect in spermatid maturation at or before the round and elongating spermatid stage. Our results indicate that Rfx2 is not essential for embryonic development in the mouse but is required for spermatogenesis. genesis 53:604-611, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

HTS/HCS to screen molecules able to maintain embryonic stem cell self-renewal or to induce differentiation: overview of protocols

Embryonic stem (ES) cells, combining self-renewal ability with wide range tissue-specific cell differentiation, represent one of the most powerful model systems in basic research, drug discovery and biomedical applications. In the field of drug development, ES cells are instrumental in high-throughput/content screening (HTS/HCS) for the evaluation of large compound libraries to test biological activity and toxic properties. Since it is a high priority to test new compounds in vitro, before starting animal and human treatments, there is an increasing demand for new in vitro models that can be used in HTS/HCS to facilitate drug development. In order to achieve this objective, several methods for ES cell self-renewal or differentiation have been evaluated to assess their compatibility with HTS/HCS. This review describes protocols used to screen molecules able to maintain self-renewal or to induce differentiation in ectodermal, mesodermal, endodermal, and their derivative cell lines.

Distinct Sources of Hematopoietic Progenitors Emerge before HSCs and Provide Functional Blood Cells in the Mammalian Embryo

Hematopoietic potential arises in mammalian embryos before adult-repopulating hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). At embryonic day 9.5 (E9.5), we show the first murine definitive erythro-myeloid progenitors (EMPs) have an immunophenotype distinct from primitive hematopoietic progenitors, maturing megakaryocytes and macrophages, and rare B cell potential. EMPs emerge in the yolk sac with erythroid and broad myeloid, but not lymphoid, potential. EMPs migrate to the fetal liver and rapidly differentiate, including production of circulating neutrophils by E11.5. Although the surface markers, transcription factors, and lineage potential associated with EMPs overlap with those found in adult definitive hematopoiesis, they are present in unique combinations or proportions that result in a specialized definitive embryonic progenitor. Furthermore, we find that embryonic stem cell (ESC)-derived hematopoiesis recapitulates early yolk sac hematopoiesis, including primitive, EMP, and rare B cell potential. EMPs do not have long-term potential when transplanted in immunocompromised adults, but they can provide transient adult-like RBC reconstitution.

De novo generation of HSCs from somatic and pluripotent stem cell sources

Generating human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from autologous tissues, when coupled with genome editing technologies, is a promising approach for cellular transplantation therapy and for in vitro disease modeling, drug discovery, and toxicology studies. Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) represent a potentially inexhaustible supply of autologous tissue; however, to date, directed differentiation from hPSCs has yielded hematopoietic cells that lack robust and sustained multilineage potential. Cellular reprogramming technologies represent an alternative platform for the de novo generation of HSCs via direct conversion from heterologous cell types. In this review, we discuss the latest advancements in HSC generation by directed differentiation from hPSCs or direct conversion from somatic cells, and highlight their applications in research and prospects for therapy.

In vivo repopulating activity emerges at the onset of hematopoietic specification during embryonic stem cell differentiation

The generation of in vivo repopulating hematopoietic cells from in vitro differentiating embryonic stem cells has remained a long-standing challenge. To date, hematopoietic engraftment has mostly been achieved through the enforced expression of ectopic transcription factors. Here, we describe serum-free culture conditions that allow the generation of in vivo repopulating hematopoietic cells in the absence of ectopically expressed factors. We show that repopulating activity arises immediately upon the commitment of mesodermal precursors to the blood program, within the first wave of hematopoietic specification. We establish that the formation of these progenitors is extremely transient and exquisitely sensitive to the cytokine milieu. Our findings define the precise differentiating stage at which hematopoietic repopulating activity first appears in vitro, and suggest that during embryonic stem cell differentiation, all hematopoietic programs are unraveled simultaneously from the mesoderm in the absence of cues that restrict the coordinated emergence of each lineage as is normally observed during embryogenesis.

Haploinsufficiency screen highlights two distinct groups of ribosomal protein genes essential for embryonic stem cell fate

In a functional genomics screen of mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) with nested hemizygous chromosomal deletions, we reveal that ribosomal protein (RP) genes are the most significant haploinsufficient determinants for embryoid body (EB) formation. Hemizygocity for three RP genes (Rps5, Rps14, or Rps28), distinguished by the proximity of their corresponding protein to the ribosome's mRNA exit site, is associated with the most profound phenotype. This EB phenotype was fully rescued by BAC or cDNA complementation but not by the reduction of p53 levels, although such reduction was effective with most other RP-deleted clones corresponding to non-mRNA exit-site proteins. RNA-sequencing studies further revealed that undifferentiated ESCs hemizygous for Rps5 showed reduced expression levels of several mesoderm-specific genes as compared with wild-type counterparts. Together, these results reveal that RP gene dosage limits the differentiation, not the self-renewal, of mouse ESCs. They also highlight two separate mechanisms underlying this process, one of which is p53 independent.

Micropatterning of 3D Microenvironments for Living Biosensor Applications

Micro-scale printing and patterning of living cells has multiple applications including tissue engineering, cell signaling assays, and the fabrication of cell-based biosensors. In this work, a molecular printing instrument, the Bioforce Nano eNabler, was modified to enable micron-scale -quill-pen based printing of mammalian cells in a 3D hyaluronan/gelatin based hydrogel. Specifically, photo-initiated -thiol-ene click chemistry was used to couple the thiol groups of thiolated hyaluronan/thiolated gelatin to the alkene groups of 4-arm polyethylene glycol (PEG)-norbornene molecules. Rapid photopolymerization enabled direct printing and controlled curing of living cells within the hydrogel matrix. The resulting hydrogels were biocompatible with human adipose-derived stem cells, NIH-3T3 cells, and mouse embryonic stem cells. The utility of this printing approach was also explored for cell-based biosensors. Micro-printed cells expressing a redox sensitive variant of the green fluorescent protein (roGFP-R12) showed a measurable fluorescent response to addition of oxidizing and then reducing agents. This work represents a novel approach to micron-scale cell patterning, and its potential for living, cell-based biosensors.

Modeling murine yolk sac hematopoiesis with embryonic stem cell culture systems

The onset of hematopoiesis in mammals is defined by generation of primitive erythrocytes and macrophage progenitors in embryonic yolk sac. Laboratories have met the challenge of transient and swiftly changing specification events from ventral mesoderm through multipotent progenitors and maturing lineage-restricted hematopoietic subtypes, by developing powerful in vitro experimental models to interrogate hematopoietic ontogeny. Most importantly, studies of differentiating embryonic stem cell derivatives in embryoid body and stromal coculture systems have identified crucial roles for transcription factor networks (e.g. Gata1, Runx1, Scl) and signaling pathways (e.g. BMP, VEGF, WNT) in controlling stem and progenitor cell output. These and other relevant pathways have pleiotropic biological effects, and are often associated with early embryonic lethality in knockout mice. Further refinement in subsequent studies has allowed conditional expression of key regulatory genes, and isolation of progenitors via cell surface markers (e.g. FLK1) and reporter-tagged constructs, with the purpose of measuring their primitive and definitive hematopoietic potential. These observations continue to inform attempts to direct the differentiation, and augment the expansion, of progenitors in human cell culture systems that may prove useful in cell replacement therapies for hematopoietic deficiencies. The purpose of this review is to survey the extant literature on the use of differentiating murine embryonic stem cells in culture to model the developmental process of yolk sac hematopoiesis.

PiggyBac mediated multiplex gene transfer in mouse embryonic stem cell

PiggyBac system has been shown to have a high efficiency to mediate gene transfer. However, there are no reports on its efficiency to mediate multiplex transgenes in mouse embryonic stem cells. Here we first established an immortalized feeder cell line by introducing four antibiotic resistance genes simultaneously into the original SNL 76/7 feeder cell line utilizing the PiggyBac system. This is the feeder cell line with the most diverse types of antibiotic resistance genes reported so far, which will enable researchers to perform simultaneous multiplex gene transfer or gene targeting experiments in ES cells. With such feeder cell line, we were able to quantitatively characterize the transposition efficiency of PiggyBac system in mouse ES cells using five transposons carrying different inducible fluorescence proteins and antibiotic resistance genes, and the efficiency ranged from about 2% for one transposon to 0.5% for five transposons. The highly efficient multiplex gene transfer mediated by PiggyBac will no doubt provide researchers with more choices in biomedical research and development.

Single-cell analyses of regulatory network perturbations using enhancer-targeting TALEs suggest novel roles for PU.1 during haematopoietic specification

Transcription factors (TFs) act within wider regulatory networks to control cell identity and fate. Numerous TFs, including Scl (Tal1) and PU.1 (Spi1), are known regulators of developmental and adult haematopoiesis, but how they act within wider TF networks is still poorly understood. Transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) are a novel class of genetic tool based on the modular DNA-binding domains of Xanthomonas TAL proteins, which enable DNA sequence-specific targeting and the manipulation of endogenous gene expression. Here, we report TALEs engineered to target the PU.1-14kb and Scl+40kb transcriptional enhancers as efficient new tools to perturb the expression of these key haematopoietic TFs. We confirmed the efficiency of these TALEs at the single-cell level using high-throughput RT-qPCR, which also allowed us to assess the consequences of both PU.1 activation and repression on wider TF networks during developmental haematopoiesis. Combined with comprehensive cellular assays, these experiments uncovered novel roles for PU.1 during early haematopoietic specification. Finally, transgenic mouse studies confirmed that the PU.1-14kb element is active at sites of definitive haematopoiesis in vivo and PU.1 is detectable in haemogenic endothelium and early committing blood cells. We therefore establish TALEs as powerful new tools to study the functionality of transcriptional networks that control developmental processes such as early haematopoiesis.

Early exposure of murine embryonic stem cells to hematopoietic cytokines differentially directs definitive erythropoiesis and cardiomyogenesis in alginate hydrogel three-dimensional cultures

HepG2-conditioned medium (CM) facilitates early differentiation of murine embryonic stem cells (mESCs) into hematopoietic cells in two-dimensional cultures through formation of embryoid-like colonies (ELCs), bypassing embryoid body (EB) formation. We now demonstrate that three-dimensional (3D) cultures of alginate-encapsulated mESCs cultured in a rotating wall vessel bioreactor can be differentially driven toward definitive erythropoiesis and cardiomyogenesis in the absence of ELC formation. Three groups were evaluated: mESCs in maintenance medium with leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF, control) and mESCs cultured with HepG2 CM (CM1 and CM2). Control and CM1 groups were cultivated for 8 days in early differentiation medium with murine stem cell factor (mSCF) followed by 10 days in hematopoietic differentiation medium (HDM) containing human erythropoietin, m-interleukin (mIL)-3, and mSCF. CM2 cells were cultured for 18 days in HDM, bypassing early differentiation. In CM1, a fivefold expansion of hematopoietic colonies was observed at day 14, with enhancement of erythroid progenitors, hematopoietic genes (Gata-2 and SCL), erythroid genes (EKLF and β-major globin), and proteins (Gata-1 and β-globin), although ζ-globin was not expressed. In contrast, CM2 primarily produced beating colonies in standard hematopoietic colony assay and expressed early cardiomyogenic markers, anti-sarcomeric α-actinin and Gata-4. In conclusion, a scalable, automatable, integrated, 3D bioprocess for the differentiation of mESC toward definitive erythroblasts has been established. Interestingly, cardiomyogenesis was also directed in a specific protocol with HepG2 CM and hematopoietic cytokines making this platform a useful tool for the study of erythroid and cardiomyogenic development.

Generating size-controlled embryoid bodies using laser direct-write

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have the potential to self-renew and differentiate into any specialized cell type. One common method to differentiate ESCs in vitro is through embryoid bodies (EBs), three-dimensional cellular aggregates that spontaneously self-assemble and generally express markers for the three germ layers, endoderm, ectoderm, and mesoderm. It has been previously shown that both EB size and 2D colony size each influence differentiation. We hypothesized that we could control the size of the EB formed by mouse ESCs (mESCs) by using a cell printing method, laser direct-write (LDW), to control both the size of the initial printed colony and the local cell density in printed colonies. After printing mESCs at various printed colony sizes and printing densities, two-way ANOVAs indicated that the EB diameter was influenced by printing density after three days (p = 0.0002), while there was no effect of the printed colony diameter on the EB diameter at the same timepoint (p = 0.74). There was no significant interaction between these two factors. Tukey's honestly significant difference test showed that high-density colonies formed significantly larger EBs, suggesting that printed mESCs quickly aggregate with nearby cells. Thus, EBs can be engineered to a desired size by controlling printing density, which will influence the design of future differentiation studies. Herein, we highlight the capacity of LDW to control the local cell density and colony size independently, at prescribed spatial locations, potentially leading to better stem cell maintenance and directed differentiation.

Mesodermal and hematopoietic differentiation from ES and iPS cells

Embryonic stem (ES) and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells can differentiate into any type of tissue when grown in a suitable culture environment and are considered valuable tools for regenerative medicine. In the field of hematology, generation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and mature hematopoietic cells (HCs) from ES and iPS cells through mesodermal cells, the ancestors of HCs, can facilitate transplantation and transfusion therapy. Several studies report generation of functional HCs from both mouse and human ES and iPS cells. This approach will likely be applied to individual patient-derived iPS cells for regenerative medicine approaches and drug screening in the future. Here, we summarize current studies of HC-generation from ES and iPS cells.

In-vitro stem cell derived red blood cells for transfusion: are we there yet?

To date, the use of red blood cells (RBCs) produced from stem cells in vitro has not proved practical for routine transfusion. However, the perpetual and widespread shortage of blood products, problems related to transfusion-transmitted infections, and new emerging pathogens elicit an increasing demand for artificial blood. Worldwide efforts to achieve the goal of RBC production through stem cell research have received vast attention; however, problems with large-scale production and cost effectiveness have yet to prove practical usefulness. Some progress has been made, though, as cord blood stem cells and embryonic stem cells have shown an ability to differentiate and proliferate, and induced pluripotent stem cells have been shown to be an unlimited source for RBC production. However, transfusion of stem cell-derived RBCs still presents a number of challenges to overcome. This paper will summarize an up to date account of research and advances in stem cell-derived RBCs, delineate our laboratory protocol in producing RBCs from cord blood, and introduce the technological developments and limitations to current RBC production practices.