1
|
Yildirim RM, Seli E. The role of mitochondrial dynamics in oocyte and early embryo development. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2024; 159-160:52-61. [PMID: 38330625 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2024.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction is widely implicated in various human diseases, through mechanisms that go beyond mitochondria's well-established role in energy generation. These dynamic organelles exert vital control over numerous cellular processes, including calcium regulation, phospholipid synthesis, innate immunity, and apoptosis. While mitochondria's importance is acknowledged in all cell types, research has revealed the exceptionally dynamic nature of the mitochondrial network in oocytes and embryos, finely tuned to meet unique needs during gamete and pre-implantation embryo development. Within oocytes, both the quantity and morphology of mitochondria can significantly change during maturation and post-fertilization. These changes are orchestrated by fusion and fission processes (collectively known as mitochondrial dynamics), crucial for energy production, content exchange, and quality control as mitochondria adjust to the shifting energy demands of oocytes and embryos. The roles of proteins that regulate mitochondrial dynamics in reproductive processes have been primarily elucidated through targeted deletion studies in animal models. Notably, impaired mitochondrial dynamics have been linked to female reproductive health, affecting oocyte quality, fertilization, and embryo development. Dysfunctional mitochondria can lead to fertility problems and can have an impact on the success of pregnancy, particularly in older reproductive age women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raziye Melike Yildirim
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Emre Seli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kurlovich J, Rodriguez Polo I, Dovgusha O, Tereshchenko Y, Cruz CRV, Behr R, Günesdogan U. Generation of marmoset primordial germ cell-like cells under chemically defined conditions. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302371. [PMID: 38499329 PMCID: PMC10948935 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the embryonic precursors of sperm and oocytes, which transmit genetic/epigenetic information across generations. Mouse PGC and subsequent gamete development can be fully reconstituted in vitro, opening up new avenues for germ cell studies in biomedical research. However, PGCs show molecular differences between rodents and humans. Therefore, to establish an in vitro system that is closely related to humans, we studied PGC development in vivo and in vitro in the common marmoset monkey Callithrix jacchus (cj). Gonadal cjPGCs at embryonic day 74 express SOX17, AP2Ɣ, BLIMP1, NANOG, and OCT4A, which is reminiscent of human PGCs. We established transgene-free induced pluripotent stem cell (cjiPSC) lines from foetal and postnatal fibroblasts. These cjiPSCs, cultured in defined and feeder-free conditions, can be differentiated into precursors of mesendoderm and subsequently into cjPGC-like cells (cjPGCLCs) with a transcriptome similar to human PGCs/PGCLCs. Our results not only pave the way for studying PGC development in a non-human primate in vitro under experimentally controlled conditions, but also provide the opportunity to derive functional marmoset gametes in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Kurlovich
- https://ror.org/01y9bpm73 Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences, Department of Developmental Biology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ignacio Rodriguez Polo
- https://ror.org/01y9bpm73 Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences, Department of Developmental Biology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- German Primate Center-Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Research Platform Degenerative Diseases, Göttingen, Germany
- Stem Cell and Human Development Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Oleksandr Dovgusha
- https://ror.org/01y9bpm73 Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences, Department of Developmental Biology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Yuliia Tereshchenko
- German Primate Center-Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Research Platform Degenerative Diseases, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Carmela Rieline V Cruz
- https://ror.org/01y9bpm73 Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences, Department of Developmental Biology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Behr
- German Primate Center-Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Research Platform Degenerative Diseases, Göttingen, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ufuk Günesdogan
- https://ror.org/01y9bpm73 Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences, Department of Developmental Biology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- https://ror.org/03av75f26 Department for Molecular Developmental Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Shen S, Wang M, Li X, Wang B, Hong W, Li W, Xu B, Guo Z, Han R, Yi S, Wu Z, He X, Wang L, Zhu Q, Yang G, Wang H, Deng Q, Chen J, Gao S, Jiang C, Gao R. The gonadal niche safeguards human fetal germline cell development following maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101515. [PMID: 38631348 PMCID: PMC11148563 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
During pregnancy, germline development is vital for maintaining the continuation of species. Recent studies have shown increased pregnancy risks in COVID-19 patients at the perinatal stage. However, the potential consequence of infection for reproductive quality in developing fetuses remains unclear. Here, we analyze the transcriptome and DNA methylome of the fetal germline following maternal severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. We find that infection at early gestational age, a critical period of human primordial germ cell specification and epigenetic reprogramming, trivially affects fetal germ cell (FGC) development. Additionally, FGC-niche communications are not compromised by maternal infection. Strikingly, both general and SARS-CoV-2-specific immune pathways are greatly activated in gonadal niche cells to protect FGCs from maternal infection. Notably, there occurs an "in advance" development tendency in FGCs after maternal infection. Our study provides insights into the impacts of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection on fetal germline development and serves as potential clinical guidance for future pandemics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shijun Shen
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of the Ministry of Education, Orthopedic Department of Tongji Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China; Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Mengting Wang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiaocui Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201204, China.
| | - Beiying Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201204, China
| | - Wei Hong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201204, China
| | - Wei Li
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of the Ministry of Education, Orthopedic Department of Tongji Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China; Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Ben Xu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Zhenxiang Guo
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Ruichen Han
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Shanru Yi
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Zhiping Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201204, China
| | - Xiaoying He
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Shanghai Institute of Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201204, China
| | - Liping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of the Ministry of Education, Orthopedic Department of Tongji Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China; Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Qianshu Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of the Ministry of Education, Orthopedic Department of Tongji Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China; Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of the Ministry of Education, Orthopedic Department of Tongji Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China; Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Qiaolin Deng
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedicum B5, Karolinska Institutet, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jiayu Chen
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Shaorong Gao
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Cizhong Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of the Ministry of Education, Orthopedic Department of Tongji Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China; Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Rui Gao
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Loseva PA, Gladyshev VN. The beginning of becoming a human. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:8378-8395. [PMID: 38713165 PMCID: PMC11131989 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
According to birth certificates, the life of a child begins once their body comes out of the mother's womb. But when does their organismal life begin? Science holds a palette of answers-depending on how one defines a human life. In 1984, a commission on the regulatory framework for human embryo experimentation opted not to answer this question, instead setting a boundary, 14 days post-fertilization, beyond which any experiments were forbidden. Recently, as the reproductive technologies developed and the demand for experimentation grew stronger, this boundary may be set aside leaving the ultimate decision to local oversight committees. While science has not come closer to setting a zero point for human life, there has been significant progress in our understanding of early mammalian embryogenesis. It has become clear that the 14-day stage does in fact possess features, which make it a foundational time point for a developing human. Importantly, this stage defines the separation of soma from the germline and marks the boundary between rejuvenation and aging. We explore how different levels of life organization emerge during human development and suggest a new meaning for the 14-day stage in organismal life that is grounded in recent mechanistic advances and insights from aging studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Polina A. Loseva
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Vadim N. Gladyshev
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Han C. Gene expression programs in mammalian spermatogenesis. Development 2024; 151:dev202033. [PMID: 38691389 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis, probably the most complex of all cellular developmental processes, is an ideal model both for studying the specific mechanism of gametogenesis and for understanding the basic rules governing all developmental processes, as it entails both cell type-specific and housekeeping molecular processes. Spermatogenesis can be viewed as a mission with many tasks to accomplish, and its success is genetically programmed and ensured by the collaboration of a large number of genes. Here, I present an overview of mammalian spermatogenesis and the mechanisms underlying each step in the process, covering the cellular and molecular activities that occur at each developmental stage and emphasizing their gene regulation in light of recent studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunsheng Han
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, 100101 Beijing, China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101 Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rodriguez-Polo I, Moris N. Using embryo models to understand the development and progression of embryonic lineages: a focus on primordial germ cell development. Cells Tissues Organs 2024:000538275. [PMID: 38479364 DOI: 10.1159/000538275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recapitulating mammalian cell type differentiation in vitro promises to improve our understanding of how these processes happen in vivo, while bringing additional prospects for biomedical applications. The establishment of stem cell-derived embryo models and embryonic organoids, which have experienced explosive growth over the last few years, open new avenues for research due to their scale, reproducibility, and accessibility. Embryo models mimic various developmental stages, exhibit different degrees of complexity, and can be established across species. Since embryo models exhibit multiple lineages organised spatially and temporally, they are likely to provide cellular niches that, to some degree, recapitulate the embryonic setting and enable "co-development" between cell types and neighbouring populations. One example where this is already apparent is in the case of primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs). SUMMARY While directed differentiation protocols enable the efficient generation of high PGCLC numbers, embryo models provide an attractive alternative as they enable the study of interactions of PGCLCs with neighbouring cells, alongside the regulatory molecular and biophysical mechanisms of PGC competency. Additionally, some embryo models can recapitulate post-specification stages of PGC development (including migration or gametogenesis), mimicking the inductive signals pushing PGCLCs to mature and differentiate, and enabling the study of PGCLC development across stages. Therefore, in vitro models may allow us to address questions of cell type differentiation, and PGC development specifically, that have hitherto been out of reach with existing systems. KEY MESSAGE This review evaluates the current advances in stem cell-based embryo models, with a focus on their potential to model cell type-specific differentiation in general, and in particular to address open questions in PGC development and gametogenesis.
Collapse
|
7
|
Islam M, Yang Y, Simmons AJ, Shah VM, Pavan MK, Xu Y, Tasneem N, Chen Z, Trinh LT, Molina P, Ramirez-Solano MA, Sadien I, Dou J, Chen K, Magnuson MA, Rathmell JC, Macara IG, Winton D, Liu Q, Zafar H, Kalhor R, Church GM, Shrubsole MJ, Coffey RJ, Lau KS. Temporal recording of mammalian development and precancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.18.572260. [PMID: 38187699 PMCID: PMC10769302 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.18.572260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Key to understanding many biological phenomena is knowing the temporal ordering of cellular events, which often require continuous direct observations [1, 2]. An alternative solution involves the utilization of irreversible genetic changes, such as naturally occurring mutations, to create indelible markers that enables retrospective temporal ordering [3-8]. Using NSC-seq, a newly designed and validated multi-purpose single-cell CRISPR platform, we developed a molecular clock approach to record the timing of cellular events and clonality in vivo , while incorporating assigned cell state and lineage information. Using this approach, we uncovered precise timing of tissue-specific cell expansion during murine embryonic development and identified new intestinal epithelial progenitor states by their unique genetic histories. NSC-seq analysis of murine adenomas and single-cell multi-omic profiling of human precancers as part of the Human Tumor Atlas Network (HTAN), including 116 scRNA-seq datasets and clonal analysis of 418 human polyps, demonstrated the occurrence of polyancestral initiation in 15-30% of colonic precancers, revealing their origins from multiple normal founders. Thus, our multimodal framework augments existing single-cell analyses and lays the foundation for in vivo multimodal recording, enabling the tracking of lineage and temporal events during development and tumorigenesis.
Collapse
|
8
|
Trecourt A, Donzel M, Alsadoun N, Allias F, Devouassoux-Shisheboran M. Relevance of Molecular Pathology for the Diagnosis of Sex Cord-Stromal Tumors of the Ovary: A Narrative Review. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5864. [PMID: 38136408 PMCID: PMC10741682 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian sex cord-stromal tumors (SCSTs) account for 8% of all primary ovarian neo-plasms. Accurate diagnosis is crucial since each subtype has a specific prognostic and treatment. Apart from fibrosarcomas, stromal tumors are benign while sex cord tumors may recur, sometimes with a significant time to relapse. Although the diagnosis based on morphology is straightforward, in some cases the distinction between stromal tumors and sex cord tumors may be tricky. Indeed, the immunophenotype is usually nonspecific between stromal tumors and sex cord tumors. Therefore, molecular pathology plays an important role in the diagnosis of such entities, with pathognomonic or recurrent alterations, such as FOXL2 variants in adult granulosa cell tumors. In addition, these neoplasms may be associated with genetic syndromes, such as Peutz-Jeghers syndrome for sex cord tumors with annular tubules, and DICER1 syndrome for Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors (SLCTs), for which the pathologist may be in the front line of syndromic suspicion. Molecular pathology of SCST is also relevant for patient prognosis and management. For instance, the DICER1 variant is associated with moderately to poorly differentiated SLCTS and a poorer prognosis. The present review summarizes the histomolecular criteria useful for the diagnosis of SCST, using recent molecular data from the literature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Trecourt
- Service de Pathologie Multi-Site—Site Sud, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69310 Lyon, France; (A.T.); (M.D.); (N.A.); (F.A.)
- UR 3738, Centre pour l’Innovation en Cancérologie de Lyon (CICLY), Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69921 Lyon, France
| | - Marie Donzel
- Service de Pathologie Multi-Site—Site Sud, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69310 Lyon, France; (A.T.); (M.D.); (N.A.); (F.A.)
| | - Nadjla Alsadoun
- Service de Pathologie Multi-Site—Site Sud, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69310 Lyon, France; (A.T.); (M.D.); (N.A.); (F.A.)
| | - Fabienne Allias
- Service de Pathologie Multi-Site—Site Sud, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69310 Lyon, France; (A.T.); (M.D.); (N.A.); (F.A.)
| | - Mojgan Devouassoux-Shisheboran
- Service de Pathologie Multi-Site—Site Sud, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69310 Lyon, France; (A.T.); (M.D.); (N.A.); (F.A.)
- UR 3738, Centre pour l’Innovation en Cancérologie de Lyon (CICLY), Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69921 Lyon, France
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Foreman AL, Liddell K, Franklin S, Jackson E, Rozeik C, Niakan KK. Human embryo models: the importance of national policy and governance review. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2023; 82:102103. [PMID: 37619506 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Integrated and non-integrated stem cell-based embryo models are becoming widely adopted tools in biomedical research with distinct advantages over animal models for studying human development. Although SCB-EMs have tremendous benefits for research, they raise a number of social, ethical and legal questions that affect future research and widespread adoption in industry and clinical settings. The 2021 International Society for Stem Cell Research Guidelines for Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation provide helpful guidance on many of these issues but do not have force in domestic law. Careful appraisal and development of national legal and ethical frameworks is crucial. Paving the way to better regulation provides an ethical and social foundation to continue using human embryo models and to fully realise their potential benefits for reproductive medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy L Foreman
- Wellcome Trust, CRUK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Kathleen Liddell
- The Faculty of Law, The David Williams Building, 10 West Road, Cambridge CB3 9DZ, UK; Cambridge Reproduction, University of Cambridge, Physiology Building, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.
| | - Sarah Franklin
- Cambridge Reproduction, University of Cambridge, Physiology Building, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Department of Sociology, University of Cambridge, 16 Mill Lane, Cambridge CB2 1SB, UK.
| | - Emily Jackson
- London School of Economics and Political Science, Houghton Street, London WC2A 2AE, UK.
| | - Christina Rozeik
- Cambridge Reproduction, University of Cambridge, Physiology Building, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Kathy K Niakan
- Cambridge Reproduction, University of Cambridge, Physiology Building, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; The Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; Human Embryo and Stem Cell Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK; Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK; Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Vijayakumar S, Sala R, Kang G, Chen A, Pablo MA, Adebayo AI, Cipriano A, Fowler JL, Gomes DL, Ang LT, Loh KM, Sebastiano V. Monolayer platform to generate and purify primordial germ-like cells in vitro provides insights into human germline specification. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5690. [PMID: 37709760 PMCID: PMC10502105 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41302-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Generating primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs) from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) advances studies of human reproduction and development of infertility treatments, but often entails complex 3D aggregates. Here we develop a simplified, monolayer method to differentiate hPSCs into PGCs within 3.5 days. We use our simplified differentiation platform and single-cell RNA-sequencing to achieve further insights into PGCLC specification. Transient WNT activation for 12 h followed by WNT inhibition specified PGCLCs; by contrast, sustained WNT induced primitive streak. Thus, somatic cells (primitive streak) and PGCLCs are related-yet distinct-lineages segregated by temporally-dynamic signaling. Pluripotency factors including NANOG are continuously expressed during the transition from pluripotency to posterior epiblast to PGCs, thus bridging pluripotent and germline states. Finally, hPSC-derived PGCLCs can be easily purified by virtue of their CXCR4+PDGFRA-GARP- surface-marker profile and single-cell RNA-sequencing reveals that they harbor transcriptional similarities with fetal PGCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sivakamasundari Vijayakumar
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Roberta Sala
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Gugene Kang
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Angela Chen
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Michelle Ann Pablo
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Abidemi Ismail Adebayo
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Andrea Cipriano
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Jonas L Fowler
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Danielle L Gomes
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Lay Teng Ang
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Kyle M Loh
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - Vittorio Sebastiano
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cooke CB, Barrington C, Baillie-Benson P, Nichols J, Moris N. Gastruloid-derived primordial germ cell-like cells develop dynamically within integrated tissues. Development 2023; 150:dev201790. [PMID: 37526602 PMCID: PMC10508693 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the early embryonic precursors of gametes - sperm and egg cells. PGC-like cells (PGCLCs) can currently be derived in vitro from pluripotent cells exposed to signalling cocktails and aggregated into large embryonic bodies, but these do not recapitulate the native embryonic environment during PGC formation. Here, we show that mouse gastruloids, a three-dimensional in vitro model of gastrulation, contain a population of gastruloid-derived PGCLCs (Gld-PGCLCs) that resemble early PGCs in vivo. Importantly, the conserved organisation of mouse gastruloids leads to coordinated spatial and temporal localisation of Gld-PGCLCs relative to surrounding somatic cells, even in the absence of specific exogenous PGC-specific signalling or extra-embryonic tissues. In gastruloids, self-organised interactions between cells and tissues, including the endodermal epithelium, enables the specification and subsequent maturation of a pool of Gld-PGCLCs. As such, mouse gastruloids represent a new source of PGCLCs in vitro and, owing to their inherent co-development, serve as a novel model to study the dynamics of PGC development within integrated tissue environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher B. Cooke
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EH, UK
- Abcam, Discovery Drive, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0AX, UK
| | | | - Peter Baillie-Benson
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
- Wellcome Trust – MRC Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jennifer Nichols
- Wellcome Trust – MRC Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Naomi Moris
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Castillo-Venzor A, Penfold CA, Morgan MD, Tang WW, Kobayashi T, Wong FC, Bergmann S, Slatery E, Boroviak TE, Marioni JC, Surani MA. Origin and segregation of the human germline. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202201706. [PMID: 37217306 PMCID: PMC10203729 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Human germline-soma segregation occurs during weeks 2-3 in gastrulating embryos. Although direct studies are hindered, here, we investigate the dynamics of human primordial germ cell (PGCs) specification using in vitro models with temporally resolved single-cell transcriptomics and in-depth characterisation using in vivo datasets from human and nonhuman primates, including a 3D marmoset reference atlas. We elucidate the molecular signature for the transient gain of competence for germ cell fate during peri-implantation epiblast development. Furthermore, we show that both the PGCs and amnion arise from transcriptionally similar TFAP2A-positive progenitors at the posterior end of the embryo. Notably, genetic loss of function experiments shows that TFAP2A is crucial for initiating the PGC fate without detectably affecting the amnion and is subsequently replaced by TFAP2C as an essential component of the genetic network for PGC fate. Accordingly, amniotic cells continue to emerge from the progenitors in the posterior epiblast, but importantly, this is also a source of nascent PGCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aracely Castillo-Venzor
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, Henry Wellcome Building of Cancer and Developmental Biology, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome - MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
- Physiology, Development and Neuroscience Department, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Christopher A Penfold
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, Henry Wellcome Building of Cancer and Developmental Biology, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome - MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
- Physiology, Development and Neuroscience Department, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Michael D Morgan
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, UK
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Walfred Wc Tang
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, Henry Wellcome Building of Cancer and Developmental Biology, Cambridge, UK
- Physiology, Development and Neuroscience Department, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Toshihiro Kobayashi
- Division of Mammalian Embryology, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Frederick Ck Wong
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, Henry Wellcome Building of Cancer and Developmental Biology, Cambridge, UK
- Physiology, Development and Neuroscience Department, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sophie Bergmann
- Wellcome - MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
- Physiology, Development and Neuroscience Department, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Erin Slatery
- Wellcome - MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
- Physiology, Development and Neuroscience Department, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Thorsten E Boroviak
- Wellcome - MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
- Physiology, Development and Neuroscience Department, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - John C Marioni
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, UK
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridgeshire, UK
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - M Azim Surani
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, Henry Wellcome Building of Cancer and Developmental Biology, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome - MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
- Physiology, Development and Neuroscience Department, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Hsu FM, Wu QY, Fabyanic EB, Wei A, Wu H, Clark AT. TET1 facilitates specification of early human lineages including germ cells. iScience 2023; 26:107191. [PMID: 37456839 PMCID: PMC10345126 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Ten Eleven Translocation 1 (TET1) is a regulator of localized DNA demethylation through the conversion of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC). To examine DNA demethylation in human primordial germ cell-like cells (hPGCLCs) induced from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), we performed bisulfite-assisted APOBEC coupled epigenetic sequencing (bACEseq) followed by integrated genomics analysis. Our data indicates that 5hmC enriches at hPGCLC-specific NANOG, SOX17 or TFAP2C binding sites on hPGCLC induction, and this is accompanied by localized DNA demethylation. Using CRISPR-Cas9, we show that deleting the catalytic domain of TET1 reduces hPGCLC competency when starting with hESC cultured on mouse embryonic fibroblasts, and this phenotype can be rescued after transitioning hESCs to defined media and a recombinant substrate. Taken together, our study demonstrates the importance of 5hmC in facilitating hPGCLC competency, and the role of hESC culture conditions in modulating this effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fei-Man Hsu
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Qiu Ya Wu
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Emily B. Fabyanic
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Penn Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alex Wei
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Penn Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Penn Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Amander T. Clark
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ton MLN, Keitley D, Theeuwes B, Guibentif C, Ahnfelt-Rønne J, Andreassen TK, Calero-Nieto FJ, Imaz-Rosshandler I, Pijuan-Sala B, Nichols J, Benito-Gutiérrez È, Marioni JC, Göttgens B. An atlas of rabbit development as a model for single-cell comparative genomics. Nat Cell Biol 2023; 25:1061-1072. [PMID: 37322291 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-023-01174-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Traditionally, the mouse has been the favoured vertebrate model for biomedical research, due to its experimental and genetic tractability. However, non-rodent embryological studies highlight that many aspects of early mouse development, such as its egg-cylinder gastrulation and method of implantation, diverge from other mammals, thus complicating inferences about human development. Like the human embryo, rabbits develop as a flat-bilaminar disc. Here we constructed a morphological and molecular atlas of rabbit development. We report transcriptional and chromatin accessibility profiles for over 180,000 single cells and high-resolution histology sections from embryos spanning gastrulation, implantation, amniogenesis and early organogenesis. Using a neighbourhood comparison pipeline, we compare the transcriptional landscape of rabbit and mouse at the scale of the entire organism. We characterize the gene regulatory programmes underlying trophoblast differentiation and identify signalling interactions involving the yolk sac mesothelium during haematopoiesis. We demonstrate how the combination of both rabbit and mouse atlases can be leveraged to extract new biological insights from sparse macaque and human data. The datasets and computational pipelines reported here set a framework for a broader cross-species approach to decipher early mammalian development, and are readily adaptable to deploy single-cell comparative genomics more broadly across biomedical research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mai-Linh Nu Ton
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Daniel Keitley
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Bart Theeuwes
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Carolina Guibentif
- Inst. Biomedicine, Dept. Microbiology and Immunology, Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | | | - Fernando J Calero-Nieto
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ivan Imaz-Rosshandler
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Blanca Pijuan-Sala
- Genome Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jennifer Nichols
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - John C Marioni
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, UK.
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Cambridge, UK.
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Berthold Göttgens
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Wellcome-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Strange A, Alberio R. Review: A barnyard in the lab: prospect of generating animal germ cells for breeding and conservation. Animal 2023; 17 Suppl 1:100753. [PMID: 37567650 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro gametogenesis (IVG) offers broad opportunities for gaining detailed new mechanistic knowledge of germ cell biology that will enable progress in the understanding of human infertility, as well as for applications in the conservation of endangered species and for accelerating genetic selection of livestock. The realisation of this potential depends on overcoming key technical challenges and of gaining more detailed knowledge of the ontogeny and developmental programme in different species. Important differences in the molecular mechanisms of germ cell determination and epigenetic reprogramming between mice and other animals have been elucidated in recent years. These must be carefully considered when developing IVG protocols, as cellular kinetics in mice may not accurately reflect mechanisms in other mammals. Similarly, diverse stem cell models with potential for germ cell differentiation may reflect alternative routes to successful IVG. In conclusion, the fidelity of the developmental programme recapitulated during IVG must be assessed against reference information from each species to ensure the production of healthy animals using these methods, as well as for developing genuine models of gametogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Strange
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - R Alberio
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, LE12 5RD, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Yu X, Wang N, Wang X, Ren H, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Qiu Y, Wang H, Wang G, Pei X, Chen P, Ren Y, Ha C, Wang L, Wang H. Oocyte Arrested at Metaphase II Stage were Derived from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells in vitro. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023; 19:1067-1081. [PMID: 36735215 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10511-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Initiation of meiosis is the most difficult aspect of inducing competent oocytes differentiation from human stem cells in vitro. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and embryonic stem cells (hESCs) were cultured with follicle fluid, cytokines and small molecule to induced oocyte-like cells (OLCs) formation through a three-step induction procedure. Expression of surface markers and differentiation potential of germ cells were analyzed in vitro by flow cytometry, gene expression, immunocytochemistry, western blotting and RNA Sequencing. To induce the differentiation of hiPSCs into OLCs, cells were firstly cultured with a primordial germ cell medium for 10 days. The cells exhibited similar morphological features to primordial germ cells (PGCs), high expressing of germ cell markers and primordial follicle development associated genes. The induced PGCs were then cultured with the primordial follicle-like cell medium for 5 days to form the induced follicle-like structures (iFLs), which retained both primordial oocytes-like cells and granulosa-like cells. In the third step, the detached iFLs were harvested and transferred to the OLC-medium for additional 10 days. The cultured cells developed cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) structures and OLCs with different sizes (50-150 μm diameter) and a zona pellucida. The in vitro matured OLCs had polar bodies and were arrested at metaphase II (MII) stage. Some OLCs were self-activated and spontaneously developed into multiple-cell structures similar to preimplantation embryos, indicating that OLCs were parthenogenetically activated though in vitro fertilization potential of OLCs are yet to be proved. in vitro maturation of OLCs derived from hiPSCs provides a new means to study human germ cell formation and oogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Yu
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, 750004, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China.
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, 712100, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, 750004, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Hehe Ren
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, 750004, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Yanping Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, 750004, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Yingxin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, 750004, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Yikai Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, 750004, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Hongyan Wang
- Department of Gynecology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia Human Sperm Bank, 750004, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Guoping Wang
- Yinchuan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, 75004, Yinchuan, China
| | - Xiuying Pei
- Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, 750004, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Ping Chen
- Department of Gynecology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia Human Sperm Bank, 750004, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Yahui Ren
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Henan University of Urban Construction, 467000, Pingdingshan, China
| | - Chunfang Ha
- Department of Gynecology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia Human Sperm Bank, 750004, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Gynecology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia Human Sperm Bank, 750004, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China
| | - Huayan Wang
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, 712100, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Burnham EL, Tomita T. Histogenesis of intracranial germ cell tumors: primordial germ cell vs. embryonic stem cell. Childs Nerv Syst 2023; 39:359-368. [PMID: 36595083 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-022-05808-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Intracranial germ cell tumor (iGCT) is a rare disorder and often occurs during childhood and adolescence. iGCTs are frequently localized in pineal region and hypothalamic-neurohypophyseal axis (HNA). In spite of well-established clinical and pathological entity, histogenesis of iGCTs remains unsettled. Current theories of histogenesis of iGCTs include germ cell theory (from primordial germ cells (PGCs) of aberrant migration) and stem cell theory (transformed embryonic stem (ES) cells). In order to comprehend the histogenesis, we revisit the origin, migration, and fate of the human PGCs, and their transformation processes to iGCT. DISCUSSION In "germ cell theory," transformation of ectopic PGCs to iGCT is complex and involves multiple transcription factors. Germinoma is derived from ectopic PGCs and is considered a prototype of all GCTs. Non-germinomatous germ cell tumors (NGGCTs) develop from more differentiated counterparts of embryonic and extra-embryonic tissues. However, there is a distinct genomic/epigenomic landscape between germinoma and NGGCT. ES cells transformed from ectopic PGCs through molecular dysregulation or de-differentiation may become the source of iGCT. "Stem cell theory" is transformation of endogenous ES cells or primitive neural stem cell to iGCTs. It supports histological diversity of NGGCTs because of ES cell's pluripotency. However, neural stem cells are abundantly present along the subependymal zone; therefore, it does not explain why iGCTs almost exclusively occur in pineal and HNA locations. Also, the vast difference of methylation status between germinoma and NGGCT makes it difficult to theorize all iGCTs derive from the common cellular linage. CONCLUSION Transformation of PGCs to ES cells is the most logical mechanism for histogenesis of iGCT. However, its detail remains an enigma and needs further investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma L Burnham
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tadanori Tomita
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Rabbani M, Zheng X, Manske GL, Vargo A, Shami AN, Li JZ, Hammoud SS. Decoding the Spermatogenesis Program: New Insights from Transcriptomic Analyses. Annu Rev Genet 2022; 56:339-368. [PMID: 36070560 PMCID: PMC10722372 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genet-080320-040045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex differentiation process coordinated spatiotemporally across and along seminiferous tubules. Cellular heterogeneity has made it challenging to obtain stage-specific molecular profiles of germ and somatic cells using bulk transcriptomic analyses. This has limited our ability to understand regulation of spermatogenesis and to integrate knowledge from model organisms to humans. The recent advancement of single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) technologies provides insights into the cell type diversity and molecular signatures in the testis. Fine-grained cell atlases of the testis contain both known and novel cell types and define the functional states along the germ cell developmental trajectory in many species. These atlases provide a reference system for integrated interspecies comparisons to discover mechanistic parallels and to enable future studies. Despite recent advances, we currently lack high-resolution data to probe germ cell-somatic cell interactions in the tissue environment, but the use of highly multiplexed spatial analysis technologies has begun to resolve this problem. Taken together, recent single-cell studies provide an improvedunderstanding of gametogenesis to examine underlying causes of infertility and enable the development of new therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mashiat Rabbani
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA;
| | - Xianing Zheng
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA;
| | - Gabe L Manske
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Alexander Vargo
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA;
| | - Adrienne N Shami
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA;
| | - Jun Z Li
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA;
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Saher Sue Hammoud
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
New insights into the epitranscriptomic control of pluripotent stem cell fate. Exp Mol Med 2022; 54:1643-1651. [PMID: 36266446 PMCID: PMC9636187 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00824-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Each cell in the human body has a distinguishable fate. Pluripotent stem cells are challenged with a myriad of lineage differentiation options. Defects are more likely to be fatal to stem cells than to somatic cells due to the broad impact of the former on early development. Hence, a detailed understanding of the mechanisms that determine the fate of stem cells is needed. The mechanisms by which human pluripotent stem cells, although not fully equipped with complex chromatin structures or epigenetic regulatory mechanisms, accurately control gene expression and are important to the stem cell field. In this review, we examine the events driving pluripotent stem cell fate and the underlying changes in gene expression during early development. In addition, we highlight the role played by the epitranscriptome in the regulation of gene expression that is necessary for each fate-related event.
Collapse
|
20
|
Bergmann S, Penfold CA, Slatery E, Siriwardena D, Drummer C, Clark S, Strawbridge SE, Kishimoto K, Vickers A, Tewary M, Kohler TN, Hollfelder F, Reik W, Sasaki E, Behr R, Boroviak TE. Spatial profiling of early primate gastrulation in utero. Nature 2022; 609:136-143. [PMID: 35709828 PMCID: PMC7614364 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-04953-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Gastrulation controls the emergence of cellular diversity and axis patterning in the early embryo. In mammals, this transformation is orchestrated by dynamic signalling centres at the interface of embryonic and extraembryonic tissues1-3. Elucidating the molecular framework of axis formation in vivo is fundamental for our understanding of human development4-6 and to advance stem-cell-based regenerative approaches7. Here we illuminate early gastrulation of marmoset embryos in utero using spatial transcriptomics and stem-cell-based embryo models. Gaussian process regression-based 3D transcriptomes delineate the emergence of the anterior visceral endoderm, which is hallmarked by conserved (HHEX, LEFTY2, LHX1) and primate-specific (POSTN, SDC4, FZD5) factors. WNT signalling spatially coordinates the formation of the primitive streak in the embryonic disc and is counteracted by SFRP1 and SFRP2 to sustain pluripotency in the anterior domain. Amnion specification occurs at the boundaries of the embryonic disc through ID1, ID2 and ID3 in response to BMP signalling, providing a developmental rationale for amnion differentiation of primate pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). Spatial identity mapping demonstrates that primed marmoset PSCs exhibit the highest similarity to the anterior embryonic disc, whereas naive PSCs resemble the preimplantation epiblast. Our 3D transcriptome models reveal the molecular code of lineage specification in the primate embryo and provide an in vivo reference to decipher human development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Bergmann
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Christopher A Penfold
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Wellcome Trust-Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Erin Slatery
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Dylan Siriwardena
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Charis Drummer
- Research Platform Degenerative Diseases, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Göttingen, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stephen Clark
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Stanley E Strawbridge
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Keiko Kishimoto
- Department of Marmoset Biology and Medicine, Central Institute for Experimental Animals, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Alice Vickers
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Mukul Tewary
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Timo N Kohler
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Wolf Reik
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Erika Sasaki
- Department of Marmoset Biology and Medicine, Central Institute for Experimental Animals, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Rüdiger Behr
- Research Platform Degenerative Diseases, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Göttingen, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thorsten E Boroviak
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Ayaz G, Yan H, Malik N, Huang J. An Updated View of the Roles of p53 in Embryonic Stem Cells. Stem Cells 2022; 40:883-891. [PMID: 35904997 PMCID: PMC9585900 DOI: 10.1093/stmcls/sxac051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The TP53 gene is unarguably one of the most studied human genes. Its encoded protein, p53, is a tumor suppressor and is often called the "guardian of the genome" due to its pivotal role in maintaining genome stability. Historically, most studies of p53 have focused on its roles in somatic cells and tissues, but in the last two decades, its functions in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells have attracted increasing attention. Recent studies have identified p53 as a critical regulator of pluripotency, self-renewal, differentiation, proliferation, and genome stability in mouse and human embryonic stem cells. In this article, we systematically review the studies on the functions of p53 in ESCs, provide an updated overview, attempt to reconcile controversial results described in the literature, and discuss the relevance of these cellular functions of p53 to its roles in tumor suppression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gamze Ayaz
- Cancer and Stem Cell Epigenetics, Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hualong Yan
- Cancer and Stem Cell Epigenetics, Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Navdeep Malik
- Cancer and Stem Cell Epigenetics, Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jing Huang
- Cancer and Stem Cell Epigenetics, Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Papanikolaou NA, Hytiroglou P, Pantelidou P, Papavassiliou AG, Old LL. Systems-Level Mapping of Cancer Testis Antigen 1b/a to Sarcoma Pathways Identifies Activated Ran Binding-2 E3 SUMO-Protein Ligase and Transducin-Like Enhancer Protein 1. Front Genet 2022; 13:834445. [PMID: 35664317 PMCID: PMC9158115 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.834445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we describe the identification of genes and their encoded proteins that are expressed in advanced grade tumors by reconstruction of a sarcoma cancer testis gene 1b/a (catg1b/a) network. CTAG1B/A is an ortholog of the yeast/Drosophila transcription factor Pcc1p, and a member of the KEOPS transcription complex. It has been implicated in telomere maintenance and transcriptional regulation through association with chromatin remodeling factors and is only expressed during adult testis germ cell differentiation. Ctag1b/a is re-activated in synovial sarcomas and myxoid liposarcomas but not in differentiated liposarcomas. We mapped CTAG1B/A protein to sarcoma transcription pathways with gene set expression analysis (GSEA) and using independent samples, we immunohistochemically identified expression of at least two network neighbors, RANBP2, and TLE1, thus validating our approach. This work demonstrates that mapping unknown genes to functional pathways by network re-construction is a powerful tool that can be used to identify candidate oncoproteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos A. Papanikolaou
- Laboratory of Biological Chemistry, Department of Medicine, Section of Biological Sciences and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
- *Correspondence: Nikolaos A. Papanikolaou,
| | - Prodromos Hytiroglou
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Pathology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Pavlina Pantelidou
- Department of Medicine, Laboratory of Pathology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
| | - Athanasios G. Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Lloyd L. Old
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York City, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Ai Z, Yin Y, Niu B, Li T. Deconstructing human peri-implantation embryogenesis based on embryos and embryoids. Biol Reprod 2022; 107:212-225. [PMID: 35552636 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The peri-implantation period from blastula to gastrula is one of the crucial stages of human embryo and stem cell development. During development, human embryos undergo many crucial events, such as embryonic lineage differentiation and development, structural self-assembly, pluripotency state transition, cell communication between lineages, and crosstalk between the embryo and uterus. Abnormalities in these developmental events will result in implantation failure or pregnancy loss. However, because of ethical and technical limits, the developmental dynamics of human peri-implantation embryos and the underlying mechanisms of abnormal development remain in a "black box". In this review, we summarize recent progress made towards our understanding of human peri-implantation embryogenesis based on extended in vitro cultured embryos and stem cell-based embryoids. These findings lay an important foundation for understanding early life, promoting research into human stem cells and their application, and preventing and treating infertility. We also propose key scientific issues regarding peri-implantation embryogenesis and provide an outlook on future study directions. Finally, we sum up China's contribution to the field and future opportunities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zongyong Ai
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research; Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China.,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China
| | - Yu Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research; Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China.,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China
| | - Baohua Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research; Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China.,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China
| | - Tianqing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research; Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China.,Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Ito J, Seita Y, Kojima S, Parrish NF, Sasaki K, Sato K. A hominoid-specific endogenous retrovirus may have rewired the gene regulatory network shared between primordial germ cells and naïve pluripotent cells. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1009846. [PMID: 35551519 PMCID: PMC9128956 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian germ cells stem from primordial germ cells (PGCs). Although the gene regulatory network controlling the development of germ cells such as PGCs is critical for ensuring gamete integrity, substantial differences exist in this network among mammalian species, suggesting that this network has been modified during mammalian evolution. Here, we show that a hominoid-specific group of endogenous retroviruses, LTR5_Hs, discloses enhancer-like signatures in human in vitro-induced PGCs, PGC-like cells (PGCLCs). Human PGCLCs exhibit a transcriptome signature similar to that of naïve-state pluripotent cells. LTR5_Hs are epigenetically activated in both PGCLCs and naïve pluripotent cells, and the expression of genes in the vicinity of LTR5_Hs is coordinately upregulated in these cell types, contributing to the establishment of the transcriptome similarity between these cell types. LTR5_Hs are preferentially bound by transcription factors that are highly expressed in both PGCLCs and naïve pluripotent cells (KLF4, TFAP2C, NANOG, and CBFA2T2), suggesting that these transcription factors contribute to the epigenetic activation of LTR5_Hs in these cells. Comparative transcriptome analysis between humans and macaques suggests that the expression of many genes in PGCLCs and naïve pluripotent cells is upregulated by LTR5_Hs insertions in the hominoid lineage. Together, this study suggests that LTR5_Hs insertions may have finetuned the gene regulatory network shared between PGCLCs and naïve pluripotent cells and coordinately altered the gene expression in these cells during hominoid evolution. To ensure the health of the next generation and the continuation of a species, the development of germ cells, including primordial germ cells (PGCs), is strictly controlled by a complex gene regulatory network. Nevertheless, the gene regulatory network controlling the germ cell development has been substantially diversified during mammalian or even primate evolution. Here, our integrated analyses using multiomics and comparative genomics resources suggest that hominoid-specific insertions of endogenous retroviruses are epigenetically activated in both in vitro-induced PGCs and naïve pluripotent cells and may have coordinately altered the expression of the adjacent genes in these cells. This study provides evidence suggesting that the gene regulatory network shared between PGCs and naïve pluripotent cells may have been rewired by ERV insertions during hominoid evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jumpei Ito
- Division of Systems Virology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasunari Seita
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Bell Research Center for Reproductive Health and Cancer, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Shohei Kojima
- Genome Immunobiology RIKEN Hakubi Research Team, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences and RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Nicholas F. Parrish
- Genome Immunobiology RIKEN Hakubi Research Team, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences and RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kotaro Sasaki
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail: (KS); (KS)
| | - Kei Sato
- Division of Systems Virology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- International Vaccine Design Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- CREST, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Saitama, Japan
- * E-mail: (KS); (KS)
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Sequential enhancer state remodelling defines human germline competence and specification. Nat Cell Biol 2022; 24:448-460. [PMID: 35411086 PMCID: PMC7612729 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-022-00878-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
|
26
|
Jo K, Teague S, Chen B, Khan HA, Freeburne E, Li H, Li B, Ran R, Spence JR, Heemskerk I. Efficient differentiation of human primordial germ cells through geometric control reveals a key role for Nodal signaling. eLife 2022; 11:72811. [PMID: 35394424 PMCID: PMC9106331 DOI: 10.7554/elife.72811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Human primordial germ cells (hPGCs) form around the time of implantation and are the precursors of eggs and sperm. Many aspects of hPGC specification remain poorly understood because of the inaccessibility of the early postimplantation human embryo for study. Here, we show that micropatterned human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) treated with BMP4 give rise to hPGC-like cells (hPGCLC) and use these as a quantitatively reproducible and simple in vitro model to interrogate this important developmental event. We characterize micropatterned hPSCs up to 96 hr and show that hPGCLC populations are stable and continue to mature. By perturbing signaling during hPGCLC differentiation, we identify a previously unappreciated role for Nodal signaling and find that the relative timing and duration of BMP and Nodal signaling are critical parameters controlling the number of hPGCLCs. We formulate a mathematical model for a network of cross-repressive fates driven by Nodal and BMP signaling, which predicts the measured fate patterns after signaling perturbations. Finally, we show that hPSC colony size dictates the efficiency of hPGCLC specification, which led us to dramatically improve the efficiency of hPGCLC differentiation. In humans and other animals, eggs and sperm are unique cells that pass on genetic material to the next generation. They originate from a small group of cells called primordial germ cells that form early in life in the developing embryo. Several different signal molecules including ones known as BMP4, Wnt, and Nodal, instruct certain cells in the embryo to become primordial germ cells. The process by which primordial germ cells are made in humans is very different to how primordial germ cells are made in mice and other so-called model animals that are commonly used in research. This has made it more challenging to uncover the details of the process in humans. Fortunately, new methods have recently been created that mimic aspects of how human embryos develop using human stem cells in a laboratory dish, providing an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of how human germ cells form. Jo et al. used a technique called micropatterning to control the shape and size of groups of human stem cells growing in a laboratory dish. Treating these cells with a signal known as BMP4 gave rise to cells that resembled primordial germ cells. The team then used this system as a model to study how primordial germ cells form in humans. The experiments found that reducing Wnt signals in stem cells stopped primordial germ cells from forming in response to BMP4, confirming that Wnt signals made by the cells in response to BMP4 are essential. However, this block was overcome by providing the stem cells with another signal called Nodal. This suggests that the role of Wnt signaling in primordial germ cell formation is in part indirect by switching on Nodal in stem cells. Defects in eggs and sperm may lead to infertility, therefore, the findings of Jo et al. have the potential to help researchers develop new fertility treatments that use eggs or sperm grown in a laboratory from the patients’ own stem cells. Such research would benefit from first developing a better understanding of how to make primordial germ cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyoung Jo
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Seth Teague
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Bohan Chen
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Hina Aftab Khan
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Emily Freeburne
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Hunter Li
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Bolin Li
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Ran Ran
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Jason R Spence
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Idse Heemskerk
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, United States
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Bakloushinskaya I. Chromosome Changes in Soma and Germ Line: Heritability and Evolutionary Outcome. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13040602. [PMID: 35456408 PMCID: PMC9029507 DOI: 10.3390/genes13040602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The origin and inheritance of chromosome changes provide the essential foundation for natural selection and evolution. The evolutionary fate of chromosome changes depends on the place and time of their emergence and is controlled by checkpoints in mitosis and meiosis. Estimating whether the altered genome can be passed to subsequent generations should be central when we consider a particular genome rearrangement. Through comparative analysis of chromosome rearrangements in soma and germ line, the potential impact of macromutations such as chromothripsis or chromoplexy appears to be fascinating. What happens with chromosomes during the early development, and which alterations lead to mosaicism are other poorly studied but undoubtedly essential issues. The evolutionary impact can be gained most effectively through chromosome rearrangements arising in male meiosis I and in female meiosis II, which are the last divisions following fertilization. The diversity of genome organization has unique features in distinct animals; the chromosome changes, their internal relations, and some factors safeguarding genome maintenance in generations under natural selection were considered for mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irina Bakloushinskaya
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Fang F, Iaquinta PJ, Xia N, Liu L, Diao L, Reijo Pera RA. OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:313-345. [PMID: 35297982 PMCID: PMC9071081 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathways of gametogenesis encompass elaborate cellular specialization accompanied by precise partitioning of the genome content in order to produce fully matured spermatozoa and oocytes. Transcription factors are an important class of molecules that function in gametogenesis to regulate intrinsic gene expression programs, play essential roles in specifying (or determining) germ cell fate and assist in guiding full maturation of germ cells and maintenance of their populations. Moreover, in order to reinforce or redirect cell fate in vitro, it is transcription factors that are most frequently induced, over-expressed or activated. Many reviews have focused on the molecular development and genetics of gametogenesis, in vivo and in vitro, in model organisms and in humans, including several recent comprehensive reviews: here, we focus specifically on the role of transcription factors. Recent advances in stem cell biology and multi-omic studies have enabled deeper investigation into the unique transcriptional mechanisms of human reproductive development. Moreover, as methods continually improve, in vitro differentiation of germ cells can provide the platform for robust gain- and loss-of-function genetic analyses. These analyses are delineating unique and shared human germ cell transcriptional network components that, together with somatic lineage specifiers and pluripotency transcription factors, function in transitions from pluripotent stem cells to gametes. This grand theme review offers additional insight into human infertility and reproductive disorders that are linked predominantly to defects in the transcription factor networks and thus may potentially contribute to the development of novel treatments for infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Fang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Phillip J Iaquinta
- Division of Research, Economic Development, and Graduate Education, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
| | - Ninuo Xia
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Lei Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Lei Diao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Renee A Reijo Pera
- Division of Research, Economic Development, and Graduate Education, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA
- McLaughlin Research Institute, Great Falls, MT, USA
- Correspondence address. McLaughlin Research Institute, 1520 23rd Street South, Great Falls, MT 59405, USA. E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6487-1329
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Rossant J, Tam PP. Early human embryonic development: Blastocyst formation to gastrulation. Dev Cell 2022; 57:152-165. [DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
30
|
Yeh CY, Huang WH, Chen HC, Meir YJJ. Capturing Pluripotency and Beyond. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123558. [PMID: 34944066 PMCID: PMC8700150 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
During the development of a multicellular organism, the specification of different cell lineages originates in a small group of pluripotent cells, the epiblasts, formed in the preimplantation embryo. The pluripotent epiblast is protected from premature differentiation until exposure to inductive cues in strictly controlled spatially and temporally organized patterns guiding fetus formation. Epiblasts cultured in vitro are embryonic stem cells (ESCs), which recapitulate the self-renewal and lineage specification properties of their endogenous counterparts. The characteristics of totipotency, although less understood than pluripotency, are becoming clearer. Recent studies have shown that a minor ESC subpopulation exhibits expanded developmental potential beyond pluripotency, displaying a characteristic reminiscent of two-cell embryo blastomeres (2CLCs). In addition, reprogramming both mouse and human ESCs in defined media can produce expanded/extended pluripotent stem cells (EPSCs) similar to but different from 2CLCs. Further, the molecular roadmaps driving the transition of various potency states have been clarified. These recent key findings will allow us to understand eutherian mammalian development by comparing the underlying differences between potency network components during development. Using the mouse as a paradigm and recent progress in human PSCs, we review the epiblast's identity acquisition during embryogenesis and their ESC counterparts regarding their pluripotent fates and beyond.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Yu Yeh
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (C.-Y.Y.); (W.-H.H.)
| | - Wei-Han Huang
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (C.-Y.Y.); (W.-H.H.)
| | - Hung-Chi Chen
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (C.-Y.Y.); (W.-H.H.)
- Limbal Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou 333, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (H.-C.C.); (Y.-J.J.M.)
| | - Yaa-Jyuhn James Meir
- Limbal Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou 333, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (H.-C.C.); (Y.-J.J.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) form early in embryo development and are crucial precursors to functioning gamete cells. Considerable research has focussed on identifying the transcriptional characteristics and signalling pathway requirements that confer PGC specification and development, enabling the derivation of PGC-like cells (PGCLCs) in vitro using specific signalling cocktails. However, full maturation to germ cells still relies on co-culture with supporting cell types, implicating an additional requirement for cellular- and tissue-level regulation. Here, we discuss the experimental evidence that highlights the nature of intercellular interactions between PGCs and neighbouring cell populations during mouse PGC development. We posit that the role that tissue interactions play on PGCs is not limited solely to signalling-based induction but extends to coordination of development by robust regulation of the proportions and position of the cells and tissues within the embryo, which is crucial for functional germ cell maturation. Such tissue co-development provides a dynamic, contextual niche for PGC development. We argue that there is evidence for a clear role for inter-tissue dependence of mouse PGCs, with potential implications for generating mammalian PGCLCs in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher B Cooke
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, UK.,Abcam Plc, Discovery Drive, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0AX, UK.,The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, Somers Town, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Naomi Moris
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, Somers Town, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Wessel GM, Morita S, Oulhen N. Somatic cell conversion to a germ cell lineage: A violation or a revelation? JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART B, MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2021; 336:666-679. [PMID: 32445519 PMCID: PMC7680723 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.22952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The germline is unique and immortal (or at least its genome is). It is able to perform unique jobs (meiosis) and is selected for genetic changes. Part of being this special also means that entry into the germline club is restricted and cells of the soma are always left out. However, the recent evidence from multiple animals now suggests that somatic cells may join the club and become germline cells in an animal when the original germline is removed. This "violation" may have garnered acceptance by the observation that iPScells, originating experimentally from somatic cells of an adult, can form reproductively successful eggs and sperm, all in vitro. Each of the genes and their functions used to induce pluripotentiality are found normally in the cell and the in vitro conditions to direct germline commitment replicate conditions in vivo. Here, we discuss evidence from three different animals: an ascidian, a segmented worm, and a sea urchin; and that the cells of a somatic cell lineage can convert into the germline in vivo. We discuss the consequences of such transitions and provide thoughts as how this process may have equal precision to the original germline formation of an embryo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gary M. Wessel
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Brown University, Providence RI 02912 USA
| | - Shumpei Morita
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Brown University, Providence RI 02912 USA
| | - Nathalie Oulhen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Brown University, Providence RI 02912 USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Chiaratti MR. Uncovering the important role of mitochondrial dynamics in oogenesis: impact on fertility and metabolic disorder transmission. Biophys Rev 2021; 13:967-981. [PMID: 35059021 PMCID: PMC8724343 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-021-00891-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Oocyte health is tightly tied to mitochondria given their role in energy production, metabolite supply, calcium (Ca2+) buffering, and cell death regulation, among others. In turn, mitochondrial function strongly relies on these organelle dynamics once cyclic events of fusion and fission (division) are required for mitochondrial turnover, positioning, content homogenization, metabolic flexibility, interaction with subcellular compartments, etc. Importantly, during oogenesis, mitochondria change their architecture from an "orthodox" elongated shape characterized by the presence of numerous transversely oriented cristae to a round-to-oval morphology containing arched and concentrically arranged cristae. This, along with evidence showing that mitochondrial function is kept quiescent during most part of oocyte development, suggests an important role of mitochondrial dynamics in oogenesis. To investigate this, recent works have downregulated/upregulated in oocytes the expression of key effectors of mitochondrial dynamics, including mitofusins 1 (MFN1) and 2 (MFN2) and the dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1). As a result, both MFN1 and DRP1 were found to be essential to oogenesis and fertility, while MFN2 deletion led to offspring with increased weight gain and glucose intolerance. Curiously, neither MFN1/MFN2 deficiency nor DRP1 overexpression enhanced mitochondrial fragmentation, indicating that mitochondrial size is strictly regulated in oocytes. Therefore, the present work seeks to discuss the role of mitochondria in supporting oogenesis as well as recent findings connecting defective mitochondrial dynamics in oocytes with infertility and transmission of metabolic disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Roberto Chiaratti
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, 13565-905 Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Ramakrishna NB, Murison K, Miska EA, Leitch HG. Epigenetic Regulation during Primordial Germ Cell Development and Differentiation. Sex Dev 2021; 15:411-431. [PMID: 34847550 DOI: 10.1159/000520412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Germline development varies significantly across metazoans. However, mammalian primordial germ cell (PGC) development has key conserved landmarks, including a critical period of epigenetic reprogramming that precedes sex-specific differentiation and gametogenesis. Epigenetic alterations in the germline are of unique importance due to their potential to impact the next generation. Therefore, regulation of, and by, the non-coding genome is of utmost importance during these epigenomic events. Here, we detail the key chromatin changes that occur during mammalian PGC development and how these interact with the expression of non-coding RNAs alongside broader epitranscriptomic changes. We identify gaps in our current knowledge, in particular regarding epigenetic regulation in the human germline, and we highlight important areas of future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Navin B Ramakrishna
- Wellcome/CRUK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Biopolis, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Keir Murison
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eric A Miska
- Wellcome/CRUK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Harry G Leitch
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Liu W, Li N, Zhang M, Arisha AH, Hua J. The role of Eif2s3y in mouse spermatogenesis. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 17:750-755. [PMID: 34727865 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x16666211102091513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 subunit 3 and structural gene Y-linked (Eif2s3y) gene, the gene encoding eIF2γ protein, is located on the mouse Y chromosome short arm. The Eif2s3y gene is globally expressed in all tissues and plays an important role in regulating global and gene-specific mRNA translation initiation. During the process of protein translation initiation, Eif2s3x(its homolog) and Eif2s3y encoded eIF2γ perform similar functions. However, it has been noticed that Eif2s3y plays a crucial role in spermatogenesis, including spermatogonia mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis of spermatids, which may account for infertility. In the period of spermatogenesis, the role of Eif2s3x and Eif2s3y are not equivalent. Importance of Eif2s3y has been observed in ESC and implicated in several aspects, including the pluripotency state and the proliferation rate. Here, we discuss the functional significance of Eif2s3y in mouse spermatogenesis and self-renewal of ESCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenqing Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100 . China
| | - Na Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100 . China
| | - Mengfei Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100 . China
| | - Ahmed H Arisha
- Department of physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig El_Sharkia 44519 . Egypt
| | - Jinlian Hua
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shaanxi Centre of Stem Cells Engineering & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100 . China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Somatic Reprogramming-Above and Beyond Pluripotency. Cells 2021; 10:cells10112888. [PMID: 34831113 PMCID: PMC8616127 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells, having long been considered the fountain of youth, have caught the attention of many researchers from diverse backgrounds due to their capacity for unlimited self-renewal and potential to differentiate into all cell types. Over the past 15 years, the advanced development of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has displayed an unparalleled potential for regenerative medicine, cell-based therapies, modeling human diseases in culture, and drug discovery. The transcription factor quartet (Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc) reprograms highly differentiated somatic cells back to a pluripotent state recapitulated embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in different aspects, including gene expression profile, epigenetic signature, and functional pluripotency. With the prior fruitful studies in SCNT and cell fusion experiments, iPSC finds its place and implicates that the differentiated somatic epigenome retains plasticity for re-gaining the pluripotency and further stretchability to reach a totipotency-like state. These achievements have revolutionized the concept and created a new avenue in biomedical sciences for clinical applications. With the advent of 15 years’ progress-making after iPSC discovery, this review is focused on how the current concept is established by revisiting those essential landmark studies and summarizing its current biomedical applications status to facilitate the new era entry of regenerative therapy.
Collapse
|
37
|
Savage AM, Alberio R, Johnson AD. Germline competent mesoderm: the substrate for vertebrate germline and somatic stem cells? Biol Open 2021; 10:272478. [PMID: 34648017 PMCID: PMC8524722 DOI: 10.1242/bio.058890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro production of tissue-specific stem cells [e.g. haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs)] is a key goal of regenerative medicine. However, recent efforts to produce fully functional tissue-specific stem cells have fallen short. One possible cause of shortcomings may be that model organisms used to characterize basic vertebrate embryology (Xenopus, zebrafish, chick) may employ molecular mechanisms for stem cell specification that are not conserved in humans, a prominent example being the specification of primordial germ cells (PGCs). Germ plasm irreversibly specifies PGCs in many models; however, it is not conserved in humans, which produce PGCs from tissue termed germline-competent mesoderm (GLCM). GLCM is not conserved in organisms containing germ plasm, or even in mice, but understanding its developmental potential could unlock successful production of other stem cell types. GLCM was first discovered in embryos from the axolotl and its conservation has since been demonstrated in pigs, which develop from a flat-disc embryo like humans. Together these findings suggest that GLCM is a conserved basal trait of vertebrate embryos. Moreover, the immortal nature of germ cells suggests that immortality is retained during GLCM specification; here we suggest that the demonstrated pluripotency of GLCM accounts for retention of immortality in somatic stem cell types as well. This article has an associated Future Leaders to Watch interview with the author of the paper. Summary: Recent findings that germline and stem cell specification may differ between species may have important implications for regenerative medicine and the future of stem cell biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M Savage
- School of Pharmacy, Division of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Ramiro Alberio
- School of Biosciences, Stem Cell Biology, Reprogramming and Pluripotency, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Andrew D Johnson
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Cells, Organisms and Molecular Genetics, University of Nottingham, Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Abdyyev VK, Dashenkova NO, Dashinimaev EB, Vorotelyak EA, Vasiliev AV. NANOS3 downregulation in Down syndrome hiPSCs during primordial germ cell-like cell differentiation. Histochem Cell Biol 2021; 157:83-91. [PMID: 34652540 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-021-02040-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Human infertility is a complex disorder at the genetic, molecular, cellular, organ, and hormonal levels. New developing technology based on the generation of human primordial germ cell-like cells (hPGCLCs) from induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) might improve understanding of early germ cell development (specification, migration, gametogenesis, and epigenetic reconstitutions), as well as offering a solution for infertility and hereditary disorders. In this study, we differentiated hiPSCs with trisomy 21 into hPGCLCs. In vitro-derived germ cells from hiPSCs with Down syndrome (DS) express hPGCLC core circuitry, EOMES, SOX17, and PRDM14 at relatively low levels. TFAP2C and PRDM1 were expressed and remained elevated, whereas NANOS3 and NANOG were downregulated in BMP4-induced hiPSCs with DS. The low level of NANOG and NANOS3 expression might negatively influence hPGCLC generation in DS hiPSCs. We suggest that DS hPGCLCs could be a suitable model for studying human early germ cell development, the epigenetic and molecular mechanisms of PGC specification and formation, as well as related infertility disorders, such as azoospermia and teratozoospermia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V K Abdyyev
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Vavilova, 26, Moscow, 119334, Russia.
| | - N O Dashenkova
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Vavilova, 26, Moscow, 119334, Russia
| | - E B Dashinimaev
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Vavilova, 26, Moscow, 119334, Russia.,Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, ul.Ostrovityanova, 1, Moscow, 117997, Russia.,Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (National Research University), Dolgoprudny, Per.Institutskiy, 9, Moscow, 141701, Russia
| | - E A Vorotelyak
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Vavilova, 26, Moscow, 119334, Russia.,Department of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1-12 Leninskie Gory, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - A V Vasiliev
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Vavilova, 26, Moscow, 119334, Russia.,Department of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1-12 Leninskie Gory, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Kobayashi T, Castillo-Venzor A, Penfold CA, Morgan M, Mizuno N, Tang WWC, Osada Y, Hirao M, Yoshida F, Sato H, Nakauchi H, Hirabayashi M, Surani MA. Tracing the emergence of primordial germ cells from bilaminar disc rabbit embryos and pluripotent stem cells. Cell Rep 2021; 37:109812. [PMID: 34644585 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Rabbit embryos develop as bilaminar discs at gastrulation as in humans and most other mammals, whereas rodents develop as egg cylinders. Primordial germ cells (PGCs) appear to originate during gastrulation according to many systematic studies on mammalian embryos. Here, we show that rabbit PGC (rbPGC) specification occurs at the posterior epiblast at the onset of gastrulation. Using newly derived rabbit pluripotent stem cells, we show robust and rapid induction of rbPGC-like cells in vitro with WNT and BMP morphogens, which reveals SOX17 as the critical regulator of rbPGC fate as in several non-rodent mammals. We posit that development as a bilaminar disc is a crucial determinant of the PGC regulators, regardless of the highly diverse development of extraembryonic tissues, including the amnion. We propose that investigations on rabbits with short gestation, large litters, and where gastrulation precedes implantation can contribute significantly to advances in early mammalian development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiro Kobayashi
- Division of Mammalian Embryology, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan; Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan.
| | - Aracely Castillo-Venzor
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK; Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Chris A Penfold
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Michael Morgan
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK; European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Naoaki Mizuno
- Division of Stem Cell Therapy, Distinguished Professor Unit, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Walfred W C Tang
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Yasuyuki Osada
- Ina Bio Center, Kitayama Labes Co., Ltd., Ina, Nagano 399-4501, Japan
| | - Masao Hirao
- Ina Bio Center, Kitayama Labes Co., Ltd., Ina, Nagano 399-4501, Japan
| | - Fumika Yoshida
- Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Sato
- Division of Stem Cell Therapy, Distinguished Professor Unit, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
| | - Hiromitsu Nakauchi
- Division of Stem Cell Therapy, Distinguished Professor Unit, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan; Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Masumi Hirabayashi
- Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan; The Graduate University of Advanced Studies, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan.
| | - M Azim Surani
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Hansen CL, Pelegri F. Primordial Germ Cell Specification in Vertebrate Embryos: Phylogenetic Distribution and Conserved Molecular Features of Preformation and Induction. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:730332. [PMID: 34604230 PMCID: PMC8481613 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.730332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The differentiation of primordial germ cells (PGCs) occurs during early embryonic development and is critical for the survival and fitness of sexually reproducing species. Here, we review the two main mechanisms of PGC specification, induction, and preformation, in the context of four model vertebrate species: mouse, axolotl, Xenopus frogs, and zebrafish. We additionally discuss some notable molecular characteristics shared across PGC specification pathways, including the shared expression of products from three conserved germline gene families, DAZ (Deleted in Azoospermia) genes, nanos-related genes, and DEAD-box RNA helicases. Then, we summarize the current state of knowledge of the distribution of germ cell determination systems across kingdom Animalia, with particular attention to vertebrate species, but include several categories of invertebrates - ranging from the "proto-vertebrate" cephalochordates to arthropods, cnidarians, and ctenophores. We also briefly highlight ongoing investigations and potential lines of inquiry that aim to understand the evolutionary relationships between these modes of specification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Francisco Pelegri
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Coorens THH, Moore L, Robinson PS, Sanghvi R, Christopher J, Hewinson J, Przybilla MJ, Lawson ARJ, Spencer Chapman M, Cagan A, Oliver TRW, Neville MDC, Hooks Y, Noorani A, Mitchell TJ, Fitzgerald RC, Campbell PJ, Martincorena I, Rahbari R, Stratton MR. Extensive phylogenies of human development inferred from somatic mutations. Nature 2021; 597:387-392. [PMID: 34433963 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03790-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Starting from the zygote, all cells in the human body continuously acquire mutations. Mutations shared between different cells imply a common progenitor and are thus naturally occurring markers for lineage tracing1,2. Here we reconstruct extensive phylogenies of normal tissues from three adult individuals using whole-genome sequencing of 511 laser capture microdissections. Reconstructed embryonic progenitors in the same generation of a phylogeny often contribute to different extents to the adult body. The degree of this asymmetry varies between individuals, with ratios between the two reconstructed daughter cells of the zygote ranging from 60:40 to 93:7. Asymmetries pervade subsequent generations and can differ between tissues in the same individual. The phylogenies resolve the spatial embryonic patterning of tissues, revealing contiguous patches of, on average, 301 crypts in the adult colonic epithelium derived from a most recent embryonic cell and also a spatial effect in brain development. Using data from ten additional men, we investigated the developmental split between soma and germline, with results suggesting an extraembryonic contribution to primordial germ cells. This research demonstrates that, despite reaching the same ultimate tissue patterns, early bottlenecks and lineage commitments lead to substantial variation in embryonic patterns both within and between individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Luiza Moore
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Philip S Robinson
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Joseph Christopher
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | | - Michael Spencer Chapman
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
- Department of Haematology, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Thomas R W Oliver
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | | - Thomas J Mitchell
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Martin-Inaraja M, Ferreira M, Taelman J, Eguizabal C, Chuva De Sousa Lopes SM. Improving In Vitro Culture of Human Male Fetal Germ Cells. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082033. [PMID: 34440801 PMCID: PMC8393746 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Male human fetal germ cells (hFGCs) give rise to spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), which are the adult precursors of the male gametes. Human SSCs are a promising (autologous) source of cells for male fertility preservation; however, in contrast to mouse SSCs, we are still unable to culture them in the long term. Here, we investigated the effect of two different culture media and four substrates (laminin, gelatin, vitronectin and matrigel) in the culture of dissociated second trimester testes, enriched for hFGCs. After 6 days in culture, we quantified the presence of POU5F1 and DDX4 expressing hFGCs. We observed a pronounced difference in hFGC number in different substrates. The combination of gelatin-coated substrate and medium containing GDNF, LIF, FGF2 and EGF resulted in the highest percentage of hFGCs (10% of the total gonadal cells) after 6 days of culture. However, the vitronectin-coated substrate resulted in a comparable percentage of hFGCs regardless of the media used (3.3% of total cells in Zhou-medium and 4.8% of total cells in Shinohara-medium). We provide evidence that not only the choices of culture medium but also choices of the adequate substrate are crucial for optimizing culture protocols for male hFGCs. Optimizing culture conditions in order to improve the expansion of hFGCs will benefit the development of gametogenesis assays in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Martin-Inaraja
- Cell Therapy, Stem Cells and Tissues Group, Basque Centre for Blood Transfusion and Human Tissues, 48960 Galdakao, Spain; (M.M.-I.); (C.E.)
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Cell Therapy, Stem Cells and Tissues Group, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Monica Ferreira
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.F.); (J.T.)
| | - Jasin Taelman
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.F.); (J.T.)
| | - Cristina Eguizabal
- Cell Therapy, Stem Cells and Tissues Group, Basque Centre for Blood Transfusion and Human Tissues, 48960 Galdakao, Spain; (M.M.-I.); (C.E.)
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Cell Therapy, Stem Cells and Tissues Group, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Susana M. Chuva De Sousa Lopes
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.F.); (J.T.)
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-71-526-9350
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Timmerman DM, Remmers TL, Hillenius S, Looijenga LHJ. Mechanisms of TP53 Pathway Inactivation in Embryonic and Somatic Cells-Relevance for Understanding (Germ Cell) Tumorigenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105377. [PMID: 34065345 PMCID: PMC8161298 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The P53 pathway is the most important cellular pathway to maintain genomic and cellular integrity, both in embryonic and non-embryonic cells. Stress signals induce its activation, initiating autophagy or cell cycle arrest to enable DNA repair. The persistence of these signals causes either senescence or apoptosis. Over 50% of all solid tumors harbor mutations in TP53 that inactivate the pathway. The remaining cancers are suggested to harbor mutations in genes that regulate the P53 pathway such as its inhibitors Mouse Double Minute 2 and 4 (MDM2 and MDM4, respectively). Many reviews have already been dedicated to P53, MDM2, and MDM4, while this review additionally focuses on the other factors that can deregulate P53 signaling. We discuss that P14ARF (ARF) functions as a negative regulator of MDM2, explaining the frequent loss of ARF detected in cancers. The long non-coding RNA Antisense Non-coding RNA in the INK4 Locus (ANRIL) is encoded on the same locus as ARF, inhibiting ARF expression, thus contributing to the process of tumorigenesis. Mutations in tripartite motif (TRIM) proteins deregulate P53 signaling through their ubiquitin ligase activity. Several microRNAs (miRNAs) inactivate the P53 pathway through inhibition of translation. CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) maintains an open chromatin structure at the TP53 locus, explaining its inactivation of CTCF during tumorigenesis. P21, a downstream effector of P53, has been found to be deregulated in different tumor types. This review provides a comprehensive overview of these factors that are known to deregulate the P53 pathway in both somatic and embryonic cells, as well as their malignant counterparts (i.e., somatic and germ cell tumors). It provides insights into which aspects still need to be unraveled to grasp their contribution to tumorigenesis, putatively leading to novel targets for effective cancer therapies.
Collapse
|
44
|
Mishra S, Taelman J, Chang YW, Boel A, De Sutter P, Heindryckx B, Chuva De Sousa Lopes SM. Sex-Specific Isolation and Propagation of Human Premeiotic Fetal Germ Cells and Germ Cell-Like Cells. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051214. [PMID: 34065661 PMCID: PMC8156680 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The second trimester of human development is marked by asynchronous gonadal development hampering the isolation of homogenous populations of early and late fetal germ cells (FGCs). We evaluated the feasibility of using surface markers TNAP, PDPN, EPCAM and ITGA6 to isolate FGCs as well as human primordial germ cell-like cells (hPGCLCs) derived from embryonic stem cells (hESCs) from both sexes by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Our results suggest that a combination of TNAP and PDPN was sufficient to separate populations of premeiotic FGCs and hPGCLCs in both sexes. This combination of antibodies also proved efficient in separating 'mitotic' from 'retinoic-acid responsive' female FGCs. Furthermore, we report that the differentiation efficiency of TNAP+PDPN+ hPGCLCs from hESCs was sex-independent, but the ability to propagate differed considerably between the sexes. In contrast to male, female hPGCLCs retained their characteristics and exhibited robust colony-forming ability when cultured for five days in medium containing LIF, forskolin and FGF2. We conclude that marked sex differences exist in the isolation and propagation of human FGCs and hPGCLCs. Our study provides novel insights relevant for the optimization of in vitro gametogenesis in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Swati Mishra
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (S.M.); (J.T.); (A.B.); (P.D.S.)
| | - Jasin Taelman
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (S.M.); (J.T.); (A.B.); (P.D.S.)
| | - Yolanda W. Chang
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Annekatrien Boel
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (S.M.); (J.T.); (A.B.); (P.D.S.)
| | - Petra De Sutter
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (S.M.); (J.T.); (A.B.); (P.D.S.)
| | - Björn Heindryckx
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (S.M.); (J.T.); (A.B.); (P.D.S.)
- Correspondence: (B.H.); (S.M.C.D.S.L.); Tel.: +32-9332-4748 (B.H.); +31-71-526-9350 (S.M.C.D.S.L.)
| | - Susana M. Chuva De Sousa Lopes
- Ghent-Fertility and Stem Cell Team (G-FaST), Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (S.M.); (J.T.); (A.B.); (P.D.S.)
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands;
- Correspondence: (B.H.); (S.M.C.D.S.L.); Tel.: +32-9332-4748 (B.H.); +31-71-526-9350 (S.M.C.D.S.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Alberio R, Kobayashi T, Surani MA. Conserved features of non-primate bilaminar disc embryos and the germline. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:1078-1092. [PMID: 33979595 PMCID: PMC8185373 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-implantation embryo development commences with a bilaminar disc in most mammals, including humans. Whereas access to early human embryos is limited and subject to greater ethical scrutiny, studies on non-primate embryos developing as bilaminar discs offer exceptional opportunities for advances in gastrulation, the germline, and the basis for evolutionary divergence applicable to human development. Here, we discuss the advantages of investigations in the pig embryo as an exemplar of development of a bilaminar disc embryo with relevance to early human development. Besides, the pig has the potential for the creation of humanized organs for xenotransplantation. Precise genetic engineering approaches, imaging, and single-cell analysis are cost effective and efficient, enabling research into some outstanding questions on human development and for developing authentic models of early human development with stem cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramiro Alberio
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK.
| | - Toshihiro Kobayashi
- Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan; The Graduate University of Advanced Studies, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
| | - M Azim Surani
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK; Wellcome Trust/Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Shukla V, Høffding MK, Hoffmann ER. Genome diversity and instability in human germ cells and preimplantation embryos. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 113:132-147. [PMID: 33500205 PMCID: PMC8097364 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Genome diversity is essential for evolution and is of fundamental importance to human health. Generating genome diversity requires phases of DNA damage and repair that can cause genome instability. Humans have a high incidence of de novo congenital disorders compared to other organisms. Recent access to eggs, sperm and preimplantation embryos is revealing unprecedented rates of genome instability that may result in infertility and de novo mutations that cause genomic imbalance in at least 70% of conceptions. The error type and incidence of de novo mutations differ during developmental stages and are influenced by differences in male and female meiosis. In females, DNA repair is a critical factor that determines fertility and reproductive lifespan. In males, aberrant meiotic recombination causes infertility, embryonic failure and pregnancy loss. Evidence suggest germ cells are remarkably diverse in the type of genome instability that they display and the DNA damage responses they deploy. Additionally, the initial embryonic cell cycles are characterized by a high degree of genome instability that cause congenital disorders and may limit the use of CRISPR-Cas9 for heritable genome editing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vallari Shukla
- DNRF Center for Chromosome Stability, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Miya Kudo Høffding
- DNRF Center for Chromosome Stability, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Eva R Hoffmann
- DNRF Center for Chromosome Stability, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Zhu Q, Sang F, Withey S, Tang W, Dietmann S, Klisch D, Ramos-Ibeas P, Zhang H, Requena CE, Hajkova P, Loose M, Surani MA, Alberio R. Specification and epigenomic resetting of the pig germline exhibit conservation with the human lineage. Cell Rep 2021; 34:108735. [PMID: 33567277 PMCID: PMC7873836 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Investigations of the human germline and programming are challenging because of limited access to embryonic material. However, the pig as a model may provide insights into transcriptional network and epigenetic reprogramming applicable to both species. Here we show that, during the pre- and early migratory stages, pig primordial germ cells (PGCs) initiate large-scale epigenomic reprogramming, including DNA demethylation involving TET-mediated hydroxylation and, potentially, base excision repair (BER). There is also macroH2A1 depletion and increased H3K27me3 as well as X chromosome reactivation (XCR) in females. Concomitantly, there is dampening of glycolytic metabolism genes and re-expression of some pluripotency genes like those in preimplantation embryos. We identified evolutionarily young transposable elements and gene coding regions resistant to DNA demethylation in acutely hypomethylated gonadal PGCs, with potential for transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. Detailed insights into the pig germline will likely contribute significantly to advances in human germline biology, including in vitro gametogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qifan Zhu
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Fei Sang
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Sarah Withey
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Walfred Tang
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Sabine Dietmann
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK
| | - Doris Klisch
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Priscila Ramos-Ibeas
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Haixin Zhang
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Cristina E Requena
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), London, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Petra Hajkova
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), London, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Matt Loose
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - M Azim Surani
- Wellcome Trust/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK; Wellcome Trust Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK.
| | - Ramiro Alberio
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Ghimire S, Mantziou V, Moris N, Martinez Arias A. Human gastrulation: The embryo and its models. Dev Biol 2021; 474:100-108. [PMID: 33484705 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Technical and ethical limitations create a challenge to study early human development, especially following the first 3 weeks of development after fertilization, when the fundamental aspects of the body plan are established through the process called gastrulation. As a consequence, our current understanding of human development is mostly based on the anatomical and histological studies on Carnegie Collection of human embryos, which were carried out more than half a century ago. Due to the 14-day rule on human embryo research, there have been no experimental studies beyond the fourteenth day of human development. Mutagenesis studies on animal models, mostly in mouse, are often extrapolated to human embryos to understand the transcriptional regulation of human development. However, due to the existence of significant differences in their morphological and molecular features as well as the time scale of their development, it is obvious that complete knowledge of human development can be achieved only by studying the human embryo. These studies require a cellular framework. Here we summarize the cellular, molecular, and temporal aspects associated with human gastrulation and discuss how they relate to existing human PSCs based models of early development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabitri Ghimire
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, UK.
| | - Veronika Mantziou
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, UK
| | - Naomi Moris
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EH, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Advances in Female Germ Cell Induction from Pluripotent Stem Cells. Stem Cells Int 2021; 2021:8849230. [PMID: 33510796 PMCID: PMC7822693 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8849230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Germ cells are capable of maintaining species continuity through passing genetic and epigenetic information across generations. Female germ cells mainly develop during the embryonic stage and pass through subsequent developmental stages including primordial germ cells, oogonia, and oocyte. However, due to the limitation of using early human embryos as in vivo research model, in vitro research models are needed to reveal the early developmental process and related mechanisms of female germ cells. After birth, the number of follicles gradually decreases with age. Various conditions which damage ovarian functions would cause premature ovarian failure. Alternative treatments to solve these problems need to be investigated. Germ cell differentiation from pluripotent stem cells in vitro can simulate early embryonic development of female germ cells and clarify unresolved issues during the development process. In addition, pluripotent stem cells could potentially provide promising applications for female fertility preservation after proper in vitro differentiation. Mouse female germ cells have been successfully reconstructed in vitro and delivered to live offspring. However, the derivation of functional human female germ cells has not been fully achieved due to technical limitations and ethical issues. To provide an updated and comprehensive information, this review centers on the major studies on the differentiation of mouse and human female germ cells from pluripotent stem cells and provides references to further studies of developmental mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications of female germ cells.
Collapse
|
50
|
Modeling human embryo development with embryonic and extra-embryonic stem cells. Dev Biol 2020; 474:91-99. [PMID: 33333069 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2020.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Early human post-implantation development involves extensive growth combined with a series of complex morphogenetic events. The lack of precise spatial and temporal control over these processes leads to pregnancy loss. Given the ethical and technical limitations in studying the natural human embryo, alternative approaches are needed to investigate mechanisms underlying this critical stage of human development. Here, we present an overview of the different stem cells and stem cell-derived models which serve as useful, albeit imperfect, tools in understanding human embryogenesis. Current models include stem cells that represent each of the three earliest lineages: human embryonic stem cells corresponding to the epiblast, hypoblast-like stem cells and trophoblast stem cells. We also review the use of human embryonic stem cells to model complex aspects of epiblast morphogenesis and differentiation. Additionally, we propose that the combination of both embryonic and extra-embryonic stem cells to form three-dimensional embryo models will provide valuable insights into cell-cell chemical and mechanical interactions that are essential for natural embryogenesis.
Collapse
|