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Humphreys PEA, Woods S, Bates N, Rooney KM, Mancini FE, Barclay C, O'Flaherty J, Martial FP, Domingos MAN, Kimber SJ. Optogenetic manipulation of BMP signaling to drive chondrogenic differentiation of hPSCs. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113502. [PMID: 38032796 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Optogenetics is a rapidly advancing technology combining photochemical, optical, and synthetic biology to control cellular behavior. Together, sensitive light-responsive optogenetic tools and human pluripotent stem cell differentiation models have the potential to fine-tune differentiation and unpick the processes by which cell specification and tissue patterning are controlled by morphogens. We used an optogenetic bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling system (optoBMP) to drive chondrogenic differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). We engineered light-sensitive hESCs through CRISPR-Cas9-mediated integration of the optoBMP system into the AAVS1 locus. The activation of optoBMP with blue light, in lieu of BMP growth factors, resulted in the activation of BMP signaling mechanisms and upregulation of a chondrogenic phenotype, with significant transcriptional differences compared to cells in the dark. Furthermore, cells differentiated with light could form chondrogenic pellets consisting of a hyaline-like cartilaginous matrix. Our findings indicate the applicability of optogenetics for understanding human development and tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul E A Humphreys
- Division of Cell Matrix & Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Steven Woods
- Division of Cell Matrix & Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Nicola Bates
- Division of Cell Matrix & Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Kirsty M Rooney
- Division of Cell Matrix & Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Fabrizio E Mancini
- Division of Cell Matrix & Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Civil Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Cerys Barclay
- Division of Cell Matrix & Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Julieta O'Flaherty
- Division of Cell Matrix & Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Franck P Martial
- Division of Neuroscience & Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Marco A N Domingos
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Civil Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Susan J Kimber
- Division of Cell Matrix & Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK.
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Bantounas I, Lopes FM, Rooney KM, Woolf AS, Kimber SJ. The miR-199a/214 Cluster Controls Nephrogenesis and Vascularization in a Human Embryonic Stem Cell Model. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:134-148. [PMID: 33306987 PMCID: PMC7897558 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2020.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are gene expression regulators and they have been implicated in acquired kidney diseases and in renal development, mostly through animal studies. We hypothesized that the miR-199a/214 cluster regulates human kidney development. We detected its expression in human embryonic kidneys by in situ hybridization. To mechanistically study the cluster, we used 2D and 3D human embryonic stem cell (hESC) models of kidney development. After confirming expression in each model, we inhibited the miRNAs using lentivirally transduced miRNA sponges. This reduced the WT1+ metanephric mesenchyme domain in 2D cultures. Sponges did not prevent the formation of 3D kidney-like organoids. These organoids, however, contained dysmorphic glomeruli, downregulated WT1, aberrant proximal tubules, and increased interstitial capillaries. Thus, the miR-199a/214 cluster fine-tunes differentiation of both metanephric mesenchymal-derived nephrons and kidney endothelia. While clinical implications require further study, it is noted that patients with heterozygous deletions encompassing this miRNA locus can have malformed kidneys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Bantounas
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, and the Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.
| | - Filipa M Lopes
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, and the Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Kirsty M Rooney
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, and the Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Adrian S Woolf
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, and the Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK; Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Susan J Kimber
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, and the Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.
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Rooney KM, Woolf AS, Kimber SJ. Towards Modelling Genetic Kidney Diseases with Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. Nephron Clin Pract 2021; 145:285-296. [PMID: 33774632 DOI: 10.1159/000514018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kidney disease causes major suffering and premature mortality worldwide. With no cure for kidney failure currently available, and with limited options for treatment, there is an urgent need to develop effective pharmaceutical interventions to slow or prevent kidney disease progression. SUMMARY In this review, we consider the feasibility of using human pluripotent stem cell-derived kidney tissues, or organoids, to model genetic kidney disease. Notable successes have been made in modelling genetic tubular diseases (e.g., cystinosis), polycystic kidney disease, and medullary cystic kidney disease. Organoid models have also been used to test novel therapies that ameliorate aberrant cell biology. Some progress has been made in modelling congenital glomerular disease, even though glomeruli within organoids are developmentally immature. Less progress has been made in modelling structural kidney malformations, perhaps because sufficiently mature metanephric mesenchyme-derived nephrons, ureteric bud-derived branching collecting ducts, and a prominent stromal cell population are not generated together within a single protocol. Key Messages: We predict that the field will advance significantly if organoids can be generated with a full complement of cell lineages and with kidney components displaying key physiological functions, such as glomerular filtration. The future economic upscaling of reproducible organoid generation will facilitate more widespread research applications, including the potential therapeutic application of these stem cell-based technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty M Rooney
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian S Woolf
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Susan J Kimber
- Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Berger W, Rooney KM, Draheim HJ. Positive Modulation of Human Nav Channels by Pyrethroids. Biophys J 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2016.11.1315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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