Naive-like Conversion Overcomes the Limited Differentiation Capacity of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells*

PubMed Central

Honda, Arata; Hatori, Masanori; Hirose, Michiko; Honda, Chizumi; Izu, Haruna; Inoue, Kimiko; Hirasawa, Ryutaro; Matoba, Shogo; Togayachi, Sumie; Miyoshi, Hiroyuki; Ogura, Atsuo

2013-01-01

Although induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are indistinguishable from ES cells in their expression of pluripotent markers, their differentiation into targeted cells is often limited. Here, we examined whether the limited capacity of iPS cells to differentiate into neural lineage cells could be mitigated by improving their base-line level of pluripotency, i.e. by converting them into the so-called “naive” state. In this study, we used rabbit iPS and ES cells because of the easy availability of both cell types and their typical primed state characters. Repeated passages of the iPS cells permitted their differentiation into early neural cell types (neural stem cells, neurons, and glial astrocytes) with efficiencies similar to ES cells. However, unlike ES cells, their ability to differentiate later into neural cells (oligodendrocytes) was severely compromised. In contrast, after these iPS cells had been converted to a naive-like state, they readily differentiated into mature oligodendrocytes developing characteristic ramified branches, which could not be attained even with ES cells. These results suggest that the naive-like conversion of iPS cells might endow them with a higher differentiation capacity. PMID:23880763

Coordinating cell proliferation and differentiation: Antagonism between cell cycle regulators and cell type-specific gene expression

PubMed Central

Ruijtenberg, Suzan; van den Heuvel, Sander

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Cell proliferation and differentiation show a remarkable inverse relationship. Precursor cells continue division before acquiring a fully differentiated state, while terminal differentiation usually coincides with proliferation arrest and permanent exit from the division cycle. Mechanistic insight in the temporal coordination between cell cycle exit and differentiation has come from studies of cells in culture and genetic animal models. As initially described for skeletal muscle differentiation, temporal coordination involves mutual antagonism between cyclin-dependent kinases that promote cell cycle entry and transcription factors that induce tissue-specific gene expression. Recent insights highlight the contribution of chromatin-regulating complexes that act in conjunction with the transcription factors and determine their activity. In particular SWI/SNF chromatin remodelers contribute to dual regulation of cell cycle and tissue-specific gene expression during terminal differentiation. We review the concerted regulation of the cell cycle and cell type-specific transcription, and discuss common mutations in human cancer that emphasize the clinical importance of proliferation versus differentiation control. PMID:26825227

Myostatin acts as an autocrine/paracrine negative regulator in myoblast differentiation from human induced pluripotent stem cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gao, Fei; Kishida, Tsunao; Ejima, Akika

Highlights: ► iPS-derived cells express myostatin and its receptor upon myoblast differentiation. ► Myostatin inhibits myoblast differentiation by inhibiting MyoD and Myo5a induction. ► Silencing of myostatin promotes differentiation of human iPS cells into myoblasts. -- Abstract: Myostatin, also known as growth differentiation factor (GDF-8), regulates proliferation of muscle satellite cells, and suppresses differentiation of myoblasts into myotubes via down-regulation of key myogenic differentiation factors including MyoD. Recent advances in stem cell biology have enabled generation of myoblasts from pluripotent stem cells, but it remains to be clarified whether myostatin is also involved in regulation of artificial differentiation of myoblastsmore » from pluripotent stem cells. Here we show that the human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell-derived cells that were induced to differentiate into myoblasts expressed myostatin and its receptor during the differentiation. An addition of recombinant human myostatin (rhMyostatin) suppressed induction of MyoD and Myo5a, resulting in significant suppression of myoblast differentiation. The rhMyostatin treatment also inhibited proliferation of the cells at a later phase of differentiation. RNAi-mediated silencing of myostatin promoted differentiation of human iPS-derived embryoid body (EB) cells into myoblasts. These results strongly suggest that myostatin plays an important role in regulation of myoblast differentiation from iPS cells of human origin. The present findings also have significant implications for potential regenerative medicine for muscular diseases.« less

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase is dynamically expressed during bone marrow stem cell differentiation into endothelial cells.

PubMed

Liu, Zhenguo; Jiang, Yuehua; Hao, Hong; Gupta, Kalpna; Xu, Jian; Chu, Ling; McFalls, Edward; Zweier, Jay; Verfaillie, Catherine; Bache, Robert J

2007-09-01

This study was designed to investigate the developmental expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) during stem cell differentiation into endothelial cells and to examine the functional status of the newly differentiated endothelial cells. Mouse adult multipotent progenitor cells (MAPCs) were used as the source of stem cells and were induced to differentiate into endothelial cells with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in serum-free medium. Expression of eNOS in the cells during differentiation was evaluated with real-time PCR, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity, and Western blot analysis. It was found that eNOS, but no other NOS, was present in undifferentiated MAPCs. eNOS expression disappeared in the cells immediately after induction of differentiation. However, eNOS expression reoccurred at day 7 during differentiation. Increasing eNOS mRNA, protein content, and activity were observed in the cells at days 14 and 21 during differentiation. The differentiated endothelial cells formed dense capillary networks on growth factor-reduced Matrigel. VEGF-stimulated phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-1 and ERK-2 occurred in these cells, which was inhibited by NOS inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that eNOS is present in MAPCs and is dynamically expressed during the differentiation of MAPCs into endothelial cells in vitro.

c-Myc-Induced Survivin Is Essential for Promoting the Notch-Dependent T Cell Differentiation from Hematopoietic Stem Cells

PubMed Central

Haque, Rizwanul; Song, Jianyong; Haque, Mohammad; Lei, Fengyang; Sandhu, Praneet; Ni, Bing; Zheng, Songguo; Fang, Deyu; Yang, Jin-Ming; Song, Jianxun

2017-01-01

Notch is indispensable for T cell lineage commitment, and is needed for thymocyte differentiation at early phases. During early stages of T cell development, active Notch prevents other lineage potentials including B cell lineage and myeloid cell (e.g., dendritic cell) lineage. Nevertheless, the precise intracellular signaling pathways by which Notch promotes T cell differentiation remain unclear. Here we report that the transcription factor c-Myc is a key mediator of the Notch signaling–regulated T cell differentiation. In a well-established in vitro differentiation model of T lymphocytes from hematopoietic stem cells, we showed that Notch1 and 4 directly promoted c-Myc expression; dominant-negative (DN) c-Myc inhibited early T cell differentiation. Moreover, the c-Myc expression activated by Notch signaling increased the expression of survivin, an inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) protein. We further demonstrated that over-expression of c-Myc increased the abundance of survivin and the T cell differentiation thereof, whereas dn c-Myc reduced survivin levels and concomitantly retarded the differentiation. The c-Myc–dependent survivin induction is functionally germane, because Notch-dependent T cell differentiation was canceled by the depletion of survivin. These results identify both c-Myc and survivin as important mediators of the Notch signaling–regulated differentiation of T lymphocytes from hematopoietic stem cells. PMID:28272325

Soft matrix supports osteogenic differentiation of human dental follicle cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Viale-Bouroncle, Sandra; Voellner, Florian; Moehl, Christoph

Highlights: {yields} Rigid stiffness supports osteogenic differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). {yields} Our study examined stiffness and differentiation of dental follicle cells (DFCs). {yields} Soft ECMs have a superior capacity to support the osteogenic differentiation of DFCs. {yields} DFCs and MSCs react contrarily to soft and rigid surface stiffness. -- Abstract: The differentiation of stem cells can be directed by the grade of stiffness of the developed tissue cells. For example a rigid extracellular matrix supports the osteogenic differentiation in bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). However, less is known about the relation of extracellular matrix stiffness andmore » cell differentiation of ectomesenchymal dental precursor cells. Our study examined for the first time the influence of the surface stiffness on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human dental follicle cells (DFCs). Cell proliferation of DFCs was only slightly decreased on cell culture surfaces with a bone-like stiffness. The osteogenic differentiation in DFCs could only be initiated with a dexamethasone based differentiation medium after using varying stiffness. Here, the softest surface improved the induction of osteogenic differentiation in comparison to that with the highest stiffness. In conclusion, different to bone marrow derived MSCs, soft ECMs have a superior capacity to support the osteogenic differentiation of DFCs.« less

Improvement of Cell Survival During Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Definitive Endoderm Differentiation

PubMed Central

Wang, Han; Luo, Xie; Yao, Li; Lehman, Donna M.

2015-01-01

Definitive endoderm (DE) is a vital precursor for internal organs such as liver and pancreas. Efficient protocol to differentiate human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to DE is essential for regenerative medicine and for modeling diseases; yet, poor cell survival during DE differentiation remains unsolved. In this study, our use of B27 supplement in modified differentiation protocols has led to a substantial improvement. We used an SOX17-enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) reporter hESC line to compare and modify established DE differentiation protocols. Both total live cell numbers and the percentages of eGFP-positive cells were used to assess differentiation efficiency. Among tested protocols, three modified protocols with serum-free B27 supplement were developed to generate a high number of DE cells. Massive cell death was avoided during DE differentiation and the percentage of DE cells remained high. When the resulting DE cells were further differentiated toward the pancreatic lineage, the expression of pancreatic-specific markers was significantly increased. Similar high DE differentiation efficiency was observed in H1 hESCs and iPSCs through the modified protocols. In B27 components, bovine serum albumin was found to facilitate DE differentiation and cell survival. Using our modified DE differentiation protocols, satisfactory quantities of quality DE can be produced as primary material for further endoderm lineage differentiation. PMID:26132288

High Glucose Inhibits Neural Stem Cell Differentiation Through Oxidative Stress and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress.

PubMed

Chen, Xi; Shen, Wei-Bin; Yang, Penghua; Dong, Daoyin; Sun, Winny; Yang, Peixin

2018-06-01

Maternal diabetes induces neural tube defects by suppressing neurogenesis in the developing neuroepithelium. Our recent study further revealed that high glucose inhibited embryonic stem cell differentiation into neural lineage cells. However, the mechanism whereby high glucose suppresses neural differentiation is unclear. To investigate whether high glucose-induced oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress lead to the inhibition of neural differentiation, the effect of high glucose on neural stem cell (the C17.2 cell line) differentiation was examined. Neural stem cells were cultured in normal glucose (5 mM) or high glucose (25 mM) differentiation medium for 3, 5, and 7 days. High glucose suppressed neural stem cell differentiation by significantly decreasing the expression of the neuron marker Tuj1 and the glial cell marker GFAP and the numbers of Tuj1 + and GFAP + cells. The antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase mimetic Tempol reversed high glucose-decreased Tuj1 and GFAP expression and restored the numbers of neurons and glial cells differentiated from neural stem cells. Hydrogen peroxide treatment imitated the inhibitory effect of high glucose on neural stem cell differentiation. Both high glucose and hydrogen peroxide triggered ER stress, whereas Tempol blocked high glucose-induced ER stress. The ER stress inhibitor, 4-phenylbutyrate, abolished the inhibition of high glucose or hydrogen peroxide on neural stem cell differentiation. Thus, oxidative stress and its resultant ER stress mediate the inhibitory effect of high glucose on neural stem cell differentiation.

Oscillatory Protein Expression Dynamics Endows Stem Cells with Robust Differentiation Potential

PubMed Central

Kaneko, Kunihiko

2011-01-01

The lack of understanding of stem cell differentiation and proliferation is a fundamental problem in developmental biology. Although gene regulatory networks (GRNs) for stem cell differentiation have been partially identified, the nature of differentiation dynamics and their regulation leading to robust development remain unclear. Herein, using a dynamical system modeling cell approach, we performed simulations of the developmental process using all possible GRNs with a few genes, and screened GRNs that could generate cell type diversity through cell-cell interactions. We found that model stem cells that both proliferated and differentiated always exhibited oscillatory expression dynamics, and the differentiation frequency of such stem cells was regulated, resulting in a robust number distribution. Moreover, we uncovered the common regulatory motifs for stem cell differentiation, in which a combination of regulatory motifs that generated oscillatory expression dynamics and stabilized distinct cellular states played an essential role. These findings may explain the recently observed heterogeneity and dynamic equilibrium in cellular states of stem cells, and can be used to predict regulatory networks responsible for differentiation in stem cell systems. PMID:22073296

IFN Regulatory Factor 8 Represses GM-CSF Expression in T cells to Affect Myeloid Cell Lineage Differentiation

PubMed Central

Paschall, Amy V.; Zhang, Ruihua; Qi, Chen-Feng; Bardhan, Kankana; Peng, Liang; Lu, Geming; Yang, Jianjun; Merad, Miriam; McGaha, Tracy; Zhou, Gang; Mellor, Andrew; Abrams, Scott I.; Morse, Herbert C.; Ozato, Keiko; Xiong, Huabao; Liu, Kebin

2015-01-01

During hematopoiesis, hematopoietic stem cells constantly differentiate into granulocytes and macrophages via a distinct differentiation program that is tightly controlled by myeloid lineage-specific transcription factors. Mice with a null mutation of IFN Regulatory Factor 8 (IRF8) accumulate CD11b+Gr1+ myeloid cells that phenotypically and functionally resemble tumor-induced myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), indicating an essential role of IRF8 in myeloid cell lineage differentiation. However, IRF8 is expressed in various types of immune cells and whether IRF8 functions intrinsically or extrinsically in regulation of myeloid cell lineage differentiation is not fully understood. Here we report an intriguing finding that although IRF8-deficient mice exhibit deregulated myeloid cell differentiation and resultant accumulation of CD11b+Gr1+ MDSCs, surprisingly, mice with IRF8 deficiency only in myeloid cells exhibit no abnormal myeloid cell lineage differentiation. Instead, mice with IRF8 deficiency only in T cells exhibited deregulated myeloid cell differentiation and MDSC accumulation. We further demonstrated that IRF8-deficient T cells exhibit elevated GM-CSF expression and secretion. Treatment of mice with GM-CSF increased MDSC accumulation, and adoptive transfer of IRF8-deficient T cells, but not GM-CSF-deficient T cells, increased MDSC accumulation in the recipient chimeric mice. Moreover, overexpression of IRF8 decreased GM-CSF expression in T cells. Our data determine that in addition to its intrinsic function as an apoptosis regulator in myeloid cells, IRF8 also acts extrinsically to represses GM-CSF expression in T cells to control myeloid cell lineage differentiation, revealing a novel mechanism that the adaptive immune component of the immune system regulates the innate immune cell myelopoiesis in vivo. PMID:25646302

miR-21 promotes the differentiation of hair follicle-derived neural crest stem cells into Schwann cells

PubMed Central

Ni, Yuxin; Zhang, Kaizhi; Liu, Xuejuan; Yang, Tingting; Wang, Baixiang; Fu, Li; A, Lan; Zhou, Yanmin

2014-01-01

Hair follicle-derived neural crest stem cells can be induced to differentiate into Schwann cells in vivo and in vitro. However, the underlying regulatory mechanism during cell differentiation remains poorly understood. This study isolated neural crest stem cells from human hair follicles and induced them to differentiate into Schwann cells. Quantitative RT-PCR showed that microRNA (miR)-21 expression was gradually increased during the differentiation of neural crest stem cells into Schwann cells. After transfection with the miR-21 agonist (agomir-21), the differentiation capacity of neural crest stem cells was enhanced. By contrast, after transfection with the miR-21 antagonist (antagomir-21), the differentiation capacity was attenuated. Further study results showed that SOX-2 was an effective target of miR-21. Without compromising SOX2 mRNA expression, miR-21 can down-regulate SOX protein expression by binding to the 3′-UTR of miR-21 mRNA. Knocking out the SOX2 gene from the neural crest stem cells significantly reversed the antagomir-21 inhibition of neural crest stem cells differentiating into Schwann cells. The results suggest that miR-21 expression was increased during the differentiation of neural crest stem cells into Schwann cells and miR-21 promoted the differentiation through down-regulating SOX protein expression by binding to the 3′-UTR of SOX2 mRNA. PMID:25206896

Characterisation of insulin-producing cells differentiated from tonsil derived mesenchymal stem cells.

PubMed

Kim, So-Yeon; Kim, Ye-Ryung; Park, Woo-Jae; Kim, Han Su; Jung, Sung-Chul; Woo, So-Youn; Jo, Inho; Ryu, Kyung-Ha; Park, Joo-Won

2015-01-01

Tonsil-derived (T-) mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) display mutilineage differentiation potential and self-renewal capacity and have potential as a banking source. Diabetes mellitus is a prevalent disease in modern society, and the transplantation of pancreatic progenitor cells or various stem cell-derived insulin-secreting cells has been suggested as a novel therapy for diabetes. The potential of T-MSCs to trans-differentiate into pancreatic progenitor cells or insulin-secreting cells has not yet been investigated. We examined the potential of human T-MSCs to trans-differentiate into pancreatic islet cells using two different methods based on β-mercaptoethanol and insulin-transferin-selenium, respectively. First, we compared the efficacy of the two methods for inducing differentiation into insulin-producing cells. We demonstrated that the insulin-transferin-selenium method is more efficient for inducing differentiation into insulin-secreting cells regardless of the source of the MSCs. Second, we compared the differentiation potential of two different MSC types: T-MSCs and adipose-derived MSCs (A-MSCs). T-MSCs had a differentiation capacity similar to that of A-MSCs and were capable of secreting insulin in response to glucose concentration. Islet-like clusters differentiated from T-MSCs had lower synaptotagmin-3, -5, -7, and -8 levels, and consequently lower secreted insulin levels than cells differentiated from A-MSCs. These results imply that T-MSCs can differentiate into functional pancreatic islet-like cells and could provide a novel, alternative cell therapy for diabetes mellitus. Copyright © 2015 International Society of Differentiation. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

All-Trans-Retinoic Acid Stimulates Overexpression of Tumor Protein D52 (TPD52, Isoform 3) and Neuronal Differentiation of IMR-32 Cells.

PubMed

Kotapalli, Sudha Sravanti; Dasari, Chandrashekhar; Duscharla, Divya; Kami Reddy, Karthik Reddy; Kasula, Manjula; Ummanni, Ramesh

2017-12-01

Tumor protein D52 (TPD52), a proto-oncogene is overexpressed in a variety of epithelial carcinomas and plays an important role in cell proliferation, migration, and cell death. In the present study we found that the treatment of IMR-32 neuroblastoma (NB) cells with retinoic acid (RA) stimulates an increase in expression of TPD52. TPD52 expression is detectable after 72 h, can be maintained till differentiation of NB cells suggesting that TPD52 is involved in differentiation. Here, we demonstrate that TPD52 is essential for RA to promote differentiation of NB cells. Our results show that exogenous expression of EGFP-TPD52 in IMR-32 cells resulted cell differentiation even without RA. RA by itself and with overexpression of TPD52 can increase the ability of NB cells differentiation. Interestingly, transfection of IMR-32 cells with a specific small hairpin RNA for efficient knockdown of TPD52 attenuated RA induced NB cells differentiation. Transcriptional and translational level expression of neurotropic (BDNF, NGF, Nestin) and differentiation (β III tubulin, NSE, TH) factors in NB cells with altered TPD52 expression and/or RA treatment confirmed essential function of TPD52 in cellular differentiation. Furthermore, we show that TPD52 protects cells from apoptosis and arrest cell proliferation by varying expression of p27Kip1, activation of Akt and ERK1/2 thus promoting cell differentiation. Additionally, inhibition of STAT3 activation by its specific inhibitor arrested NB cells differentiation by EGFP-TPD52 overexpression with or without RA. Taken together, our data reveal that TPD52 act through activation of JAK/STAT signaling pathway to undertake NB cells differentiation induced by RA. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4358-4369, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Regulatory mechanism of protein metabolic pathway during the differentiation process of chicken male germ cell.

PubMed

Li, Dong; Zuo, Qisheng; Lian, Chao; Zhang, Lei; Shi, Qingqing; Zhang, Zhentao; Wang, Yingjie; Ahmed, Mahmoud F; Tang, Beibei; Xiao, Tianrong; Zhang, Yani; Li, Bichun

2015-08-01

We explored the regulatory mechanism of protein metabolism during the differentiation process of chicken male germ cells and provide a basis for improving the induction system of embryonic stem cell differentiation to male germ cells in vitro. We sequenced the transcriptome of embryonic stem cells, primordial germ cells, and spermatogonial stem cells with RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq), bioinformatics analysis methods, and detection of the key genes by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). Finally, we found 16 amino acid metabolic pathways enriched in the biological metabolism during the differentiation process of embryonic stem cells to primordial germ cells and 15 amino acid metabolic pathways enriched in the differentiation stage of primordial germ cells to spermatogonial stem cells. We found three pathways, arginine-proline metabolic pathway, tyrosine metabolic pathway, and tryptophan metabolic pathway, significantly enriched in the whole differentiation process of embryonic stem cells to spermatogonial stem cells. Moreover, for these three pathways, we screened key genes such as NOS2, ADC, FAH, and IDO. qRT-PCR results showed that the expression trend of these genes were the same to RNA-Seq. Our findings showed that the three pathways and these key genes play an important role in the differentiation process of embryonic stem cells to male germ cells. These results provide basic information for improving the induction system of embryonic stem cell differentiation to male germ cells in vitro.

Differentiation of a murine intestinal epithelial cell line (MIE) toward the M cell lineage.

PubMed

Kanaya, Takashi; Miyazawa, Kohtaro; Takakura, Ikuro; Itani, Wataru; Watanabe, Kouichi; Ohwada, Shyuichi; Kitazawa, Haruki; Rose, Michael T; McConochie, Huw R; Okano, Hideyuki; Yamaguchi, Takahiro; Aso, Hisashi

2008-08-01

M cells are a kind of intestinal epithelial cell in the follicle-associated epithelium of Peyer's patches. These cells can transport antigens and microorganisms into underlying lymphoid tissues. Despite the important role of M cells in mucosal immune responses, the origin and mechanisms of differentiation as well as cell death of M cells remain unclear. To clarify the mechanism of M cell differentiation, we established a novel murine intestinal epithelial cell line (MIE) from the C57BL/6 mouse. MIE cells grow rapidly and have a cobblestone morphology, which is a typical feature of intestinal epithelial cells. Additionally, they express cytokeratin, villin, cell-cell junctional proteins, and alkaline phosphatase activity and can form microvilli. Their expression of Musashi-1 antigen indicates that they may be close to intestinal stem cells or transit-amplifying cells. MIE cells are able to differentiate into the M cell lineage following coculture with intestinal lymphocytes, but not with Peyer's patch lymphocytes (PPL). However, PPL costimulated with anti-CD3/CD28 MAbs caused MIE cells to display typical features of M cells, such as transcytosis activity, the disorganization of microvilli, and the expression of M cell markers. This transcytosis activity of MIE cells was not induced by T cells isolated from PPL costimulated with the same MAbs and was reduced by the depletion of the T cell population from PPL. A mixture of T cells treated with MAbs and B cells both from PPL led MIE cells to differentiate into M cells. We report here that MIE cells have the potential ability to differentiate into M cells and that this differentiation required activated T cells and B cells.

The effect of syndecan-4 and glypican-1 knockdown on the proliferation and differentiation of turkey satellite cells differing in age and growth rates.

PubMed

Velleman, Sandra G; Clark, Daniel L; Tonniges, Jeffrey R

2018-09-01

Posthatch skeletal muscle growth requires myogenic satellite cells and the dynamic expression of cell membrane-associated proteins. The membrane associated heparan sulfate proteoglycans, syndecan-4 and glypican-1, link the satellite cell niche to the intracellular environment. Sydnecan-4 and glypican-1 are differentially expressed with age in turkey satellite cells and their over-expression impacts both satellite cell proliferation and differentiation, but their effect on satellite cells from lines with different growth potentials is not known. The objective of the current study was to determine if syndecan-4 and glypican-1 regulation of satellite cell proliferation and differentiation is affected by age and growth selection. Pectoralis major satellite cells isolated at 1 d, 7 and 16-wk of age from a Randombred Control 2 (RBC2) line and a 16-wk body weight (F) line selected from the RBC2 line turkeys were studied. Syndecan-4 and glypican-1 expression was knocked down in both lines. The F-line cells proliferated faster than RBC2 line cells regardless of age, while differentiation tended to be greater in RBC2 line cells than F-line cells at each age. Syndecan-4 knockdown decreased proliferation at 7- and 16-wk but not 1 d cells, and increased differentiation at 1 d and 7 wk but not 16 wk cells. Glypican-1 knockdown differentially affected proliferation depending on cell age, whereas differentiation was decreased for 7- and 16-wk but not 1 d cells. These data suggest syndecan-4 and glypican-1 differentially affected satellite cell function in an age-dependent manner, but had little impact on differences in proliferation and differentiation due to growth selection. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase causes apoptosis in retinoic acid differentiated hl-60 leukemia cells.

PubMed

Ma, Jin; Liu, Qiang; Zeng, Yi-Xin

2004-01-01

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K) signaling may inhibit apoptosis in neoplastic cells. The PI-3K inhibitor wortmannin renders cells apoptosis-prone. Inducers of differentiation may also cause apoptosis. To detect the effect of wortmannin on the survival of differentiated human acute promyeloid leukemia cells, HL-60 cells were induced to differentiation with treatment of all trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) followed by treatment with wortmannin. Results showed that apoptosis occurred in cells that underwent differentiation, but not in undifferentiated HL-60 cells. The pro-apoptotic molecule, Bad, played a role in this apoptotic mechanism. Thus, the survival of differentiated HL-60 cells induced by ATRA depends on the ability of the PI3-K pathway to transduce survival signals; the PI3-K inhibitor, wortmannin, can induce apoptosis of differentiated HL-60 cells. These results may indicate a novel method for treating cancer with differentiation induction and signal pathway regulation.

Multilineage differentiation of rhesus monkey embryonic stem cells in three-dimensional culture systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, Silvia S.; Revoltella, Roberto P.; Papini, Sandra; Michelini, Monica; Fitzgerald, Wendy; Zimmerberg, Joshua; Margolis, Leonid

2003-01-01

In the course of normal embryogenesis, embryonic stem (ES) cells differentiate along different lineages in the context of complex three-dimensional (3D) tissue structures. In order to study this phenomenon in vitro under controlled conditions, 3D culture systems are necessary. Here, we studied in vitro differentiation of rhesus monkey ES cells in 3D collagen matrixes (collagen gels and porous collagen sponges). Differentiation of ES cells in these 3D systems was different from that in monolayers. ES cells differentiated in collagen matrixes into neural, epithelial, and endothelial lineages. The abilities of ES cells to form various structures in two chemically similar but topologically different matrixes were different. In particular, in collagen gels ES cells formed gland-like circular structures, whereas in collagen sponges ES cells were scattered through the matrix or formed aggregates. Soluble factors produced by feeder cells or added to the culture medium facilitated ES cell differentiation into particular lineages. Coculture with fibroblasts in collagen gel facilitated ES cell differentiation into cells of a neural lineage expressing nestin, neural cell adhesion molecule, and class III beta-tubulin. In collagen sponges, keratinocytes facilitated ES cell differentiation into cells of an endothelial lineage expressing factor VIII. Exogenous granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor further enhanced endothelial differentiation. Thus, both soluble factors and the type of extracellular matrix seem to be critical in directing differentiation of ES cells and the formation of tissue-like structures. Three-dimensional culture systems are a valuable tool for studying the mechanisms of these phenomena.

Down-regulated RPS3a/nbl expression during retinoid-induced differentiation of HL-60 cells: a close association with diminished susceptibility to actinomycin D-stimulated apoptosis.

PubMed

Russell, L; Naora, H; Naora, H

2000-04-01

The efficacy of anticancer agents significantly depends on the differential susceptibility of undifferentiated cancer cells and differentiated normal cells to undergo apoptosis. We previously found that enhanced expression of RPS3a/nbl, which apparently encodes a ribosomal protein, seems to prime cells for apoptosis, while suppressing such enhanced expression triggers cell death. The present study found that HL-60 cells induced to differentiate by all-trans retinoic acid did not undergo apoptosis following treatment with actinomycin D whereas undifferentiated HL-60 cells were highly apoptosis-susceptible, confirming earlier suggestions that differentiated cells have diminished apoptosis-susceptibility. Undifferentiated HL-60 cells highly expressed RPS3a/nbl whereas all-trans retinoic acid -induced differentiated cells exhibited markedly reduced levels, suggesting that apoptosis-resistance of differentiated cells could be due to low RPS3a/nbl expression. Down-regulation of enhanced RPS3a/nbl expression was also observed in cells induced to differentiate with the retinoid 4-[(E)-2-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-napthalenyl)-1- propenyl]benzoic acid without any significant induction of cell death. While down-regulation of RPS3a/nbl expression during differentiation did not apparently induce apoptosis, RPS3a/nbl antisense oligomers triggered death of undifferentiated HL-60 cells, but not of retinoid-induced differentiated cells. It therefore seems that while down-regulation of enhanced RPS3a/nbl expression can induce apoptosis in undifferentiated cells, down-regulation of enhanced RPS3a/nbl expression during differentiation occurs independently of apoptosis, and could be regarded as reverting the primed condition to the unprimed (low RPS3a/nbl) state.

Materials for Neural Differentiation, Trans-Differentiation, and Modeling of Neurological Disease.

PubMed

Gong, Lulu; Cao, Lining; Shen, Zhenmin; Shao, Li; Gao, Shaorong; Zhang, Chao; Lu, Jianfeng; Li, Weida

2018-04-01

Neuron regeneration from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) differentiation or somatic cells trans-differentiation is a promising approach for cell replacement in neurodegenerative diseases and provides a powerful tool for investigating neural development, modeling neurological diseases, and uncovering the mechanisms that underlie diseases. Advancing the materials that are applied in neural differentiation and trans-differentiation promotes the safety, efficiency, and efficacy of neuron regeneration. In the neural differentiation process, matrix materials, either natural or synthetic, not only provide a structural and biochemical support for the monolayer or three-dimensional (3D) cultured cells but also assist in cell adhesion and cell-to-cell communication. They play important roles in directing the differentiation of PSCs into neural cells and modeling neurological diseases. For the trans-differentiation of neural cells, several materials have been used to make the conversion feasible for future therapy. Here, the most current applications of materials for neural differentiation for PSCs, neuronal trans-differentiation, and neurological disease modeling is summarized and discussed. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Expression of Ulex europaeus agglutinin I lectin-binding sites in squamous cell carcinomas and their absence in basal cell carcinomas. Indicator of tumor type and differentiation.

PubMed

Heng, M C; Fallon-Friedlander, S; Bennett, R

1992-06-01

Lectins bind tightly to carbohydrate moieties on cell surfaces. Alterations in lectin binding have been reported to accompany epidermal cell differentiation, marking alterations in membrane sugars during this process. The presence of UEA I (Ulex europaeus agglutinin I) L-fucose-specific lectin-binding sites has been used as a marker for terminally differentiated (committed) keratinocytes. In this article, we report the presence of UEA-I-binding sites on squamous keratinocytes of well-differentiated squamous cell carcinomas, with patchy loss of UEA I positivity on poorly differentiated cells of squamous cell carcinomas, suggesting a possible use for this technique in the rapid assessment of less differentiated areas within the squamous cell tumor. The absence of UEA-I-binding sites on basal cell carcinomas may be related to an inability of cells comprising this tumor to convert the L-D-pyranosyl moiety on basal cells to the L-fucose moiety, resulting in an inability of basal cell carcinoma cell to undergo terminal differentiation into a committed keratinocyte.

Glioblastoma Stem Cells Respond to Differentiation Cues but Fail to Undergo Commitment and Terminal Cell-Cycle Arrest

PubMed Central

Carén, Helena; Stricker, Stefan H.; Bulstrode, Harry; Gagrica, Sladjana; Johnstone, Ewan; Bartlett, Thomas E.; Feber, Andrew; Wilson, Gareth; Teschendorff, Andrew E.; Bertone, Paul; Beck, Stephan; Pollard, Steven M.

2015-01-01

Summary Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor whose growth is driven by stem cell-like cells. BMP signaling triggers cell-cycle exit and differentiation of GBM stem cells (GSCs) and, therefore, might have therapeutic value. However, the epigenetic mechanisms that accompany differentiation remain poorly defined. It is also unclear whether cell-cycle arrest is terminal. Here we find only a subset of GSC cultures exhibit astrocyte differentiation in response to BMP. Although overtly differentiated non-cycling astrocytes are generated, they remain vulnerable to cell-cycle re-entry and fail to appropriately reconfigure DNA methylation patterns. Chromatin accessibility mapping identified loci that failed to alter in response to BMP and these were enriched in SOX transcription factor-binding motifs. SOX transcription factors, therefore, may limit differentiation commitment. A similar propensity for cell-cycle re-entry and de-differentiation was observed in GSC-derived oligodendrocyte-like cells. These findings highlight significant obstacles to BMP-induced differentiation as therapy for GBM. PMID:26607953

Nuclear fusion-independent smooth muscle differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells induced by a smooth muscle environment.

PubMed

Zhang, Rong; Jack, Gregory S; Rao, Nagesh; Zuk, Patricia; Ignarro, Louis J; Wu, Benjamin; Rodríguez, Larissa V

2012-03-01

Human adipose-derived stem cells hASC have been isolated and were shown to have multilineage differentiation capacity. Although both plasticity and cell fusion have been suggested as mechanisms for cell differentiation in vivo, the effect of the local in vivo environment on the differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells has not been evaluated. We previously reported the in vitro capacity of smooth muscle differentiation of these cells. In this study, we evaluate the effect of an in vivo smooth muscle environment in the differentiation of hASC. We studied this by two experimental designs: (a) in vivo evaluation of smooth muscle differentiation of hASC injected into a smooth muscle environment and (b) in vitro evaluation of smooth muscle differentiation capacity of hASC exposed to bladder smooth muscle cells. Our results indicate a time-dependent differentiation of hASC into mature smooth muscle cells when these cells are injected into the smooth musculature of the urinary bladder. Similar findings were seen when the cells were cocultured in vitro with primary bladder smooth muscle cells. Chromosomal analysis demonstrated that microenvironment cues rather than nuclear fusion are responsible for this differentiation. We conclude that cell plasticity is present in hASCs, and their differentiation is accomplished in the absence of nuclear fusion. Copyright © 2011 AlphaMed Press.

Gene expression of runx2, Osterix, c-fos, DLX-3, DLX-5, and MSX-2 in dental follicle cells during osteogenic differentiation in vitro.

PubMed

Morsczeck, C

2006-02-01

Recently, osteogenic precursor cells were isolated from human dental follicles, which differentiate into cementoblast- or osteoblast- like cells under in vitro conditions. However, mechanisms for osteogenic differentiation are not known in detail. Dental follicle cell long-term cultures supplemented with dexamethasone or with insulin resulted in mineralized nodules, whereas no mineralization or alkaline phosphatase activity was detected in the control culture without an osteogenic stimulus. A real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis was developed to investigate gene expression during osteogenic differentiation in vitro. Expression of the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) gene was detected during differentiation in the control culture and was similar to that in cultures with dexamethasone and insulin. DLX-3, DLX-5, runx2, and MSX-2 are differentially expressed during osteogenic differentiation in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. In dental follicle cells, gene expression of runx2, DLX-5, and MSX-2 was unaffected during osteogenic differentiation in vitro. Osteogenic differentiation appeared to be independent of MSX-2 expression; the same was true of runx2 and DLX-5, which were protagonists of osteogenic differentiation and osteocalcin promoter activity in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. Like in bone marrow-derived stem cells, DLX-3 gene expression was increased in dental follicle cells during osteogenic differentiation but similar to control cultures. However, gene expression of osterix was not detected in dental follicle cells during osteogenic differentiation; this gene is expressed during osteogenic differentiation in bone marrow stem cells. These real-time PCR results display molecular mechanisms in dental follicle precursor cells during osteogenic differentiation that are different from those in bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

Effect of 3D Cultivation Conditions on the Differentiation of Endodermal Cells

PubMed Central

Petrakova, O. S.; Ashapkin, V. V.; Voroteliak, E. A.; Bragin, E. Y.; Shtratnikova, V. Y.; Chernioglo, E. S.; Sukhanov, Y. V.; Terskikh, V. V.; Vasiliev, A. V.

2012-01-01

Cellular therapy of endodermal organs is one of the most important issues in modern cellular biology and biotechnology. One of the most promising directions in this field is the study of the transdifferentiation abilities of cells within the same germ layer. A method for anin vitroinvestigation of the cell differentiation potential (the cell culture in a three-dimensional matrix) is described in this article. Cell cultures of postnatal salivary gland cells and postnatal liver progenitor cells were obtained; their comparative analysis under 2D and 3D cultivation conditions was carried out. Both cell types have high proliferative abilities and can be cultivated for more than 20 passages. Under 2D cultivation conditions, the cells remain in an undifferentiated state. Under 3D conditions, they undergo differentiation, which was confirmed by a lower cell proliferation and by an increase in the differentiation marker expression. Salivary gland cells can undergo hepatic and pancreatic differentiation under 3D cultivation conditions. Liver progenitor cells also acquire a pancreatic differentiation capability under conditions of 3D cultivation. Thus, postnatal salivary gland cells exhibit a considerable differentiation potential within the endodermal germ layer and can be used as a promising source of endodermal cells for the cellular therapy of liver pathologies. Cultivation of cells under 3D conditions is a useful model for thein vitroanalysis of the cell differentiation potential. PMID:23346379

Efficient differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells into insulin-producing cells.

PubMed

Liu, Szu-Hsiu; Lee, Lain-Tze

2012-01-01

Embryonic stem (ES) cells are a potential source of a variety of differentiated cells for cell therapy, drug discovery, and toxicology screening. Here, we present an efficacy strategy for the differentiation of mouse ES cells into insulin-producing cells (IPCs) by a two-step differentiation protocol comprising of (i) the formation of definitive endoderm in monolayer culture by activin A, and (ii) this monolayer endoderm being induced to differentiate into IPCs by nicotinamide, insulin, and laminin. Differentiated cells can be obtained within approximately 7 days. The differentiation IPCs combined application of RT-PCR, ELISA, and immunofluorescence to characterize phenotypic and functional properties. In our study, we demonstrated that IPCs produced pancreatic transcription factors, endocrine progenitor marker, definitive endoderm, pancreatic β-cell markers, and Langerhans α and δ cells. The IPCs released insulin in a manner that was dose dependent upon the amount of glucose added. These techniques may be able to be applied to human ES cells, which would have very important ramifications for treating human disease.

Differentiated cells are more efficient than adult stem cells for cloning by somatic cell nuclear transfer.

PubMed

Sung, Li-Ying; Gao, Shaorong; Shen, Hongmei; Yu, Hui; Song, Yifang; Smith, Sadie L; Chang, Ching-Chien; Inoue, Kimiko; Kuo, Lynn; Lian, Jin; Li, Ao; Tian, X Cindy; Tuck, David P; Weissman, Sherman M; Yang, Xiangzhong; Cheng, Tao

2006-11-01

Since the creation of Dolly via somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), more than a dozen species of mammals have been cloned using this technology. One hypothesis for the limited success of cloning via SCNT (1%-5%) is that the clones are likely to be derived from adult stem cells. Support for this hypothesis comes from the findings that the reproductive cloning efficiency for embryonic stem cells is five to ten times higher than that for somatic cells as donors and that cloned pups cannot be produced directly from cloned embryos derived from differentiated B and T cells or neuronal cells. The question remains as to whether SCNT-derived animal clones can be derived from truly differentiated somatic cells. We tested this hypothesis with mouse hematopoietic cells at different differentiation stages: hematopoietic stem cells, progenitor cells and granulocytes. We found that cloning efficiency increases over the differentiation hierarchy, and terminally differentiated postmitotic granulocytes yield cloned pups with the greatest cloning efficiency.

Different roles of TGF-β in the multi-lineage differentiation of stem cells

PubMed Central

Wang, Ming-Ke; Sun, Hui-Qin; Xiang, Ying-Chun; Jiang, Fan; Su, Yong-Ping; Zou, Zhong-Min

2012-01-01

Stem cells are a population of cells that has infinite or long-term self-renewal ability and can produce various kinds of descendent cells. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family is a superfamily of growth factors, including TGF-β1, TGF-β2 and TGF-β3, bone morphogenetic proteins, activin/inhibin, and some other cytokines such as nodal, which plays very important roles in regulating a wide variety of biological processes, such as cell growth, differentiation, cell death. TGF-β, a pleiotropic cytokine, has been proved to be differentially involved in the regulation of multi-lineage differentiation of stem cells, through the Smad pathway, non-Smad pathways including mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/AKT pathways and Rho-like GTPase signaling pathways, and their cross-talks. For instance, it is generally known that TGF-β promotes the differentiation of stem cells into smooth muscle cells, immature cardiomyocytes, chondrocytes, neurocytes, hepatic stellate cells, Th17 cells, and dendritic cells. However, TGF-β inhibits the differentiation of stem cells into myotubes, adipocytes, endothelial cells, and natural killer cells. Additionally, TGF-β can provide competence for early stages of osteoblastic differentiation, but at late stages TGF-β acts as an inhibitor. The three mammalian isoforms (TGF-β1, 2 and 3) have distinct but overlapping effects on hematopoiesis. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the regulatory effect of TGF-β in the stem cell multi-lineage differentiation is of importance in stem cell biology, and will facilitate both basic research and clinical applications of stem cells. In this article, we discuss the current status and progress in our understanding of different mechanisms by which TGF-β controls multi-lineage differentiation of stem cells. PMID:22993659

21 CFR 864.5220 - Automated differential cell counter.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Automated differential cell counter. 864.5220... § 864.5220 Automated differential cell counter. (a) Identification. An automated differential cell... have the capability to flag, count, or classify immature or abnormal hematopoietic cells of the blood...

21 CFR 864.5220 - Automated differential cell counter.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Automated differential cell counter. 864.5220... § 864.5220 Automated differential cell counter. (a) Identification. An automated differential cell... have the capability to flag, count, or classify immature or abnormal hematopoietic cells of the blood...

21 CFR 864.5220 - Automated differential cell counter.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Automated differential cell counter. 864.5220... § 864.5220 Automated differential cell counter. (a) Identification. An automated differential cell... have the capability to flag, count, or classify immature or abnormal hematopoietic cells of the blood...

21 CFR 864.5220 - Automated differential cell counter.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Automated differential cell counter. 864.5220... § 864.5220 Automated differential cell counter. (a) Identification. An automated differential cell... have the capability to flag, count, or classify immature or abnormal hematopoietic cells of the blood...

21 CFR 864.5220 - Automated differential cell counter.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Automated differential cell counter. 864.5220... § 864.5220 Automated differential cell counter. (a) Identification. An automated differential cell... have the capability to flag, count, or classify immature or abnormal hematopoietic cells of the blood...

Arrested neural and advanced mesenchymal differentiation of glioblastoma cells-comparative study with neural progenitors

PubMed Central

2009-01-01

Background Although features of variable differentiation in glioblastoma cell cultures have been reported, a comparative analysis of differentiation properties of normal neural GFAP positive progenitors, and those shown by glioblastoma cells, has not been performed. Methods Following methods were used to compare glioblastoma cells and GFAP+NNP (NHA): exposure to neural differentiation medium, exposure to adipogenic and osteogenic medium, western blot analysis, immunocytochemistry, single cell assay, BrdU incorporation assay. To characterize glioblastoma cells EGFR amplification analysis, LOH/MSI analysis, and P53 nucleotide sequence analysis were performed. Results In vitro differentiation of cancer cells derived from eight glioblastomas was compared with GFAP-positive normal neural progenitors (GFAP+NNP). Prior to exposure to differentiation medium, both types of cells showed similar multilineage phenotype (CD44+/MAP2+/GFAP+/Vimentin+/Beta III-tubulin+/Fibronectin+) and were positive for SOX-2 and Nestin. In contrast to GFAP+NNP, an efficient differentiation arrest was observed in all cell lines isolated from glioblastomas. Nevertheless, a subpopulation of cells isolated from four glioblastomas differentiated after serum-starvation with varying efficiency into derivatives indistinguishable from the neural derivatives of GFAP+NNP. Moreover, the cells derived from a majority of glioblastomas (7 out of 8), as well as GFAP+NNP, showed features of mesenchymal differentiation when exposed to medium with serum. Conclusion Our results showed that stable co-expression of multilineage markers by glioblastoma cells resulted from differentiation arrest. According to our data up to 95% of glioblastoma cells can present in vitro multilineage phenotype. The mesenchymal differentiation of glioblastoma cells is advanced and similar to mesenchymal differentiation of normal neural progenitors GFAP+NNP. PMID:19216795

Cell Expansion During Directed Differentiation of Stem Cells Toward the Hepatic Lineage.

PubMed

Raju, Ravali; Chau, David; Cho, Dong Seong; Park, Yonsil; Verfaillie, Catherine M; Hu, Wei-Shou

2017-02-15

The differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells toward the hepatocyte lineage can potentially provide an unlimited source of functional hepatocytes for transplantation and extracorporeal bioartificial liver applications. It is anticipated that the quantities of cells needed for these applications will be in the order of 10 9 -10 10 cells, because of the size of the liver. An ideal differentiation protocol would be to enable directed differentiation to the hepatocyte lineage with simultaneous cell expansion. We introduced a cell expansion stage after the commitment of human embryonic stem cells to the endodermal lineage, to allow for at least an eightfold increase in cell number, with continuation of cell maturation toward the hepatocyte lineage. The progressive changes in the transcriptome were measured by expression array, and the expression dynamics of certain lineage markers was measured by mass cytometry during the differentiation and expansion process. The findings revealed that while cells were expanding they were also capable of progressing in their differentiation toward the hepatocyte lineage. In addition, our transcriptome, protein and functional studies, including albumin secretion, drug-induced CYP450 expression and urea production, all indicated that the hepatocyte-like cells obtained with or without cell expansion are very similar. This method of simultaneous cell expansion and hepatocyte differentiation should facilitate obtaining large quantities of cells for liver cell applications.

Nicotine induces cell proliferation in association with cyclin D1 up-regulation and inhibits cell differentiation in association with p53 regulation in a murine pre-osteoblastic cell line

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sato, Tsuyoshi; Abe, Takahiro; Nakamoto, Norimichi

Recent studies have suggested that nicotine critically affects bone metabolism. Many studies have examined the effects of nicotine on proliferation and differentiation, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. We examined cell cycle regulators involved in the proliferation and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells. Nicotine induced cell proliferation in association with p53 down-regulation and cyclin D1 up-regulation. In differentiated cells, nicotine reduced alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralized nodule formation in dose-dependent manners. Furthermore, p53 expression was sustained in nicotine-treated cells during differentiation. These findings indicate that nicotine promotes the cell cycle and inhibits differentiation in association with p53 regulation in pre-osteoblasticmore » cells.« less

Kynurenine promotes the goblet cell differentiation of HT-29 colon carcinoma cells by modulating Wnt, Notch and AhR signals.

PubMed

Park, Joo-Hung; Lee, Jeong-Min; Lee, Eun-Jin; Kim, Da-Jeong; Hwang, Won-Bhin

2018-04-01

Various amino acids regulate cell growth and differentiation. In the present study, we examined the ability of HT-29 cells to differentiate into goblet cells in RPMI and DMEM which are largely different in the amounts of numerous amino acids. Most of the HT-29 cells differentiated into goblet cells downregulating the stem cell marker Lgr5 when cultured in DMEM, but remained undifferentiated in RPMI. The goblet cell differentiation in DMEM was inhibited by 1-methyl-tryptophan (1-MT), an inhibitor of indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase-1 which is the initial enzyme in tryptophan metabolism along the kynurenine (KN) pathway, whereas tryptophan and KN induced goblet cell differentiation in RPMI. The levels of Notch1 and its activation product Notch intracytoplasmic domain in HT-29 cells were lower in DMEM than those in RPMI and were increased by 1-MT in both media. HT-29 cells grown in both media expressed β-catenin at the same level on day 2 when goblet cell differentiation was not observed. β-catenin expression, which was increased by 1-MT in both media, was decreased by KN. DMEM reduced Hes1 expression while enhancing Hath1 expression. Finally, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activation moderately induced goblet cell differentiation. Our results suggest that KN promotes goblet cell differentiation by regulating Wnt, Notch, and AhR signals and expression of Hes1 and Hath1.

Mouse ES cells have a potential to differentiate into odontoblast-like cells using hanging drop method.

PubMed

Kawai, R; Ozeki, N; Yamaguchi, H; Tanaka, T; Nakata, K; Mogi, M; Nakamura, H

2014-05-01

We examined whether mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells can differentiate into odontoblast-like cells without epithelial-mesenchymal interaction. Cells were cultured by the 'hanging drop' method using a collagen type-I scaffold (CS) combined with bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-4 (CS/BMP-4). Expression of odontoblast-related mRNA and protein, and cell proliferation were performed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunofluorescence staining and WST-1 assay, respectively. Cells potently expressed odontoblast-related cell marker mRNAs following induction of odontoblastic differentiation. Dentin sialophosphoprotein, a marker of mature odontoblasts, was strongly expressed in differentiated ES cells. The cells also acquired an odontoblast-like functional phenotype, as evidenced by the appearance of alkaline phosphatase activity and calcification. The cell-surface expression of α2, α6, αV and αVβ3 integrin proteins was rapidly upregulated in differentiated cells. Finally, anti-α2 integrin antibody suppressed the expression of odontoblastic markers in cells grown using this culture system, suggesting that α2 integrin expression in ES cells triggers their differentiation into odontoblast-like cells. Mouse ES cells cultured by the 'hanging drop' method are able to differentiate into cells with odontoblast-specific physiological functions and cell-surface integrin protein expression. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Osteoblastic/Cementoblastic and Neural Differentiation of Dental Stem Cells and Their Applications to Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

PubMed Central

Kim, Byung-Chul; Bae, Hojae; Kwon, Il-Keun; Lee, Eun-Jun; Park, Jae-Hong

2012-01-01

Recently, dental stem and progenitor cells have been harvested from periodontal tissues such as dental pulp, periodontal ligament, follicle, and papilla. These cells have received extensive attention in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine due to their accessibility and multilineage differentiation capacity. These dental stem and progenitor cells are known to be derived from ectomesenchymal origin formed during tooth development. A great deal of research has been accomplished for directing osteoblastic/cementoblastic differentiation and neural differentiation from dental stem cells. To differentiate dental stem cells for use in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, there needs to be efficient in vitro differentiation toward the osteoblastic/cementoblastic and neural lineage with well-defined and proficient protocols. This would reduce the likelihood of spontaneous differentiation into divergent lineages and increase the available cell source. This review focuses on the multilineage differentiation capacity, especially into osteoblastic/cementoblastic lineage and neural lineages, of dental stem cells such as dental pulp stem cells (DPSC), dental follicle stem cells (DFSC), periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSC), and dental papilla stem cells (DPPSC). It also covers various experimental strategies that could be used to direct lineage-specific differentiation, and their potential applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. PMID:22224548

Osteoblastic/cementoblastic and neural differentiation of dental stem cells and their applications to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

PubMed

Kim, Byung-Chul; Bae, Hojae; Kwon, Il-Keun; Lee, Eun-Jun; Park, Jae-Hong; Khademhosseini, Ali; Hwang, Yu-Shik

2012-06-01

Recently, dental stem and progenitor cells have been harvested from periodontal tissues such as dental pulp, periodontal ligament, follicle, and papilla. These cells have received extensive attention in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine due to their accessibility and multilineage differentiation capacity. These dental stem and progenitor cells are known to be derived from ectomesenchymal origin formed during tooth development. A great deal of research has been accomplished for directing osteoblastic/cementoblastic differentiation and neural differentiation from dental stem cells. To differentiate dental stem cells for use in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, there needs to be efficient in vitro differentiation toward the osteoblastic/cementoblastic and neural lineage with well-defined and proficient protocols. This would reduce the likelihood of spontaneous differentiation into divergent lineages and increase the available cell source. This review focuses on the multilineage differentiation capacity, especially into osteoblastic/cementoblastic lineage and neural lineages, of dental stem cells such as dental pulp stem cells (DPSC), dental follicle stem cells (DFSC), periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSC), and dental papilla stem cells (DPPSC). It also covers various experimental strategies that could be used to direct lineage-specific differentiation, and their potential applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Expansion and hepatic differentiation of rat multipotent adult progenitor cells in microcarrier suspension culture.

PubMed

Park, Y; Subramanian, K; Verfaillie, C M; Hu, W S

2010-10-01

Many potential applications of stem cells require large quantities of cells, especially those involving large organs such as the liver. For such applications, a scalable reactor system is desirable to ensure a reliable supply of sufficient quantities of differentiation competent or differentiated cells. We employed a microcarrier culture system for the expansion of undifferentiated rat multipotent adult progenitor cells (rMAPC) as well as for directed differentiation of these cells to hepatocyte-like cells. During the 4-day expansion culture, cell concentration increased by 85-fold while expression level of pluripotency markers were maintained, as well as the MAPC differentiation potential. Directed differentiation into hepatocyte-like cells on the microcarriers themselves gave comparable results as observed with cells cultured in static cultures. The cells expressed several mature hepatocyte-lineage genes and asialoglycoprotein receptor-1 (ASGPR-1) surface protein, and secreted albumin and urea. Microcarrier culture thus offers the potential of large-scale expansion and differentiation of stem cells in a more controlled bioreactor environment. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Critical role of histone demethylase Jmjd3 in the regulation of CD4+ T cell differentiation

PubMed Central

Ding, Xilai; Chepelev, Iouri; Zhou, Xikun; Zhao, Wei; Wei, Gang; Cui, Jun; Zhao, Keji; Wang, Helen Y.; Wang, Rong-Fu

2014-01-01

Epigenetic factors have been implicated in the regulation of CD4+ T cell differentiation. Jmjd3 plays a role in many biological processes, but its in vivo function in T cell differentiation remains unknown. Here, we report that Jmjd3 ablation promotes CD4+ T cell differentiation into Th2 and Th17 cells in the small intestine and colon, and inhibits T cell differentiation into Th1 cells under different cytokine-polarizing conditions and in a Th1-dependent colitis model. Jmjd3 deficiency also restrains the plasticity of the conversion of Th2, Th17 or Treg cells to Th1 cells. The skewing of T cell differentiation is concomitant with changes in the expression of key transcription factors and cytokines. H3K27me3 and H3K4me3 levels in Jmjd3-deficient cells are correlated with altered gene expression through interactions with specific transcription factors. Our results identify Jmjd3 as an epigenetic factor in T cell differentiation via changes in histone methylation and target gene expression. PMID:25531312

Comparative Proteomics Reveals Novel Components at the Plasma Membrane of Differentiated HepaRG Cells and Different Distribution in Hepatocyte- and Biliary-Like Cells

PubMed Central

Woods, Alisa G.; Lazar, Catalin; Radu, Gabriel L.; Darie, Costel C.; Branza-Nichita, Norica

2013-01-01

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a human pathogen causing severe liver disease and eventually death. Despite important progress in deciphering HBV internalization, the early virus-cell interactions leading to infection are not known. HepaRG is a human bipotent liver cell line bearing the unique ability to differentiate towards a mixture of hepatocyte- and biliary-like cells. In addition to expressing metabolic functions normally found in liver, differentiated HepaRG cells support HBV infection in vitro, thus resembling cultured primary hepatocytes more than other hepatoma cells. Therefore, extensive characterization of the plasma membrane proteome from HepaRG cells would allow the identification of new cellular factors potentially involved in infection. Here we analyzed the plasma membranes of non-differentiated and differentiated HepaRG cells using nanoliquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to identify the differences between the proteomes and the changes that lead to differentiation of these cells. We followed up on differentially-regulated proteins in hepatocytes- and biliary-like cells, focusing on Cathepsins D and K, Cyclophilin A, Annexin 1/A1, PDI and PDI A4/ERp72. Major differences between the two proteomes were found, including differentially regulated proteins, protein-protein interactions and intracellular localizations following differentiation. The results advance our current understanding of HepaRG differentiation and the unique properties of these cells. PMID:23977166

Hepatic differentiation capability of rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and hematopoietic stem cells.

PubMed

Shu, Sai-Nan; Wei, Lai; Wang, Jiang-Hua; Zhan, Yu-Tao; Chen, Hong-Song; Wang, Yu

2004-10-01

To investigate the different effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) on hepatic differentiation. MSCs from rat bone marrow were isolated and cultured by standard methods. HSCs from rat bone marrow were isolated and purified by magnetic activated cell sorting. Both cell subsets were induced. Morphology, RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry were used to identify the hepatic differentiation grade. MSCs exhibited round in shape after differentiation, instead of fibroblast-like morphology before differentiation. Albumin mRNA and protein were expressed positively in MSCs, without detection of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). HSCs were polygonal in shape after differentiation. The expression of albumin signal decreased and AFP signal increased. The expression of CK18 was continuous in MSCs and HSCs both before and after induction. Both MSCs and HSCs have hepatic differentiation capabilities. However, their capabilities are not the same. MSCs can differentiate into mature hepatocyte-like cells, never expressing early hepatic specific genes, while Thy-1.1(+) cells are inclined to differentiate into hepatic stem cell-like cells, with an increasing AFP expression and a decreasing albumin signal. CK18 mRNA is positive in Thy-1.1(+) cells and MSCs, negative in Thy-1.1(-) cells. It seems that CK18 has some relationship with Thy-1.1 antigen, and CK18 may be a predictive marker of hepatic differentiation capability.

Comparative proteomics reveals novel components at the plasma membrane of differentiated HepaRG cells and different distribution in hepatocyte- and biliary-like cells.

PubMed

Petrareanu, Catalina; Macovei, Alina; Sokolowska, Izabela; Woods, Alisa G; Lazar, Catalin; Radu, Gabriel L; Darie, Costel C; Branza-Nichita, Norica

2013-01-01

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a human pathogen causing severe liver disease and eventually death. Despite important progress in deciphering HBV internalization, the early virus-cell interactions leading to infection are not known. HepaRG is a human bipotent liver cell line bearing the unique ability to differentiate towards a mixture of hepatocyte- and biliary-like cells. In addition to expressing metabolic functions normally found in liver, differentiated HepaRG cells support HBV infection in vitro, thus resembling cultured primary hepatocytes more than other hepatoma cells. Therefore, extensive characterization of the plasma membrane proteome from HepaRG cells would allow the identification of new cellular factors potentially involved in infection. Here we analyzed the plasma membranes of non-differentiated and differentiated HepaRG cells using nanoliquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to identify the differences between the proteomes and the changes that lead to differentiation of these cells. We followed up on differentially-regulated proteins in hepatocytes- and biliary-like cells, focusing on Cathepsins D and K, Cyclophilin A, Annexin 1/A1, PDI and PDI A4/ERp72. Major differences between the two proteomes were found, including differentially regulated proteins, protein-protein interactions and intracellular localizations following differentiation. The results advance our current understanding of HepaRG differentiation and the unique properties of these cells.

Differentiation Affects the Release of Exosomes from Colon Cancer Cells and Their Ability to Modulate the Behavior of Recipient Cells.

PubMed

Lucchetti, Donatella; Calapà, Federica; Palmieri, Valentina; Fanali, Caterina; Carbone, Federica; Papa, Alfredo; De Maria, Ruggero; De Spirito, Marco; Sgambato, Alessandro

2017-07-01

Exosomes are involved in intercellular communication. We previously reported that sodium butyrate-induced differentiation of HT29 colon cancer cells is associated with a reduced CD133 expression. Herein, we analyzed the role of exosomes in the differentiation of HT29 cells. Exosomes were prepared using ultracentrifugation. Gene expression levels were evaluated by real-time PCR. The cell proliferation rate was assessed by MTT assay and with the electric cell-substrate impedance sensing system, whereas cell motility was assessed using the scratch test and confocal microscopy. Sodium butyrate-induced differentiation of HT29 and Caco-2 cells increased the levels of released exosomes and their expression of CD133. Cell differentiation and the decrease of cellular CD133 expression levels were prevented by blocking multivesicular body maturation. Exosomes released by HT29 differentiating cells carried increased levels of miRNAs, induced an increased proliferation and motility of both colon cancer cells and normal fibroblasts, increased the colony-forming efficiency of cancer cells, and reduced the sodium butyrate-induced differentiation of HT29 cells. Such effects were associated with an increased phosphorylation level of both Src and extracellular signal regulated kinase proteins and with an increased expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-related genes. Release of exosomes is affected by differentiation of colon cancer cells; exosomes might be used by differentiating cells to get rid of components that are no longer necessary but might continue to exert their effects on recipient cells. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Investigative Pathology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Induction of mice adult bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into functional motor neuron-like cells.

PubMed

Abdullah, Rafal H; Yaseen, Nahi Y; Salih, Shahlaa M; Al-Juboory, Ahmad Adnan; Hassan, Ayman; Al-Shammari, Ahmed Majeed

2016-11-01

The differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) into acetylcholine secreted motor neuron-like cells, followed by elongation of the cell axon, is a promising treatment for spinal cord injury and motor neuron cell dysfunction in mammals. Differentiation is induced through a pre-induction step using Beta- mercaptoethanol (BME) followed by four days of induction with retinoic acid and sonic hedgehog. This process results in a very efficient differentiation of BM-MSCs into motor neuron-like cells. Immunocytochemistry showed that these treated cells had specific motor neural markers: microtubule associated protein-2 and acetylcholine transferase. The ability of these cells to function as motor neuron cells was assessed by measuring acetylcholine levels in a culture media during differentiation. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) showed that the differentiated cells were functional. Motor neuron axon elongation was then induced by adding different concentrations of a nerve growth factor (NGF) to the differentiation media. Using a collagen matrix to mimic the natural condition of neural cells in a three-dimensional model showed that the MSCs were successfully differentiated into motor neuron-like cells. This process can efficiently differentiate MSCs into functional motor neurons that can be used for autologous nervous system therapy and especially for treating spinal cord injuries. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Hematopoietic stem cells can differentiate into restricted myeloid progenitors before cell division in mice.

PubMed

Grinenko, Tatyana; Eugster, Anne; Thielecke, Lars; Ramasz, Beáta; Krüger, Anja; Dietz, Sevina; Glauche, Ingmar; Gerbaulet, Alexander; von Bonin, Malte; Basak, Onur; Clevers, Hans; Chavakis, Triantafyllos; Wielockx, Ben

2018-05-15

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) continuously replenish all blood cell types through a series of differentiation steps and repeated cell divisions that involve the generation of lineage-committed progenitors. However, whether cell division in HSCs precedes differentiation is unclear. To this end, we used an HSC cell-tracing approach and Ki67 RFP knock-in mice, in a non-conditioned transplantation model, to assess divisional history, cell cycle progression, and differentiation of adult HSCs. Our results reveal that HSCs are able to differentiate into restricted progenitors, especially common myeloid, megakaryocyte-erythroid and pre-megakaryocyte progenitors, without undergoing cell division and even before entering the S phase of the cell cycle. Additionally, the phenotype of the undivided but differentiated progenitors correlated with the expression of lineage-specific genes and loss of multipotency. Thus HSC fate decisions can be uncoupled from physical cell division. These results facilitate a better understanding of the mechanisms that control fate decisions in hematopoietic cells.

Rotating microgravity-bioreactor cultivation enhances the hepatic differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells on biodegradable polymer scaffolds.

PubMed

Wang, Yingjie; Zhang, Yunping; Zhang, Shichang; Peng, Guangyong; Liu, Tao; Li, Yangxin; Xiang, Dedong; Wassler, Michael J; Shelat, Harnath S; Geng, Yongjian

2012-11-01

Embryonic stem (ES) cells are pluripotent cells that are capable of differentiating all the somatic cell lineages, including those in the liver tissue. We describe the generation of functional hepatic-like cells from mouse ES (mES) cells using a biodegradable polymer scaffold and a rotating bioreactor that allows simulated microgravity. Cells derived from ES cells cultured in the three-dimensional (3D) culture system with exogenous growth factors and hormones can differentiate into hepatic-like cells with morphologic characteristics of typical mature hepatocytes. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain-reaction testing, Western blot testing, immunostaining, and flow cytometric analysis show that these cells express hepatic-specific genes and proteins during differentiation. Differentiated cells on scaffolds further exhibit morphologic traits and biomarkers characteristic of liver cells, including albumin production, cytochrome P450 activity, and low-density lipoprotein uptake. When these stem cell-bearing scaffolds are transplanted into severe combined immunodeficient mice, the 3D constructs remained viable, undergoing further differentiation and maturation of hepatic-like cells in vivo. In conclusion, the growth and differentiation of ES cells in a biodegradable polymer scaffold and a rotating microgravity bioreactor can yield functional and organizational hepatocytes useful for research involving bioartificial liver and engineered liver tissue.

Incorporation of Biomaterials in Multicellular Aggregates Modulates Pluripotent Stem Cell Differentiation

PubMed Central

Bratt-Leal, Andrés M.; Carpenedo, Richard L.; Ungrin, Mark; Zandstra, Peter W.; McDevitt, Todd C.

2010-01-01

Biomaterials are increasingly being used to engineer the biochemical and biophysical properties of the extracellular stem cell microenvironment in order to tailor niche characteristics and direct cell phenotype. To date, stem cell-biomaterial interactions have largely been studied by introducing stem cells into artificial environments, such as 2D cell culture on biomaterial surfaces, encapsulation of cell suspensions within hydrogel materials, or cell seeding on 3D polymeric scaffolds. In this study, microparticles fabricated from different materials, such as agarose, PLGA and gelatin, were stably integrated, in a dose-dependent manner, within aggregates of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) prior to differentiation as a means to directly examine stem cell-biomaterial interactions in 3D. Interestingly, the presence of the materials within the stem cell aggregates differentially modulated the gene and protein expression patterns of several differentiation markers without adversely affecting cell viability. Microparticle incorporation within 3D stem cell aggregates can control the spatial presentation of extracellular environmental cues (i.e. soluble factors, extracellular matrix and intercellular adhesion molecules) as a means to direct the differentiation of stem cells for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. In addition, these results suggest that the physical presence of microparticles within stem cell aggregates does not compromise PSC differentiation, but in fact the choice of biomaterials can impact the propensity of stem cells to adopt particular differentiated cell phenotypes. PMID:20864164

Production of Functional Glucagon-Secreting α-Cells From Human Embryonic Stem Cells

PubMed Central

Rezania, Alireza; Riedel, Michael J.; Wideman, Rhonda D.; Karanu, Francis; Ao, Ziliang; Warnock, Garth L.; Kieffer, Timothy J.

2011-01-01

OBJECTIVE Differentiation of human embryonic stem (hES) cells to fully developed cell types holds great therapeutic promise. Despite significant progress, the conversion of hES cells to stable, fully differentiated endocrine cells that exhibit physiologically regulated hormone secretion has not yet been achieved. Here we describe an efficient differentiation protocol for the in vitro conversion of hES cells to functional glucagon-producing α- cells. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Using a combination of small molecule screening and empirical testing, we developed a six-stage differentiation protocol for creating functional α-cells. An extensive in vitro and in vivo characterization of the differentiated cells was performed. RESULTS A high rate of synaptophysin expression (>75%) and robust expression of glucagon and the α-cell transcription factor ARX was achieved. After a transient polyhormonal state in which cells coexpress glucagon and insulin, maturation in vitro or in vivo resulted in depletion of insulin and other β-cell markers with concomitant enrichment of α-cell markers. After transplantation, these cells secreted fully processed, biologically active glucagon in response to physiologic stimuli including prolonged fasting and amino acid challenge. Moreover, glucagon release from transplanted cells was sufficient to reduce demand for pancreatic glucagon, resulting in a significant decrease in pancreatic α-cell mass. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that fully differentiated pancreatic endocrine cells can be created via stepwise differentiation of hES cells. These cells may serve as a useful screening tool for the identification of compounds that modulate glucagon secretion as well as those that promote the transdifferentiation of α-cells to β-cells. PMID:20971966

Optimising parameters for the differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells to study cell adhesion and cell migration.

PubMed

Dwane, Susan; Durack, Edel; Kiely, Patrick A

2013-09-11

Cell migration is a fundamental biological process and has an important role in the developing brain by regulating a highly specific pattern of connections between nerve cells. Cell migration is required for axonal guidance and neurite outgrowth and involves a series of highly co-ordinated and overlapping signalling pathways. The non-receptor tyrosine kinase, Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) has an essential role in development and is the most highly expressed kinase in the developing CNS. FAK activity is essential for neuronal cell adhesion and migration. The objective of this study was to optimise a protocol for the differentiation of the neuroblastoma cell line, SH-SY5Y. We determined the optimal extracellular matrix proteins and growth factor combinations required for the optimal differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells into neuronal-like cells and determined those conditions that induce the expression of FAK. It was confirmed that the cells were morphologically and biochemically differentiated when compared to undifferentiated cells. This is in direct contrast to commonly used differentiation methods that induce morphological differentiation but not biochemical differentiation. We conclude that we have optimised a protocol for the differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells that results in a cell population that is both morphologically and biochemically distinct from undifferentiated SH-SY5Y cells and has a distinct adhesion and spreading pattern and display extensive neurite outgrowth. This protocol will provide a neuronal model system for studying FAK activity during cell adhesion and migration events.

Cancer stem cells and differentiation therapy.

PubMed

Jin, Xiong; Jin, Xun; Kim, Hyunggee

2017-10-01

Cancer stem cells can generate tumors from only a small number of cells, whereas differentiated cancer cells cannot. The prominent feature of cancer stem cells is its ability to self-renew and differentiate into multiple types of cancer cells. Cancer stem cells have several distinct tumorigenic abilities, including stem cell signal transduction, tumorigenicity, metastasis, and resistance to anticancer drugs, which are regulated by genetic or epigenetic changes. Like normal adult stem cells involved in various developmental processes and tissue homeostasis, cancer stem cells maintain their self-renewal capacity by activating multiple stem cell signaling pathways and inhibiting differentiation signaling pathways during cancer initiation and progression. Recently, many studies have focused on targeting cancer stem cells to eradicate malignancies by regulating stem cell signaling pathways, and products of some of these strategies are in preclinical and clinical trials. In this review, we describe the crucial features of cancer stem cells related to tumor relapse and drug resistance, as well as the new therapeutic strategy to target cancer stem cells named "differentiation therapy."

Bach2 is involved in neuronal differentiation of N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells.

PubMed

Shim, Ki Shuk; Rosner, Margit; Freilinger, Angelika; Lubec, Gert; Hengstschläger, Markus

2006-07-15

Bach1 and Bach2 are evolutionarily related members of the BTB-basic region leucine zipper transcription factor family. We found that Bach2 downregulates cell proliferation of N1E-115 cells and negatively affects their potential to differentiate. Nuclear localization of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 is known to arrest cell cycle progression, and cytoplasmic p21 has been shown to promote neuronal differentiation of N1E-115 cells. We found that ectopic Bach2 causes upregulation of p21 expression in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm in undifferentiated N1E-115 cells. In differentiated cells, Bach2 specifically triggers upregulation of cytoplasmic p21. Our data suggest that Bach2 expression could represent a switch during the process of neuronal differentiation. Bach2 is not expressed in neuronal precursor cells. It would have negative effects on proliferation and differentiation of these cells. In differentiated neuronal cells Bach2 expression is upregulated, which could allow Bach2 to function as a gatekeeper of the differentiated status.

Lithium Chloride can Induce Differentiation of Human Immortalized RenVm Cells into Dopaminergic Neurons.

PubMed

Soleimani, Mitra; Ghasemi, Nazem

2017-01-01

Stem cell-based therapy is a novel strategy for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The transplantation of fully differentiated cells instead of stem cells in order to decrease serious adverse complications of stem cell therapy is a new idea. In this study, the effect of lithium chloride on dopaminergic differentiation of human immortalized RenVm cells was investigated in order to access a population of fully differentiated cells for transplantation in Parkinson disease. The immortalized RenVm cells were induced to dopaminergic differentiation using a neurobasal medium supplemented with N2 and different concentrations (1, 3, 6 mM ) of Lithium Chloride (LiCl) for 4, 8 and 12 days. The efficiency of dopaminergic differentiation was evaluated using immunocytochemistry and western blot techniques for tyrosine hydroxylase and β-catenin marker expression. Our results indicated that LiCl can promote dopaminergic differentiation of RenVm cells in a dose-dependent manner. It can be concluded that LiCl is able to facilitate dopaminergic differentiation of cultured cells by affecting Wnt-frizzled signaling pathway.

Nuclear Mechanics and Stem Cell Differentiation.

PubMed

Mao, Xinjian; Gavara, Nuria; Song, Guanbin

2015-12-01

Stem cells are characterized by their self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation potential. Stem cell differentiation is a prerequisite for the application of stem cells in regenerative medicine and clinical therapy. In addition to chemical stimulation, mechanical cues play a significant role in regulating stem cell differentiation. The integrity of mechanical sensors is necessary for the ability of cells to respond to mechanical signals. The nucleus, the largest and stiffest cellular organelle, interacts with the cytoskeleton as a key mediator of cell mechanics. Nuclear mechanics are involved in the complicated interactions of lamins, chromatin and nucleoskeleton-related proteins. Thus, stem cell differentiation is intimately associated with nuclear mechanics due to its indispensable role in mechanotransduction and mechanical response. This paper reviews several main contributions of nuclear mechanics, highlights the hallmarks of the nuclear mechanics of stem cells, and provides insight into the relationship between nuclear mechanics and stem cell differentiation, which may guide clinical applications in the future.

Nanomaterials modulate stem cell differentiation: biological interaction and underlying mechanisms.

PubMed

Wei, Min; Li, Song; Le, Weidong

2017-10-25

Stem cells are unspecialized cells that have the potential for self-renewal and differentiation into more specialized cell types. The chemical and physical properties of surrounding microenvironment contribute to the growth and differentiation of stem cells and consequently play crucial roles in the regulation of stem cells' fate. Nanomaterials hold great promise in biological and biomedical fields owing to their unique properties, such as controllable particle size, facile synthesis, large surface-to-volume ratio, tunable surface chemistry, and biocompatibility. Over the recent years, accumulating evidence has shown that nanomaterials can facilitate stem cell proliferation and differentiation, and great effort is undertaken to explore their possible modulating manners and mechanisms on stem cell differentiation. In present review, we summarize recent progress in the regulating potential of various nanomaterials on stem cell differentiation and discuss the possible cell uptake, biological interaction and underlying mechanisms.

The Methods and Mechanisms to Differentiate Endothelial-Like Cells and Smooth Muscle Cells from Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Vascularization in Vaginal Reconstruction.

PubMed

Zhang, Hua; Zhang, Jingkun; Huang, Xianghua; Li, Yanan

2018-06-01

Endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are important aspects of vascularization in vaginal reconstruction. Research has confirmed that mesenchymal stem cells could differentiate into endothelial-like cells and SMCs. But the methods were more complicated and the mechanism was unknown. In the current study, we induced the bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) to differentiate into endothelial-like cells and SMCs in vitro by differentiation medium and investigated the effect of Wnt/β-catenin signaling on the differentiation process of BMSCs. Results showed that the hypoxic environment combined with VEGF and bFGF could induce increased expression of endothelial-like cells markers VEGFR1, VEGFR2, and vWF. The SMCs derived from BMSCs induced by TGF-β1 and PDGF-AB significantly expressed SMC markers SMMHC11 and α-SMA. The data also showed that activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling could promote the differentiation of BMSCs into endothelial-like cells and SMCs. Thus, we established endothelial-like cells and SMCs in vitro by more simple methods, presented the important role of hypoxic environment on the differentiation of BMSCs into endothelial-like cells, and confirmed that the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has a positive impact on the differentiation of BMSCs into endothelial-like cells and SMCs. This is important for vascular reconstruction.

Induction of temporally dissociated morphological and physiological differentiation of N1E-115 cells.

PubMed

Cosgrove, C; Cobbett, P

1991-07-01

Clonal cells derived from neural tumors have been widely used to study the processes of neuronal differentiation in vitro. The murine neuroblastoma clone N1E-115 has recently been shown to differentiate morphologically in response to removal of serum from the culture medium. In the present study, the nature and time course of electrophysiological differentiation of N1E-115 cells maintained in serum-free medium was examined. Differentiated cells had a higher resting potential and lower input conductance than nondifferentiated cells. Differentiated but not nondifferentiated cells generated current evoked action potentials, and differentiated cells fired spontaneous, repetitive action potentials after 13 days in serum-free medium. The rate of potential change during the depolarizing and repolarizing phases of the action potential became faster as the duration of maintenance of cells in serum-free medium increased. Remarkably, morphological differentiation appeared to be complete after exposure to serum-free medium for 5 days but electrophysiological differentiation was not complete until 13 days in this medium.

Chondrocyte Differentiation of Human Endometrial Gland-Derived MSCs in Layered Cell Sheets

PubMed Central

Shimizu, Tatsuya; Yamato, Masayuki; Umezawa, Akihiro; Okano, Teruo

2013-01-01

Recently, regenerative medicine using engineered three-dimensional (3D) tissues has been focused. In the fields of cell therapy and regenerative medicine, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are attractive autologous cell sources. While, in bioengineered tissues, a 3D environment may affect the differentiation of the stem cells, little is known regarding the effect of 3D environment on cellular differentiation. In this study, MSC differentiation in in vitro 3D tissue models was assessed by human endometrial gland-derived MSCs (hEMSCs) and cell sheet technology. hEMSC sheets were layered into cell-dense 3D tissues and were cultured on porous membranes. The tissue sections revealed that chondrocyte-like cells were found within the multilayered cell sheets even at 24 h after layering. Immunostainings of chondrospecific markers were positive within those cell sheet constructs. In addition, sulfated glycosaminoglycan accumulation within the tissues increased in proportion to the numbers of layered cell sheets. The findings suggested that a high cell density and hypoxic environment in 3D tissues by layering cell sheets might accelerate a rapid differentiation of hEMSCs into chondrocytes without the help of chondro-differentiation reagents. These tissue models using cell sheets would give new insights to stem cell differentiation in 3D environment and contribute to the future application of stem cells to cartilage regenerative therapy. PMID:24348153

Adipogenic placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells are not lineage restricted by withdrawing extrinsic factors: developing a novel visual angle in stem cell biology.

PubMed

Hu, C; Cao, H; Pan, X; Li, J; He, J; Pan, Q; Xin, J; Yu, X; Li, J; Wang, Y; Zhu, D; Li, L

2016-03-17

Current evidence implies that differentiated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) can act as progenitor cells and transdifferentiate across lineage boundaries. However, whether this unrestricted lineage has specificities depending on the stem cell type is unknown. Placental-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PDMSCs), an easily accessible and less invasive source, are extremely useful materials in current stem cell therapies. No studies have comprehensively analyzed the transition in morphology, surface antigens, metabolism and multilineage potency of differentiated PDMSCs after their dedifferentiation. In this study, we showed that after withdrawing extrinsic factors, adipogenic PDMSCs reverted to a primitive cell population and retained stem cell characteristics. The mitochondrial network during differentiation and dedifferentiation may serve as a marker of absent or acquired pluripotency in various stem cell models. The new population proliferated faster than unmanipulated PDMSCs and could be differentiated into adipocytes, osteocytes and hepatocytes. The cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) signaling pathway and extracellular matrix (ECM) components modulate cell behavior and enable the cells to proliferate or differentiate during the differentiation, dedifferentiation and redifferentiation processes in our study. These observations indicate that the dedifferentiated PDMSCs are distinguishable from the original PDMSCs and may serve as a novel source in stem cell biology and cell-based therapeutic strategies. Furthermore, whether PDMSCs differentiated into other lineages can be dedifferentiated to a primitive cell population needs to be investigated.

Cell Expansion During Directed Differentiation of Stem Cells Toward the Hepatic Lineage

PubMed Central

Raju, Ravali; Chau, David; Cho, Dong Seong; Park, Yonsil; Verfaillie, Catherine M.

2017-01-01

The differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells toward the hepatocyte lineage can potentially provide an unlimited source of functional hepatocytes for transplantation and extracorporeal bioartificial liver applications. It is anticipated that the quantities of cells needed for these applications will be in the order of 109–1010 cells, because of the size of the liver. An ideal differentiation protocol would be to enable directed differentiation to the hepatocyte lineage with simultaneous cell expansion. We introduced a cell expansion stage after the commitment of human embryonic stem cells to the endodermal lineage, to allow for at least an eightfold increase in cell number, with continuation of cell maturation toward the hepatocyte lineage. The progressive changes in the transcriptome were measured by expression array, and the expression dynamics of certain lineage markers was measured by mass cytometry during the differentiation and expansion process. The findings revealed that while cells were expanding they were also capable of progressing in their differentiation toward the hepatocyte lineage. In addition, our transcriptome, protein and functional studies, including albumin secretion, drug-induced CYP450 expression and urea production, all indicated that the hepatocyte-like cells obtained with or without cell expansion are very similar. This method of simultaneous cell expansion and hepatocyte differentiation should facilitate obtaining large quantities of cells for liver cell applications. PMID:27806669

Induction of CD4 T cell memory by local cellular collectivity.

PubMed

Polonsky, Michal; Rimer, Jacob; Kern-Perets, Amos; Zaretsky, Irina; Miller, Stav; Bornstein, Chamutal; David, Eyal; Kopelman, Naama Meira; Stelzer, Gil; Porat, Ziv; Chain, Benjamin; Friedman, Nir

2018-06-15

Cell differentiation is directed by signals driving progenitors into specialized cell types. This process can involve collective decision-making, when differentiating cells determine their lineage choice by interacting with each other. We used live-cell imaging in microwell arrays to study collective processes affecting differentiation of naïve CD4 + T cells into memory precursors. We found that differentiation of precursor memory T cells sharply increases above a threshold number of locally interacting cells. These homotypic interactions involve the cytokines interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-6, which affect memory differentiation orthogonal to their effect on proliferation and survival. Mathematical modeling suggests that the differentiation rate is continuously modulated by the instantaneous number of locally interacting cells. This cellular collectivity can prioritize allocation of immune memory to stronger responses. Copyright © 2018, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

The E3 ubiquitin ligase Itch is required for the differentiation of follicular helper T cells

PubMed Central

Xiao, Nengming; Eto, Danelle; Elly, Chris; Peng, Guiying; Crotty, Shane; Liu, Yun-Cai

2014-01-01

Follicular helper T cells (TFH cells) are responsible for effective B cell–mediated immunity, and Bcl-6 is a central factor for the differentiation of TFH cells. However, the molecular mechanisms that regulate the induction of TFH cells remain unclear. Here we found that the E3 ubiquitin ligase Itch was essential for the differentiation of TFH cells, germinal center responses and immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses to acute viral infection. Itch acted intrinsically in CD4+ T cells at early stages of TFH cell development. Itch seemed to act upstream of Bcl-6 expression, as Bcl-6 expression was substantially impaired in Itch−/− cells, and the differentiation of Itch−/− T cells into TFH cells was restored by enforced expression of Bcl-6. Itch associated with the transcription factor Foxo1 and promoted its ubiquitination and degradation. The defective TFH differentiation of Itch−/− T cells was rectified by deletion of Foxo1. Thus, our results indicate that Itch acts as an essential positive regulator in the differentiation of TFH cells. PMID:24859451

In vitro differentiated hepatic oval-like cells enhance hepatic regeneration in CCl4 -induced hepatic injury.

PubMed

Awan, Sana Javaid; Baig, Maria Tayyab; Yaqub, Faiza; Tayyeb, Asima; Ali, Gibran

2017-01-01

Hepatic oval cells are likely to be activated during advanced stage of liver fibrosis to reconstruct damaged hepatic tissue. However, their scarcity, difficulties in isolation, and in vitro expansion hampered their transplantation in fibrotic liver. This study was aimed to investigate the repair potential of in vitro differentiated hepatic oval-like cells in CCl 4 -induced liver fibrosis. BMSCs and oval cells were isolated and characterized from C57BL/6 GFP + mice. BMSCs were differentiated into oval cells by preconditioning with HGF, EGF, SCF, and LIF and analyzed for the oval cells-specific genes. Efficiency of oval cells to reduce hepatocyte injury was studied by determining cell viability, release of LDH, and biochemical tests in a co-culture system. Further, in vivo repair potential of differentiated oval cells was determined in CCl 4 -induced fibrotic model by gene expression analysis, biochemical tests, mason trichrome, and Sirius red staining. Differentiated oval cells expressed hepatic oval cells-specific markers AFP, ALB, CK8, CK18, CK19. These differentiated cells when co-cultured with injured hepatocytes showed significant hepato-protection as measured by reduction in apoptosis, LDH release, and improvement in liver functions. Transplantation of differentiated oval cells like cells in fibrotic livers exhibited enhanced homing, reduced liver fibrosis, and improved liver functions by augmenting hepatic microenvironment by improved liver functions. This preconditioning strategy to differentiate BMSCs into oval cell leads to improved survival and homing of transplanted cells. In addition, reduction in fibrosis and functional improvement in mice with CCl 4 -induced liver fibrosis was achieved. © 2016 International Federation for Cell Biology.

Force spectroscopy of membrane hardness of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells before and after differentiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwon, Sangwoo; Yang, Woochul; Choi, Yun Kyong; Park, Jung Keuck

2014-05-01

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is utilized in many studies for measuring the structure and the physical characteristics of soft and bio materials. In particular, the force spectroscopy function in the AFM system allows us to explore the mechanical properties of bio cells. In this study, we probe the variation in the membrane hardness of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells (SH-cells) before and after differentiation by using force spectroscopy. The SH-cell, which is usually differentiated by using a chemical treatment with retinoic acid (RA), is a neuronal cell line employed widely as an in-vitro model for neuroscience research. In force spectroscopy, the force-distance curves are obtained from both the original and the RA-treated cells while the AFM tip approaches and pushes on the cell membranes. The slope deduced from linear region in the force-distance curve is the spring constant and corresponds to the hardness of the cell membrane. The spring constant of the RA-treated cells (0.597 ± 0.010 nN/nm) was smaller than that of the original cells (0.794 ± 0.010 nN/nm), reflecting a hardness decrease in the cells differentiated with the RA treatments. The results clearly demonstrated that the differentiated cells are softer than the original cells. The change in the elasticity of the differentiated cells might be caused by morphological modification during differentiation process. We suggest that force spectroscopy can be employed as a novel method to determine the degree of differentiation of stem cells into various functional cells.

The Effect of Laser Irradiation on Adipose Derived Stem Cell Proliferation and Differentiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abrahamse, H.; de Villiers, J.; Mvula, B.

2009-06-01

There are two fundamental types of stem cells: Embryonic Stem cells and Adult Stem cells. Adult Stem cells have a more restricted potential and can usually differentiate into a few different cell types. In the body these cells facilitate the replacement or repair of damaged or diseased cells in organs. Low intensity laser irradiation was shown to increase stem cell migration and stimulate proliferation and it is thought that treatment of these cells with laser irradiation may increase the stem cell harvest and have a positive effect on the viability and proliferation. Our research is aimed at determining the effect of laser irradiation on differentiation of Adipose Derived Stem Cells (ADSCs) into different cell types using a diode laser with a wavelength of 636 nm and at 5 J/cm2. Confirmation of stem cell characteristics and well as subsequent differentiation were assessed using Western blot analysis and cellular morphology supported by fluorescent live cell imaging. Functionality of subsequent differentiated cells was confirmed by measuring adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and cell viability.

Distinct T helper cell dependence of memory B-cell proliferation versus plasma cell differentiation.

PubMed

Zabel, Franziska; Fettelschoss, Antonia; Vogel, Monique; Johansen, Pål; Kündig, Thomas M; Bachmann, Martin F

2017-03-01

Several memory B-cell subclasses with distinct functions have been described, of which the most effective is the class-switched (CS) memory B-cell population. We have previously shown, using virus-like particles (VLPs), that the proliferative potential of these CS memory B cells is limited and they fail to re-enter germinal centres (GCs). However, VLP-specific memory B cells quickly differentiated into secondary plasma cells (PCs) with the virtue of elevated antibody production compared with primary PCs. Whereas the induction of VLP + memory B cells was strongly dependent on T helper cells, we were wondering whether re-stimulation of VLP + memory B cells and their differentiation into secondary PCs would also require T helper cells. Global absence of T helper cells led to strongly impaired memory B cell proliferation and PC differentiation. In contrast, lack of interleukin-21 receptor-dependent follicular T helper cells or CD40 ligand signalling strongly affected proliferation of memory B cells, but differentiation into mature secondary PCs exhibiting increased antibody production was essentially normal. This contrasts with primary B-cell responses, where a strong dependence on CD40 ligand but limited importance of interleukin-21 receptor was seen. Hence, T helper cell dependence differs between primary and secondary B-cell responses as well as between memory B-cell proliferation and PC differentiation. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Differanisole A, an inducer of the differentiation of Friend leukemic cells, induces stalk cell differentiation in Dictyostelium discoideum.

PubMed

Kubohara, Y; Okamoto, K; Tanaka, Y; Asahi, K; Sakurai, A; Takahashi, N

1993-05-03

Differanisole A isolated from the conditioned medium of a soil microorganism, Chaetomium strain RB-001, is an inducer of the differentiation of the Friend leukemic cells (mouse leukemia cells). The chemical structure of this substance is very similar to that of stalk cell differentiation-inducing factor (DIF) isolated from the cellular slime mould, Dictyostelium discoideum. We examined the effects of differanisole A on Dictyostelium HM44 cells, a mutant strain which is defective in DIF production, and found this substance to be an inducer of stalk cell differentiation in D. discoideum.

Cells differentiated from mouse embryonic stem cells via embryoid bodies express renal marker molecules.

PubMed

Kramer, Jan; Steinhoff, Jürgen; Klinger, Matthias; Fricke, Lutz; Rohwedel, Jürgen

2006-03-01

Differentiation of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells via embryoid bodies (EB) is established as a suitable model to study cellular processes of development in vitro. ES cells are known to be pluripotent because of their capability to differentiate into cell types of all three germ layers including germ cells. Here, we show that ES cells differentiate into renal cell types in vitro. We found that genes were expressed during EB cultivation, which have been previously described to be involved in renal development. Marker molecules characteristic for terminally differentiated renal cell types were found to be expressed predominantly during late stages of EB cultivation, while marker molecules involved in the initiation of nephrogenesis were already expressed during early steps of EB development. On the cellular level--using immunostaining--we detected cells expressing podocin, nephrin and wt-1, characteristic for differentiated podocytes and other cells, which expressed Tamm-Horsfall protein, a marker for distal tubule epithelial cells of kidney tissue. Furthermore, the proximal tubule marker molecules renal-specific oxido reductase, kidney androgen-related protein and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3alpha-hydroxylase were found to be expressed in EBs. In particular, we could demonstrate that cells expressing podocyte marker molecules assemble to distinct ring-like structures within the EBs. Because the differentiation efficiency into these cell types is still relatively low, application of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 in combination with leukaemia inhibitory factor was tested for induction, but did not enhance ES cell-derived renal differentiation in vitro.

Myb permits multilineage airway epithelial cell differentiation

PubMed Central

Pan, Jie-hong; Adair-Kirk, Tracy L.; Patel, Anand C.; Huang, Tao; Yozamp, Nicholas S.; Xu, Jian; Reddy, E. Premkumar; Byers, Derek E.; Pierce, Richard A.; Holtzman, Michael J.; Brody, Steven L.

2014-01-01

The epithelium of the pulmonary airway is specially differentiated to provide defense against environmental insults, but also subject to dysregulated differentiation that results in lung disease. The current paradigm for airway epithelial differentiation is a one-step program whereby a p63+ basal epithelial progenitor cell generates a ciliated or secretory cell lineage, but the cue for this transition and whether there are intermediate steps is poorly defined. Here we identify transcription factor Myb as a key regulator that permits early multilineage differentiation of airway epithelial cells. Myb+ cells were identified as p63− and therefore distinct from basal progenitor cells, but were still negative for markers of differentiation. Myb RNAi treatment of primary-culture airway epithelial cells and Myb gene deletion in mice resulted in a p63− population with failed maturation of Foxj1+ ciliated cells, as well as Scbg1a1+ and Muc5ac+ secretory cells. Consistent with these findings, analysis of whole genome expression of Myb-deficient cells identified Myb-dependent programs for ciliated and secretory cell differentiation. Myb+ cells were rare in human airways but were increased in regions of ciliated cells and mucous cell hyperplasia in samples from subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Together, the results show that a p63− Myb+ population of airway epithelial cells represents a distinct intermediate stage of differentiation that is required under normal conditions and may be heightened in airway disease. PMID:25103188

Cell differentiation modeled via a coupled two-switch regulatory network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schittler, D.; Hasenauer, J.; Allgöwer, F.; Waldherr, S.

2010-12-01

Mesenchymal stem cells can give rise to bone and other tissue cells, but their differentiation still escapes full control. In this paper we address this issue by mathematical modeling. We present a model for a genetic switch determining the cell fate of progenitor cells which can differentiate into osteoblasts (bone cells) or chondrocytes (cartilage cells). The model consists of two switch mechanisms and reproduces the experimentally observed three stable equilibrium states: a progenitor, an osteogenic, and a chondrogenic state. Conventionally, the loss of an intermediate (progenitor) state and the entailed attraction to one of two opposite (differentiated) states is modeled as a result of changing parameters. In our model in contrast, we achieve this by distributing the differentiation process to two functional switch parts acting in concert: one triggering differentiation and the other determining cell fate. Via stability and bifurcation analysis, we investigate the effects of biochemical stimuli associated with different system inputs. We employ our model to generate differentiation scenarios on the single cell as well as on the cell population level. The single cell scenarios allow to reconstruct the switching upon extrinsic signals, whereas the cell population scenarios provide a framework to identify the impact of intrinsic properties and the limiting factors for successful differentiation.

RSPO1/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway Regulates Oogonia Differentiation and Entry into Meiosis in the Mouse Fetal Ovary

PubMed Central

Chassot, Anne-Amandine; Gregoire, Elodie P.; Lavery, Rowena; Taketo, Makoto M.; de Rooij, Dirk G.; Adams, Ian R.; Chaboissier, Marie-Christine

2011-01-01

Differentiation of germ cells into male gonocytes or female oocytes is a central event in sexual reproduction. Proliferation and differentiation of fetal germ cells depend on the sex of the embryo. In male mouse embryos, germ cell proliferation is regulated by the RNA helicase Mouse Vasa homolog gene and factors synthesized by the somatic Sertoli cells promote gonocyte differentiation. In the female, ovarian differentiation requires activation of the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway in the somatic cells by the secreted protein RSPO1. Using mouse models, we now show that Rspo1 also activates the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway in germ cells. In XX Rspo1−/− gonads, germ cell proliferation, expression of the early meiotic marker Stra8, and entry into meiosis are all impaired. In these gonads, impaired entry into meiosis and germ cell sex reversal occur prior to detectable Sertoli cell differentiation, suggesting that β-catenin signaling acts within the germ cells to promote oogonial differentiation and entry into meiosis. Our results demonstrate that RSPO1/β-catenin signaling is involved in meiosis in fetal germ cells and contributes to the cellular decision of germ cells to differentiate into oocyte or sperm. PMID:21991325

Aging and differentiation in yeast populations: elders with different properties and functions.

PubMed

Palková, Zdena; Wilkinson, Derek; Váchová, Libuše

2014-02-01

Over the past decade, it has become evident that similarly to cells forming metazoan tissues, yeast cells have the ability to differentiate and form specialized cell types. Examples of yeast cellular differentiation have been identified both in yeast liquid cultures and within multicellular structures occupying solid surfaces. Most current knowledge on different cell types comes from studies of the spatiotemporal internal architecture of colonies developing on various media. With a few exceptions, yeast cell differentiation often concerns nongrowing, stationary-phase cells and leads to the formation of cell subpopulations differing in stress resistance, cell metabolism, respiration, ROS production, and others. These differences can affect longevity of particular subpopulations. In contrast to liquid cultures, where various cell types are dispersed within stationary-phase populations, cellular differentiation depends on the specific position of particular cells within multicellular colonies. Differentiated colonies, thus, resemble primitive multicellular organisms, in which the gradients of certain compounds and the position of cells within the structure affect cellular differentiation. In this review, we summarize and compare the properties of diverse types of differentiated chronologically aging yeast cells that have been identified in colonies growing on different media, as well as of those found in liquid cultures. © 2013 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. All rights reserved.

Generation of chondrocytes from embryonic stem cells.

PubMed

Khillan, Jaspal Singh

2006-01-01

Pluripotent embryonic stem (ES) cells have complete potential for all the primary germ layers, such as ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms that control their lineage-restricted differentiation are not understood. Although embryoid bodies, which are formed because of the spontaneous differentiation of ES cells, have been used to study the differentiation into different cell types, including neurons, chondrocytes, insulin-producing cells, bone-forming cells, hematopoietic cells, and so on, this system has limitations for investigating the upstream events that lead to commitment of cells that occur during the inaccessible period of development. Recent developments in human ES cells have offered a challenge to develop strategies for understanding the basic mechanisms that play a key role in differentiation of stem cell into specific cell types for their applications in regenerative medicine and cell-based therapies. A micromass culture system was developed to induce the differentiation of ES cells into chondrocytes, the cartilage-producing cells, as a model to investigate the upstream events of stem cell differentiation. ES cells were co-cultured with limb bud progenitor cells. A high percentage of differentiated cells exhibit typical morphological characteristics of chondrocytes and express cartilage matrix genes such as collagen type II and proteoglycans, suggesting that signals from the progenitor cells are sufficient to induce ES cells into the chondrogenic lineage. Degeneration of cartilage in the joints is associated with osteoarthritis, which affects the quality of life of human patients. Therefore, the quantitative production of chondrocytes can be a powerful resource to alleviate the suffering of those patients.

YAP regulates neuronal differentiation through Sonic hedgehog signaling pathway

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lin, Yi-Ting; Ding, Jing-Ya; Li, Ming-Yang

2012-09-10

Tight regulation of cell numbers by controlling cell proliferation and apoptosis is important during development. Recently, the Hippo pathway has been shown to regulate tissue growth and organ size in Drosophila. In mammalian cells, it also affects cell proliferation and differentiation in various tissues, including the nervous system. Interplay of several signaling cascades, such as Notch, Wnt, and Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) pathways, control cell proliferation during neuronal differentiation. However, it remains unclear whether the Hippo pathway coordinates with other signaling cascades in regulating neuronal differentiation. Here, we used P19 cells, a mouse embryonic carcinoma cell line, as a model tomore » study roles of YAP, a core component of the Hippo pathway, in neuronal differentiation. P19 cells can be induced to differentiate into neurons by expressing a neural bHLH transcription factor gene Ascl1. Our results showed that YAP promoted cell proliferation and inhibited neuronal differentiation. Expression of Yap activated Shh but not Wnt or Notch signaling activity during neuronal differentiation. Furthermore, expression of Yap increased the expression of Patched homolog 1 (Ptch1), a downstream target of the Shh signaling. Knockdown of Gli2, a transcription factor of the Shh pathway, promoted neuronal differentiation even when Yap was over-expressed. We further demonstrated that over-expression of Yap inhibited neuronal differentiation in primary mouse cortical progenitors and Gli2 knockdown rescued the differentiation defect in Yap over-expressing cells. In conclusion, our study reveals that Shh signaling acts downstream of YAP in regulating neuronal differentiation. -- Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer YAP promotes cell proliferation and inhibits neuronal differentiation in P19 cells. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer YAP promotes Sonic hedgehog signaling activity during neuronal differentiation. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Knockdown of Gli2 rescues the Yap-overexpression phenotype in P19 cells. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Knockdown of Gli2 rescues the Yap-overexpression phenotype in cortical progenitors.« less

Dynamics of γ-tubulin cytoskeleton in HL-60 leukemia cells undergoing differentiation and apoptosis by all-trans retinoic acid.

PubMed

Shariftabrizi, Ahmad; Ahmadian, Shahin; Pazhang, Yaghub

2012-02-01

Microtubules are important components of the cell cytoskeleton, participating in protein localization and cell signaling. The capacity of leukemia cells to re-organize their microtubules is considered an integral part of differentiation in these cells in order to become mature granulocytes through treatment with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), an established drug for treating acute promyelocytic leukemia. In this study we examined γ-, α- and acetylated-α-tubulin content, their patterns of distribution in the cytoplasm, and the potency of centrosomes in re-organizing microtubules in different stages of ATRA-induced differentiation and apoptosis of the HL-60 cell line. The γ-tubulin content was dramatically increased following differentiation of HL-60 cells, and was then decreased after apoptosis. We also found that γ-tubulin had a diffuse, cytoplasmic pattern following apoptosis compared to the focal, centrosomal accumulation of γ-tubulin in differentiated cells. Differentiated cells had the ability to re-organize their microtubule network following nocodazole challenge testing, whereas undifferentiated cells did not show a similar ability. α-tubulin was more regularly organized in differentiated cells, and did not reveal any specific pattern of polymerization in apoptotic cells. Acetylated-α-tubulin generally followed the same organization patterns after differentiation, as that which occurred for α-tubulin. Our data is suggestive of a centrosomal and organized nucleation pattern of microtubules in HL-60 cells following differentiation, possibly mediated through up-regulation of γ-tubulin.

TPA induces a block of differentiation and increases the susceptibility to neoplastic transformation of a rat thyroid epithelial cell line.

PubMed

Portella, G; Vitagliano, D; Li, Z; Sferratore, F; Santoro, M; Vecchio, G; Fusco, A

1998-01-01

The PC Cl 3 cell line is a well-characterized epithelial cell line of rat thyroid origin. This cell line retains in vitro the typical markers of thyroid differentiation: thyroglobulin (TG) synthesis and secretion, iodide uptake, thyroperoxidase (TPO) expression, and dependency on TSH for growth. Although the differentiated phenotype of thyroid cells has been relatively well described, the molecular mechanisms that regulate both differentiation and neoplastic transformation of thyroid cells still need to be investigated in detail. Protein kinase C (PKC), the target of tetradecanoylphorbol acetate (TPA), regulates growth and differentiation of several cell types. Here we show that treatment of PC Cl 3 cells with TPA induces an acute block of thyroid differentiation. TPA-treated PC Cl 3 cells are unable to trap iodide and the expression levels of thyroglobulin, TSH receptor, and TPO genes are drastically reduced by TPA treatment. This differentiation block is not caused by a reduced expression of one of the master genes of thyroid differentiation, the thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1). TPA-treated PC Cl 3 cells display an increased growth rate indicating that, in addition to the differentiation block, TPA also significantly affects the growth regulation of thyroid cells. Finally, TPA treatment dramatically increases the number of transformation foci induced in PC Cl 3 cells by retroviruses carrying v-Ki-ras, v-Ha-ras, and v-mos oncogenes. These findings support the notion that the PKC pathway can influence proliferation, differentiation, and neoplastic transformation of thyroid cells in culture.

Embryonic mescencephalon derived neurospheres contain progenitors as well as differentiated neurons and glia.

PubMed

Khaing, Zin Z; Roberts, James L

2009-01-01

Stem cells and progenitor cells in the central nervous system may have potential for therapeutic use in patients with degenerative diseases or after injury. Neural precursor cells can be grown in culture in the presence of mitogens as aggregates termed neurospheres (NSs), as a source of proliferating progenitor cells. Withdrawal of mitogen and allowing the NSs to adhere to a substrate is the conventional way to study the differentiation potential of the progenitor cells propagated in NSs form. Here we asked if differentiation occurs within NSs cultured in the normal manner, in the presence of mitogen. We used non-passaged NSs derived from E13.5 mouse ventral mesencephalon. The NSs contained not only progenitor cells but also phenotypically-differentiated neurons and glia, in the presence of mitogen. Extracellular matrix molecules (fibronectin, laminin and collagen type IV) were also detected within these NSs, which may aid in the differentiation of progenitors inside the NSs. The cell types within NSs were also organized in a way that the differentiated cells were found in the inner cell mass while progenitors were found in the outer region. Additionally, the proportion of differentiated cell types within the NSs was also affected by exposure to different mitogens. Moreover, when placed together in to co-culture, dissociated embryonic striatal and mesencephalic cells aggregated spontaneously to form mixed NSs, enhancing the eventual differentiation into dopaminergic neurons from progenitors within these NSs. Therefore, the NSs contained progenitor cells and differentiated neurons and glial cells. In addition, NS culture system can be used to study cellular differentiation in vitro in non-adherent conditions.

In vitro differentiation of human tooth germ stem cells into endothelial- and epithelial-like cells.

PubMed

Doğan, Ayşegül; Demirci, Selami; Şahin, Fikrettin

2015-01-01

Current clinical techniques in dental practice include stem cell and tissue engineering applications. Dental stem cells are promising primary cell source for mainly tooth tissue engineering. Interaction of mesenchymal stem cell with epithelial and endothelial cells is strictly required for an intact tooth morphogenesis. Therefore, it is important to investigate whether human tooth germ stem cells (hTGSCs) derived from wisdom tooth are suitable for endothelial and epithelial cell transformation in dental tissue regeneration approaches. Differentiation into endothelial and epithelial cell lineages were mimicked under defined conditions, confirmed by real time PCR, western blotting and immunocytochemical analysis by qualitative and quantitative methods. HUVECs and HaCaT cells were used as positive controls for the endothelial and epithelial differentiation assays, respectively. Immunocytochemical and western blotting analysis revealed that terminally differentiated cells expressed cell-lineage markers including CD31, VEGFR2, VE-Cadherin, vWF (endothelial cell markers), and cytokeratin (CK)-17, CK-19, EpCaM, vimentin (epithelial cell markers) in significant levels with respect to undifferentiated control cells. Moreover, high expression levels of VEGFR1, VEGFR2, VEGF, CK-18, and CK-19 genes were detected in differentiated endothelial and epithelial-like cells. Endothelial-like cells derived from hTGSCs were cultured on Matrigel, tube-like structure formations were followed as an indication for functional endothelial differentiation. hTGSCs successfully differentiate into various cell types with a broad range of functional abilities using an in vitro approach. These findings suggest that hTGSCs may serve a potential stem cell source for tissue engineering and cell therapy of epithelial and endothelial tissue. © 2014 International Federation for Cell Biology.

Can bone marrow differentiate into renal cells?

PubMed

Imai, Enyu; Ito, Takahito

2002-10-01

A considerable plasticity of adult stem cells has been confirmed in a wide variety of tissues. In particular, the pluripotency of bone marrow-derived stem cells may influence the regeneration of injured tissues and may provide novel avenues in regenerative medicine. Bone marrow contains at least hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells, and both can differentiate into a wide range of differentiated cells. Side population (SP) cells, which are originally defined in bone marrow cells by high efflux of DNA-binding dye, seem to be a new class of multipotent stem cells. Irrespective of the approach used to obtain stem cells, the fates of marrow-derived cells following bone marrow transplantation can be traced by labeling donor cells with green fluorescence protein or by identifying donor Y chromosome in female recipients. So far, bone marrow-derived cells have been reported to differentiate into renal cells, including mesangial cells, endothelial cells, podocytes, and tubular cells in the kidney, although controversy exists. Further studies are required to address this issue. Cell therapy will be promising when we learn to control stem cells such as bone marrow-derived stem cells, embryonic stem cells, and resident stem cells in the kidney. Identification of factors that support stem cells or promote their differentiation should provide a relevant step towards cell therapy.

Epithelial morphogenesis of germline-derived pluripotent stem cells on organotypic skin equivalents in vitro.

PubMed

van de Kamp, Julia; Kramann, Rafael; Anraths, Julia; Schöler, Hans R; Ko, Kinarm; Knüchel, Ruth; Zenke, Martin; Neuss, Sabine; Schneider, Rebekka K

2012-03-01

For tissue engineering, cultivation of pluripotent stem cells on three-dimensional scaffolds allows the generation of organ-like structures. Previously, we have established an organotypic culture system of skin to induce epidermal differentiation in adult stem cells. Multipotent stem cells are not able to differentiate across germinal boundaries. In contrast, pluripotent stem cells readily differentiate into tissues of all three germ layers. Germline-derived pluripotent stem cells (gPS cells) can be generated by induction of pluripotency in mouse unipotent germline stem cells without the introduction of exogenous transcription factors. In the current study, we analyzed the influence of organotypic culture conditions of skin on the epithelial differentiation of gPS cells in comparison to the well-established HM1 ES cell line. Quantitative RT-PCR data of the pluripotency gene Oct4 showed that gPS cells are characterized by an accelerated Oct4-downregulation compared to HM1 ES cells. When subjected to the organotypic culture conditions of skin, gPS cells formed tubulocystic structures lined by stratified (CK5/6(+), CK14(+), CK8/18(-)) epithelia. HM1 ES cells formed only small tubulocystic structures lined by simple, CK8/18(+) epithelia. BMP-4, an epidermal morphogen, significantly enhanced the expression of epithelial markers in HM1 ES cells, but did not significantly affect the formation of complex (squamous) epithelia in gPS cells. In HM1 ES cells the differentiation into squamous epithelium was only inducible in the presence of mature dermal fibroblasts. Both pluripotent stem cell types spontaneously differentiated into mesodermal, endodermal and into neuroectodermal cells at low frequency, underlining their pluripotent differentiation capacity. Concluding, the organotypic culture conditions of skin induce a multilayered, stratified epithelium in gPS cells, in HM1 ES cells only in the presence of dermal fibroblasts. Thus, our data show that differentiation protocols strongly depend on the stem cell type and have to be modified for each specific stem cell type. Copyright © 2011 International Society of Differentiation. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Augmented IFN-γ and TNF-α Induced by Probiotic Bacteria in NK Cells Mediate Differentiation of Stem-Like Tumors Leading to Inhibition of Tumor Growth and Reduction in Inflammatory Cytokine Release; Regulation by IL-10

PubMed Central

Bui, Vickie T.; Tseng, Han-Ching; Kozlowska, Anna; Maung, Phyu Ou; Kaur, Kawaljit; Topchyan, Paytsar; Jewett, Anahid

2015-01-01

Our previous reports demonstrated that the magnitude of natural killer (NK) cell-mediated cytotoxicity correlate directly with the stage and level of differentiation of tumor cells. In addition, we have shown previously that activated NK cells inhibit growth of cancer cells through induction of differentiation, resulting in the resistance of tumor cells to NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity through secreted cytokines, as well as direct NK-tumor cell contact. In this report, we show that in comparison to IL-2 + anti-CD16mAb-treated NK cells, activation of NK cells by probiotic bacteria (sAJ2) in combination with IL-2 and anti-CD16mAb substantially decreases tumor growth and induces maturation, differentiation, and resistance of oral squamous cancer stem cells, MIA PaCa-2 stem-like/poorly differentiated pancreatic tumors, and healthy stem cells of apical papillae through increased secretion of IFN-γ and TNF-α, as well as direct NK-tumor cell contact. Tumor resistance to NK cell-mediated killing induced by IL-2 + anti-CD16mAb + sAJ2-treated NK cells is induced by combination of IFN-γ and TNF-α since antibodies to both, and not each cytokine alone, were able to restore tumor sensitivity to NK cells. Increased surface expression of CD54, B7H1, and MHC-I on NK-differentiated tumors was mediated by IFN-γ since the addition of anti-IFN-γ abolished their increase and restored the ability of NK cells to trigger cytokine and chemokine release; whereas differentiated tumors inhibited cytokine release by the NK cells. Monocytes synergize with NK cells in the presence of probiotic bacteria to induce regulated differentiation of stem cells through secretion of IL-10 resulting in resistance to NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity and inhibition of cytokine release. Therefore, probiotic bacteria condition activated NK cells to provide augmented differentiation of cancer stem cells resulting in inhibition of tumor growth, and decreased inflammatory cytokine release. PMID:26697005

Comparison of efficiency of terminal differentiation of oligodendrocytes from induced pluripotent stem cells versus embryonic stem cells in vitro.

PubMed

Tokumoto, Yasuhito; Ogawa, Shinichiro; Nagamune, Teruyuki; Miyake, Jun

2010-06-01

Oligodendrocytes are the myelinating cells of the central nervous system (CNS), and defects in these cells can result in the loss of CNS functions. Although oligodendrocyte progenitor cells transplantation therapy is an effective cure for such symptoms, there is no readily available source of these cells. Recent studies have described the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) from somatic cells, leading to anticipation of this technique as a novel therapeutic tool in regenerative medicine. In this study, we evaluated the ability of iPS cells derived from mouse embryonic fibroblasts to differentiate into oligodendrocytes and compared this with the differential ability of mouse embryonic stem cells (ES cells). Experiments using an in vitro oligodendrocyte differentiation protocol that was optimized to ES cells demonstrated that 2.3% of iPS cells differentiated into O4(+) oligodendrocytes compared with 24.0% of ES cells. However, the rate of induction of A2B5(+) oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) was similar for both iPS-derived cells and ES-derived cells (14.1% and 12.6%, respectively). These findings suggest that some intracellular factors in iPS cells inhibit the terminal differentiation of oligodendrocytes from the OPC stage. (c) 2009 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Early exposure to interleukin-21 limits rapidly generated anti-Epstein-Barr virus T-cell line differentiation.

PubMed

Orio, Julie; Carli, Cédric; Janelle, Valérie; Giroux, Martin; Taillefer, Julie; Goupil, Mathieu; Richaud, Manon; Roy, Denis-Claude; Delisle, Jean-Sébastien

2015-04-01

The adoptive transfer of ex vivo-expanded Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-specific T-cell lines is an attractive strategy to treat EBV-related neoplasms. Current evidence suggests that for adoptive immunotherapy in general, clinical responses are superior if the transferred cells have not reached a late or terminal effector differentiation phenotype before infusion. The cytokine interleukin (IL)-21 has shown great promise at limiting late T-cell differentiation in vitro, but this remains to be demonstrated in anti-viral T-cell lines. We adapted a clinically validated protocol to rapidly generate EBV-specific T-cell lines in 12 to 14 days and tested whether the addition of IL-21 at the initiation of the culture would affect T-cell expansion and differentiation. We generated clinical-scale EBV-restricted T-cell line expansion with balanced T-cell subset ratios. The addition of IL-21 at the beginning of the culture decreased both T-cell expansion and effector memory T-cell accumulation, with a relative increase in less-differentiated T cells. Within CD4 T-cell subsets, exogenous IL-21 was notably associated with the cell surface expression of CD27 and high KLF2 transcript levels, further arguing for a role of IL-21 in the control of late T-cell differentiation. Our results show that IL-21 has profound effects on T-cell differentiation in a rapid T-cell line generation protocol and as such should be further explored as a novel approach to program anti-viral T cells with features associated with early differentiation and optimal therapeutic efficacy. Copyright © 2015 International Society for Cellular Therapy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Loss of Anterior Gradient 2 (Agr2) Expression Results in Hyperplasia and Defective Lineage Maturation in the Murine Stomach*

PubMed Central

Gupta, Aparna; Wodziak, Dariusz; Tun, May; Bouley, Donna M.; Lowe, Anson W.

2013-01-01

Recent studies of epithelial tissues have revealed the presence of tissue-specific stem cells that are able to establish multiple cell lineages within an organ. The stem cells give rise to progenitors that replicate before differentiating into specific cell lineages. The mechanism by which homeostasis is established between proliferating stem or progenitor cells and terminally differentiated cells is unclear. This study demonstrates that Agr2 expression by mucous neck cells in the stomach promotes the differentiation of multiple cell lineages while also inhibiting the proliferation of stem or progenitor cells. When Agr2 expression is absent, gastric mucous neck cells increased in number as does the number of proliferating cells. Agr2 expression loss also resulted in the decline of terminally differentiated cells, which was supplanted by cells that exhibited nuclear SOX9 labeling. Sox9 expression has been associated with progenitor and stem cells. Similar effects of the Agr2 null on cell proliferation in the intestine were also observed. Agr2 consequently serves to maintain the balance between proliferating and differentiated epithelial cells. PMID:23209296

A modified method of insulin producing cells' generation from bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

PubMed

Czubak, Paweł; Bojarska-Junak, Agnieszka; Tabarkiewicz, Jacek; Putowski, Lechosław

2014-01-01

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a result of autoimmune destruction of pancreatic insulin producing β-cells and so far it can be cured only by insulin injection, by pancreas transplantation, or by pancreatic islet cells' transplantation. The methods are, however, imperfect and have a lot of disadvantages. Therefore new solutions are needed. The best one would be the use of differentiated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In the present study, we investigated the potential of the bone marrow-derived MSCs line for in vitro differentiation into insulin producing cells (IPSs). We applied an 18-day protocol to differentiate MSCs. Differentiating cells formed cell clusters some of which resembled pancreatic islet-like cells. Using dithizone we confirmed the presence of insulin in the cells. What is more, the expression of proinsulin C-peptide in differentiated IPCs was analyzed by flow cytometry. For the first time, we investigated the influence of growth factors' concentration on IPCs differentiation efficiency. We have found that an increase in the concentration of growth factors up to 60 ng/mL of β-FGF/EGF and 30 ng/mL of activin A/β-cellulin increases the percentage of IPCs. Further increase of growth factors does not show any increase of the percentage of differentiated cells. Our findings suggest that the presented protocol can be adapted for differentiation of insulin producing cells from stem cells.

Hippo/Yap signaling controls epithelial progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation in the embryonic and adult lung

PubMed Central

Lange, Alexander W.; Sridharan, Anusha; Xu, Yan; Stripp, Barry R.; Perl, Anne-Karina; Whitsett, Jeffrey A.

2015-01-01

The Hippo/Yap pathway is a well-conserved signaling cascade that regulates cell proliferation and differentiation to control organ size and stem/progenitor cell behavior. Following airway injury, Yap was dynamically regulated in regenerating airway epithelial cells. To determine the role of Hippo signaling in the lung, the mammalian Hippo kinases, Mst1 and Mst2, were deleted in epithelial cells of the embryonic and mature mouse lung. Mst1/2 deletion in the fetal lung enhanced proliferation and inhibited sacculation and epithelial cell differentiation. The transcriptional inhibition of cell proliferation and activation of differentiation during normal perinatal lung maturation were inversely regulated following embryonic Mst1/2 deletion. Ablation of Mst1/2 from bronchiolar epithelial cells in the adult lung caused airway hyperplasia and altered differentiation. Inhibitory Yap phosphorylation was decreased and Yap nuclear localization and transcriptional targets were increased after Mst1/2 deletion, consistent with canonical Hippo/Yap signaling. YAP potentiated cell proliferation and inhibited differentiation of human bronchial epithelial cells in vitro. Loss of Mst1/2 and expression of YAP regulated transcriptional targets controlling cell proliferation and differentiation, including Ajuba LIM protein. Ajuba was required for the effects of YAP on cell proliferation in vitro. Hippo/Yap signaling regulates Ajuba and controls proliferation and differentiation of lung epithelial progenitor cells. PMID:25480985

Optimization of differentiation time of mesenchymal-stem-cell to tenocyte under a cyclic stretching with a microgrooved culture membrane and selected measurement cells.

PubMed

Morita, Yasuyuki; Yamashita, Takahiro; Toku, Toku; Ju, Yang

2018-01-01

There is a need for efficient stem cell-to-tenocyte differentiation techniques for tendon tissue engineering. More than 1 week is required for tenogenic differentiation with chemical stimuli, including co-culturing. Research has begun to examine the utility of mechanical stimuli, which reduces the differentiation time to several days. However, the precise length of time required to differentiate human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) into tenocytes has not been clarified. Understanding the precise time required is important for future tissue engineering projects. Therefore, in this study, a method was developed to more precisely determine the length of time required to differentiate hBMSCs into tenocytes with cyclic stretching stimulus. First, it had to be determined how stretching stimulation affected the cells. Microgrooved culture membranes were used to suppress cell orientation behavior. Then, only cells oriented parallel to the microgrooves were selected and evaluated for protein synthesis levels for differentiation. The results revealed that growing cells on the microgrooved membrane and selecting optimally-oriented cells for measurement improved the accuracy of the differentiation evaluation, and that hBMSCs differentiated into tenocytes in approximately 10 h. The differentiation time corresponded to the time required for cellular cytoskeleton reorganization and cellular morphology alterations. This suggests that cells, when subjected to mechanical stimulus, secrete mRNAs and proteins for both cytoskeleton reorganization and differentiation.

A paired comparison between glioblastoma "stem cells" and differentiated cells.

PubMed

Schneider, Matthias; Ströbele, Stephanie; Nonnenmacher, Lisa; Siegelin, Markus D; Tepper, Melanie; Stroh, Sebastien; Hasslacher, Sebastian; Enzenmüller, Stefanie; Strauss, Gudrun; Baumann, Bernd; Karpel-Massler, Georg; Westhoff, Mike-Andrew; Debatin, Klaus-Michael; Halatsch, Marc-Eric

2016-04-01

Cancer stem cells (CSC) have been postulated to be responsible for the key features of a malignancy and its maintenances, as well as therapy resistance, while differentiated cells are believed to make up the rapidly growing tumour bulk. It is therefore important to understand the characteristics of those two distinct cell populations in order to devise treatment strategies which effectively target both cohorts, in particular with respect to cancers, such as glioblastoma. Glioblastoma is the most common primary brain tumour in adults, with a mean patient survival of 12-15 months. Importantly, therapeutic improvements have not been forthcoming in the last decade. In this study we compare key features of three pairs of glioblastoma cell populations, each pair consisting of stem cell-like and differentiated cells derived from an individual patient. Our data suggest that while growth rates and expression of key survival- and apoptosis-mediating proteins are more similar according to differentiation status than genetic similarity, we found no intrinsic differences in response to standard therapeutic interventions, namely exposure to radiation or the alkylating agent temozolomide. Interestingly, we could demonstrate that both stem cell-like and differentiated cells possess the ability to form stem cell-containing tumours in immunocompromised mice and that differentiated cells could potentially be dedifferentiated to potential stem cells. Taken together our data suggest that the differences between tumour stem cell and differentiated cell are particular fluent in glioblastoma. © 2015 UICC.

Symbiotic Cell Differentiation and Cooperative Growth in Multicellular Aggregates

PubMed Central

Yamagishi, Jumpei F; Saito, Nen; Kaneko, Kunihiko

2016-01-01

As cells grow and divide under a given environment, they become crowded and resources are limited, as seen in bacterial biofilms and multicellular aggregates. These cells often show strong interactions through exchanging chemicals, as evident in quorum sensing, to achieve mutualism and division of labor. Here, to achieve stable division of labor, three characteristics are required. First, isogenous cells differentiate into several types. Second, this aggregate of distinct cell types shows better growth than that of isolated cells without interaction and differentiation, by achieving division of labor. Third, this cell aggregate is robust with respect to the number distribution of differentiated cell types. Indeed, theoretical studies have thus far considered how such cooperation is achieved when the ability of cell differentiation is presumed. Here, we address how cells acquire the ability of cell differentiation and division of labor simultaneously, which is also connected with the robustness of a cell society. For this purpose, we developed a dynamical-systems model of cells consisting of chemical components with intracellular catalytic reaction dynamics. The reactions convert external nutrients into internal components for cellular growth, and the divided cells interact through chemical diffusion. We found that cells sharing an identical catalytic network spontaneously differentiate via induction from cell-cell interactions, and then achieve division of labor, enabling a higher growth rate than that in the unicellular case. This symbiotic differentiation emerged for a class of reaction networks under the condition of nutrient limitation and strong cell-cell interactions. Then, robustness in the cell type distribution was achieved, while instability of collective growth could emerge even among the cooperative cells when the internal reserves of products were dominant. The present mechanism is simple and general as a natural consequence of interacting cells with limited resources, and is consistent with the observed behaviors and forms of several aggregates of unicellular organisms. PMID:27749898

Optimising parameters for the differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells to study cell adhesion and cell migration

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Cell migration is a fundamental biological process and has an important role in the developing brain by regulating a highly specific pattern of connections between nerve cells. Cell migration is required for axonal guidance and neurite outgrowth and involves a series of highly co-ordinated and overlapping signalling pathways. The non-receptor tyrosine kinase, Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) has an essential role in development and is the most highly expressed kinase in the developing CNS. FAK activity is essential for neuronal cell adhesion and migration. Results The objective of this study was to optimise a protocol for the differentiation of the neuroblastoma cell line, SH-SY5Y. We determined the optimal extracellular matrix proteins and growth factor combinations required for the optimal differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells into neuronal-like cells and determined those conditions that induce the expression of FAK. It was confirmed that the cells were morphologically and biochemically differentiated when compared to undifferentiated cells. This is in direct contrast to commonly used differentiation methods that induce morphological differentiation but not biochemical differentiation. Conclusions We conclude that we have optimised a protocol for the differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells that results in a cell population that is both morphologically and biochemically distinct from undifferentiated SH-SY5Y cells and has a distinct adhesion and spreading pattern and display extensive neurite outgrowth. This protocol will provide a neuronal model system for studying FAK activity during cell adhesion and migration events. PMID:24025096

Characterization and comparison of osteoblasts derived from mouse embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells.

PubMed

Ma, Ming-San; Kannan, Vishnu; de Vries, Anneriek E; Czepiel, Marcin; Wesseling, Evelyn M; Balasubramaniyan, Veerakumar; Kuijer, Roel; Vissink, Arjan; Copray, Sjef C V M; Raghoebar, Gerry M

2017-01-01

New developments in stem cell biology offer alternatives for the reconstruction of critical-sized bone defects. One of these developments is the use of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. These stem cells are similar to embryonic stem (ES) cells, but can be generated from adult somatic cells and therefore do not raise ethical concerns. Proper characterization of iPS-derived osteoblasts is important for future development of safe clinical applications of these cells. For this reason, we differentiated mouse ES and iPS cells toward osteoblasts using osteogenic medium and compared their functionality. Immunocytochemical analysis showed significant expression of bone markers (osteocalcin and collagen type I) in osteoblasts differentiated from ES and iPS cells on days 7 and 30. An in vitro mineralization assay confirmed the functionality of osteogenically differentiated ES and iPS cells. Gene expression arrays focusing on osteogenic differentiation were performed in order to compare the gene expression pattern in both differentiated and undifferentiated ES cells and iPS cells. We observed a significant upregulation of osteogenesis-related genes such as Runx2, osteopontin, collagen type I, Tnfsf11, Csf1, and alkaline phosphatase upon osteogenic differentiation of the ES and iPS cells. We further validated the expression of key osteogenic genes Runx2, osteopontin, osteocalcin, collagen type I, and osterix in both differentiated and undifferentiated ES and iPS cells by means of quantified real-time polymerase chain reaction. We conclude that ES and iPS cells are similar in their osteogenic differentiation capacities, as well as in their gene expression patterns.

Insulin-like growth factor 1 regulation of proliferation and differentiation of Xenopus laevis myogenic cells in vitro.

PubMed

Miyata, Sairi; Yada, Tomotaka; Ishikawa, Natsuko; Taheruzzaman, Kazi; Hara, Ryohei; Matsuzaki, Takashi; Nishikawa, Akio

2017-03-01

To understand the mechanism of muscle remodeling during Xenopus laevis metamorphosis, we examined the in vitro effect of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) on growth and differentiation of three different-fate myogenic cell populations: tadpole tail, tadpole dorsal, and young adult leg muscle. IGF-1 promoted growth and differentiation of both tail and leg myogenic cells only under conditions where these cells could proliferate. Inhibition of cell proliferation by DNA synthesis inhibitor cytosine arabinoside completely canceled the IGF-1's cell differentiation promotion, suggesting the possibility that IGF-1's differentiation-promotion effect is an indirect effect via IGF-1's cell proliferation promotion. IGF-1 promoted differentiation dose dependently with maximum effect at 100-500 ng/ml. RT-PCR analysis revealed the upregulation (11-fold) of ifg1 mRNA expression in developing limbs, suggesting that IGF-1 plays a role in promoting muscle differentiation during limb development. The combined effect of triiodo-L-thyronine (T 3 ) and IGF-1 was also examined. In adult leg cells, IGF-1 promoted growth and differentiation irrespective of the presence of T 3 . In larval tail cells, cell count was 76% lower in the presence of T 3 , and IGF-1 did not promote proliferation and differentiation in T 3 -containing medium. In larval dorsal cells, cell count was also lower in the presence of T 3 , but IGF-1 enhanced proliferation and differentiation in T 3 -containing medium. This result is likely due to the presence among dorsal cells of both adult and larval types (1:1). Thus, IGF-1 affects only adult-type myogenic cells in the presence of T 3 and helps accelerate dorsal muscle remodeling during metamorphosis.

Reversing SKI-SMAD4-mediated suppression is essential for TH17 cell differentiation.

PubMed

Zhang, Song; Takaku, Motoki; Zou, Liyun; Gu, Ai-di; Chou, Wei-Chun; Zhang, Ge; Wu, Bing; Kong, Qing; Thomas, Seddon Y; Serody, Jonathan S; Chen, Xian; Xu, Xiaojiang; Wade, Paul A; Cook, Donald N; Ting, Jenny P Y; Wan, Yisong Y

2017-11-02

T helper 17 (T H 17) cells are critically involved in host defence, inflammation, and autoimmunity. Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) is instrumental in T H 17 cell differentiation by cooperating with interleukin-6 (refs 6, 7). Yet, the mechanism by which TGFβ enables T H 17 cell differentiation remains elusive. Here we reveal that TGFβ enables T H 17 cell differentiation by reversing SKI-SMAD4-mediated suppression of the expression of the retinoic acid receptor (RAR)-related orphan receptor γt (RORγt). We found that, unlike wild-type T cells, SMAD4-deficient T cells differentiate into T H 17 cells in the absence of TGFβ signalling in a RORγt-dependent manner. Ectopic SMAD4 expression suppresses RORγt expression and T H 17 cell differentiation of SMAD4-deficient T cells. However, TGFβ neutralizes SMAD4-mediated suppression without affecting SMAD4 binding to the Rorc locus. Proteomic analysis revealed that SMAD4 interacts with SKI, a transcriptional repressor that is degraded upon TGFβ stimulation. SKI controls histone acetylation and deacetylation of the Rorc locus and T H 17 cell differentiation via SMAD4: ectopic SKI expression inhibits H3K9 acetylation of the Rorc locus, Rorc expression, and T H 17 cell differentiation in a SMAD4-dependent manner. Therefore, TGFβ-induced disruption of SKI reverses SKI-SMAD4-mediated suppression of RORγt to enable T H 17 cell differentiation. This study reveals a critical mechanism by which TGFβ controls T H 17 cell differentiation and uncovers the SKI-SMAD4 axis as a potential therapeutic target for treating T H 17-related diseases.

Differential marker expression by cultures rich in mesenchymal stem cells

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Mesenchymal stem cells have properties that make them amenable to therapeutic use. However, the acceptance of mesenchymal stem cells in clinical practice requires standardized techniques for their specific isolation. To date, there are no conclusive marker (s) for the exclusive isolation of mesenchymal stem cells. Our aim was to identify markers differentially expressed between mesenchymal stem cell and non-stem cell mesenchymal cell cultures. We compared and contrasted the phenotype of tissue cultures in which mesenchymal stem cells are rich and rare. By initially assessing mesenchymal stem cell differentiation, we established that bone marrow and breast adipose cultures are rich in mesenchymal stem cells while, in our hands, foreskin fibroblast and olfactory tissue cultures contain rare mesenchymal stem cells. In particular, olfactory tissue cells represent non-stem cell mesenchymal cells. Subsequently, the phenotype of the tissue cultures were thoroughly assessed using immuno-fluorescence, flow-cytometry, proteomics, antibody arrays and qPCR. Results Our analysis revealed that all tissue cultures, regardless of differentiation potential, demonstrated remarkably similar phenotypes. Importantly, it was also observed that common mesenchymal stem cell markers, and fibroblast-associated markers, do not discriminate between mesenchymal stem cell and non-stem cell mesenchymal cell cultures. Examination and comparison of the phenotypes of mesenchymal stem cell and non-stem cell mesenchymal cell cultures revealed three differentially expressed markers – CD24, CD108 and CD40. Conclusion We indicate the importance of establishing differential marker expression between mesenchymal stem cells and non-stem cell mesenchymal cells in order to determine stem cell specific markers. PMID:24304471

Peptidegic stimulation of differentiation of pineal immune cells.

PubMed

Linkova, N S; Khavinson, V Kh; Chalisova, N I; Katanugina, A S; Koncevaya, E A

2011-11-01

We studied cell composition of the pineal lymphoid tissue and the effect of peptides on its differentiation and proliferation capacity. It was shown that the lymphoid component of the pineal gland in organotypic culture is primarily presented by low-differentiated CD5(+)-lymphocytes, while mature T and B cells are less abundant. Dipeptide vilon stimulates differentiation of precursors into T-helpers, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and B cells, while tetrapeptide epithalon stimulated their differentiation towards B cells. Tripeptide vesugen had no effect on differentiation capacity of immune cells of the pineal gland, but enhanced their proliferation potential. Thus, dipeptide vilon acts as an inductor of differentiation of pineal immune cells, which can play an important compensatory role in age-related atrophy of the thymus, the central organ of the immune system.

Transplantation and differentiation of donor cells in the cloned pigs

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shimada, Arata; Tomii, Ryo; Kano, Koichiro

2006-06-02

The application of nuclear transfer technology is an interesting approach to investigate stem and progenitor cell transplantation therapy. If stem cells are used as a nuclear donor, donor cells can engraft into cloned animals without histocompatible problems. However, it is still uncertain whether donor cells can engraft to cloned animal and differentiate in vivo. To address this problem, we transplanted donor cells to dermal tissues of cloned pigs developed by using preadipocytes as donor cells. Preadipocytes are adipocytic progenitor which can differentiate to mature adipocytes in vitro. We showed that the donor preadipocytes were successfully transplanted into the cloned pigsmore » without immune rejection and they differentiated into mature adipocytes in vivo 3 weeks after transplantation. In contrast, allogenic control preadipocytes, which can differentiate in vitro, did not differentiate in vivo. These results indicate that donor progenitor cells can differentiate in cloned animal.« less

MicroRNA‐199b Modulates Vascular Cell Fate During iPS Cell Differentiation by Targeting the Notch Ligand Jagged1 and Enhancing VEGF Signaling

PubMed Central

Chen, Ting; Kelaini, Sophia; Cochrane, Amy; Guha, Shaunta T.; Hu, Yanhua; Stitt, Alan W.; Xu, Qingbo

2015-01-01

Abstract Aims: Recent ability to derive endothelial cells (ECs) from induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells holds a great therapeutic potential for personalized medicine and stem cell therapy. We aimed that better understanding of the complex molecular signals that are evoked during iPS cell differentiation toward ECs may allow specific targeting of their activities to enhance cell differentiation and promote tissue regeneration. Methods and Results: In this study, we have generated mouse iPS cells from fibroblasts using established protocol. When iPS cells were cultivated on type IV mouse collagen‐coated dishes in differentiation medium, cell differentiation toward vascular lineages were observed. To study the molecular mechanisms of iPS cell differentiation, we found that miR‐199b is involved in EC differentiation. A step‐wise increase in expression of miR‐199 was detected during EC differentiation. Notably, miR‐199b targeted the Notch ligand JAG1, resulting in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) transcriptional activation and secretion through the transcription factor STAT3. Upon shRNA‐mediated knockdown of the Notch ligand JAG1, the regulatory effect of miR‐199b was ablated and there was robust induction of STAT3 and VEGF during EC differentiation. Knockdown of JAG1 also inhibited miR‐199b‐mediated inhibition of iPS cell differentiation toward smooth muscle markers. Using the in vitro tube formation assay and implanted Matrigel plugs, in vivo, miR‐199b also regulated VEGF expression and angiogenesis. Conclusions: This study indicates a novel role for miR‐199b as a regulator of the phenotypic switch during vascular cell differentiation derived from iPS cells by regulating critical signaling angiogenic responses. Stem Cells 2015;33:1405–1418 PMID:25535084

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shim, Ki Shuk; Department of Neonatology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna; Rosner, Margit

Bach1 and Bach2 are evolutionarily related members of the BTB-basic region leucine zipper transcription factor family. We found that Bach2 downregulates cell proliferation of N1E-115 cells and negatively affects their potential to differentiate. Nuclear localization of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 is known to arrest cell cycle progression, and cytoplasmic p21 has been shown to promote neuronal differentiation of N1E-115 cells. We found that ectopic Bach2 causes upregulation of p21 expression in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm in undifferentiated N1E-115 cells. In differentiated cells, Bach2 specifically triggers upregulation of cytoplasmic p21. Our data suggest that Bach2 expression could representmore » a switch during the process of neuronal differentiation. Bach2 is not expressed in neuronal precursor cells. It would have negative effects on proliferation and differentiation of these cells. In differentiated neuronal cells Bach2 expression is upregulated, which could allow Bach2 to function as a gatekeeper of the differentiated status.« less

SOCS3: an essential regulator of LIF receptor signaling in trophoblast giant cell differentiation

PubMed Central

Takahashi, Yutaka; Carpino, Nick; Cross, James C.; Torres, Miguel; Parganas, Evan; Ihle, James N.

2003-01-01

Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) binds cytokine receptors and thereby suppresses cytokine signaling. Deletion of SOCS3 causes an embryonic lethality that is rescued by a tetraploid rescue approach, demonstrating an essential role in placental development and a non-essential role in embryo development. Rescued SOCS3-deficient mice show a perinatal lethality with cardiac hypertrophy. SOCS3-deficient placentas have reduced spongiotrophoblasts and increased trophoblast secondary giant cells. Enforced expression of SOCS3 in a trophoblast stem cell line (Rcho-1) suppresses giant cell differentiation. Conversely, SOCS3-deficient trophoblast stem cells differentiate more readily to giant cells in culture, demonstrating that SOCS3 negatively regulates trophoblast giant cell differentiation. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) promotes giant cell differentiation in vitro, and LIF receptor (LIFR) deficiency results in loss of giant cell differentiation in vivo. Finally, LIFR deficiency rescues the SOCS3-deficient placental defect and embryonic lethality. The results establish SOCS3 as an essential regulator of LIFR signaling in trophoblast differentiation. PMID:12554639

Inactivation of EGFR/AKT signaling enhances TSA-induced ovarian cancer cell differentiation.

PubMed

Shao, Genbao; Lai, Wensheng; Wan, Xiaolei; Xue, Jing; Wei, Ye; Jin, Jie; Zhang, Liuping; Lin, Qiong; Shao, Qixiang; Zou, Shengqiang

2017-05-01

Ovarian tumor is one of the most lethal gynecologic cancers, but differentiation therapy for this cancer is poorly characterized. Here, we show that thrichostatin A (TSA), the well known inhibitor of histone deacetylases (HDACs), can induce cell differentiation in HO8910 ovarian cancer cells. TSA-induced cell differentiation is characterized by typical morphological change, increased expression of the differentiation marker FOXA2, decreased expression of the pluripotency markers SOX2 and OCT4, suppressing cell proliferation, and cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase. TSA also induces an elevated expression of cell cycle inhibitory protein p21Cip1 along with a decrease in cell cycle regulatory protein cyclin D1. Significantly, blockage of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway with specific inhibitors of this signaling cascade promotes the TSA-induced differentiation of HO8910 cells. These results imply that the EGFR cascade inhibitors in combination with TSA may represent a promising differentiation therapy strategy for ovarian cancer.

Voltage-Gated K+ Channel, Kv3.3 Is Involved in Hemin-Induced K562 Differentiation

PubMed Central

Song, Min Seok; Choi, Seon Young; Ryu, Pan Dong; Lee, So Yeong

2016-01-01

Voltage-gated K+ (Kv) channels are well known to be involved in cell proliferation. However, even though cell proliferation is closely related to cell differentiation, the relationship between Kv channels and cell differentiation remains poorly investigated. This study demonstrates that Kv3.3 is involved in K562 cell erythroid differentiation. Down-regulation of Kv3.3 using siRNA-Kv3.3 increased hemin-induced K562 erythroid differentiation through decreased activation of signal molecules such as p38, cAMP response element-binding protein, and c-fos. Down-regulation of Kv3.3 also enhanced cell adhesion by increasing integrin β3 and this effect was amplified when the cells were cultured with fibronectin. The Kv channels, or at least Kv3.3, appear to be associated with cell differentiation; therefore, understanding the mechanisms of Kv channel regulation of cell differentiation would provide important information regarding vital cellular processes. PMID:26849432

Chondrogenic Differentiation Increases Antidonor Immune Response to Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation

PubMed Central

Ryan, Aideen E; Lohan, Paul; O'Flynn, Lisa; Treacy, Oliver; Chen, Xizhe; Coleman, Cynthia; Shaw, Georgina; Murphy, Mary; Barry, Frank; Griffin, Matthew D; Ritter, Thomas

2014-01-01

Allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells (allo-MSCs) have potent regenerative and immunosuppressive potential and are being investigated as a therapy for osteoarthritis; however, little is known about the immunological changes that occur in allo-MSCs after ex vivo induced or in vivo differentiation. Three-dimensional chondrogenic differentiation was induced in an alginate matrix, which served to immobilize and potentially protect MSCs at the site of implantation. We show that allogeneic differentiated MSCs lost the ability to inhibit T-cell proliferation in vitro, in association with reduced nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 secretion. Differentiation altered immunogenicity as evidenced by induced proliferation of allogeneic T cells and increased susceptibility to cytotoxic lysis by allo-specific T cells. Undifferentiated or differentiated allo-MSCs were implanted subcutaneously, with and without alginate encapsulation. Increased CD3+ and CD68+ infiltration was evident in differentiated and splenocyte encapsulated implants only. Without encapsulation, increased local memory T-cell responses were detectable in recipients of undifferentiated and differentiated MSCs; however, only differentiated MSCs induced systemic memory T-cell responses. In recipients of encapsulated allogeneic cells, only differentiated allo-MSCs induced memory T-cell responses locally and systemically. Systemic alloimmune responses to differentiated MSCs indicate immunogenicity regardless of alginate encapsulation and may require immunosuppressive therapy for therapeutic use. PMID:24184966

In vitro study of cell differentiation by two type mouse embryo stem cells on mono- and multilayer nanocarbon tubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Imai, Koichi; Akasaka, Tsukasa; Watari, Fumio; Tanoue, Akito; Nakamura, Kazuaki; Suese, Kazuhiko; Takashima, Hiromasa; Nishikawa, Tetsunari; Tanaka, Akio; Takeda, Shoji

2012-09-01

The effects of nanomaterials on human reproduction and development remain unknown. The risks of nanomaterials for future generations should be elucidated. Thus, it is important to establish an experimental method to accurately examine embryotoxicity. We previously investigated the myocardial cell differentiation of ES-D3 cells using monolayer (SWCNTs) and multilayer (MWCNTs) nanocarbon tubes. As a result, in spite of having the same carbon composition, the effects on the cell differentiation levels differed between the tubes. We investigated their cell differentiation and cytotoxic effects on EL M3 and ES-R1-EGFP B2/EGFP cells, which require feeder cells. As a result, myocardial pulse rates differed between the presence of SWCNTs and MWCNTs even when feeder cells existed between the samples and cells. The different surface structures of SWCNTs and MWCNTs may have influenced ES cell differentiation.

Amniotic-Fluid Stem Cells: Growth Dynamics and Differentiation Potential after a CD-117-Based Selection Procedure

PubMed Central

Arnhold, S.; Glüer, S.; Hartmann, K.; Raabe, O.; Addicks, K.; Wenisch, S.; Hoopmann, M.

2011-01-01

Amniotic fluid (AF) has become an interesting source of fetal stem cells. However, AF contains heterogeneous and multiple, partially differentiated cell types. After isolation from the amniotic fluid, cells were characterized regarding their morphology and growth dynamics. They were sorted by magnetic associated cell sorting using the surface marker CD 117. In order to show stem cell characteristics such as pluripotency and to evaluate a possible therapeutic application of these cells, AF fluid-derived stem cells were differentiated along the adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic as well as the neuronal lineage under hypoxic conditions. Our findings reveal that magnetic associated cell sorting (MACS) does not markedly influence growth characteristics as demonstrated by the generation doubling time. There was, however, an effect regarding an altered adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation capacity in the selected cell fraction. In contrast, in the unselected cell population neuronal differentiation is enhanced. PMID:21437196

Cell Aggregation-induced FGF8 Elevation Is Essential for P19 Cell Neural Differentiation

PubMed Central

Wang, Chen; Xia, Caihong; Bian, Wei; Liu, Li; Lin, Wei; Chen, Ye-Guang; Ang, Siew-Lan

2006-01-01

FGF8, a member of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family, has been shown to play important roles in different developing systems. Mouse embryonic carcinoma P19 cells could be induced by retinoic acid (RA) to differentiate into neuroectodermal cell lineages, and this process is cell aggregation dependent. In this report, we show that FGF8 expression is transiently up-regulated upon P19 cell aggregation, and the aggregation-dependent FGF8 elevation is pluripotent stem cell related. Overexpressing FGF8 promotes RA-induced monolayer P19 cell neural differentiation. Inhibition of FGF8 expression by RNA interference or blocking FGF signaling by the FGF receptor inhibitor, SU5402, attenuates neural differentiation of the P19 cell. Blocking the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway by overexpressing Smad6 in P19 cells, we also show that FGF signaling plays a BMP inhibition–independent role in P19 cell neural differentiation. PMID:16641368

T cell fates ‘zipped up’: how the Bach2 basic leucine zipper transcriptional repressor directs T cell differentiation and function1

PubMed Central

Richer, Martin J.; Lang, Mark L.; Butler, Noah S.

2016-01-01

Recent data illustrate a key role for the transcriptional regulator Bach2 in orchestrating T cell differentiation and function. Although Bach2 has a well-described role in B cell differentiation, emerging data show that Bach2 is a prototypical member of a novel class of transcription factors that regulates transcriptional activity in T cells at super enhancers, or regions of high transcriptional activity. Accumulating data demonstrate specific roles for Bach2 in favoring regulatory T cell generation, restraining effector T cell differentiation and potentiating memory T cell development. Evidence suggests that Bach2 regulates various facets of T cell function by repressing other key transcriptional regulator such as Blimp-1. This review examines our current understanding of the role of Bach2 in T cell function and highlights the growing evidence that this transcriptional repressor functions as a key regulator involved in maintenance of T cell quiescence, T cell subset differentiation and memory T cell generation. PMID:27496973

Nicotinamide induces differentiation of embryonic stem cells into insulin-secreting cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vaca, Pilar; Berna, Genoveva; Araujo, Raquel

2008-03-10

The poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor, nicotinamide, induces differentiation and maturation of fetal pancreatic cells. In addition, we have previously reported evidence that nicotinamide increases the insulin content of cells differentiated from embryonic stem (ES) cells, but the possibility of nicotinamide acting as a differentiating agent on its own has never been completely explored. Islet cell differentiation was studied by: (i) X-gal staining after neomycin selection; (ii) BrdU studies; (iii) single and double immunohistochemistry for insulin, C-peptide and Glut-2; (iv) insulin and C-peptide content and secretion assays; and (v) transplantation of differentiated cells, under the kidney capsule, into streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic mice.more » Here we show that undifferentiated mouse ES cells treated with nicotinamide: (i) showed an 80% decrease in cell proliferation; (ii) co-expressed insulin, C-peptide and Glut-2; (iii) had values of insulin and C-peptide corresponding to 10% of normal mouse islets; (iv) released insulin and C-peptide in response to stimulatory glucose concentrations; and (v) after transplantation into diabetic mice, normalized blood glucose levels over 7 weeks. Our data indicate that nicotinamide decreases ES cell proliferation and induces differentiation into insulin-secreting cells. Both aspects are very important when thinking about cell therapy for the treatment of diabetes based on ES cells.« less

Inhibition of the NAD-Dependent Protein Deacetylase SIRT2 Induces Granulocytic Differentiation in Human Leukemia Cells

PubMed Central

Sunami, Yoshitaka; Araki, Marito; Hironaka, Yumi; Morishita, Soji; Kobayashi, Masaki; Liew, Ei Leen; Edahiro, Yoko; Tsutsui, Miyuki; Ohsaka, Akimichi; Komatsu, Norio

2013-01-01

Sirtuins, NAD-dependent protein deacetylases, play important roles in cellular functions such as metabolism and differentiation. Whether sirtuins function in tumorigenesis is still controversial, but sirtuins are aberrantly expressed in tumors, which may keep cancerous cells undifferentiated. Therefore, we investigated whether the inhibition of sirtuin family proteins induces cellular differentiation in leukemic cells. The sirtuin inhibitors tenovin-6 and BML-266 induce granulocytic differentiation in the acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) cell line NB4. This differentiation is likely caused by an inhibition of SIRT2 deacetylase activity, judging from the accumulation of acetylated α-tubulin, a major SIRT2 substrate. Unlike the clinically used differentiation inducer all-trans retinoic acid, tenovin-6 shows limited effects on promyelocytic leukemia–retinoic acid receptor α (PML-RAR-α) stability and promyelocytic leukemia nuclear body formation in NB4 cells, suggesting that tenovin-6 does not directly target PML-RAR-α activity. In agreement with this, tenovin-6 induces cellular differentiation in the non-APL cell line HL-60, where PML-RAR-α does not exist. Knocking down SIRT2 by shRNA induces granulocytic differentiation in NB4 cells, which demonstrates that the inhibition of SIRT2 activity is sufficient to induce cell differentiation in NB4 cells. The overexpression of SIRT2 in NB4 cells decreases the level of granulocytic differentiation induced by tenovin-6, which indicates that tenovin-6 induces granulocytic differentiation by inhibiting SIRT2 activity. Taken together, our data suggest that targeting SIRT2 is a viable strategy to induce leukemic cell differentiation. PMID:23460888

Differential levels of Neurod establish zebrafish endocrine pancreas cell fates

PubMed Central

Dalgin, Gökhan; Prince, Victoria E.

2015-01-01

During development a network of transcription factors functions to differentiate foregut cells into pancreatic endocrine cells. Differentiation of appropriate numbers of each hormone-expressing endocrine cell type is essential for the normal development of the pancreas and ultimately for effective maintenance of blood glucose levels. A fuller understanding of the details of endocrine cell differentiation may contribute to development of cell replacement therapies to treat diabetes. In this study, by using morpholino and gRNA/Cas9 mediated knockdown we establish that differential levels of the basic-helix loop helix (bHLH) transcription factor Neurod are required for the differentiation of distinct endocrine cell types in developing zebrafish. While Neurod plays a role in the differentiation of all endocrine cells, we find that differentiation of glucagon-expressing alpha cells is disrupted by a minor reduction in Neurod levels, whereas differentiation of insulin-expressing beta cells is less sensitive to Neurod depletion. The endocrine cells that arise during embryonic stages to produce the primary islet, and those that arise subsequently during larval stages from the intra-pancreatic duct (IPD) to ultimately contribute to the secondary islets, show similar dependence on differential Neurod levels. Intriguingly, Neurod-deficiency triggers premature formation of endocrine precursors from the IPD during early larval stages. However, the Neurod-deficient endocrine precursors fail to differentiate appropriately, and the larvae are unable to maintain normal glucose levels. In summary, differential levels of Neurod are required to generate endocrine pancreas subtypes from precursors during both embryonic and larval stages, and Neurod function is in turn critical to endocrine function. PMID:25797153

Hippo/Yap signaling controls epithelial progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation in the embryonic and adult lung.

PubMed

Lange, Alexander W; Sridharan, Anusha; Xu, Yan; Stripp, Barry R; Perl, Anne-Karina; Whitsett, Jeffrey A

2015-02-01

The Hippo/Yap pathway is a well-conserved signaling cascade that regulates cell proliferation and differentiation to control organ size and stem/progenitor cell behavior. Following airway injury, Yap was dynamically regulated in regenerating airway epithelial cells. To determine the role of Hippo signaling in the lung, the mammalian Hippo kinases, Mst1 and Mst2, were deleted in epithelial cells of the embryonic and mature mouse lung. Mst1/2 deletion in the fetal lung enhanced proliferation and inhibited sacculation and epithelial cell differentiation. The transcriptional inhibition of cell proliferation and activation of differentiation during normal perinatal lung maturation were inversely regulated following embryonic Mst1/2 deletion. Ablation of Mst1/2 from bronchiolar epithelial cells in the adult lung caused airway hyperplasia and altered differentiation. Inhibitory Yap phosphorylation was decreased and Yap nuclear localization and transcriptional targets were increased after Mst1/2 deletion, consistent with canonical Hippo/Yap signaling. YAP potentiated cell proliferation and inhibited differentiation of human bronchial epithelial cells in vitro. Loss of Mst1/2 and expression of YAP regulated transcriptional targets controlling cell proliferation and differentiation, including Ajuba LIM protein. Ajuba was required for the effects of YAP on cell proliferation in vitro. Hippo/Yap signaling regulates Ajuba and controls proliferation and differentiation of lung epithelial progenitor cells. © The Author (2014). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Journal of Molecular Cell Biology, IBCB, SIBS, CAS. All rights reserved.

Involvement of the histamine H{sub 4} receptor in clozapine-induced hematopoietic toxicity: Vulnerability under granulocytic differentiation of HL-60 cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Goto, Aya; Mouri, Akihiro; Nagai, Tomoko

Clozapine is an effective antipsychotic for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, but can cause fatal hematopoietic toxicity as agranulocytosis. To elucidate the mechanism of hematopoietic toxicity induced by clozapine, we developed an in vitro assay system using HL-60 cells, and investigated the effect on hematopoiesis. HL-60 cells were differentiated by all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) into three states according to the following hematopoietic process: undifferentiated HL-60 cells, those undergoing granulocytic ATRA-differentiation, and ATRA-differentiated granulocytic cells. Hematopoietic toxicity was evaluated by analyzing cell survival, cell proliferation, granulocytic differentiation, apoptosis, and necrosis. In undifferentiated HL-60 cells and ATRA-differentiated granulocytic cells, both clozapine (50 and 100 μM)more » and doxorubicin (0.2 µM) decreased the cell survival rate, but olanzapine (1–100 µM) did not. Under granulocytic differentiation for 5 days, clozapine, even at a concentration of 25 μM, decreased survival without affecting granulocytic differentiation, increased caspase activity, and caused apoptosis rather than necrosis. Histamine H{sub 4} receptor mRNA was expressed in HL-60 cells, whereas the expression decreased under granulocytic ATRA-differentiation little by little. Both thioperamide, a histamine H{sub 4} receptor antagonist, and DEVD-FMK, a caspase-3 inhibitor, exerted protection against clozapine-induced survival rate reduction, but not of live cell counts. 4-Methylhistamine, a histamine H{sub 4} receptor agonist, decreased the survival rate and live cell counts, as did clozapine. HL-60 cells under granulocytic differentiation are vulnerable under in vitro assay conditions to hematopoietic toxicity induced by clozapine. Histamine H{sub 4} receptor is involved in the development of clozapine-induced hematopoietic toxicity through apoptosis, and may be a potential target for preventing its occurrence through granulocytic differentiation. - Highlights: • HL-60 cells under granulocytic differentiation were vulnerable for clozapine. • HL-60 cells would be in vitro assay systems for hematopoietic toxicity by clozapine. • Histamine H{sub 4} receptor was involved in hematopoietic toxicity with apoptosis. • Histamine H{sub 4} receptor may be therapeutic target to prevent hematopoietic toxicity.« less

Development of resting membrane potentials in differentiating murine neuroblastoma cells (N1E-115) evaluated by flow cytometry.

PubMed

Kisaalita, W S; Bowen, J M

1997-09-01

With the aid of a voltage-sensitive oxonol dye, flow cytometry was used to measure relative changes in resting membrane potential (V(m)) and forward angle light scatter (FALS) profiles of a differentiating/differentiated murine neuroblastoma cell line (N1E-115). Electrophysiological differentiation was characterized by V(m) establishment. The (V(m))-time profile was found to be seed cell concentration-dependent for cell densities of less than 2 × 10(4) cells/cm(2). At higher initial cell densities, under differentiating culture conditions, V(m) development commenced on day 2 and reached a steady-state on day 12. The relative distribution of differentiated cells between low and high FALS has been proposed as a potential culture electrophysiological differentiation state index. These experiments offer a general methodology to characterize cultured excitable cells of nervous system origin, with respect to electrophysiological differentiation. This information is valuable in studies employing neuroblastoma cells as in vitro screening models for safety/hazard evaluation and/or risk assessment of therapeutical and industrial chemicals under development.

The Role of Paracrine and Autocrine Signaling in the Early Phase of Adipogenic Differentiation of Adipose-derived Stem Cells

PubMed Central

Hemmingsen, Mette; Vedel, Søren; Skafte-Pedersen, Peder; Sabourin, David; Collas, Philippe; Bruus, Henrik; Dufva, Martin

2013-01-01

Introduction High cell density is known to enhance adipogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells, suggesting secretion of signaling factors or cell-contact-mediated signaling. By employing microfluidic biochip technology, we have been able to separate these two processes and study the secretion pathways. Methods and results Adipogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) cultured in a microfluidic system was investigated under perfusion conditions with an adipogenic medium or an adipogenic medium supplemented with supernatant from differentiating ASCs (conditioned medium). Conditioned medium increased adipogenic differentiation compared to adipogenic medium with respect to accumulation of lipid-filled vacuoles and gene expression of key adipogenic markers (C/EBPα, C/EBPβ, C/EBPδ, PPARγ, LPL and adiponectin). The positive effects of conditioned medium were observed early in the differentiation process. Conclusions Using different cell densities and microfluidic perfusion cell cultures to suppress the effects of cell-released factors, we have demonstrated the significant role played by auto- or paracrine signaling in adipocyte differentiation. The cell-released factor(s) were shown to act in the recruitment phase of the differentiation process. PMID:23723991

Evaluation of Motor Neuron-Like Cell Differentiation of hEnSCs on Biodegradable PLGA Nanofiber Scaffolds.

PubMed

Ebrahimi-Barough, Somayeh; Norouzi Javidan, Abbas; Saberi, Hoshangh; Joghataei, Mohammad Tghi; Rahbarghazi, Reza; Mirzaei, Esmaeil; Faghihi, Faezeh; Shirian, Sadegh; Ai, Armin; Ai, Jafar

2015-12-01

Human endometrium is a high-dynamic tissue that contains human endometrial stem cells (hEnSCs) which can be differentiated into a number of cell lineages. The differentiation of hEnSCs into many cell lineages such as osteoblast, adipocyte, and neural cells has been investigated previously. However, the differentiation of these stem cells into motor neuron-like cells has not been investigated yet. Different biochemical and topographical cues can affect the differentiation of stem cells into a specific cell. The aim of this study was to investigate the capability of hEnSCs to be differentiated into motor neuron-like cells under biochemical and topographical cues. The biocompatible and biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) electrospun nanofibrous scaffold was used as a topographical cue. Human EnSCs were cultured on the PLGA scaffold and tissue culture polystyrene (TCP), then differentiation of hEnSCs into motor neuron-like cells under induction media including retinoic acid (RA) and sonic hedgehog (Shh) were evaluated for 15 days. The proliferation rate of cells was assayed by using MTT assay. The morphology of cells was studied by scanning electron microscopy imaging, and the expression of motor neuron-specific markers by real-time PCR and immunocytochemistry. Results showed that survival and differentiation of hEnSCs into motor neuron-like cells on the PLGA scaffold were better than those on the TCP group. Taken together, the results suggest that differentiated hEnSCs on PLGA can provide a suitable, three-dimensional situation for neuronal survival and outgrowth for regeneration of the central nervous system, and these cells may be a potential candidate in cellular therapy for motor neuron diseases.

Trans-differentiation of the adipose tissue-derived stem cells into neuron-like cells expressing neurotrophins by selegiline.

PubMed

Abdanipour, Alireza; Tiraihi, Taki; Delshad, Alireza

2011-01-01

Adult stem cells (ASC) are undifferentiated cells found throughout the body. These cells are promising tools for cell replacement therapy in neurodegenerative disease. Adipose tissue is the most abundant and accessible source of ASC. This study was conducted to evaluate effect of selegiline on differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) into functional neuron-like cells (NLC), and also level of the neurotrophin expression in differentiated cells. ADSC were transdifferentiated into NLC using selegiline where CD90, CD49d, CD31, CD106 and CD45 were used as markers for ADSC identification. Lipogenic and osteogenic differentiation of ADSC were used to characterize the ADSC. ADSC were treated with selegiline at different concentrations (from 10(-6) to 10(-11) mM) and time points (3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h). Percentage of viable cells, nestin and neurofilament 68 (NF-68) immunoreactive cells were used as markers for differentiation. The optimal dose for neurotrophin expressions in differentiating cells was evaluated using reverse transcriptase-PCR. NLC function was evaluated by loading and unloading with FM1-43 dye. ADSC were immunoreactive to CD90 (95.67 ± 2.26), CD49d (71.52 ± 6.64) and CD31 (0.6 ± 0.86), but no immunoreactivity was detected for CD106 and CD45. The results of neural differentiation showed the highest percentage of nestin and NF-68 positive cells at 10(-9) mM concentration of selegiline (exposed for 24 h). The differentiated cells expressed synapsin and neurotrophin genes except brain-derived neurotrophic factor. ADSC can be an alternative source in cell-based therapy for neurodegenerative diseases using selegiline to induce ADSC differentiation to neuronal lineage.

Comparison of differentiation potential of male mouse adipose tissue and bone marrow derived-mesenchymal stem cells into germ cells

PubMed Central

Hosseinzadeh Shirzeily, Maryam; Pasbakhsh, Parichehr; Amidi, Fardin; Mehrannia, Kobra; Sobhani, Aligholi

2013-01-01

Background: Recent publications about differentiation of stem cells to germ cells have motivated researchers to make new approaches to infertility. In vitro production of germ cells improves understanding differentiation process of male and female germ cells. Due to the problem of using embryonic stem cells (ESC), it’s necessary the mentioned cells be replaced with some adult multi-potent stem cells in laboratories. Objective: The aim of this study was to obtain germ cells from appropriate source beyond ESC and compare differential potentials of adipocytes derived stem cells (ADMSCs) with bone marrow derived stem cells (BMMSCs). Materials and Methods: To find multi-potential entity, after providing purified ADMSCs and BMMSCs, differentiation to osteoblast and adipocyte was confirmed by using appropriate culture medium. To confirm mesenchymal lineage production superficial markers (expression of CD90 and CD44 and non-expression of CD45 and CD31) were investigated by flowcytometry. Then the cells were differentiated to germ cells in inductive medium containing retinoic acid for 7days. To evaluate germ cells characteristic markers [Dazl (Deleted in azoospermia-like), Mvh (Mouse vasa homolog gene), Stra8 (Stimulated by retinoic acid) and Scp3 (Synaptonemal complex protein 3)] flowcytometry, imunoflorescence and real time PCR were used. Results: Both types of cells were able to differentiate into osteoblast and adipocyte cells and presentation of stem cell superficial markers (CD90, CD44) and absence of endothelial and blood cell markers (CD31, CD45) were confirmative The flowcytometry, imunoflorescence and real time PCR results showed remarkable expression of germ cells characteristic markers (Mvh, Dazl, Stra8, and Scp3). Conclusion: It was found that although ADMSCs were attained easier and also cultured and differentiated rapidly, germ cell markers were expressed in BMMSCs significantly more than ADMSCs. This article extracted from M.Sc. thesis. (Maryam Hosseinzadeh Shirzeily) PMID:24639722

Ferritin nanoparticles for improved self-renewal and differentiation of human neural stem cells.

PubMed

Lee, Jung Seung; Yang, Kisuk; Cho, Ann-Na; Cho, Seung-Woo

2018-01-01

Biomaterials that promote the self-renewal ability and differentiation capacity of neural stem cells (NSCs) are desirable for improving stem cell therapy to treat neurodegenerative diseases. Incorporation of micro- and nanoparticles into stem cell culture has gained great attention for the control of stem cell behaviors, including proliferation and differentiation. In this study, ferritin, an iron-containing natural protein nanoparticle, was applied as a biomaterial to improve the self-renewal and differentiation of NSCs and neural progenitor cells (NPCs). Ferritin nanoparticles were added to NSC or NPC culture during cell growth, allowing for incorporation of ferritin nanoparticles during neurosphere formation. Compared to neurospheres without ferritin treatment, neurospheres with ferritin nanoparticles showed significantly promoted self-renewal and cell-cell interactions. When spontaneous differentiation of neurospheres was induced during culture without mitogenic factors, neuronal differentiation was enhanced in the ferritin-treated neurospheres. In conclusion, we found that natural nanoparticles can be used to improve the self-renewal ability and differentiation potential of NSCs and NPCs, which can be applied in neural tissue engineering and cell therapy for neurodegenerative diseases.

Erythroid differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells is independent of donor cell type of origin.

PubMed

Dorn, Isabel; Klich, Katharina; Arauzo-Bravo, Marcos J; Radstaak, Martina; Santourlidis, Simeon; Ghanjati, Foued; Radke, Teja F; Psathaki, Olympia E; Hargus, Gunnar; Kramer, Jan; Einhaus, Martin; Kim, Jeong Beom; Kögler, Gesine; Wernet, Peter; Schöler, Hans R; Schlenke, Peter; Zaehres, Holm

2015-01-01

Epigenetic memory in induced pluripotent stem cells, which is related to the somatic cell type of origin of the stem cells, might lead to variations in the differentiation capacities of the pluripotent stem cells. In this context, induced pluripotent stem cells from human CD34(+) hematopoietic stem cells might be more suitable for hematopoietic differentiation than the commonly used fibroblast-derived induced pluripotent stem cells. To investigate the influence of an epigenetic memory on the ex vivo expansion of induced pluripotent stem cells into erythroid cells, we compared induced pluripotent stem cells from human neural stem cells and human cord blood-derived CD34(+) hematopoietic stem cells and evaluated their potential for differentiation into hematopoietic progenitor and mature red blood cells. Although genome-wide DNA methylation profiling at all promoter regions demonstrates that the epigenetic memory of induced pluripotent stem cells is influenced by the somatic cell type of origin of the stem cells, we found a similar hematopoietic induction potential and erythroid differentiation pattern of induced pluripotent stem cells of different somatic cell origin. All human induced pluripotent stem cell lines showed terminal maturation into normoblasts and enucleated reticulocytes, producing predominantly fetal hemoglobin. Differences were only observed in the growth rate of erythroid cells, which was slightly higher in the induced pluripotent stem cells derived from CD34(+) hematopoietic stem cells. More detailed methylation analysis of the hematopoietic and erythroid promoters identified similar CpG methylation levels in the induced pluripotent stem cell lines derived from CD34(+) cells and those derived from neural stem cells, which confirms their comparable erythroid differentiation potential. Copyright© Ferrata Storti Foundation.

In vivo differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells into neural stem cells by chimera formation.

PubMed

Choi, Hyun Woo; Hong, Yean Ju; Kim, Jong Soo; Song, Hyuk; Cho, Ssang Gu; Bae, Hojae; Kim, Changsung; Byun, Sung June; Do, Jeong Tae

2017-01-01

Like embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can differentiate into all three germ layers in an in vitro system. Here, we developed a new technology for obtaining neural stem cells (NSCs) from iPSCs through chimera formation, in an in vivo environment. iPSCs contributed to the neural lineage in the chimera, which could be efficiently purified and directly cultured as NSCs in vitro. The iPSC-derived, in vivo-differentiated NSCs expressed NSC markers, and their gene-expression pattern more closely resembled that of fetal brain-derived NSCs than in vitro-differentiated NSCs. This system could be applied for differentiating pluripotent stem cells into specialized cell types whose differentiation protocols are not well established.

Thrombospondin-4 Promotes Neuronal Differentiation of NG2 Cells via the ERK/MAPK Pathway.

PubMed

Yang, Hai Jie; Ma, Shuang Ping; Ju, Fei; Zhang, Ya Ping; Li, Zhi Chao; Zhang, Bin Bin; Lian, Jun Jiang; Wang, Lei; Cheng, Bin Feng; Wang, Mian; Feng, Zhi Wei

2016-12-01

NG2-expressing neural progenitors can produce neurons in the central nervous system, providing a potential cell resource of therapy for neurological disorders. However, the mechanism underlying neuronal differentiation of NG2 cells remains largely unknown. In this report, we found that a thrombospondin (TSP) family member, TSP4, is involved in the neuronal differentiation of NG2 cells. When TSP4 was overexpressed, NG2 cells underwent spontaneous neuronal differentiation, as demonstrated by the induction of various neuronal differentiation markers such as NeuN, Tuj1, and NF200, at the messenger RNA and protein levels. In contrast, TSP4 silencing had an opposite effect on the expression of neuronal differentiation markers in NG2 cells. Next, the signaling pathway responsible for TSP4-mediated NG2 cell differentiation was investigated. We found that ERK but not p38 and AKT signaling was affected by TSP4 overexpression. Furthermore, when ERK signaling was blocked by the inhibitor U0126, the neuronal marker expression of NG2 cells was substantially increased. Together, these findings suggested that TSP4 promoted neuronal differentiation of NG2 cells by inhibiting ERK/MAPK signaling, revealing a novel role of TSP4 in cell fate specification of NG2 cells.

Generation of iPS-derived model cells for analyses of hair shaft differentiation.

PubMed

Kido, Takumi; Horigome, Tomoatsu; Uda, Minori; Adachi, Naoki; Hirai, Yohei

2017-09-01

Biological evaluation of hair growth/differentiation activity in vitro has been a formidable challenge, primarily due to the lack of relevant model cell systems. To solve this problem, we generated a stable model cell line in which successive differentiation via epidermal progenitors to hair components is easily inducible and traceable. Mouse induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell-derived cells were selected to stably express a tetracycline (Tet)-inducible bone morphogenic protein-4 (BMP4) expression cassette and a luciferase reporter driven by a hair-specific keratin 31 gene (krt31) promoter (Tet-BMP4-KRT31-Luc iPS). While Tet- BMP4-KRT31-Luc iPS cells could be maintained as stable iPS cells, the cells differentiated to produce luciferase luminescence in the presence of all-trans retinoic acid (RA) and doxycycline (Dox), and addition of a hair differentiation factor significantly increased luciferase fluorescence. Thus, this cell line may provide a reliable cell-based screening system to evaluate drug candidates for hair differentiation activity.

Hyperglycemia Promotes Schwann Cell De-differentiation and De-myelination via Sorbitol Accumulation and Igf1 Protein Down-regulation*

PubMed Central

Hao, Wu; Tashiro, Syoichi; Hasegawa, Tomoka; Sato, Yuiko; Kobayashi, Tami; Tando, Toshimi; Katsuyama, Eri; Fujie, Atsuhiro; Watanabe, Ryuichi; Morita, Mayu; Miyamoto, Kana; Morioka, Hideo; Nakamura, Masaya; Matsumoto, Morio; Amizuka, Norio; Toyama, Yoshiaki; Miyamoto, Takeshi

2015-01-01

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is frequently accompanied by complications, such as peripheral nerve neuropathy. Schwann cells play a pivotal role in regulating peripheral nerve function and conduction velocity; however, changes in Schwann cell differentiation status in DM are not fully understood. Here, we report that Schwann cells de-differentiate into immature cells under hyperglycemic conditions as a result of sorbitol accumulation and decreased Igf1 expression in those cells. We found that de-differentiated Schwann cells could be re-differentiated in vitro into mature cells by treatment with an aldose reductase inhibitor, to reduce sorbitol levels, or with vitamin D3, to elevate Igf1 expression. In vivo DM models exhibited significantly reduced nerve function and conduction, Schwann cell de-differentiation, peripheral nerve de-myelination, and all conditions were significantly rescued by aldose reductase inhibitor or vitamin D3 administration. These findings reveal mechanisms underlying pathological changes in Schwann cells seen in DM and suggest ways to treat neurological conditions associated with this condition. PMID:25998127

Key Transcription Factors in the Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

PubMed Central

Almalki, Sami G.; Agrawal, Devendra K.

2016-01-01

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells that represent a promising source for regenerative medicine. MSCs are capable of osteogenic, chondrogenic, adipogenic and myogenic differentiation. Efficacy of differentiated MSCs to regenerate cells in the injured tissues requires the ability to maintain the differentiation toward the desired cell fate. Since MSCs represent an attractive source for autologous transplantation, cellular and molecular signaling pathways and micro-environmental changes have been studied in order to understand the role of cytokines, chemokines, and transcription factors on the differentiation of MSCs. The differentiation of MSC into a mesenchymal lineage is genetically manipulated and promoted by specific transcription factors associated with a particular cell lineage. Recent studies have explored the integration of transcription factors, including Runx2, Sox9, PPARγ, MyoD, GATA4, and GATA6 in the differentiation of MSCs. Therefore, the overexpression of a single transcription factor in MSCs may promote trans-differentiation into specific cell lineage, which can be used for treatment of some diseases. In this review, we critically discussed and evaluated the role of transcription factors and related signaling pathways that affect the differentiation of MSCs toward adipocytes, chondrocytes, osteocytes, skeletal muscle cells, cardiomyocytes, and smooth muscle cells. PMID:27012163

In vitro expansion and differentiation of rat pancreatic duct-derived stem cells into insulin secreting cells using a dynamicthree-dimensional cell culture system.

PubMed

Chen, X C; Liu, H; Li, H; Cheng, Y; Yang, L; Liu, Y F

2016-06-27

In this study, a dynamic three-dimensional cell culture technology was used to expand and differentiate rat pancreatic duct-derived stem cells (PDSCs) into islet-like cell clusters that can secrete insulin. PDSCs were isolated from rat pancreatic tissues by in situ collagenase digestion and density gradient centrifugation. Using a dynamic three-dimensional culture technique, the cells were expanded and differentiated into functional islet-like cell clusters, which were characterized by morphological and phenotype analyses. After maintaining 1 x 108 isolated rat PDSCs in a dynamic three-dimensional cell culture for 7 days, 1.5 x 109 cells could be harvested. Passaged PDSCs expressed markers of pancreatic endocrine progenitors, including CD29 (86.17%), CD73 (90.73%), CD90 (84.13%), CD105 (78.28%), and Pdx-1. Following 14 additional days of culture in serum-free medium with nicotinamide, keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), and b fibroblast growth factor (FGF), the cells were differentiated into islet-like cell clusters (ICCs). The ICC morphology reflected that of fused cell clusters. During the late stage of differentiation, representative clusters were non-adherent and expressed insulin indicated by dithizone (DTZ)-positive staining. Insulin was detected in the extracellular fluid and cytoplasm of ICCs after 14 days of differentiation. Additionally, insulin levels were significantly higher at this time compared with the levels exhibited by PDSCs before differentiation (P < 0.01). By using a dynamic three-dimensional cell culture system, PDSCs can be expanded in vitro and can differentiate into functional islet-like cell clusters.

Embryoid body attachment to reconstituted basement membrane induces a genetic program of epithelial differentiation via jun N-terminal kinase signaling.

PubMed

Ho, Hoang-Yen; Moffat, Ryan C; Patel, Rupal V; Awah, Franklin N; Baloue, Kaitrin; Crowe, David L

2010-09-01

Embryonic stem (ES) cells are derived from early stage mammalian embryos and have broad developmental potential. These cells can be manipulated experimentally to generate cells of multiple tissue types which could be important in treating human diseases. The ability to produce relevant amounts of these differentiated cell populations creates the basis for clinical interventions in tissue regeneration and repair. Understanding how embryonic stem cells differentiate also can reveal important insights into cell biology. A previously reported mouse embryonic stem cell model demonstrated that differentiated epithelial cells migrated out of embryoid bodies attached to reconstituted basement membrane. We used genomic technology to profile ES cell populations in order to understand the molecular mechanisms leading to epithelial differentiation. Cells with characteristics of cultured epithelium migrated from embryoid bodies attached to reconstituted basement membrane. However, cells that comprised embryoid bodies also rapidly lost ES cell-specific gene expression and expressed proteins characteristic of stratified epithelia within hours of attachment to basement membrane. Gene expression profiling of sorted cell populations revealed upregulation of the BMP/TGFbeta signaling pathway, which was not sufficient for epithelial differentiation in the absence of basement membrane attachment. Activation of c-jun N-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1) and increased expression of Jun family transcription factors was observed during epithelial differentiation of ES cells. Inhibition of JNK signaling completely blocked epithelial differentiation in this model, revealing a key mechanism by which ES cells adopt epithelial characteristics via basement membrane attachment. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Isolation and characterization of porcine adipose tissue-derived adult stem cells.

PubMed

Williams, Kellie J; Picou, Alicia A; Kish, Sharon L; Giraldo, Angelica M; Godke, Robert A; Bondioli, Kenneth R

2008-01-01

Stem cell characteristics such as self-renewal, differentiation and expression of CD34 and CD44 stem cell markers have not been identified in porcine adipose tissue-derived adult stem (ADAS) cells. The objective of this study was to develop a protocol for the isolation and culture of porcine adipose tissue-derived cells and to determine stem cell-like characteristics. Primary cultures were established and cell cultures were maintained. Cloning capacity was determined using a ring cloning procedure. Primary cultures and clones were differentiated and stained for multiple differentiated phenotypes. CD34 and CD44 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) was isolated and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was used to compare expression profiles. An average of 2,700,000 nucleated cells/ml was isolated; 26% were adherent, and cells completed a cell cycle approximately every 3.3 days. Ring cloning identified 19 colonies. Primary cultures and clones were determined to differentiate along osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic tissue lineages. The mRNA expression profiles showed CD34 expression was higher for undifferentiated ADAS cells versus differentiated cell types and the CD34 expression level was lower than that of CD44 among differentiated cells. Improved culture conditions and defined cellular characteristics of these porcine ADAS cells have been identified. Porcine ADAS can self-renew, can differentiate into multiple tissue lineages and they express CD34. Copyright 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.

The effect of dexamethasone and triiodothyronine on terminal differentiation of primary bovine chondrocytes and chondrogenically differentiated mesenchymal stem cells.

PubMed

Randau, Thomas M; Schildberg, Frank A; Alini, Mauro; Wimmer, Matthias D; Haddouti, El-Mustapha; Gravius, Sascha; Ito, Keita; Stoddart, Martin J

2013-01-01

The newly evolved field of regenerative medicine is offering solutions in the treatment of bone or cartilage loss and deficiency. Mesenchymal stem cells, as well as articular chondrocytes, are potential cells for the generation of bone or cartilage. The natural mechanism of bone formation is that of endochondral ossification, regulated, among other factors, through the hormones dexamethasone and triiodothyronine. We investigated the effects of these hormones on articular chondrocytes and chondrogenically differentiated mesenchymal stem cells, hypothesizing that these hormones would induce terminal differentiation, with chondrocytes and differentiated stem cells being similar in their response. Using a 3D-alginate cell culture model, bovine chondrocytes and chondrogenically differentiated stem cells were cultured in presence of triiodothyronine or dexamethasone, and cell proliferation and extracellular matrix production were investigated. Collagen mRNA expression was measured by real-time PCR. Col X mRNA and alkaline phosphatase were monitored as markers of terminal differentiation, a prerequisite of endochondral ossification. The alginate culture system worked well, both for the culture of chondrocytes and for the chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. Dexamethasone led to an increase in glycosaminoglycan production. Triiodothyronine increased the total collagen production only in chondrocytes, where it also induced signs of terminal differentiation, increasing both collagen X mRNA and alkaline phosphatase activity. Dexamethasone induced terminal differentiation in the differentiated stem cells. The immature articular chondrocytes used in this study seem to be able to undergo terminal differentiation, pointing to their possible role in the onset of degenerative osteoarthritis, as well as their potential for a cell source in bone tissue engineering. When chondrocyte-like cells, after their differentiation, can indeed be moved on towards terminal differentiation, they can be used to generate a model of endochondral ossification, but this limitation must be kept in mind when using them in cartilage tissue engineering application.

Retinoic acid and nitric oxide promote cell proliferation and differentially induce neuronal differentiation in vitro in the cnidarian Renilla koellikeri.

PubMed

Estephane, Djoyce; Anctil, Michel

2010-10-01

Retinoic acid (RA) and nitric oxide (NO) are known to promote neuronal development in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Retinoic acid receptors appear to be present in cnidarians and NO plays various physiological roles in several cnidarians, but there is as yet no evidence that these agents have a role in neural development in this basal metazoan phylum. We used primary cultures of cells from the sea pansy Renilla koellikeri to investigate the involvement of these signaling molecules in cnidarian cell differentiation. We found that 9-cis RA induce cell proliferation in dose- and time-dependent manners in dishes coated with polylysine from the onset of culture. Cells in cultures exposed to RA in dishes devoid of polylysine were observed to differentiate into epithelium-associated cells, including sensory cells, without net gain in cell density. NO donors also induce cell proliferation in polylysine-coated dishes, but induce neuronal differentiation and neurite outgrowth in uncoated dishes. No other cell type undergoes differentiation in the presence of NO. These observations suggest that in the sea pansy (1) cell adhesion promotes proliferation without morphogenesis and this proliferation is modulated positively by 9-cis RA and NO, (2) 9-cis RA and NO differentially induce neuronal differentiation in nonadherent cells while repressing proliferation, and (3) the involvement of RA and NO in neuronal differentiation appeared early during the evolutionary emergence of nervous systems. 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Autophagy contributes to 4-Amino-2-Trifluoromethyl-Phenyl Retinate-induced differentiation in human acute promyelocytic leukemia NB4 cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Yue; Li, Ge; Wang, Ke

As a classic differentiation agent, all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) has been widely used in treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). However, clinical application of ATRA has limitations. Our previous studies suggested that 4-Amino-2-Trifluoromethyl-Phenyl Retinate (ATPR), a novel all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) derivative designed and synthesized by our team, could induce differentiation of APL cells in vivo and in vitro. To explore the underlying mechanism of ATPR, the effect of ATPR on autophagy of APL cells was observed in the present study. The results showed that the differentiation effect of ATPR on APL cells was accompanied with autophagy induction and PML-RARαmore » degradation via activating Notch1 signaling pathway. Moreover, inhibition of autophagy using 3-methyladenine (3-MA) or small interfering RNA (siRNA) that targets essential autophagy gene ATG5 abrogated the ATPR-induced cell differentiation. Furthermore, when pretreated with DAPT, a γ-secretase inhibitor, the Notch1 signaling pathway was blocked in APL cells, followed by the reduction of ATPR-induced autophagy and differentiation. Taken together, these results suggested that autophagy play an important role in ATPR-induced cell differentiation, which may provide a novel approach to cure APL patients. - Highlights: • ATPR induces autophagy in APL cell line NB4 cells. • Autophagy induction is essential for cell differentiation in NB4 cells. • Notch1 signaling is involved in ATPR-induced autophagy and differentiation in NB4 cells.« less

Induction of human umbilical Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells toward motor neuron-like cells.

PubMed

Bagher, Zohreh; Ebrahimi-Barough, Somayeh; Azami, Mahmoud; Mirzadeh, Hamid; Soleimani, Mansooreh; Ai, Jafar; Nourani, Mohammad Reza; Joghataei, Mohammad Taghi

2015-10-01

The most important property of stem cells from different sources is the capacity to differentiate into various cells and tissue types. However, problems including contamination, normal karyotype, and ethical issues cause many limitations in obtaining and using these cells from different sources. The cells in Wharton's jelly region of umbilical cord represent a pool source of primitive cells with properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The aim of this study was to determine the potential of human Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJMSCs) for differentiation to motor neuron cells. WJMSCs were induced to differentiate into motor neuron-like cells by using different signaling molecules and neurotrophic factors in vitro. Differentiated neurons were then characterized for expression of motor neuron markers including nestin, PAX6, NF-H, Islet 1, HB9, and choline acetyl transferase (ChAT) by quantitative reverse transcription PCR and immunocytochemistry. Our results showed that differentiated WJMSCs could significantly express motor neuron biomarkers in RNA and protein levels 15 d post induction. These results suggested that WJMSCs can differentiate to motor neuron-like cells and might provide a potential source in cell therapy for neurodegenerative disease.

Labeling of neuronal differentiation and neuron cells with biocompatible fluorescent nanodiamonds

PubMed Central

Hsu, Tzu-Chia; Liu, Kuang-Kai; Chang, Huan-Cheng; Hwang, Eric; Chao, Jui-I

2014-01-01

Nanodiamond is a promising carbon nanomaterial developed for biomedical applications. Here, we show fluorescent nanodiamond (FND) with the biocompatible properties that can be used for the labeling and tracking of neuronal differentiation and neuron cells derived from embryonal carcinoma stem (ECS) cells. The fluorescence intensities of FNDs were increased by treatment with FNDs in both the mouse P19 and human NT2/D1 ECS cells. FNDs were taken into ECS cells; however, FNDs did not alter the cellular morphology and growth ability. Moreover, FNDs did not change the protein expression of stem cell marker SSEA-1 of ECS cells. The neuronal differentiation of ECS cells could be induced by retinoic acid (RA). Interestingly, FNDs did not affect on the morphological alteration, cytotoxicity and apoptosis during the neuronal differentiation. Besides, FNDs did not alter the cell viability and the expression of neuron-specific marker β-III-tubulin in these differentiated neuron cells. The existence of FNDs in the neuron cells can be identified by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. Together, FND is a biocompatible and readily detectable nanomaterial for the labeling and tracking of neuronal differentiation process and neuron cells from stem cells. PMID:24830447

Labeling of neuronal differentiation and neuron cells with biocompatible fluorescent nanodiamonds.

PubMed

Hsu, Tzu-Chia; Liu, Kuang-Kai; Chang, Huan-Cheng; Hwang, Eric; Chao, Jui-I

2014-05-16

Nanodiamond is a promising carbon nanomaterial developed for biomedical applications. Here, we show fluorescent nanodiamond (FND) with the biocompatible properties that can be used for the labeling and tracking of neuronal differentiation and neuron cells derived from embryonal carcinoma stem (ECS) cells. The fluorescence intensities of FNDs were increased by treatment with FNDs in both the mouse P19 and human NT2/D1 ECS cells. FNDs were taken into ECS cells; however, FNDs did not alter the cellular morphology and growth ability. Moreover, FNDs did not change the protein expression of stem cell marker SSEA-1 of ECS cells. The neuronal differentiation of ECS cells could be induced by retinoic acid (RA). Interestingly, FNDs did not affect on the morphological alteration, cytotoxicity and apoptosis during the neuronal differentiation. Besides, FNDs did not alter the cell viability and the expression of neuron-specific marker β-III-tubulin in these differentiated neuron cells. The existence of FNDs in the neuron cells can be identified by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. Together, FND is a biocompatible and readily detectable nanomaterial for the labeling and tracking of neuronal differentiation process and neuron cells from stem cells.

Control of germline stem cell self-renewal and differentiation in the Drosophila ovary: concerted actions of niche signals and intrinsic factors.

PubMed

Xie, Ting

2013-01-01

In the Drosophila ovary, germline stem cells (GSCs) physically interact with their niche composed of terminal filament cells, cap cells, and possibly GSC-contacting escort cells (ECs). A GSC divides to generate a self-renewing stem cell that remains in the niche and a differentiating daughter that moves away from the niche. The GSC niche provides a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signal that maintains GSC self-renewal by preventing stem cell differentiation via repression of the differentiation-promoting gene bag of marbles (bam). In addition, it expresses E-cadherin, which mediates cell adhesion for anchoring GSCs in the niche, enabling continuous self-renewal. GSCs themselves also express different classes of intrinsic factors, including signal transducers, transcription factors, chromatin remodeling factors, translation regulators, and miRNAs, which control self-renewal by strengthening interactions with the niche and repressing various differentiation pathways. Differentiated GSC daughters, known as cystoblasts (CBs), also express distinct classes of intrinsic factors to inhibit self-renewal and promote germ cell differentiation. Surprisingly, GSC progeny are also dependent on their surrounding ECs for proper differentiation at least partly by preventing BMP from diffusing to the differentiated germ cell zone and by repressing ectopic BMP expression. Therefore, both GSC self-renewal and CB differentiation are controlled by collaborative actions of extrinsic signals and intrinsic factors. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Quantifying Cell Fate Decisions for Differentiation and Reprogramming of a Human Stem Cell Network: Landscape and Biological Paths

PubMed Central

Li, Chunhe; Wang, Jin

2013-01-01

Cellular reprogramming has been recently intensively studied experimentally. We developed a global potential landscape and kinetic path framework to explore a human stem cell developmental network composed of 52 genes. We uncovered the underlying landscape for the stem cell network with two basins of attractions representing stem and differentiated cell states, quantified and exhibited the high dimensional biological paths for the differentiation and reprogramming process, connecting the stem cell state and differentiated cell state. Both the landscape and non-equilibrium curl flux determine the dynamics of cell differentiation jointly. Flux leads the kinetic paths to be deviated from the steepest descent gradient path, and the corresponding differentiation and reprogramming paths are irreversible. Quantification of paths allows us to find out how the differentiation and reprogramming occur and which important states they go through. We show the developmental process proceeds as moving from the stem cell basin of attraction to the differentiation basin of attraction. The landscape topography characterized by the barrier heights and transition rates quantitatively determine the global stability and kinetic speed of cell fate decision process for development. Through the global sensitivity analysis, we provided some specific predictions for the effects of key genes and regulation connections on the cellular differentiation or reprogramming process. Key links from sensitivity analysis and biological paths can be used to guide the differentiation designs or reprogramming tactics. PMID:23935477

A mitosis block links active cell cycle with human epidermal differentiation and results in endoreplication.

PubMed

Zanet, Jennifer; Freije, Ana; Ruiz, María; Coulon, Vincent; Sanz, J Ramón; Chiesa, Jean; Gandarillas, Alberto

2010-12-20

How human self-renewal tissues co-ordinate proliferation with differentiation is unclear. Human epidermis undergoes continuous cell growth and differentiation and is permanently exposed to mutagenic hazard. Keratinocytes are thought to arrest cell growth and cell cycle prior to terminal differentiation. However, a growing body of evidence does not satisfy this model. For instance, it does not explain how skin maintains tissue structure in hyperproliferative benign lesions. We have developed and applied novel cell cycle techniques to human skin in situ and determined the dynamics of key cell cycle regulators of DNA replication or mitosis, such as cyclins E, A and B, or members of the anaphase promoting complex pathway: cdc14A, Ndc80/Hec1 and Aurora kinase B. The results show that actively cycling keratinocytes initiate terminal differentiation, arrest in mitosis, continue DNA replication in a special G2/M state, and become polyploid by mitotic slippage. They unambiguously demonstrate that cell cycle progression coexists with terminal differentiation, thus explaining how differentiating cells increase in size. Epidermal differentiating cells arrest in mitosis and a genotoxic-induced mitosis block rapidly pushes epidermal basal cells into differentiation and polyploidy. These observations unravel a novel mitosis-differentiation link that provides new insight into skin homeostasis and cancer. It might constitute a self-defence mechanism against oncogenic alterations such as Myc deregulation.

A Mitosis Block Links Active Cell Cycle with Human Epidermal Differentiation and Results in Endoreplication

PubMed Central

Zanet, Jennifer; Freije, Ana; Ruiz, María; Coulon, Vincent; Sanz, J. Ramón; Chiesa, Jean; Gandarillas, Alberto

2010-01-01

How human self-renewal tissues co-ordinate proliferation with differentiation is unclear. Human epidermis undergoes continuous cell growth and differentiation and is permanently exposed to mutagenic hazard. Keratinocytes are thought to arrest cell growth and cell cycle prior to terminal differentiation. However, a growing body of evidence does not satisfy this model. For instance, it does not explain how skin maintains tissue structure in hyperproliferative benign lesions. We have developed and applied novel cell cycle techniques to human skin in situ and determined the dynamics of key cell cycle regulators of DNA replication or mitosis, such as cyclins E, A and B, or members of the anaphase promoting complex pathway: cdc14A, Ndc80/Hec1 and Aurora kinase B. The results show that actively cycling keratinocytes initiate terminal differentiation, arrest in mitosis, continue DNA replication in a special G2/M state, and become polyploid by mitotic slippage. They unambiguously demonstrate that cell cycle progression coexists with terminal differentiation, thus explaining how differentiating cells increase in size. Epidermal differentiating cells arrest in mitosis and a genotoxic-induced mitosis block rapidly pushes epidermal basal cells into differentiation and polyploidy. These observations unravel a novel mitosis-differentiation link that provides new insight into skin homeostasis and cancer. It might constitute a self-defence mechanism against oncogenic alterations such as Myc deregulation. PMID:21187932

T Cell Receptor Signaling in the Control of Regulatory T Cell Differentiation and Function

PubMed Central

Li, Ming O.; Rudensky, Alexander Y.

2016-01-01

Regulatory T cells (TReg cells), a specialized T cell lineage, have a pivotal function in the control of self-tolerance and inflammatory responses. Recent studies have revealed a discrete mode of TCR signaling that regulates Treg cell differentiation, maintenance and function and that impacts on gene expression, metabolism, cell adhesion and migration of these cells. Here, we discuss the emerging understanding of TCR-guided differentiation of Treg cells in the context of their function in health and disease. PMID:27026074

Induction of differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into functional hair-cell-like cells in the absence of stromal cells.

PubMed

Ding, Jie; Tang, Zihua; Chen, Jiarong; Shi, Haosong; Chen, Jianling; Wang, Cuicui; Zhang, Cui; Li, Liang; Chen, Ping; Wang, Jinfu

2016-12-01

Sensorineural hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction have become the most common forms of sensory defects. Stem cell-based therapeutic strategies for curing hearing loss are being developed. Several attempts to develop hair cells by using chicken utricle stromal cells as feeder cells have resulted in phenotypic conversion of stem cells into inner ear hair-cell-like cells. Here, we induced the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) into otic epithelial progenitors (OEPs), and further induced the differentiation of OEPs into hair-cell-like cells using different substrates. Our results showed that OEPs cultured on the chicken utricle stromal cells with the induction medium could differentiate into hair-cell-like cells with stereociliary bundles. Co-culture with stromal cells, however, may be problematic for subsequent examination of the induced hair-cell-like cells. In order to avoid the interference from stromal cells, we cultured OEPs on laminin with different induction media and examined the effects of the induction medium on the differentiation potentials of OEPs into hair-cell-like cells. The results revealed that the culture of OEPs on laminin with the conditioned medium from chicken utricle stromal cells supplemented with EGF and all-trans retinoic acid (RA) could promote the organization of cells into epithelial clusters displaying hair-cell-like cells with stereociliary bundles. These cells also displayed the expected electrophysiological properties. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Morphologic expression of glandular differentiation in the epidermoid nasal carcinomas induced by phenylglycidyl ether inhalation.

PubMed Central

Lee, K. P.; Schneider, P. W.; Trochimowicz, H. J.

1983-01-01

Charles River-CD Sprague-Dawley rats in 3 equal groups of 100 males and 100 females each were exposed to 12, 1, and 0 ppm of phenylglycidyl ether vapor for 24 months. Nasal tumors were first detected after 621 days' exposure at 12 ppm with an incidence of 11% in males and 4.4% in females. No nasal tumors were found at 1 ppm in rats exposed for 24 months. The nasal tumors, mostly epidermoid carcinomas, were derived from the respiratory epithelium and nasal glands, both of which revealed squamous metaplasia or dysplasia in the anterior nasal cavity. Most nasal tumors were confined to the anterior nasal cavity and occasionally invaded the dorsonasal bones and posterior nasal cavity. The undifferentiated glandular cells appear to differentiate to neoplastic squamous cells, because the ultrastructure of epidermoid carcinoma revealed traits of glandular cell differentiation in the neoplastic squamous cells. The features of glandular cell differentiation in the neoplastic squamous cells were intercellular or intracellular glandular lumens, secretory vesicles, mucus droplets, and intermediate cells showing both glandular and squamous differentiation. Squamous cells in the well-differentiated epidermoid carcinomas revealed abundant tonofibrils, desmosomes, glycogen particulates, and interdigitated cytoplasmic processes. These markers of squamous-cell differentiation were markedly reduced in the undifferentiated epidermoid carcinomas. The spindle-cell squamous carcinoma showed both squamous and fibroblastic-like differentiations. Some spindle cells had only fibroblastic-like differentiation, suggesting spindle-cell metaplasia of the squamous cells. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10 PMID:6846500

Mouse embryonic stem cell-derived cells reveal niches that support neuronal differentiation in the adult rat brain.

PubMed

Maya-Espinosa, Guadalupe; Collazo-Navarrete, Omar; Millán-Aldaco, Diana; Palomero-Rivero, Marcela; Guerrero-Flores, Gilda; Drucker-Colín, René; Covarrubias, Luis; Guerra-Crespo, Magdalena

2015-02-01

A neurogenic niche can be identified by the proliferation and differentiation of its naturally residing neural stem cells. However, it remains unclear whether "silent" neurogenic niches or regions suitable for neural differentiation, other than the areas of active neurogenesis, exist in the adult brain. Embryoid body (EB) cells derived from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are endowed with a high potential to respond to specification and neuralization signals of the embryo. Hence, to identify microenvironments in the postnatal and adult rat brain with the capacity to support neuronal differentiation, we transplanted dissociated EB cells to conventional neurogenic and non-neurogenic regions. Our results show a neuronal differentiation pattern of EB cells that was dependent on the host region. Efficient neuronal differentiation of EB cells occurred within an adjacent region to the rostral migratory stream. EB cell differentiation was initially patchy and progressed toward an even distribution along the graft by 15-21 days post-transplantation, giving rise mostly to GABAergic neurons. EB cells in the striatum displayed a lower level of neuronal differentiation and derived into a significant number of astrocytes. Remarkably, when EB cells were transplanted to the striatum of adult rats after a local ischemic stroke, increased number of neuroblasts and neurons were observed. Unexpectedly, we determined that the adult substantia nigra pars compacta, considered a non-neurogenic area, harbors a robust neurogenic environment. Therefore, neurally uncommitted cells derived from ESCs can detect regions that support neuronal differentiation within the adult brain, a fundamental step for the development of stem cell-based replacement therapies. © 2014 AlphaMed Press.

Morphological Analysis of Live Undifferentiated Cells Derived from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells.

PubMed

Osawa, Yukihiko; Miyamoto, Tomoyuki; Ohno, Setsuyo; Ohno, Eiji

2018-01-01

Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells possess pluripotency and self-renewal ability. Therefore, iPS cells are expected to be useful in regenerative medicine. However, iPS cells form malignant immature teratomas after transplantation into animals, even after differentiation induction. It has been suggested that undifferentiated cells expressing Nanog that remain after differentiation induction are responsible for teratoma formation. Various methods of removing these undifferentiated cells have therefore been investigated, but few methods involve morphological approaches, which may induce less cell damage. In addition, for cells derived from iPS cells to be applied in regenerative medicine, they must be alive. However, detailed morphological analysis of live undifferentiated cells has not been performed. For the above reasons, we assessed the morphological features of live undifferentiated cells remaining after differentiation induction as a basic investigation into the clinical application of iPS cells. As a result, live undifferentiated cells remaining after differentiation induction exhibited a round or oval cytoplasm about 12 μm in diameter and a nucleus. They exhibited nucleo-cytoplasmic (N/C) ratio of about 60% and eccentric nuclei, and they possessed partially granule-like structures in the cytoplasm and prominent nucleoli. Although they were similar to iPS cells, they were smaller than live iPS cells. Furthermore, very small cells were present among undifferentiated cells after differentiation induction. These results suggest that the removal of undifferentiated cells may be possible using the morphological features of live iPS cells and undifferentiated cells after differentiation induction. In addition, this study supports safe regenerative medicine using iPS cells.

Differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into neuronal cells on fetal bovine acellular dermal matrix as a tissue engineered nerve scaffold

PubMed Central

Feng, Yuping; Wang, Jiao; Ling, Shixin; Li, Zhuo; Li, Mingsheng; Li, Qiongyi; Ma, Zongren; Yu, Sijiu

2014-01-01

The purpose of this study was to assess fetal bovine acellular dermal matrix as a scaffold for supporting the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into neural cells following induction with neural differentiation medium. We performed long-term, continuous observation of cell morphology, growth, differentiation, and neuronal development using several microscopy techniques in conjunction with immunohistochemistry. We examined specific neuronal proteins and Nissl bodies involved in the differentiation process in order to determine the neuronal differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. The results show that bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells that differentiate on fetal bovine acellular dermal matrix display neuronal morphology with unipolar and bi/multipolar neurite elongations that express neuronal-specific proteins, including βIII tubulin. The bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells grown on fetal bovine acellular dermal matrix and induced for long periods of time with neural differentiation medium differentiated into a multilayered neural network-like structure with long nerve fibers that was composed of several parallel microfibers and neuronal cells, forming a complete neural circuit with dendrite-dendrite to axon-dendrite to dendrite-axon synapses. In addition, growth cones with filopodia were observed using scanning electron microscopy. Paraffin sectioning showed differentiated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells with the typical features of neuronal phenotype, such as a large, round nucleus and a cytoplasm full of Nissl bodies. The data suggest that the biological scaffold fetal bovine acellular dermal matrix is capable of supporting human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into functional neurons and the subsequent formation of tissue engineered nerve. PMID:25598779

Cell population structure prior to bifurcation predicts efficiency of directed differentiation in human induced pluripotent cells

PubMed Central

Bargaje, Rhishikesh; Trachana, Kalliopi; Shelton, Martin N.; McGinnis, Christopher S.; Zhou, Joseph X.; Chadick, Cora; Cook, Savannah; Cavanaugh, Christopher; Huang, Sui; Hood, Leroy

2017-01-01

Steering the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) toward specific cell types is crucial for patient-specific disease modeling and drug testing. This effort requires the capacity to predict and control when and how multipotent progenitor cells commit to the desired cell fate. Cell fate commitment represents a critical state transition or “tipping point” at which complex systems undergo a sudden qualitative shift. To characterize such transitions during iPSC to cardiomyocyte differentiation, we analyzed the gene expression patterns of 96 developmental genes at single-cell resolution. We identified a bifurcation event early in the trajectory when a primitive streak-like cell population segregated into the mesodermal and endodermal lineages. Before this branching point, we could detect the signature of an imminent critical transition: increase in cell heterogeneity and coordination of gene expression. Correlation analysis of gene expression profiles at the tipping point indicates transcription factors that drive the state transition toward each alternative cell fate and their relationships with specific phenotypic readouts. The latter helps us to facilitate small molecule screening for differentiation efficiency. To this end, we set up an analysis of cell population structure at the tipping point after systematic variation of the protocol to bias the differentiation toward mesodermal or endodermal cell lineage. We were able to predict the proportion of cardiomyocytes many days before cells manifest the differentiated phenotype. The analysis of cell populations undergoing a critical state transition thus affords a tool to forecast cell fate outcomes and can be used to optimize differentiation protocols to obtain desired cell populations. PMID:28167799

Cell population structure prior to bifurcation predicts efficiency of directed differentiation in human induced pluripotent cells.

PubMed

Bargaje, Rhishikesh; Trachana, Kalliopi; Shelton, Martin N; McGinnis, Christopher S; Zhou, Joseph X; Chadick, Cora; Cook, Savannah; Cavanaugh, Christopher; Huang, Sui; Hood, Leroy

2017-02-28

Steering the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) toward specific cell types is crucial for patient-specific disease modeling and drug testing. This effort requires the capacity to predict and control when and how multipotent progenitor cells commit to the desired cell fate. Cell fate commitment represents a critical state transition or "tipping point" at which complex systems undergo a sudden qualitative shift. To characterize such transitions during iPSC to cardiomyocyte differentiation, we analyzed the gene expression patterns of 96 developmental genes at single-cell resolution. We identified a bifurcation event early in the trajectory when a primitive streak-like cell population segregated into the mesodermal and endodermal lineages. Before this branching point, we could detect the signature of an imminent critical transition: increase in cell heterogeneity and coordination of gene expression. Correlation analysis of gene expression profiles at the tipping point indicates transcription factors that drive the state transition toward each alternative cell fate and their relationships with specific phenotypic readouts. The latter helps us to facilitate small molecule screening for differentiation efficiency. To this end, we set up an analysis of cell population structure at the tipping point after systematic variation of the protocol to bias the differentiation toward mesodermal or endodermal cell lineage. We were able to predict the proportion of cardiomyocytes many days before cells manifest the differentiated phenotype. The analysis of cell populations undergoing a critical state transition thus affords a tool to forecast cell fate outcomes and can be used to optimize differentiation protocols to obtain desired cell populations.

Unique differentiation profile of mouse embryonic stem cells in rotary and stirred tank bioreactors.

PubMed

Fridley, Krista M; Fernandez, Irina; Li, Mon-Tzu Alice; Kettlewell, Robert B; Roy, Krishnendu

2010-11-01

Embryonic stem (ES)-cell-derived lineage-specific stem cells, for example, hematopoietic stem cells, could provide a potentially unlimited source for transplantable cells, especially for cell-based therapies. However, reproducible methods must be developed to maximize and scale-up ES cell differentiation to produce clinically relevant numbers of therapeutic cells. Bioreactor-based dynamic culture conditions are amenable to large-scale cell production, but few studies have evaluated how various bioreactor types and culture parameters influence ES cell differentiation, especially hematopoiesis. Our results indicate that cell seeding density and bioreactor speed significantly affect embryoid body formation and subsequent generation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in both stirred tank (spinner flask) and rotary microgravity (Synthecon™) type bioreactors. In general, high percentages of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells were generated in both bioreactors, especially at high cell densities. In addition, Synthecon bioreactors produced more sca-1(+) progenitors and spinner flasks generated more c-Kit(+) progenitors, demonstrating their unique differentiation profiles. cDNA microarray analysis of genes involved in pluripotency, germ layer formation, and hematopoietic differentiation showed that on day 7 of differentiation, embryoid bodies from both bioreactors consisted of all three germ layers of embryonic development. However, unique gene expression profiles were observed in the two bioreactors; for example, expression of specific hematopoietic genes were significantly more upregulated in the Synthecon cultures than in spinner flasks. We conclude that bioreactor type and culture parameters can be used to control ES cell differentiation, enhance unique progenitor cell populations, and provide means for large-scale production of transplantable therapeutic cells.

Human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells show increased resistance to hyperthermic stress after differentiation, associated with elevated levels of Hsp72.

PubMed

Cheng, Lesley; Smith, Danielle J; Anderson, Robin L; Nagley, Phillip

2011-01-01

Terminally differentiated neurones in the central nervous system need to be protected from stress. We ask here whether differentiation of progenitor cells to neurones is accompanied by up-regulation of Hsp72, with acquisition of enhanced thermotolerance. Human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells were propagated in an undifferentiated form and subsequently differentiated into neurone-like cells. Thermotolerance tests were carried out by exposure of cells to various temperatures, monitoring nuclear morphology as index of cell death. Abundance of Hsp72 was measured in cell lysates by western immunoblotting. The differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells was accompanied by increased expression of Hsp72. Further, in both cell states, exposure to mild hyperthermic stress (43°C for 30 min) increased Hsp72 expression. After differentiation, SH-SY5Y cells were more resistant to hyperthermic stress compared to their undifferentiated state, correlating with levels of Hsp72. Stable exogenous expression of Hsp72 in SH-SY5Y cells (transfected line 5YHSP72.1, containing mildly elevated levels of Hsp72), led to enhanced resistance to hyperthermic stress. Hsp72 was found to be inducible in undifferentiated 5YHSP72.1 cells; such heat-treated cells displayed enhanced thermotolerance. Treatment of cells with KNK437, a suppressor of Hsp72 induction, resulted in acute thermosensitisation of all cell types tested here. Hsp72 has a major role in the enhanced hyperthermic resistance acquired during neuronal differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells. These findings model the requirement in intact organisms for highly differentiated neurones to be specially protected against thermal stress.

Differentiation of isolated human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells into neural stem cells

PubMed Central

Chen, Song; Zhang, Wei; Wang, Ji-Ming; Duan, Hong-Tao; Kong, Jia-Hui; Wang, Yue-Xin; Dong, Meng; Bi, Xue; Song, Jian

2016-01-01

AIM To investigate whether umbilical cord human mesenchymal stem cell (UC-MSC) was able to differentiate into neural stem cell and neuron in vitro. METHODS The umbilical cords were obtained from pregnant women with their written consent and the approval of the Clinic Ethnics Committee. UC-MSC were isolated by adherent culture in the medium contains 20% fetal bovine serum (FBS), then they were maintained in the medium contain 10% FBS and induced to neural cells in neural differentiation medium. We investigated whether UC-MSC was able to differentiate into neural stem cell and neuron in vitro by using flow cytometry, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunofluorescence (IF) analyzes. RESULTS A substantial number of UC-MSC was harvested using the tissue explants adherent method at about 2wk. Flow cytometric study revealed that these cells expressed common markers of MSCs, such as CD105 (SH2), CD73 (SH3) and CD90. After induction of differentiation of neural stem cells, the cells began to form clusters; RT-PCR and IF showed that the neuron specific enolase (NSE) and neurogenic differentiation 1-positive cells reached 87.3%±14.7% and 72.6%±11.8%, respectively. Cells showed neuronal cell differentiation after induced, including neuron-like protrusions, plump cell body, obviously and stronger refraction. RT-PCR and IF analysis showed that microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) and nuclear factor-M-positive cells reached 43.1%±10.3% and 69.4%±19.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION Human umbilical cord derived MSCs can be cultured and proliferated in vitro and differentiate into neural stem cells, which may be a valuable source for cell therapy of neurodegenerative eye diseases. PMID:26949608

MicroRNA let-7b regulates neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation by targeting nuclear receptor TLX signaling

PubMed Central

Zhao, Chunnian; Sun, GuoQiang; Li, Shengxiu; Lang, Ming-Fei; Yang, Su; Li, Wendong; Shi, Yanhong

2010-01-01

Neural stem cell self-renewal and differentiation is orchestrated by precise control of gene expression involving nuclear receptor TLX. Let-7b, a member of the let-7 microRNA family, is expressed in mammalian brains and exhibits increased expression during neural differentiation. However, the role of let-7b in neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation remains unknown. Here we show that let-7b regulates neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation by targeting the stem cell regulator TLX and the cell cycle regulator cyclin D1. Overexpression of let-7b led to reduced neural stem cell proliferation and increased neural differentiation, whereas antisense knockdown of let-7b resulted in enhanced proliferation of neural stem cells. Moreover, in utero electroporation of let-7b to embryonic mouse brains led to reduced cell cycle progression in neural stem cells. Introducing an expression vector of Tlx or cyclin D1 that lacks the let-7b recognition site rescued let-7b-induced proliferation deficiency, suggesting that both TLX and cyclin D1 are important targets for let-7b-mediated regulation of neural stem cell proliferation. Let-7b, by targeting TLX and cyclin D1, establishes an efficient strategy to control neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation. PMID:20133835

MicroRNA let-7b regulates neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation by targeting nuclear receptor TLX signaling.

PubMed

Zhao, Chunnian; Sun, GuoQiang; Li, Shengxiu; Lang, Ming-Fei; Yang, Su; Li, Wendong; Shi, Yanhong

2010-02-02

Neural stem cell self-renewal and differentiation is orchestrated by precise control of gene expression involving nuclear receptor TLX. Let-7b, a member of the let-7 microRNA family, is expressed in mammalian brains and exhibits increased expression during neural differentiation. However, the role of let-7b in neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation remains unknown. Here we show that let-7b regulates neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation by targeting the stem cell regulator TLX and the cell cycle regulator cyclin D1. Overexpression of let-7b led to reduced neural stem cell proliferation and increased neural differentiation, whereas antisense knockdown of let-7b resulted in enhanced proliferation of neural stem cells. Moreover, in utero electroporation of let-7b to embryonic mouse brains led to reduced cell cycle progression in neural stem cells. Introducing an expression vector of Tlx or cyclin D1 that lacks the let-7b recognition site rescued let-7b-induced proliferation deficiency, suggesting that both TLX and cyclin D1 are important targets for let-7b-mediated regulation of neural stem cell proliferation. Let-7b, by targeting TLX and cyclin D1, establishes an efficient strategy to control neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation.

Hepatic differentiation potential of commercially available human mesenchymal stem cells.

PubMed

Ong, Shin-Yeu; Dai, Hui; Leong, Kam W

2006-12-01

The ready availability and low immunogenicity of commercially available mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) render them a potential cell source for the development of therapeutic products. With cell source a major bottleneck in hepatic tissue engineering, we investigated whether commercially available human MSC (hMSC) can transdifferentiate into the hepatic lineage. Based on previous studies that find rapid gain of hepatic genes in bone marrow-derived stem cells cocultured with liver tissue, we used a similar approach to drive hepatic differentiation by coculturing the hMSC with rat livers treated or untreated with gadolinium chloride (GdCl(3)). After a 24-hour coculture period with liver tissue injured by GdCl(3) in a Transwell configuration, approximately 34% of the cells differentiated into albumin-expressing cells. Cocultured cells were subsequently maintained with growth factors to complete the hepatic differentiation. Cocultured cells expressed more hepatic gene markers, and had higher metabolic functions and P450 activity than cells that were only differentiated with growth factors. In conclusion, commercially available hMSC do show hepatic differentiation potential, and a liver microenvironment in culture can provide potent cues to accelerate and deepen the differentiation. The ability to generate hepatocyte-like cells from a commercially available cell source would find interesting applications in liver tissue engineering.

Raman and Autofluorescence Spectrum Dynamics along the HRG-Induced Differentiation Pathway of MCF-7 Cells

PubMed Central

Morita, Shin-ichi; Takanezawa, Sota; Hiroshima, Michio; Mitsui, Toshiyuki; Ozaki, Yukihiro; Sako, Yasushi

2014-01-01

Cellular differentiation proceeds along complicated pathways, even when it is induced by extracellular signaling molecules. One of the major reasons for this complexity is the highly multidimensional internal dynamics of cells, which sometimes causes apparently stochastic responses in individual cells to extracellular stimuli. Therefore, to understand cell differentiation, it is necessary to monitor the internal dynamics of cells at single-cell resolution. Here, we used a Raman and autofluorescence spectrum analysis of single cells to detect dynamic changes in intracellular molecular components. MCF-7 cells are a human cancer-derived cell line that can be induced to differentiate into mammary-gland-like cells with the addition of heregulin (HRG) to the culture medium. We measured the spectra in the cytoplasm of MCF-7 cells during 12 days of HRG stimulation. The Raman scattering spectrum, which was the major component of the signal, changed with time. A multicomponent analysis of the Raman spectrum revealed that the dynamics of the major components of the intracellular molecules, including proteins and lipids, changed cyclically along the differentiation pathway. The background autofluorescence signals of Raman scattering also provided information about the differentiation process. Using the total information from the Raman and autofluorescence spectra, we were able to visualize the pathway of cell differentiation in the multicomponent phase space. PMID:25418290

Enforced expression of KDR receptor promotes proliferation, survival and megakaryocytic differentiation of TF1 progenitor cell line.

PubMed

Coppola, S; Narciso, L; Feccia, T; Bonci, D; Calabrò, L; Morsilli, O; Gabbianelli, M; De Maria, R; Testa, U; Peschle, C

2006-01-01

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor-2/kinase insert domain-containing receptor (KDR) is expressed in primitive hematopoietic cells, in megakaryocytes and platelets. In primitive hematopoiesis KDR mediates cell survival via autocrine VEGF, while its effect on cell growth and differentiation has not been elucidated. We induced enforced KDR expression in the granulocyte macrophage-colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)-dependent TF1 progenitor cell line (TF1-KDR), treated the cells with VEGF and analyzed their response. In GM-CSF-deprived cells, VEGF induces cell proliferation and protection against apoptosis, followed by enhanced expression of megakaryocytic (MK) markers. Combined with GM-CSF, VEGF induces a mild proliferative stimulus, followed by cell adherence, accumulation in G0/G1, massive MK differentiation and Fas-mediated apoptosis. Accordingly, we observed that MK-differentiating cells, derived from hematopoietic progenitors, produce VEGF, express KDR, inhibition of which reduces MK differentiation, indicating a key role of KDR in megakaryopoiesis. In conclusion, TF1-KDR cells provide a reliable model to investigate the biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying hematopoietic progenitor proliferation, survival and MK differentiation.

Plasma Rich in Growth Factors Induces Cell Proliferation, Migration, Differentiation, and Cell Survival of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells.

PubMed

Mellado-López, Maravillas; Griffeth, Richard J; Meseguer-Ripolles, Jose; Cugat, Ramón; García, Montserrat; Moreno-Manzano, Victoria

2017-01-01

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are a promising therapeutic alternative for tissue repair in various clinical applications. However, restrictive cell survival, differential tissue integration, and undirected cell differentiation after transplantation in a hostile microenvironment are complications that require refinement. Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) from platelet-rich plasma favors human and canine ASC survival, proliferation, and delaying human ASC senescence and autophagocytosis in comparison with serum-containing cultures. In addition, canine and human-derived ASCs efficiently differentiate into osteocytes, adipocytes, or chondrocytes in the presence of PRGF. PRGF treatment induces phosphorylation of AKT preventing ASC death induced by lethal concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. Indeed, AKT inhibition abolished the PRGF apoptosis prevention in ASC exposed to 100  μ M of hydrogen peroxide. Here, we show that canine ASCs respond to PRGF stimulus similarly to the human cells regarding cell survival and differentiation postulating the use of dogs as a suitable translational model. Overall, PRGF would be employed as a serum substitute for mesenchymal stem cell amplification to improve cell differentiation and as a preconditioning agent to prevent oxidative cell death.

β-Catenin Is Required for Hair-Cell Differentiation in the Cochlea

PubMed Central

Hu, Lingxiang; Jacques, Bonnie E.; Mulvaney, Joanna F.; Dabdoub, Alain

2014-01-01

The development of hair cells in the auditory system can be separated into steps; first, the establishment of progenitors for the sensory epithelium, and second, the differentiation of hair cells. Although the differentiation of hair cells is known to require the expression of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, Atoh1, the control of cell proliferation in the region of the developing cochlea that will ultimately become the sensory epithelium and the cues that initiate Atoh1 expression remain obscure. We assessed the role of Wnt/β-catenin in both steps in gain- and loss-of-function models in mice. The canonical Wnt pathway mediator, β-catenin, controls the expression of Atoh1. Knock-out of β-catenin inhibited hair-cell, as well as pillar-cell, differentiation from sensory progenitors but was not required to maintain a hair-cell fate once specified. Constitutive activation of β-catenin expanded sensory progenitors by inducing additional cell division and resulted in the differentiation of extra hair cells. Our data demonstrate that β-catenin plays a role in cell division and differentiation in the cochlear sensory epithelium. PMID:24806673

Stem cells and regenerative medicine for diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Sumi, Shoichiro; Gu, Yuanjun; Hiura, Akihito; Inoue, Kazutomo

2004-10-01

A profound knowledge of the development and differentiation of pancreatic tissues, especially islets of Langerhans, is necessary for developing regenerative therapy for severe diabetes mellitus. A recent developmental study showed that PTF-1a is expressed in almost all parts of pancreatic tissues, in addition to PDX-1, a well-known transcription factor that is essential for pancreas development. Another study suggested that alpha cells and beta cells individually, but not sequentially, differentiated from neurogenin-3--expressing precursor cells. Under strong induction of pancreas regeneration, it is likely that pancreatic duct cells dedifferentiate to grow, express PDX-1, and re-differentiate toward other cell types including islet cells. Duct epithelium-like cells can be cultivated from crude pancreatic exocrine cells and can be induced to differentiate toward islet-like cell clusters under some culture conditions. These cell clusters made from murine pancreas have been shown to control hyperglycemia when transplanted into diabetic mice. Liver-derived oval cells and their putative precursor H-CFU-C have been shown to differentiate toward pancreatic cells. Furthermore, extrapancreatic cells contained in bone marrow and amniotic membrane are reported to become insulin-producing cells. However, their exact characterization and relationship between these cell types remain to be elucidated. Our recent study has shown that islet-like cell clusters can be differentiated from mouse embryonic stem cells. Transplantation of these clusters could ameliorate hyperglycemia of STZ-induced diabetic mice without forming teratomas. Interestingly, these cells expressed several genes specific to exocrine pancreatic tissue in addition to islet-related genes, suggesting that stable and efficient differentiation toward certain tissues can only be achieved through a process mimicking normal development of the tissue. Perhaps recent developments in these fields may rapidly lead to an established regenerative therapy for diabetes mellitus.

In vitro hepatic differentiation of human endometrial stromal stem cells.

PubMed

Yang, Xin-yuan; Wang, Wei; Li, Xu

2014-02-01

Human endometrial stromal stem cells (hESSCs) can differentiate into mesodermal and ectodermal cellular lineages in the endometrium. However, whether hESSCs can differentiate into functional hepatic-like cells is unknown. In this study, we developed a multiple-step induction protocol to differentiate hESSCs into functional hepatic-like cells in vitro. Endometrial stromal cells were isolated by magnetic affinity sorting using anti-epithelial cell adhesion molecule-coated Dynabeads. The enriched hESSCs were analyzed by flow cytometry and were able to differentiate into osteoblasts or adipocytes under proper induction media. To differentiate into hepatic-like cells, hESSCs were cultured in a stepwise system containing hepatocyte growth factor, fibroblast growth factor-4, oncostatin M, and trichostatin A for a total of 24 d. The hepatic-like cell differentiation was analyzed by confocal microscopy and immunocytochemical staining. Glycogen storage, cellular urea synthesis, and ammonia concentrations were measured. Hepatic-like cells were successfully generated from hESSCs and were identified by their epithelial-like shape characteristics and expression of specific biomarkers albumin and cytokeratin 8 accompanied with a reduction of alpha-fetoprotein and alpha-smooth muscle actin expression. The hepatic-like cells generated were functional as evidenced by urea synthesis and glycogen storage. Our study demonstrated that hESSCs were able to differentiate into hepatic-like cells in vitro. Thus, endometrial stromal cells may be used as an easily accessible alternative source of stem cells for potential therapeutic applications in liver disease.

Cell Fate and Differentiation of the Developing Ocular Lens

PubMed Central

Greiling, Teri M. S.; Aose, Masamoto

2010-01-01

Purpose. Even though zebrafish development does not include the formation of a lens vesicle, the authors' hypothesis is that the processes of cell differentiation are similar in zebrafish and mammals and determine cell fates in the lens. Methods. Two-photon live embryo imaging was used to follow individual fluorescently labeled cells in real-time from the placode stage at 16 hours postfertilization (hpf) until obvious morphologic differentiation into epithelium or fiber cells had occurred at approximately 28 hpf. Immunohistochemistry was used to label proliferating, differentiating, and apoptotic cells. Results. Similar to the mammal, cells in the teleost peripheral lens placode migrated to the anterior lens mass and differentiated into an anterior epithelium. Cells in the central lens placode migrated to the posterior lens mass and differentiated into primary fiber cells. Anterior and posterior polarization in the zebrafish lens mass was similar to mammalian lens vesicle polarization. Primary fiber cell differentiation was apparent at approximately 21 hpf, before separation of the lens from the surface ectoderm, as evidenced by cell elongation, exit from the cell cycle, and expression of Zl-1, a marker for fiber differentiation. TUNEL labeling demonstrated that apoptosis was not a primary mechanism for lens separation from the surface ectoderm. Conclusions. Despite the absence of a lens vesicle in the zebrafish embryo, lens organogenesis appears to be well conserved among vertebrates. Results using three-dimensional live embryo imaging of zebrafish development showed minimal differences and strong similarities in the fate of cells in the zebrafish and mammalian lens placode. PMID:19834024

1,5-Disubstituted benzimidazoles that direct cardiomyocyte differentiation from mouse embryonic stem cells.

PubMed

Okolotowicz, Karl J; Bushway, Paul; Lanier, Marion; Gilley, Cynthia; Mercola, Mark; Cashman, John R

2015-09-01

Cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of death worldwide. Despite progress in medical treatments, heart transplantation is one of the only current options for those with infarcted heart muscle. Stem cell differentiation technology may afford cell-based therapeutics that may lead to the generation of new, healthy heart muscle cells from undifferentiated stem cells. Our approach is to use small molecules to stimulate stem cell differentiation. Herein, we describe a novel class of 1,5-disubstituted benzimidazoles that induce differentiation of stem cells into cardiac cells. We report on the evaluation in vitro for cardiomyocyte differentiation and describe structure-activity relationship results that led to molecules with drug-like properties. The results of this study show the promise of small molecules to direct stem cell lineage commitment, to probe signaling pathways and to develop compounds for the stimulation of stem cells to repair damaged heart tissue. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

1,5-Disubstituted benzimidazoles that direct cardiomyocyte differentiation from mouse embryonic stem cells

PubMed Central

Okolotowicz, Karl J.; Bushway, Paul; Lanier, Marion; Gilley, Cynthia; Cynthia, Mark; Cashman, John R.

2016-01-01

Cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of death worldwide. Despite progress in medical treatments, heart transplantation is one of the only current options for those with infarcted heart muscle. Stem cell differentiation technology may afford cell-based therapeutics that may lead to the generation of new, healthy heart muscle cells from undifferentiated stem cells. Our approach is to use small molecules to stimulate stem cell differentiation. Herein, we describe a novel class of 1,5-disubstituted benzimidazoles that induce differentiation of stem cells into cardiac cells. We report on the evaluation in vitro for cardiomyocyte differentiation and describe structure–activity relationship results that led to molecules with drug-like properties. The results of this study show the promise of small molecules to direct stem cell lineage commitment, to probe signaling pathways and to develop compounds for the stimulation of stem cells to repair damaged heart tissue. PMID:26278027

De-Differentiation Confers Multidrug Resistance Via Noncanonical PERK-Nrf2 Signaling

PubMed Central

Del Vecchio, Catherine A.; Feng, Yuxiong; Sokol, Ethan S.; Tillman, Erik J.; Sanduja, Sandhya; Reinhardt, Ferenc; Gupta, Piyush B.

2014-01-01

Malignant carcinomas that recur following therapy are typically de-differentiated and multidrug resistant (MDR). De-differentiated cancer cells acquire MDR by up-regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS)–scavenging enzymes and drug efflux pumps, but how these genes are up-regulated in response to de-differentiation is not known. Here, we examine this question by using global transcriptional profiling to identify ROS-induced genes that are already up-regulated in de-differentiated cells, even in the absence of oxidative damage. Using this approach, we found that the Nrf2 transcription factor, which is the master regulator of cellular responses to oxidative stress, is preactivated in de-differentiated cells. In de-differentiated cells, Nrf2 is not activated by oxidation but rather through a noncanonical mechanism involving its phosphorylation by the ER membrane kinase PERK. In contrast, differentiated cells require oxidative damage to activate Nrf2. Constitutive PERK-Nrf2 signaling protects de-differentiated cells from chemotherapy by reducing ROS levels and increasing drug efflux. These findings are validated in therapy-resistant basal breast cancer cell lines and animal models, where inhibition of the PERK-Nrf2 signaling axis reversed the MDR of de-differentiated cancer cells. Additionally, analysis of patient tumor datasets showed that a PERK pathway signature correlates strongly with chemotherapy resistance, tumor grade, and overall survival. Collectively, these results indicate that de-differentiated cells up-regulate MDR genes via PERK-Nrf2 signaling and suggest that targeting this pathway could sensitize drug-resistant cells to chemotherapy. PMID:25203443

Temporal remodeling of the cell cycle accompanies differentiation in the Drosophila germline.

PubMed

Hinnant, Taylor D; Alvarez, Arturo A; Ables, Elizabeth T

2017-09-01

Development of multicellular organisms relies upon the coordinated regulation of cellular differentiation and proliferation. Growing evidence suggests that some molecular regulatory pathways associated with the cell cycle machinery also dictate cell fate; however, it remains largely unclear how the cell cycle is remodeled in concert with cell differentiation. During Drosophila oogenesis, mature oocytes are created through a series of precisely controlled division and differentiation steps, originating from a single tissue-specific stem cell. Further, germline stem cells (GSCs) and their differentiating progeny remain in a predominantly linear arrangement as oogenesis proceeds. The ability to visualize the stepwise events of differentiation within the context of a single tissue make the Drosophila ovary an exceptional model for study of cell cycle remodeling. To describe how the cell cycle is remodeled in germ cells as they differentiate in situ, we used the Drosophila Fluorescence Ubiquitin-based Cell Cycle Indicator (Fly-FUCCI) system, in which degradable versions of GFP::E2f1 and RFP::CycB fluorescently label cells in each phase of the cell cycle. We found that the lengths of the G1, S, and G2 phases of the cell cycle change dramatically over the course of differentiation, and identified the 4/8-cell cyst as a key developmental transition state in which cells prepare for specialized cell cycles. Our data suggest that the transcriptional activator E2f1, which controls the transition from G1 to S phase, is a key regulator of mitotic divisions in the early germline. Our data support the model that E2f1 is necessary for proper GSC proliferation, self-renewal, and daughter cell development. In contrast, while E2f1 degradation by the Cullin 4 (Cul4)-containing ubiquitin E3 ligase (CRL4) is essential for developmental transitions in the early germline, our data do not support a role for E2f1 degradation as a mechanism to limit GSC proliferation or self-renewal. Taken together, these findings provide further insight into the regulation of cell proliferation and the acquisition of differentiated cell fate, with broad implications across developing tissues. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Identification of distinct topographical surface microstructures favoring either undifferentiated expansion or differentiation of murine embryonic stem cells.

PubMed

Markert, Lotte D'Andrea; Lovmand, Jette; Foss, Morten; Lauridsen, Rune Hoff; Lovmand, Michael; Füchtbauer, Ernst-Martin; Füchtbauer, Annette; Wertz, Karin; Besenbacher, Flemming; Pedersen, Finn Skou; Duch, Mogens

2009-11-01

The potential of embryonic stem (ES) cells for both self-renewal and differentiation into cells of all three germ layers has generated immense interest in utilizing these cells for tissue engineering or cell-based therapies. However, the ability to culture undifferentiated ES cells without the use of feeder cells as well as means to obtain homogeneous, differentiated cell populations devoid of residual pluripotent ES cells still remain major challenges. Here we have applied murine ES cells to topographically microstructured surface libraries, BioSurface Structure Arrays (BSSA), and investigated whether these could be used to (i) identify topographically microstructured growth supports alleviating the need for feeder cells for expansion of undifferentiated ES cells and (ii) identify specific types of microstructures enforcing differentiation of ES cells. The BSSA surfaces arrays consisted of 504 different topographical microstructures each located in a tester field of 3 x 3 mm. The murine ES cell lines CJ7 and KH2 were seeded upon the BSSA libraries and specific topographical structures facilitating either undifferentiated ES cell growth or enhancing spreading indicative of differentiation of the ES cells were identified. Secondly serial passage of undifferentiated CJ7 ES cells on selected microstructures, identified in the screening of these BSSA libraries, showed that these cells had retained germ-line potential. These results indicate that one specific type of topographical surface microstructures, identified by the BSSA technology, can substitute for feeder cells and that another subset may be used to eliminate undifferentiated ES cells from a population of differentiated ES cells.

Intraportal injection of insulin-producing cells generated from human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells decreases blood glucose level in diabetic rats.

PubMed

Tsai, Pei-Jiun; Wang, Hwai-Shi; Lin, Chi-Hung; Weng, Zen-Chung; Chen, Tien-Hua; Shyu, Jia-Fwu

2014-01-01

We studied the process of trans-differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs) into insulin-producing cells. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat model was used to study the effect of portal vein transplantation of these insulin-producing cells on blood sugar levels. The BM-MSCs were differentiated into insulin-producing cells under defined conditions. Real-time PCR, immunocytochemistry and glucose challenge were used to evaluate in vitro differentiation. Flow cytometry showed that hBM-MSCs were strongly positive for CD44, CD105 and CD73 and negative for hematopoietic markers CD34, CD38 and CD45. Differentiated cells expressed C-peptide as well as β-cells specific genes and hormones. Glucose stimulation increased C-peptide secretion in these cells. The insulin-producing, differentiated cells were transplanted into the portal vein of STZ-induced diabetic rats using a Port-A catheter. The insulin-producing cells were localized in the liver of the recipient rat and expressed human C-peptide. Blood glucose levels were reduced in diabetic rats transplanted with insulin-producing cells. We concluded that hBM-MSCs could be trans-differentiated into insulin-producing cells in vitro. Portal vein transplantation of insulin-producing cells alleviated hyperglycemia in diabetic rats.

[Progress in epidermal stem cells].

PubMed

Wang, Li-Juan; Wang, You-Liang; Yang, Xiao

2010-03-01

Mammalian skin epidermis contains different epidermal stem cell pools which contribute to the homeostasis and repair of skin epithelium. Epidermal stem cells possess two essential features common to all stem cells: self-renewal and differentiation. Disturbing the balance between self-renewal and differentiation of epidermal stem cell often causes tumors or other skin diseases. Epidermal stem cell niches provide a special microenvironment that maintains a balance of stem cell quiescence and activity. This review primarily concentrates on the following points of the epidermal stem cells: the existing evidences, the self-renewal and differentiation, the division pattern, the signal pathways regulating self-renewal and differentiation, and the microenvironment (niche) and macroenvironment maintaining the homeostasis of stem cells.

Expansion and Differentiation of Germline-Derived Pluripotent Stem Cells on Biomaterials

PubMed Central

Šarić, Tomo; Denecke, Bernd; Peinkofer, Gabriel; Bovi, Manfred; Groll, Jürgen; Ko, Kinarm; Salber, Jochen; Halbach, Marcel; Schöler, Hans R.; Zenke, Martin; Neuss, Sabine

2013-01-01

Stem cells with broad differentiation potential, such as the recently described germline-derived pluripotent stem cells (gPS cells), are an appealing source for tissue engineering strategies. Biomaterials can inhibit, support, or induce proliferation and differentiation of stem cells. Here we identified (1) polymers that maintain self-renewal and differentiation potential of gPS cells for feeder-free expansion and (2) polymers supporting the cardiomyogenic fate of gPS cells by analyzing a panel of polymers of an established biomaterial bank previously used to assess growth of diverse stem cell types. Identification of cytocompatible gPS cell/biomaterial combinations required analysis of several parameters, including morphology, viability, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, proliferation, and differentiation potential. Pluripotency of gPS cells was visualized by the endogenous Oct4-promoter-driven GFP and by Sox2 and Nanog immunofluorescence. Viability assay, proliferation assay, and flow cytometry showed that gPS cells efficiently adhere and are viable on synthetic polymers, such as Resomer® LR704 (poly(L-lactic-D,L-lactic acid), poly(tetrafluor ethylene) (PTFE), poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), and on gelatine-coated tissue culture polystyrene. Expansion experiments showed that Resomer LR704 is an alternative substrate for feeder-free gPS cell maintenance. Resomer LR704, PTFE, and PVDF were found to be suitable for gPS cell differentiation. Spontaneous beating in embryoid bodies cultured on Resomer LR704 occurred already on day 8 of differentiation, much earlier compared to the other surfaces. This indicates that Resomer LR704 supports spontaneous cardiomyogenic differentiation of gPS cells, which was also confirmed on molecular, protein and functional level. PMID:23234562

Expansion and differentiation of germline-derived pluripotent stem cells on biomaterials.

PubMed

Hoss, Mareike; Šarić, Tomo; Denecke, Bernd; Peinkofer, Gabriel; Bovi, Manfred; Groll, Jürgen; Ko, Kinarm; Salber, Jochen; Halbach, Marcel; Schöler, Hans R; Zenke, Martin; Neuss, Sabine

2013-05-01

Stem cells with broad differentiation potential, such as the recently described germline-derived pluripotent stem cells (gPS cells), are an appealing source for tissue engineering strategies. Biomaterials can inhibit, support, or induce proliferation and differentiation of stem cells. Here we identified (1) polymers that maintain self-renewal and differentiation potential of gPS cells for feeder-free expansion and (2) polymers supporting the cardiomyogenic fate of gPS cells by analyzing a panel of polymers of an established biomaterial bank previously used to assess growth of diverse stem cell types. Identification of cytocompatible gPS cell/biomaterial combinations required analysis of several parameters, including morphology, viability, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, proliferation, and differentiation potential. Pluripotency of gPS cells was visualized by the endogenous Oct4-promoter-driven GFP and by Sox2 and Nanog immunofluorescence. Viability assay, proliferation assay, and flow cytometry showed that gPS cells efficiently adhere and are viable on synthetic polymers, such as Resomer(®) LR704 (poly(L-lactic-D,L-lactic acid), poly(tetrafluor ethylene) (PTFE), poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), and on gelatine-coated tissue culture polystyrene. Expansion experiments showed that Resomer LR704 is an alternative substrate for feeder-free gPS cell maintenance. Resomer LR704, PTFE, and PVDF were found to be suitable for gPS cell differentiation. Spontaneous beating in embryoid bodies cultured on Resomer LR704 occurred already on day 8 of differentiation, much earlier compared to the other surfaces. This indicates that Resomer LR704 supports spontaneous cardiomyogenic differentiation of gPS cells, which was also confirmed on molecular, protein and functional level.

Novel Method To Differentiate Human Embryonic Stem Cells Into Dopaminergic Nerve Cells | NCI Technology Transfer Center | TTC

Cancer.gov

The National Institute on Drug Abuse's Development and Plasticity Section is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in licensing opportunities to further develop, evaluate, or commercialize novel methods to differentiate human embryonic stem cells into dopaminergic nerve cells. The invention described here is a novel method of differentiating human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) into dopaminergic nerve cells, which is preferable to the currently available dopaminergic differentiation techniques.

The effect of hydrostatic pressure on staurosporine-induced neural differentiation in mouse bone marrow‑derived mesenchymal stem cells.

PubMed

Javanmard, F; Azadbakht, M; Pourmoradi, M

2016-01-01

In this study, the role of hydrostatic pressure on staurosporine-induced neural differentiation in mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were investigated. The cells were cultured in treatment medium containing 100 nM of staurosporine for 4 hours; then the cells were affected by hydrostatic pressure (0, 25,50, 100 mmHg). The percentage of cell viability by trypan blue staining and the percentage of cell death by Hoechst/PI differential staining were assessed. We obtained the total neurite length. Expression of β-tubulin III and GFAP (Glial fibrillary acidic protein) proteins were also analyzed by immunocytochemistry. The percentage of cell viability in treatments decreased relative to the increase in hydrostatic pressure and time (p Keywords: bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell, hydrostatic pressure, immunocytochemistry, neural differentiation, neurite length, cell differentiation.

Reverse engineering life: physical and chemical mimetics for controlled stem cell differentiation into cardiomyocytes.

PubMed

Skuse, Gary R; Lamkin-Kennard, Kathleen A

2013-01-01

Our ability to manipulate stem cells in order to induce differentiation along a desired developmental pathway has improved immeasurably in recent years. That is in part because we have a better understanding of the intracellular and extracellular signals that regulate differentiation. However, there has also been a realization that stem cell differentiation is not regulated only by chemical signals but also by the physical milieu in which a particular stem cell exists. In this regard we are challenged to mimic both chemical and physical environments. Herein we describe a method to induce stem cell differentiation into cardiomyocytes using a combination of chemical and physical cues. This method can be applied to produce differentiated cells for research and potentially for cell-based therapy of cardiomyopathies.

Surface modification of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) induced proliferation and neural-like cells differentiation of umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

PubMed

Kim, Sun-Jung; Lee, Jae Kyoo; Kim, Jin Won; Jung, Ji-Won; Seo, Kwangwon; Park, Sang-Bum; Roh, Kyung-Hwan; Lee, Sae-Rom; Hong, Yun Hwa; Kim, Sang Jeong; Lee, Yong-Soon; Kim, Sung June; Kang, Kyung-Sun

2008-08-01

Stem cell-based therapy has recently emerged for use in novel therapeutics for incurable diseases. For successful recovery from neurologic diseases, the most pivotal factor is differentiation and directed neuronal cell growth. In this study, we fabricated three different widths of a micro-pattern on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS; 1, 2, and 4 microm). Surface modification of the PDMS was investigated for its capacity to manage proliferation and differentiation of neural-like cells from umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCB-MSCs). Among the micro-patterned PDMS fabrications, the 1 microm-patterned PDMS significantly increased cell proliferation and most of the cells differentiated into neuronal cells. In addition, the 1 microm-patterned PDMS induced an increase in cytosolic calcium, while the differentiated cells on the flat and 4 microm-patterned PDMS had no response. PDMS with a 1 microm pattern was also aligned to direct orientation within 10 degrees angles. Taken together, micro-patterned PDMS supported UCB-MSC proliferation and induced neural like-cell differentiation. Our data suggest that micro-patterned PDMS might be a guiding method for stem cell therapy that would improve its therapeutic action in neurological diseases.

Transplantation of neurons derived from human iPS cells cultured on collagen matrix into guinea-pig cochleae.

PubMed

Ishikawa, Masaaki; Ohnishi, Hiroe; Skerleva, Desislava; Sakamoto, Tatsunori; Yamamoto, Norio; Hotta, Akitsu; Ito, Juichi; Nakagawa, Takayuki

2017-06-01

The present study examined the efficacy of a neural induction method for human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells to eliminate undifferentiated cells and to determine the feasibility of transplanting neurally induced cells into guinea-pig cochleae for replacement of spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). A stepwise method for differentiation of human iPS cells into neurons was used. First, a neural induction method was established on Matrigel-coated plates; characteristics of cell populations at each differentiation step were assessed. Second, neural stem cells were differentiated into neurons on a three-dimensional (3D) collagen matrix, using the same protocol of culture on Matrigel-coated plates; neuron subtypes in differentiated cells on a 3D collagen matrix were examined. Then, human iPS cell-derived neurons cultured on a 3D collagen matrix were transplanted into intact guinea-pig cochleae, followed by histological analysis. In vitro analyses revealed successful induction of neural stem cells from human iPS cells, with no retention of undifferentiated cells expressing OCT3/4. After the neural differentiation of neural stem cells, approximately 70% of cells expressed a neuronal marker, 90% of which were positive for vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1). The expression pattern of neuron subtypes in differentiated cells on a 3D collagen matrix was identical to that of the differentiated cells on Matrigel-coated plates. In addition, the survival of transplant-derived neurons was achieved when inflammatory responses were appropriately controlled. Our preparation method for human iPS cell-derived neurons efficiently eliminated undifferentiated cells and contributed to the settlement of transplant-derived neurons expressing VGLUT1 in guinea-pig cochleae. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Identifying States along the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Differentiation Hierarchy with Single Cell Specificity via Raman Spectroscopy.

PubMed

Ilin, Yelena; Choi, Ji Sun; Harley, Brendan A C; Kraft, Mary L

2015-11-17

A major challenge for expanding specific types of hematopoietic cells ex vivo for the treatment of blood cell pathologies is identifying the combinations of cellular and matrix cues that direct hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) to self-renew or differentiate into cell populations ex vivo. Microscale screening platforms enable minimizing the number of rare HSCs required to screen the effects of numerous cues on HSC fate decisions. These platforms create a strong demand for label-free methods that accurately identify the fate decisions of individual hematopoietic cells at specific locations on the platform. We demonstrate the capacity to identify discrete cells along the HSC differentiation hierarchy via multivariate analysis of Raman spectra. Notably, cell state identification is accurate for individual cells and independent of the biophysical properties of the functionalized polyacrylamide gels upon which these cells are cultured. We report partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) models of single cell Raman spectra enable identifying four dissimilar hematopoietic cell populations across the HSC lineage specification. Successful discrimination was obtained for a population enriched for long-term repopulating HSCs (LT-HSCs) versus their more differentiated progeny, including closely related short-term repopulating HSCs (ST-HSCs) and fully differentiated lymphoid (B cells) and myeloid (granulocytes) cells. The lineage-specific differentiation states of cells from these four subpopulations were accurately identified independent of the stiffness of the underlying biomaterial substrate, indicating subtle spectral variations that discriminated these populations were not masked by features from the culture substrate. This approach enables identifying the lineage-specific differentiation stages of hematopoietic cells on biomaterial substrates of differing composition and may facilitate correlating hematopoietic cell fate decisions with the extrinsic cues that elicited them.

A kinetic investigation of interacting, stimulated T cells identifies conditions for rapid functional enhancement, minimal phenotype differentiation, and improved adoptive cell transfer tumor eradication.

PubMed

Zhou, Jing; Bethune, Michael T; Malkova, Natalia; Sutherland, Alexander M; Comin-Anduix, Begonya; Su, Yapeng; Baltimore, David; Ribas, Antoni; Heath, James R

2018-01-01

For adoptive cell transfer (ACT) immunotherapy of tumor-reactive T cells, an effective therapeutic outcome depends upon cell dose, cell expansion in vivo through a minimally differentiated phenotype, long term persistence, and strong cytolytic effector function. An incomplete understanding of the biological coupling between T cell expansion, differentiation, and response to stimulation hinders the co-optimization of these factors. We report on a biophysical investigation of how the short-term kinetics of T cell functional activation, through molecular stimulation and cell-cell interactions, competes with phenotype differentiation. T cells receive molecular stimulation for a few minutes to a few hours in bulk culture. Following this priming period, the cells are then analyzed at the transcriptional level, or isolated as single cells, with continuing molecular stimulation, within microchambers for analysis via 11-plex secreted protein assays. We resolve a rapid feedback mechanism, promoted by T cell-T cell contact interactions, which strongly amplifies T cell functional performance while yielding only minimal phenotype differentiation. When tested in mouse models of ACT, optimally primed T cells lead to complete tumor eradication. A similar kinetic process is identified in CD8+ and CD4+ T cells collected from a patient with metastatic melanoma.

Derivation, expansion and differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells in continuous suspension cultures

PubMed Central

Fluri, David A.; Tonge, Peter D.; Song, Hannah; Baptista, Ricardo P.; Shakiba, Nika; Shukla, Shreya; Clarke, Geoffrey; Nagy, Andras; Zandstra, Peter W.

2016-01-01

We demonstrate derivation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from terminally differentiated mouse cells in serum- and feeder-free stirred suspension cultures. Temporal analysis of global gene expression revealed high correlations between cells reprogrammed in suspension and cells reprogrammed in adhesion-dependent conditions. Suspension (S) reprogrammed iPSCs (SiPSCs) could be differentiated into all three germ layers in vitro and contributed to chimeric embryos in vivo. SiPSC generation allowed for efficient selection of reprogramming factor expressing cells based on their differential survival and proliferation in suspension. Seamless integration of SiPSC reprogramming and directed differentiation enabled the scalable production of functionally and phenotypically defined cardiac cells in a continuous single cell- and small aggregate-based process. This method is an important step towards the development of a robust PSC generation, expansion and differentiation technology. PMID:22447133

Modulation of ionizing radiation-induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest by all-trans retinoic acid in promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL-60).

PubMed

Mareková, M; Vávrová, J; Vokurková, D; Psutka, J

2003-01-01

Acute promyelocytic leukemia is characterized by a block of myeloid differentiation. The incubation of cells with 1 micromol/l all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) for 72 h induced differentiation of HL-60 cells and increased the number of CD11b positive cells. Morphological and functional changes were accompanied by a loss of proliferative capacity. Differentiation caused by preincubation of leukemic cells HL-60 with ATRA is accompanied by loss of clonogenicity (control cells: 870 colonies/10(3) cells, cells preincubated with ATRA: 150 colonies/10(3) cells). D0 for undifferentiated cells was 2.35 Gy, for ATRA differentiated cells 2.46 Gy. Statistical comparison of clonogenity curves indicated that in the whole range 0.5-10 Gy the curves are not significantly different, however, in the range 0.5-3 Gy ATRA differentiated cells were significantly more radioresistant than non-differentiated cells. When HL-60 cells preincubated with 1 micromol/l ATRA were irradiated by a sublethal dose of 6 Gy, more marked increase of apoptotic cells number was observed 24 h after irradiation and the surviving cells were mainly in the G1 phase of the cell cycle, while only irradiated cells were accumulated in G(2) phase. Our results imply that preincubation of cells with ATRA accelerates apoptosis occurrence (24 h) after irradiation by high sublethal dose of 6 Gy. Forty-eight hours after 6 Gy irradiation, late apoptotic cells were found in the group of ATRA pretreated cells, as determined by APO2.7 positivity. This test showed an increased effect (considering cell death induction) in comparison to ATRA or irradiation itself.

In vitro myotoxic effects of bupivacaine on rhabdomyosarcoma cells, immortalized and primary muscle cells.

PubMed

Metterlein, Thomas; Hoffmann, Petra; Späth, Ruth; Gruber, Michael; Graf, Bernhard M; Zink, Wolfgang

2015-01-01

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare malignant skeletal muscle tumor. It mainly occurs in children and young adults and has an unsatisfactory prognosis. Prior studies showed a direct myotoxic effect of bupivacaine on differentiated muscle cells in vitro and in vivo. Exact mechanisms of this myotoxicity are still not fully understood, but a myotoxic effect on malignant muscle tumor cells has not been examined so far. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine if bupivacaine has cytotoxic effects on rhabdomyosarcoma cells, immortalized muscle cells and differentiated muscle cells. Cell lines of rhabdomyosarcoma cells, immortalized muscle cells and differentiated muscle cells were established. After microscopic identification, cells were exposed to various concentrations of bupivacaine (500, 1,000, 1,750, 2,500 and 5,000 ppm) for 1 and 2 h, respectively. 24 and 28 h after incubation the cultures were stained with propidium iodid and analyzed by flow cytometry. The fraction of dead cells was calculated for each experiment and the concentration with 50% cell survival (IC50) was computed. Cell groups as well as incubation and recovery time were compared (ANOVA/Bonferroni p < 0.01). The total number of cultured cells was similar for the different local anesthetics and examined concentrations. Increasing concentrations of bupivacaine led to a decrease in survival of muscle cells. IC50 was highest for immortalized cells, followed by rhabdomyosarcoma cells and differentiated cells. Exposure time, but not recovery time, had an influence on survival. Bupivacaine has clear but different cytotoxic effects on various muscle cell types in vitro. Differentiated primary cells seem to be more vulnerable than tumor cells possibly because of more differentiated intracellular structures.

Characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells isolated from bone marrow of giant panda.

PubMed

Liu, Yuliang; Liu, Yang; Yie, Shangmian; Lan, Jingchao; Pi, Jinkui; Zhang, Zhihe; Huang, He; Cai, Zhigang; Zhang, Ming; Cai, Kailai; Wang, Hairui; Hou, Rong

2013-09-01

In present study, we report on bone marrow (BM) mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that are isolated from giant pandas. Cells were collected from the BM of two stillborn giant pandas. The cells were cultured and expanded in 10% fetal bovine serum medium. Cell morphology was observed under an inverted microscopy, and the proliferation potential of the cells was evaluated by counting cell numbers for eight consecutive days. Differentiation potentials of the cells were determined by using a variety of differentiation protocols for osteocytes, adipocytes, neuron cells, and cardiomyocytes. Meanwhile, the specific gene expressions for MSCs or differentiated cells were analyzed by RT-PCR. The isolated cells exhibited a fibroblast-like morphology; expressed mesenchymal specific markers such as cluster of differentiation 73 (CD73), SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 2 (SOX-2), guanine nucleotide-binding protein-like 3 (GNL3), and stem cell factor receptor (SCFR); and could be differentiated into osteocytes and adipocytes that were characterized by Alizarin Red and Oil Red O staining. Under appropriate induction conditions, these cells were also able to differentiate into neuroglial-like or myocardial-like cells that expressed specific myocardial markers such as GATA transcription factors 4 (GATA-4), cardiac troponin T (cTnT), and myosin heavy chain 7B (MYH7B), or neural specific markers such as Nestin and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). This study demonstrated stem cells recovery and growth from giant pandas. The findings suggest that cells isolated from the BM of giant pandas have a high proliferative capacity and multiple differentiation potential in vitro which might aid conservation efforts.

Identification of transcript regulatory patterns in cell differentiation.

PubMed

Gusnanto, Arief; Gosling, John Paul; Pope, Christopher

2017-10-15

Studying transcript regulatory patterns in cell differentiation is critical in understanding its complex nature of the formation and function of different cell types. This is done usually by measuring gene expression at different stages of the cell differentiation. However, if the gene expression data available are only from the mature cells, we have some challenges in identifying transcript regulatory patterns that govern the cell differentiation. We propose to exploit the information of the lineage of cell differentiation in terms of correlation structure between cell types. We assume that two different cell types that are close in the lineage will exhibit many common genes that are co-expressed relative to those that are far in the lineage. Current analysis methods tend to ignore this correlation by testing for differential expression assuming some sort of independence between cell types. We employ a Bayesian approach to estimate the posterior distribution of the mean of expression in each cell type, by taking into account the cell formation path in the lineage. This enables us to infer genes that are specific in each cell type, indicating the genes are involved in directing the cell differentiation to that particular cell type. We illustrate the method using gene expression data from a study of haematopoiesis. R codes to perform the analysis are available in http://www1.maths.leeds.ac.uk/∼arief/R/CellDiff/. a.gusnanto@leeds.ac.uk. Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. © The Author (2017). Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com

Holistic systems biology approaches to molecular mechanisms of human helper T cell differentiation to functionally distinct subsets.

PubMed

Chen, Z; Lönnberg, T; Lahesmaa, R

2013-08-01

Current knowledge of helper T cell differentiation largely relies on data generated from mouse studies. To develop therapeutical strategies combating human diseases, understanding the molecular mechanisms how human naïve T cells differentiate to functionally distinct T helper (Th) subsets as well as studies on human differentiated Th cell subsets is particularly valuable. Systems biology approaches provide a holistic view of the processes of T helper differentiation, enable discovery of new factors and pathways involved and generation of new hypotheses to be tested to improve our understanding of human Th cell differentiation and immune-mediated diseases. Here, we summarize studies where high-throughput systems biology approaches have been exploited to human primary T cells. These studies reveal new factors and signalling pathways influencing T cell differentiation towards distinct subsets, important for immune regulation. Such information provides new insights into T cell biology and into targeting immune system for therapeutic interventions. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Generation of male differentiated germ cells from various types of stem cells.

PubMed

Hou, Jingmei; Yang, Shi; Yang, Hao; Liu, Yang; Liu, Yun; Hai, Yanan; Chen, Zheng; Guo, Ying; Gong, Yuehua; Gao, Wei-Qiang; Li, Zheng; He, Zuping

2014-06-01

Infertility is a major and largely incurable disease caused by disruption and loss of germ cells. It affects 10-15% of couples, and male factor accounts for half of the cases. To obtain human male germ cells 'especially functional spermatids' is essential for treating male infertility. Currently, much progress has been made on generating male germ cells, including spermatogonia, spermatocytes, and spermatids, from various types of stem cells. These germ cells can also be used in investigation of the pathology of male infertility. In this review, we focused on advances on obtaining male differentiated germ cells from different kinds of stem cells, with an emphasis on the embryonic stem (ES) cells, the induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, and spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). We illustrated the generation of male differentiated germ cells from ES cells, iPS cells and SSCs, and we summarized the phenotype for these stem cells, spermatocytes and spermatids. Moreover, we address the differentiation potentials of ES cells, iPS cells and SSCs. We also highlight the advantages, disadvantages and concerns on derivation of the differentiated male germ cells from several types of stem cells. The ability of generating mature and functional male gametes from stem cells could enable us to understand the precise etiology of male infertility and offer an invaluable source of autologous male gametes for treating male infertility of azoospermia patients. © 2014 Society for Reproduction and Fertility.

Amniotic fluid derived stem cells give rise to neuron-like cells without a further differentiation potential into retina-like cells

PubMed Central

Hartmann, K; Raabe, O; Wenisch, S; Arnhold, S

2013-01-01

Amniotic fluid contains heterogeneous cell types and has become an interesting source for obtaining fetal stem cells. These stem cells have a high proliferative capacity and a good differentiation potential and may thus be suitable for regenerative medicine. As there is increasing evidence, that these stem cells are also able to be directed into the neural lineage, in our study we investigated the neuronal and glial differentiation potential of these cells, so that they may also be applied to cure degenerative diseases of the retina. Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from routine prenatal amniocentesis at 15 to 18 weeks of pregnancy of human amniotic fluid and expanded in the cell culture. Cells were cultivated according to standard procedures for mesenchymal stem cells and were differentiated along the neural lineage using various protocols. Furthermore, it was also tried to direct them into cell types of the retina as well as into endothelial cells. Cells of more than 72 amniotic fluid samples were collected and characterized. While after induction neural-like phenotypes could actually be detected, which was confirmed using neural marker proteins such as GFAP and ßIII tubulina further differentiation into retinal like cells could not reliably be shown. These data suggest that amniotic fluid derived cells are an interesting cell source, which may also give rise to neural-like cells. However, a more specific differentiation into neuronal and glial cells could not unequivocally be shown, so that further investigations have to becarried out. PMID:23862099

Cell-mediated remodeling of biomimetic encapsulating hydrogels triggered by adipogenic differentiation of adipose stem cells.

PubMed

Clevenger, Tracy N; Luna, Gabriel; Boctor, Daniel; Fisher, Steven K; Clegg, Dennis O

2016-01-01

One of the most common regenerative therapies is autologous fat grafting, which frequently suffers from unexpected volume loss. One approach is to deliver adipose stem cells encapsulated in the engineered hydrogels supportive of cell survival, differentiation, and integration after transplant. We describe an encapsulating, biomimetic poly(ethylene)-glycol hydrogel, with embedded peptides for attachment and biodegradation. Poly(ethylene)-glycol hydrogels containing an Arg-Gly-Asp attachment sequence and a matrix metalloprotease 3/10 cleavage site supported adipose stem cell survival and showed remodeling initiated by adipogenic differentiation. Arg-Gly-Asp-matrix metalloprotease 3/10 cleavage site hydrogels showed an increased number and area of lacunae or holes after adipose stem cell differentiation. Image analysis of adipose stem cells in Arg-Gly-Asp-matrix metalloprotease 3/10 cleavage site hydrogels showed larger Voronoi domains, while cell density remained unchanged. The differentiated adipocytes residing within these newly remodeled spaces express proteins and messenger RNAs indicative of adipocytic differentiation. These engineered scaffolds may provide niches for stem cell differentiation and could prove useful in soft tissue regeneration.

Cell-mediated remodeling of biomimetic encapsulating hydrogels triggered by adipogenic differentiation of adipose stem cells

PubMed Central

Clevenger, Tracy N; Luna, Gabriel; Boctor, Daniel; Fisher, Steven K; Clegg, Dennis O

2016-01-01

One of the most common regenerative therapies is autologous fat grafting, which frequently suffers from unexpected volume loss. One approach is to deliver adipose stem cells encapsulated in the engineered hydrogels supportive of cell survival, differentiation, and integration after transplant. We describe an encapsulating, biomimetic poly(ethylene)-glycol hydrogel, with embedded peptides for attachment and biodegradation. Poly(ethylene)-glycol hydrogels containing an Arg–Gly–Asp attachment sequence and a matrix metalloprotease 3/10 cleavage site supported adipose stem cell survival and showed remodeling initiated by adipogenic differentiation. Arg–Gly–Asp–matrix metalloprotease 3/10 cleavage site hydrogels showed an increased number and area of lacunae or holes after adipose stem cell differentiation. Image analysis of adipose stem cells in Arg–Gly–Asp–matrix metalloprotease 3/10 cleavage site hydrogels showed larger Voronoi domains, while cell density remained unchanged. The differentiated adipocytes residing within these newly remodeled spaces express proteins and messenger RNAs indicative of adipocytic differentiation. These engineered scaffolds may provide niches for stem cell differentiation and could prove useful in soft tissue regeneration. PMID:27733898

Dendritic cell MST1 inhibits Th17 differentiation

PubMed Central

Li, Chunxiao; Bi, Yujing; Li, Yan; Yang, Hui; Yu, Qing; Wang, Jian; Wang, Yu; Su, Huilin; Jia, Anna; Hu, Ying; Han, Linian; Zhang, Jiangyuan; Li, Simin; Tao, Wufan; Liu, Guangwei

2017-01-01

Although the differentiation of CD4+T cells is widely studied, the mechanisms of antigen-presenting cell-dependent T-cell modulation are unclear. Here, we investigate the role of dendritic cell (DC)-dependent T-cell differentiation in autoimmune and antifungal inflammation and find that mammalian sterile 20-like kinase 1 (MST1) signalling from DCs negatively regulates IL-17 producing-CD4+T helper cell (Th17) differentiation. MST1 deficiency in DCs increases IL-17 production by CD4+T cells, whereas ectopic MST1 expression in DCs inhibits it. Notably, MST1-mediated DC-dependent Th17 differentiation regulates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and antifungal immunity. Mechanistically, MST1-deficient DCs promote IL-6 secretion and regulate the activation of IL-6 receptor α/β and STAT3 in CD4+T cells in the course of inducing Th17 differentiation. Activation of the p38 MAPK signal is responsible for IL-6 production in MST1-deficient DCs. Thus, our results define the DC MST1–p38MAPK signalling pathway in directing Th17 differentiation. PMID:28145433

Division of Labor in Biofilms: the Ecology of Cell Differentiation.

PubMed

van Gestel, Jordi; Vlamakis, Hera; Kolter, Roberto

2015-04-01

The dense aggregation of cells on a surface, as seen in biofilms, inevitably results in both environmental and cellular heterogeneity. For example, nutrient gradients can trigger cells to differentiate into various phenotypic states. Not only do cells adapt physiologically to the local environmental conditions, but they also differentiate into cell types that interact with each other. This allows for task differentiation and, hence, the division of labor. In this article, we focus on cell differentiation and the division of labor in three bacterial species: Myxococcus xanthus, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. During biofilm formation each of these species differentiates into distinct cell types, in some cases leading to cooperative interactions. The division of labor and the cooperative interactions between cell types are assumed to yield an emergent ecological benefit. Yet in most cases the ecological benefits have yet to be elucidated. A notable exception is M. xanthus, in which cell differentiation within fruiting bodies facilitates the dispersal of spores. We argue that the ecological benefits of the division of labor might best be understood when we consider the dynamic nature of both biofilm formation and degradation.

Expression of polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecules on adult stem cells after neuronal differentiation of inner ear spiral ganglion neurons

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Park, Kyoung Ho; Yeo, Sang Won, E-mail: swyeo@catholic.ac.kr; Troy, Frederic A., E-mail: fatroy@ucdavis.edu

Highlights: • PolySia expressed on neurons primarily during early stages of neuronal development. • PolySia–NCAM is expressed on neural stem cells from adult guinea pig spiral ganglion. • PolySia is a biomarker that modulates neuronal differentiation in inner ear stem cells. - Abstract: During brain development, polysialylated (polySia) neural cell adhesion molecules (polySia–NCAMs) modulate cell–cell adhesive interactions involved in synaptogenesis, neural plasticity, myelination, and neural stem cell (NSC) proliferation and differentiation. Our findings show that polySia–NCAM is expressed on NSC isolated from adult guinea pig spiral ganglion (GPSG), and in neurons and Schwann cells after differentiation of the NSC withmore » epidermal, glia, fibroblast growth factors (GFs) and neurotrophins. These differentiated cells were immunoreactive with mAb’s to polySia, NCAM, β-III tubulin, nestin, S-100 and stained with BrdU. NSC could regenerate and be differentiated into neurons and Schwann cells. We conclude: (1) polySia is expressed on NSC isolated from adult GPSG and on neurons and Schwann cells differentiated from these NSC; (2) polySia is expressed on neurons primarily during the early stage of neuronal development and is expressed on Schwann cells at points of cell–cell contact; (3) polySia is a functional biomarker that modulates neuronal differentiation in inner ear stem cells. These new findings suggest that replacement of defective cells in the inner ear of hearing impaired patients using adult spiral ganglion neurons may offer potential hope to improve the quality of life for patients with auditory dysfunction and impaired hearing disorders.« less

Evidence that the Dictyostelium Dd-STATa protein is a repressor that regulates commitment to stalk cell differentiation and is also required for efficient chemotaxis.

PubMed

Mohanty, S; Jermyn, K A; Early, A; Kawata, T; Aubry, L; Ceccarelli, A; Schaap, P; Williams, J G; Firtel, R A

1999-08-01

Dd-STATa is a structural and functional homologue of the metazoan STAT (Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription) proteins. We show that Dd-STATa null cells exhibit several distinct developmental phenotypes. The aggregation of Dd-STATa null cells is delayed and they chemotax slowly to a cyclic AMP source, suggesting a role for Dd-STATa in these early processes. In Dd-STATa null strains, slug-like structures are formed but they have an aberrant pattern of gene expression. In such slugs, ecmB/lacZ, a marker that is normally specific for cells on the stalk cell differentiation pathway, is expressed throughout the prestalk region. Stalk cell differentiation in Dictyostelium has been proposed to be under negative control, mediated by repressor elements present in the promoters of stalk cell-specific genes. Dd-STATa binds these repressor elements in vitro and the ectopic expression of ecmB/lacZ in the null strain provides in vivo evidence that Dd-STATa is the repressor protein that regulates commitment to stalk cell differentiation. Dd-STATa null cells display aberrant behavior in a monolayer assay wherein stalk cell differentiation is induced using the stalk cell morphogen DIF. The ecmB gene, a general marker for stalk cell differentiation, is greatly overinduced by DIF in Dd-STATa null cells. Also, Dd-STATa null cells are hypersensitive to DIF for expression of ST/lacZ, a marker for the earliest stages in the differentiation of one of the stalk cell sub-types. We suggest that both these manifestations of DIF hypersensitivity in the null strain result from the balance between activation and repression of the promoter elements being tipped in favor of activation when the repressor is absent. Paradoxically, although Dd-STATa null cells are hypersensitive to the inducing effects of DIF and readily form stalk cells in monolayer assay, the Dd-STATa null cells show little or no terminal stalk cell differentiation within the slug. Dd-STATa null slugs remain developmentally arrested for several days before forming very small spore masses supported by a column of apparently undifferentiated cells. Thus, complete stalk cell differentiation appears to require at least two events: a commitment step, whereby the repression exerted by Dd-STATa is lifted, and a second step that is blocked in a Dd-STATa null organism. This latter step may involve extracellular cAMP, a known repressor of stalk cell differentiation, because Dd-STATa null cells are abnormally sensitive to the inhibitory effects of extracellular cyclic AMP.

Identifying microRNAs that Regulate Neuroblastoma Cell Differentiation

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-10-01

Award Number: W81XWH-13-1-0241 TITLE: Identifying that Regulate Neuroblastoma Cell Differentiation PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Dr. Liqin Du...inducing miRNA, miR- 449a. We examined the differentiation-inducing function of miR-449a in multiple neuroblastoma cell lines. We have demonstrated that...miR-449a functions as an inducer of cell differentiation in neuroblastoma cell lines with distinct genetic backgrounds, including the MYCN

Two Pore Channel 2 Differentially Modulates Neural Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells

PubMed Central

Zhang, Zhe-Hao; Lu, Ying-Ying; Yue, Jianbo

2013-01-01

Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) is an endogenous Ca2+ mobilizing nucleotide presented in various species. NAADP mobilizes Ca2+ from acidic organelles through two pore channel 2 (TPC2) in many cell types and it has been previously shown that NAADP can potently induce neuronal differentiation in PC12 cells. Here we examined the role of TPC2 signaling in the neural differentiation of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells. We found that the expression of TPC2 was markedly decreased during the initial ES cell entry into neural progenitors, and the levels of TPC2 gradually rebounded during the late stages of neurogenesis. Correspondingly, TPC2 knockdown accelerated mouse ES cell differentiation into neural progenitors but inhibited these neural progenitors from committing to neurons. Overexpression of TPC2, on the other hand, inhibited mouse ES cell from entering the early neural lineage. Interestingly, TPC2 knockdown had no effect on the differentiation of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes of mouse ES cells. Taken together, our data indicate that TPC2 signaling plays a temporal and differential role in modulating the neural lineage entry of mouse ES cells, in that TPC2 signaling inhibits ES cell entry to early neural progenitors, but is required for late neuronal differentiation. PMID:23776607

The effect of differentiation agents on inflammatory and oxidative responses of the human neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-SH.

PubMed

Niewiarowska-Sendo, Anna; Patrzalek, Katarzyna; Kozik, Andrzej; Guevara-Lora, Ibeth

2015-01-01

Obtaining a suitable experimental cellular model is a major problem for neuroscience studies. Neuroblastoma cell lines have been often applied in studies related to pathological disorders of nervous system. However, in the search for an ideal model, these cells must be differentiated to cancel their tumor character. The subsequent reactions that are caused by differentiation are not always indifferent to the same model. We evaluated the effect of two well known substances, used for SH-N-SK cell line differentiation, retinoic acid (RA) and phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), on the induction of pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidative reactions in these cells. Cells differentiated with PMA were able to produce significantly higher amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines whereas the release of nitric oxide radicals was similar to that in undifferentiated cells. On the contrary, in RA-differentiated cells no significant changes in cytokine production were observed and the nitric oxide release was decreased. Additionally, the RA-differentiated neuronal model was more sensible to lipopolysaccharide stimulation, producing pro-inflammatory cytokines abundantly. These results suggest that RA-differentiated SH-N-SK cells provide a more suitable experimental model for the study of molecular and cellular mechanisms of the inflammation and oxidative stress in neuronal cells.

Bladder Smooth Muscle Cells Differentiation from Dental Pulp Stem Cells: Future Potential for Bladder Tissue Engineering

PubMed Central

Song, Bing; Jiang, Wenkai; Alraies, Amr; Liu, Qian; Gudla, Vijay; Oni, Julia; Wei, Xiaoqing; Sloan, Alastair; Ni, Longxing; Agarwal, Meena

2016-01-01

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are multipotent cells capable of differentiating into multiple cell lines, thus providing an alternative source of cell for tissue engineering. Smooth muscle cell (SMC) regeneration is a crucial step in tissue engineering of the urinary bladder. It is known that DPSCs have the potential to differentiate into a smooth muscle phenotype in vitro with differentiation agents. However, most of these studies are focused on the vascular SMCs. The optimal approaches to induce human DPSCs to differentiate into bladder SMCs are still under investigation. We demonstrate in this study the ability of human DPSCs to differentiate into bladder SMCs in a growth environment containing bladder SMCs-conditioned medium with the addition of the transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1). After 14 days of exposure to this medium, the gene and protein expression of SMC-specific marker (α-SMA, desmin, and calponin) increased over time. In particular, myosin was present in differentiated cells after 11 days of induction, which indicated that the cells differentiated into the mature SMCs. These data suggested that human DPSCs could be used as an alternative and less invasive source of stem cells for smooth muscle regeneration, a technology that has applications for bladder tissue engineering. PMID:26880982

Piwi Is Required in Multiple Cell Types to Control Germline Stem Cell Lineage Development in the Drosophila Ovary

PubMed Central

Ma, Xing; Wang, Su; Do, Trieu; Song, Xiaoqing; Inaba, Mayu; Nishimoto, Yoshiya; Liu, Lu-ping; Gao, Yuan; Mao, Ying; Li, Hui; McDowell, William; Park, Jungeun; Malanowski, Kate; Peak, Allison; Perera, Anoja; Li, Hua; Gaudenz, Karin; Haug, Jeff; Yamashita, Yukiko; Lin, Haifan; Ni, Jian-quan; Xie, Ting

2014-01-01

The piRNA pathway plays an important role in maintaining genome stability in the germ line by silencing transposable elements (TEs) from fly to mammals. As a highly conserved piRNA pathway component, Piwi is widely expressed in both germ cells and somatic cells in the Drosophila ovary and is required for piRNA production in both cell types. In addition to its known role in somatic cap cells to maintain germline stem cells (GSCs), this study has demonstrated that Piwi has novel functions in somatic cells and germ cells of the Drosophila ovary to promote germ cell differentiation. Piwi knockdown in escort cells causes a reduction in escort cell (EC) number and accumulation of undifferentiated germ cells, some of which show active BMP signaling, indicating that Piwi is required to maintain ECs and promote germ cell differentiation. Simultaneous knockdown of dpp, encoding a BMP, in ECs can partially rescue the germ cell differentiation defect, indicating that Piwi is required in ECs to repress dpp. Consistent with its key role in piRNA production, TE transcripts increase significantly and DNA damage is also elevated in the piwi knockdown somatic cells. Germ cell-specific knockdown of piwi surprisingly causes depletion of germ cells before adulthood, suggesting that Piwi might control primordial germ cell maintenance or GSC establishment. Finally, Piwi inactivation in the germ line of the adult ovary leads to gradual GSC loss and germ cell differentiation defects, indicating the intrinsic role of Piwi in adult GSC maintenance and differentiation. This study has revealed new germline requirement of Piwi in controlling GSC maintenance and lineage differentiation as well as its new somatic function in promoting germ cell differentiation. Therefore, Piwi is required in multiple cell types to control GSC lineage development in the Drosophila ovary. PMID:24658126

Derivation and characterization of Chinese human embryonic stem cell line with high potential to differentiate into pancreatic and hepatic cells.

PubMed

Shi, Cheng; Shen, Huan; Jiang, Wei; Song, Zhi-Hua; Wang, Cheng-Yan; Wei, Li-Hui

2011-04-01

Human embryonic stem cells have prospective uses in regenerative medicine and drug screening. Every human embryonic stem cell line has its own genetic background, which determines its specific ability for differentiation as well as susceptibility to drugs. It is necessary to compile many human embryonic stem cell lines with various backgrounds for future clinical use, especially in China due to its large population. This study contributes to isolating new Chinese human embryonic stem cell lines with clarified directly differentiation ability. Donated embryos that exceeded clinical use in our in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) center were collected to establish human embryonic stem cells lines with informed consent. The classic growth factors of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and recombinant human leukaemia inhibitory factor (hLIF) for culturing embryonic stem cells were used to capture the stem cells from the plated embryos. Mechanical and enzymetic methods were used to propagate the newly established human embryonic stem cells line. The new cell line was checked for pluripotent characteristics with detecting the expression of stemness genes and observing spontaneous differentiation both in vitro and in vivo. Finally similar step-wise protocols from definitive endoderm to target specific cells were used to check the cell line's ability to directly differentiate into pancreatic and hepatic cells. We generated a new Chinese human embryonic stem cells line, CH1. This cell line showed the same characteristics as other reported Chinese human embryonic stem cells lines: normal morphology, karyotype and pluripotency in vitro and in vivo. The CH1 cells could be directly differentiated towards pancreatic and hepatic cells with equal efficiency compared to the H1 cell line. This newly established Chinese cell line, CH1, which is pluripotent and has high potential to differentiate into pancreatic and hepatic cells, will provide a useful tool for embryo development research, along with clinical treatments for diabetes and some hepatic diseases.

[Differentiation of bone marrow derived from mesenchymal stem cells into cardiomyocyte-like cells induced by co-culture with rat myocardial cells].

PubMed

Zhang, Rong-Li; Jiang, Er-Lie; Wang, Mei; Zhou, Zheng; Zhai, Wen-Jing; Zhai, Wei-Hua; Wang, Hua; Wang, Zhi-Yong; Bao, Yu-Shi; DU, Hong; Han, Ming-Zhe

2008-10-01

The study was purposed to investigate the differentiation ability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into myocardial cells in vitro. Rat bone marrow-derived MSCs were labeled and co-cultured with neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (CM) for 5 - 7 days. The expression of cell surface antigens was detected by flow cytometry, and the expression of muscle-specific marker myosin and troponin T in labeled cells was detected by immunofluorescence. The results showed that in vitro cultured MSCs expressed CD90, CD44, CD105, CD54, not expressed CD34, CD45, CD31. After co-cultured with neonatal rat CM, labeled MSCs differentiated into cardiomyocyte-like cells expressing myosin and troponin T. It is concluded that MSCs can differentiate into cardiomyocyte-like cells when co-cultured with neonatal myocardial cells in vitro. In co-culture of two kind of cells in ratio of four to one showed obvious efficacy differentiating MSCs into CMs.

Thermogelling 3D Systems towards Stem Cell-Based Tissue Regeneration Therapies.

PubMed

Wang, Xiaoyuan; Young, David James; Wu, Yun-Long; Loh, Xian Jun

2018-03-02

Stem cell culturing and differentiation is a very important research direction for tissue engineering. Thermogels are well suited for encapsulating cells because of their non-biotoxic nature and mild sol-gel transition as temperature increases. In particular, thermogels provide a 3D growth environment for stem cell growth, which is more similar to the extracellular matrix than flat substrates, so thermogels as a medium can overcome many of the cell abnormalities caused by 2D cell growth. In this review, we summarize the applications of thermogels in cell and stem cell culture in recent years. We also elaborate on the methods to induce stem cell differentiation by using thermogel-based 3D scaffolds. In particular, thermogels, encapsulating specific differentiation-inducing factor and having specific structures and moduli, can induce the differentiation into the desired tissue cells. Three dimensional thermogel scaffolds that control the growth and differentiation of cells will undoubtedly have a bright future in regenerative medicine.

Identification of Baicalin as an Immunoregulatory Compound by Controlling TH17 Cell Differentiation

PubMed Central

Chu, Yiwei; Li, Ming

2011-01-01

TH17 cells have been implicated in a growing list of inflammatory disorders. Antagonism of TH17 cells can be used for the treatment of inflammatory injury. Currently, very little is known about the natural compound controlling the differentiation of TH17 cells. Here, we showed that Baicalin, a compound isolated from a Chinese herb, inhibited TH17 cell differentiation both in vitro and in vivo. Baicalin might inhibit newly generated TH17 cells via reducing RORγt expression, and together with up-regulating Foxp3 expression to suppress RORγt-mediated IL-17 expression in established TH17 cells. In vivo treatment with Baicalin could inhibit TH17 cell differentiation, restrain TH17 cells infiltration into kidney, and protect MRL/lpr mice against nephritis. Our findings not only demonstrate that Baicalin could control TH17 cell differentiation but also suggest that Baicalin might be a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of TH17 cells-mediated inflammatory diseases. PMID:21359178

Effect of cell density on adipogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lu, Hongxu; Biomaterials Center, National Institute for Materials Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044; Guo, Likun

2009-04-10

The effect of cell density on the adipogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) was investigated by using a patterning technique to induce the formation of a cell density gradient on a micropatterned surface. The adipogenic differentiation of MSCs at a density gradient from 5 x 10{sup 3} to 3 x 10{sup 4} cells/cm{sup 2} was examined. Lipid vacuoles were observed at all cell densities after 1-3 weeks of culture in adipogenic differentiation medium although the lipid vacuoles were scarce at the low cell density and abundant at the high cell density. Real-time RT-PCR analysis showed thatmore » adipogenesis marker genes encoding peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor {gamma}2 (PPAR{gamma}2), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), and fatty acid binding protein-4 (FABP4) were detected in the MSCs cultured at all cell densities. The results suggest that there was no apparent effect of cell density on the adipogenic differentiation of human MSCs.« less

Suspension culture of pluripotent stem cells: effect of shear on stem cell fate.

PubMed

Keller, Kevin C; Rodrigues, Beatriz; zur Nieden, Nicole I

2014-01-01

Despite significant promise, the routine usage of suspension cell culture to manufacture stem cell-derived differentiated cells has progressed slowly. Suspension culture is an innovative way of either expanding or differentiating cells and sometimes both are combined into a single bioprocess. Its advantages over static 2D culturing include a homogeneous and controllable culture environment and producing a large quantity of cells in a fraction of time. This feature makes suspension cell culture ideal for use in stem cell research and eventually ideal in the large-scale production of differentiated cells for regenerative medicine. Because of their tremendous differentiation capacities and unlimited growth properties, pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) in particular are considered potential sources for future cell-replacement therapies. Currently, expansion of PSCs is accomplished in 2D, which only permits a limited amount of cell growth per culture flask before cells need to be passaged. However, before stem cells can be applied clinically, several aspects of their expansion, such as directed growth, but also differentiation, need to be better controlled. This review will summarize recent advantages in suspension culture of PSCs, while at the same time highlighting current challenges.

Growth and differentiation of embryonic stem cells that lack an intact c-fos gene.

PubMed Central

Field, S J; Johnson, R S; Mortensen, R M; Papaioannou, V E; Spiegelman, B M; Greenberg, M E

1992-01-01

The c-fos protooncogene encodes a transcription factor that is thought to play a critical role in proliferation and differentiation as well as in the physiological response of mature cells to their environment. To test directly the role of c-fos in growth and differentiation, we generated mouse embryonic stem cell lines in which both copies of the c-fos gene were specifically disrupted by homologous recombination. Remarkably, the disruption of both copies of c-fos in these cells has no detectable effect on embryonic stem cell viability, growth rate, or differentiation potential. Embryonic stem cells lacking c-fos can differentiate into a wide range of cell types in tissue culture and also in chimeric mice. We conclude that despite a large body of literature suggesting an important role for c-fos in cell growth and differentiation, in at least some cell types this gene is not essential for these processes. Images PMID:1329091

Generation of Epithelial Cell Populations from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Using a Small-Molecule Inhibitor of Src Family Kinases.

PubMed

Selekman, Joshua A; Lian, Xiaojun; Palecek, Sean P

2016-01-01

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), under the right conditions, can be engineered to generate populations of any somatic cell type. Knowledge of what mechanisms govern differentiation towards a particular lineage is often quite useful for efficiently producing somatic cell populations from hPSCs. Here, we have outlined a strategy for deriving populations of simple epithelial cells, as well as more mature epidermal keratinocyte progenitors, from hPSCs by exploiting a mechanism previously shown to direct epithelial differentiation of hPSCs. Specifically, we describe how to direct epithelial differentiation of hPSCs using an Src family kinase inhibitor, SU6656, which has been shown to modulate β-catenin translocation to the cell membrane and thus promote epithelial differentiation. The differentiation platform outlined here produces cells with the ability to terminally differentiate to epidermal keratinocytes in culture through a stable simple epithelial cell intermediate that can be expanded in culture for numerous (>10) passages.

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) facilitates differentiation of adult dorsal root ganglia-derived neural stem cells toward Schwann cells by binding to FGFR-1 through MAPK/ERK activation.

PubMed

Gu, Yun; Xue, Chenbin; Zhu, Jianbin; Sun, Hualin; Ding, Fei; Cao, Zheng; Gu, Xiaosong

2014-04-01

Considerable research has been devoted to unraveling the regulation of neural stem cell (NSC) differentiation. The responses of NSCs to various differentiation-inducing stimuli, however, are still difficult to estimate. In this study, we aimed to search for a potent growth factor that was able to effectively induce differentiation of NSCs toward Schwann cells. NSCs were isolated from dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) of adult rats and identified by immunostaining. Three different growth factors were used to stimulate the differentiation of DRG-derived NSCs (DRG-NSCs). We found that among these three growth factors, bFGF was the strongest inducer for the glial differentiation of DRG-NSCs, and bFGF induced the generation of an increased number of Schwann cell-like cells as compared to nerve growth factor (NGF) and neuregulin1-β (NRG). These Schwann cell-like cells demonstrated the same characteristics as those of primary Schwann cells. Furthermore, we noted that bFGF-induced differentiation of DRG-NSCs toward Schwann cells might be mediated by binding to fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 (FGFR-1) through activation of MAPK/ERK signal pathway.

Trithorax complex component Menin controls differentiation and maintenance of T helper 17 cells

PubMed Central

Watanabe, Yukiko; Onodera, Atsushi; Kanai, Urara; Ichikawa, Tomomi; Obata-Ninomiya, Kazushige; Wada, Tomoko; Kiuchi, Masahiro; Iwamura, Chiaki; Tumes, Damon J.; Shinoda, Kenta; Yagi, Ryoji; Motohashi, Shinichiro; Hirahara, Kiyoshi; Nakayama, Toshinori

2014-01-01

Epigenetic modifications, such as posttranslational modifications of histones, play an important role in gene expression and regulation. These modifications are in part mediated by the Trithorax group (TrxG) complex and the Polycomb group (PcG) complex, which activate and repress transcription, respectively. We herein investigate the role of Menin, a component of the TrxG complex in T helper (Th) cell differentiation and show a critical role for Menin in differentiation and maintenance of Th17 cells. Menin−/− T cells do not efficiently differentiate into Th17 cells, leaving Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation intact in in vitro cultures. Menin deficiency resulted in the attenuation of Th17-induced airway inflammation. In differentiating Th17 cells, Menin directly bound to the Il17a gene locus and was required for the deposition of permissive histone modifications and recruitment of the RNA polymerase II transcriptional complex. Interestingly, although Menin bound to the Rorc locus, Menin was dispensable for the induction of Rorc expression and permissive histone modifications in differentiating Th17 cells. In contrast, Menin was required to maintain expression of Rorc in differentiated Th17 cells, indicating that Menin is essential to stabilize expression of the Rorc gene. Thus, Menin orchestrates Th17 cell differentiation and function by regulating both the induction and maintenance of target gene expression. PMID:25136117

SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line: in vitro cell model of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Xie, Hong-rong; Hu, Lin-sen; Li, Guo-yi

2010-04-20

To evaluate the human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line as an in vitro model of dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons for Parkinson's disease (PD) research and to determine the effect of differentiation on this cell model. The data of this review were selected from the original reports and reviews related to SH-SY5Y cells published in Chinese and foreign journals (Pubmed 1973 to 2009). After searching the literature, 60 articles were selected to address this review. The SH-SY5Y cell line has become a popular cell model for PD research because this cell line posses many characteristics of DAergic neurons. For example, these cells express tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase, as well as the dopamine transporter. Moreover, this cell line can be differentiated into a functionally mature neuronal phenotype in the presence of various agents. Upon differentiation, SH-SY5Y cells stop proliferating and a constant cell number is subsequently maintained. However, different differentiating agents induce different neuronal phenotypes and biochemical changes. For example, retinoic acid induces differentiation toward a cholinergic neuronal phenotype and increases the susceptibility of SH-SY5Y cells to neurotoxins and neuroprotective agents, whereas treatment with retinoic acid followed by phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate results in a DAergic neuronal phenotype and decreases the susceptibility of cells to neurotoxins and neuroprotective agents. Some differentiating agents also alter kinetics of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-pyridinium (MPP(+)) uptake, making SH-SY5Y cells more similar to primary mesencephalic neurons. Differentiated and undifferentiated SH-SY5Y cells have been widely used as a cell model of DAergic neurons for PD research. Some differentiating agents afford SH-SY5Y cells with more potential for studying neurotoxicity and neuroprotection and are thus more relevant to experimental PD research.

CCK processing by pituitary GH3 cells, human teratocarcinoma cells NT2 and hNT differentiated human neuronal cells evidence for a differentiation-induced change in enzyme expression and pro CCK processing.

PubMed

Beinfeld, Margery C; Wang, Wenge

2002-02-01

Human teratocarcinoma Ntera2/c 1.D1 (NT2) cells express very low levels of the prohormone convertase enzyme PC1, moderate levels of PC2 and significant levels of PC5. When infected with an adenovirus which expresses rat CCK mRNA, several glycine-extended forms were secreted that co-eluted with CCK 33, 22 and 12. Amidated CCK is not produced because these cells appear to lack the amidating enzyme. Pituitary GH3 cells express high levels of PC2 and PC5. CCK adenovirus-infected GH3 cells secrete amidated versions of the same peptides as NT2 cells. Differentiation of NT2 cells into hNT cells with retinoic acid and mitotic inhibitors increased expression of PC5 and decreased expression of PCI and PC2. CCK adenovirus-infected differentiated hNT cells also secrete glycine extended CCK products and the major molecular form produced co-eluted with CCK 8 Gly. These experiments demonstrate that the state of differentiation of this neuronal cell line influences its expression of PC 1,2, and 5 and its cleavage of pro CCK and suggests that these cells may make an interesting model to study how differentiation alters prohormone processing. These results also support the hypothesis that PC5 in differentiated neuronal cells is capable of processing pro CCK to glycine-extended CCK 8.

Apoptosis in differentiating C2C12 muscle cells selectively targets Bcl-2-deficient myotubes

PubMed Central

Schoneich, Christian; Dremina, Elena; Galeva, Nadezhda; Sharov, Victor

2014-01-01

Muscle cell apoptosis accompanies normal muscle development and regeneration, as well as degenerative diseases and aging. C2C12 murine myoblast cells represent a common model to study muscle differentiation. Though it was already shown that myogenic differentiation of C2C12 cells is accompanied by enhanced apoptosis in a fraction of cells, either the cell population sensitive to apoptosis or regulatory mechanisms for the apoptotic response are unclear so far. In the current study we characterize apoptotic phenotypes of different types of C2C12 cells at all stages of differentiation, and report here that myotubes of differentiated C2C12 cells with low levels of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression are particularly vulnerable to apoptosis even though they are displaying low levels of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax, Bak and Bad. In contrast, reserve cells exhibit higher levels of Bcl-2 and high resistance to apoptosis. The transfection of proliferating myoblasts with Bcl-2 prior to differentiation did not protect against spontaneous apoptosis accompanying differentiation of C2C12 cell but led to Bcl-2 overexpression in myotubes and to significant protection from apoptotic cell loss caused by exposure to hydrogen peroxide. Overall, our data advocate for a Bcl-2-dependent mechanism of apoptosis in differentiated muscle cells. However, downstream processes for spontaneous and hydrogen peroxide induced apoptosis are not completely similar. Apoptosis in differentiating myoblasts and myotubes is regulated not through interaction of Bcl-2 with pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins such as Bax, Bak, and Bad. PMID:24129924

CTCF-Mediated and Pax6-Associated Gene Expression in Corneal Epithelial Cell-Specific Differentiation

PubMed Central

Tsui, Shanli; Wang, Jie; Wang, Ling; Dai, Wei; Lu, Luo

2016-01-01

Background The purpose of the study is to elicit the epigenetic mechanism involving CCCTC binding factor (CTCF)-mediated chromatin remodeling that regulates PAX6 gene interaction with differentiation-associated genes to control corneal epithelial differentiation. Methods Cell cycle progression and specific keratin expressions were measured to monitor changes of differentiation-induced primary human limbal stem/progenitor (HLS/P), human corneal epithelial (HCE) and human telomerase-immortalized corneal epithelial (HTCE) cells. PAX6-interactive and differentiation-associated genes in chromatin remodeling mediated by the epigenetic factor CTCF were detected by circular chromosome conformation capture (4C) and ChIP (Chromatin immunoprecipitation)-on-chip approaches, and verified by FISH (Fluorescent in situ hybridization). Furthermore, CTCF activities were altered by CTCF-shRNA to study the effect of CTCF on mediating interaction of Pax6 and differentiation-associated genes in corneal epithelial cell fate. Results Our results demonstrated that differentiation-induced human corneal epithelial cells expressed typical corneal epithelial characteristics including morphological changes, increased keratin12 expression and G0/G1 accumulations. Expressions of CTCF and PAX6 were suppressed and elevated following the process of differentiation, respectively. During corneal epithelial cell differentiation, differentiation-induced RCN1 and ADAM17 were found interacting with PAX6 in the process of CTCF-mediated chromatin remodeling detected by 4C and verified by ChIP-on-chip and FISH. Diminished CTCF mRNA with CTCF-shRNA in HTCE cells weakened the interaction of PAX6 gene in controlling RCN1/ADAM17 and enhanced early onset of the genes in cell differentiation. Conclusion Our results explain how epigenetic factor CTCF-mediated chromatin remodeling regulates interactions between eye-specific PAX6 and those genes that are induced/associated with cell differentiation to modulate corneal epithelial cell-specific differentiation. PMID:27583466

Zinc Promotes Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Proliferation and Differentiation towards a Neuronal Fate.

PubMed

Moon, Mi-Young; Kim, Hyun Jung; Choi, Bo Young; Sohn, Min; Chung, Tae Nyoung; Suh, Sang Won

2018-01-01

Zinc is an essential element required for cell division, migration, and proliferation. Under zinc-deficient conditions, proliferation and differentiation of neural progenitors are significantly impaired. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) are multipotent stem cells that can differentiate into neurons. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of zinc on AD-MSC proliferation and differentiation. We initially examined the effect of zinc on stem cell proliferation at the undifferentiated stage. AD-MSCs showed high proliferation rates on day 6 in 30  μ M and 100  μ M of ZnCl 2 . Zinc chelation inhibited AD-MSC proliferation via downregulation of ERK1/2 activity. We then assessed whether zinc was involved in cell migration and neurite outgrowth during differentiation. After three days of neuronal differentiation, TUJ-1-positive cells were observed, implying that AD-MSCs had differentiated into early neuron or neuron-like cells. Neurite outgrowth was increased in the zinc-treated group, while the CaEDTA-treated group showed diminished, shrunken neurites. Furthermore, we showed that zinc promoted neurite outgrowth via the inactivation of RhoA and led to the induction of neuronal gene expression (MAP2 and nestin) in differentiated stem cells. Taken together, zinc promoted AD-MSC proliferation and affected neuronal differentiation, mainly by increasing neurite outgrowth.

Adaptive and Pathogenic Responses to Stress by Stem Cells during Development.

PubMed

Mansouri, Ladan; Xie, Yufen; Rappolee, Daniel A

2012-12-10

Cellular stress is the basis of a dose-dependent continuum of responses leading to adaptive health or pathogenesis. For all cells, stress leads to reduction in macromolecular synthesis by shared pathways and tissue and stress-specific homeostatic mechanisms. For stem cells during embryonic, fetal, and placental development, higher exposures of stress lead to decreased anabolism, macromolecular synthesis and cell proliferation. Coupled with diminished stem cell proliferation is a stress-induced differentiation which generates minimal necessary function by producing more differentiated product/cell. This compensatory differentiation is accompanied by a second strategy to insure organismal survival as multipotent and pluripotent stem cells differentiate into the lineages in their repertoire. During stressed differentiation, the first lineage in the repertoire is increased and later lineages are suppressed, thus prioritized differentiation occurs. Compensatory and prioritized differentiation is regulated by at least two types of stress enzymes. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) which mediates loss of nuclear potency factors and stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) that does not. SAPK mediates an increase in the first essential lineage and decreases in later lineages in placental stem cells. The clinical significance of compensatory and prioritized differentiation is that stem cell pools are depleted and imbalanced differentiation leads to gestational diseases and long term postnatal pathologies.

Olive (Olea europaea) Leaf Extract Induces Apoptosis and Monocyte/Macrophage Differentiation in Human Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia K562 Cells: Insight into the Underlying Mechanism

PubMed Central

Han, Junkyu; Jlaiel, Lobna; Sayadi, Sami; Isoda, Hiroko

2014-01-01

Differentiation therapy is an attractive approach aiming at reversing malignancy and reactivating endogenous differentiation programs in cancer cells. Olive leaf extract, known for its antioxidant activity, has been demonstrated to induce apoptosis in several cancer cells. However, its differentiation inducing properties and the mechanisms involved are still poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of Chemlali Olive Leaf Extract (COLE) for its potential differentiation inducing effect on multipotent leukemia K562 cells. Results showed that COLE inhibits K562 cells proliferation and arrests the cell cycle at G0/G1, and then at G2/M phase over treatment time. Further analysis revealed that COLE induces apoptosis and differentiation of K562 cells toward the monocyte lineage. Microarray analysis was conducted to investigate the underlying mechanism of COLE differentiation inducing effect. The differentially expressed genes such as IFI16, EGR1, NFYA, FOXP1, CXCL2, CXCL3, and CXCL8 confirmed the commitment of K562 cells to the monocyte/macrophage lineage. Thus our results provide evidence that, in addition to apoptosis, induction of differentiation is one of the possible therapeutic effects of olive leaf in cancer cells. PMID:24803988

Olive (Olea europaea) leaf extract induces apoptosis and monocyte/macrophage differentiation in human chronic myelogenous leukemia K562 cells: insight into the underlying mechanism.

PubMed

Samet, Imen; Han, Junkyu; Jlaiel, Lobna; Sayadi, Sami; Isoda, Hiroko

2014-01-01

Differentiation therapy is an attractive approach aiming at reversing malignancy and reactivating endogenous differentiation programs in cancer cells. Olive leaf extract, known for its antioxidant activity, has been demonstrated to induce apoptosis in several cancer cells. However, its differentiation inducing properties and the mechanisms involved are still poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of Chemlali Olive Leaf Extract (COLE) for its potential differentiation inducing effect on multipotent leukemia K562 cells. Results showed that COLE inhibits K562 cells proliferation and arrests the cell cycle at G0/G1, and then at G2/M phase over treatment time. Further analysis revealed that COLE induces apoptosis and differentiation of K562 cells toward the monocyte lineage. Microarray analysis was conducted to investigate the underlying mechanism of COLE differentiation inducing effect. The differentially expressed genes such as IFI16, EGR1, NFYA, FOXP1, CXCL2, CXCL3, and CXCL8 confirmed the commitment of K562 cells to the monocyte/macrophage lineage. Thus our results provide evidence that, in addition to apoptosis, induction of differentiation is one of the possible therapeutic effects of olive leaf in cancer cells.

Clonal analysis of human embryonic stem cell differentiation into teratomas.

PubMed

Blum, Barak; Benvenisty, Nissim

2007-08-01

Differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (HESCs) can be studied in vivo through the induction of teratomas in immune-deficient mice. Cells within the teratomas differentiate into all three embryonic germ layers. However, the exact nature of the proliferation and differentiation of HESCs within the teratoma is not fully characterized, and it is not clear whether the differentiation is cell autonomous or affected by neighboring cells. Here, we establish a genetic approach to study the clonality of differentiation in teratomas using a mixture of HESC lines. We first demonstrate, by means of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation, that cell proliferation occurs throughout the teratoma, and that there are no clusters of undifferentiated-proliferating cells. Using a combination of laser capture microdissection and DNA fingerprinting analysis, we show that different cell lines contribute mutually to the same distinctive tissue structures. Further support for the nonclonal differentiation within the teratoma was achieved by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of sex chromosomes. We therefore suggest that in vivo differentiation of HESCs is polyclonal and, thus, may not be cell autonomous, stressing the need for a three-dimensional growth in order to achieve complex differentiation of HESCs. Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.

Forced expression of Hnf4a induces hepatic gene activation through directed differentiation.

PubMed

Yahoo, Neda; Pournasr, Behshad; Rostamzadeh, Jalal; Fathi, Fardin

2016-08-05

Embryonic stem (ES) cells are capable of unlimited self-renewal and have a diverse differentiation potential. These unique features make ES cells as an attractive source for developmental biology studies. Having the mature hepatocyte in the lab with functional activities is valuable in drug discovery studies. Overexpression of hepatocyte lineage-specific transcription factors (TFs) becomes a promising approach in pluripotent cell differentiation toward liver cells. Many studies generate transgenic ES cell lines to examine the effects of specific TFs overexpression in cell differentiation. In the present report, we have addressed whether a suspension or adherent model of differentiation is an appropriate way to study the role of Hnf4a overexpression. We generated ES cells that carried a doxycycline (Dox)-inducible Hnf4a using lentiviral vectors. The transduced cells were subjected to induced Hnf4a overexpression through both spontaneous and directed differentiation methods. Gene expression analysis showed substantially increased expression of hepatic gene markers, particularly Ttr and endogenous Hnf4a, in transduced cells differentiated by the directed approach. These results demonstrated that forced expression of TFs during directed differentiation would be an appropriate way to study relevant gene activation and the effects of overexpression in the context of hepatic differentiation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Adaptive and Pathogenic Responses to Stress by Stem Cells during Development

PubMed Central

Mansouri, Ladan; Xie, Yufen; Rappolee, Daniel A

2012-01-01

Cellular stress is the basis of a dose-dependent continuum of responses leading to adaptive health or pathogenesis. For all cells, stress leads to reduction in macromolecular synthesis by shared pathways and tissue and stress-specific homeostatic mechanisms. For stem cells during embryonic, fetal, and placental development, higher exposures of stress lead to decreased anabolism, macromolecular synthesis and cell proliferation. Coupled with diminished stem cell proliferation is a stress-induced differentiation which generates minimal necessary function by producing more differentiated product/cell. This compensatory differentiation is accompanied by a second strategy to insure organismal survival as multipotent and pluripotent stem cells differentiate into the lineages in their repertoire. During stressed differentiation, the first lineage in the repertoire is increased and later lineages are suppressed, thus prioritized differentiation occurs. Compensatory and prioritized differentiation is regulated by at least two types of stress enzymes. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) which mediates loss of nuclear potency factors and stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK) that does not. SAPK mediates an increase in the first essential lineage and decreases in later lineages in placental stem cells. The clinical significance of compensatory and prioritized differentiation is that stem cell pools are depleted and imbalanced differentiation leads to gestational diseases and long term postnatal pathologies. PMID:24710551

Differentiation of Odontoblast-Like Cells From Mouse Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells by Pax9 and Bmp4 Transfection.

PubMed

Seki, Daisuke; Takeshita, Nobuo; Oyanagi, Toshihito; Sasaki, Shutaro; Takano, Ikuko; Hasegawa, Masakazu; Takano-Yamamoto, Teruko

2015-09-01

The field of tooth regeneration has progressed in recent years, and human tooth regeneration could become viable in the future. Because induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells can differentiate into odontogenic cells given appropriate conditions, iPS cells are a potential cell source for tooth regeneration. However, a definitive method to induce iPS cell-derived odontogenic cells has not been established. We describe a novel method of odontoblast differentiation from iPS cells using gene transfection. We generated mouse iPS cell-derived neural crest-like cells (iNCLCs), which exhibited neural crest markers. Next, we differentiated iNCLCs into odontoblast-like cells by transfection of Pax9 and Bmp4 expression plasmids. Exogenous Pax9 upregulated expression of Msx1 and dentin matrix protein 1 (Dmp1) in iNCLCs but not bone morphogenetic protein 4 (Bmp4) or dentin sialophosphoprotein (Dspp). Exogenous Bmp4 upregulated expression of Msx1, Dmp1, and Dspp in iNCLCs, but not Pax9. Moreover, cotransfection of Pax9 and Bmp4 plasmids in iNCLCs revealed a higher expression of Pax9 than when Pax9 plasmid was used alone. In contrast, exogenous Pax9 downregulated Bmp4 overexpression. Cotransfection of Pax9 and Bmp4 synergistically upregulated Dmp1 expression; however, Pax9 overexpression downregulated exogenous Bmp4-induced Dspp expression. Together, these findings suggest that an interaction between exogenous Pax9- and Bmp4-induced signaling modulated Dmp1 and Dspp expression. In conclusion, transfection of Pax9 and Bmp4 expression plasmids in iNCLCs induced gene expression associated with odontoblast differentiation, suggesting that iNCLCs differentiated into odontoblast-like cells. The iPS cell-derived odontoblast-like cells could be a useful cell source for tooth regeneration. It has been reported that induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells differentiate into odontogenic cells by administration of recombinant growth factors and coculture with odontogenic cells. Therefore, they can be potential cell sources for tooth regeneration. However, these previous methods still have problems, such as usage of other cell types, heterogeneity of differentiated cells, and tumorigenicity. In the present study, a novel method to differentiate iPS cells into odontoblast-like cells without tumorigenicity using gene transfection was established. It is an important advance in the establishment of efficient methods to generate homogeneous functional odontogenic cells derived from iPS cells. ©AlphaMed Press.

Pak3 promotes cell cycle exit and differentiation of β-cells in the embryonic pancreas and is necessary to maintain glucose homeostasis in adult mice.

PubMed

Piccand, Julie; Meunier, Aline; Merle, Carole; Jia, Zhengping; Barnier, Jean-Vianney; Gradwohl, Gérard

2014-01-01

The transcription factor neurogenin3 (Ngn3) triggers islet cell differentiation in the developing pancreas. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms coupling cell cycle exit and differentiation in Ngn3(+) islet progenitors. We identified a novel effector of Ngn3 endocrinogenic function, the p21 protein-activated kinase Pak3, known to control neuronal differentiation and implicated in X-linked intellectual disability in humans. We show that Pak3 expression is initiated in Ngn3(+) endocrine progenitor cells and next maintained in maturing hormone-expressing cells during pancreas development as well as in adult islet cells. In Pak3-deficient embryos, the proliferation of Ngn3(+) progenitors and β-cells is transiently increased concomitantly with an upregulation of Ccnd1. β-Cell differentiation is impaired at E15.5 but resumes at later stages. Pak3-deficient mice do not develop overt diabetes but are glucose intolerant under high-fat diet (HFD). In the intestine, Pak3 is expressed in enteroendocrine cells but is not necessary for their differentiation. Our results indicate that Pak3 is a novel regulator of β-cell differentiation and function. Pak3 acts downstream of Ngn3 to promote cell cycle exit and differentiation in the embryo by a mechanism that might involve repression of Ccnd1. In the adult, Pak3 is required for the proper control of glucose homeostasis under challenging HFD.

Heparanase confers a growth advantage to differentiating murine embryonic stem cells, and enhances oligodendrocyte formation.

PubMed

Xiong, Anqi; Kundu, Soumi; Forsberg, Maud; Xiong, Yuyuan; Bergström, Tobias; Paavilainen, Tanja; Kjellén, Lena; Li, Jin-Ping; Forsberg-Nilsson, Karin

2017-10-01

Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), ubiquitous components of mammalian cells, play important roles in development and homeostasis. These molecules are located primarily on the cell surface and in the pericellular matrix, where they interact with a multitude of macromolecules, including many growth factors. Manipulation of the enzymes involved in biosynthesis and modification of HSPG structures alters the properties of stem cells. Here, we focus on the involvement of heparanase (HPSE), the sole endo-glucuronidase capable of cleaving of HS, in differentiation of embryonic stem cells into the cells of the neural lineage. Embryonic stem (ES) cells overexpressing HPSE (Hpse-Tg) proliferated more rapidly than WT ES cells in culture and formed larger teratomas in vivo. In addition, differentiating Hpse-Tg ES cells also had a higher growth rate, and overexpression of HPSE in NSPCs enhanced Erk and Akt phosphorylation. Employing a two-step, monolayer differentiation, we observed an increase in HPSE as wild-type (WT) ES cells differentiated into neural stem and progenitor cells followed by down-regulation of HPSE as these NSPCs differentiated into mature cells of the neural lineage. Furthermore, NSPCs overexpressing HPSE gave rise to more oligodendrocytes than WT cultures, with a concomitant reduction in the number of neurons. Our present findings emphasize the importance of HS, in neural differentiation and suggest that by regulating the availability of growth factors and, or other macromolecules, HPSE promotes differentiation into oligodendrocytes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A kinetic investigation of interacting, stimulated T cells identifies conditions for rapid functional enhancement, minimal phenotype differentiation, and improved adoptive cell transfer tumor eradication

PubMed Central

Zhou, Jing; Bethune, Michael T.; Malkova, Natalia; Sutherland, Alexander M.; Comin-Anduix, Begonya; Su, Yapeng; Baltimore, David; Ribas, Antoni

2018-01-01

For adoptive cell transfer (ACT) immunotherapy of tumor-reactive T cells, an effective therapeutic outcome depends upon cell dose, cell expansion in vivo through a minimally differentiated phenotype, long term persistence, and strong cytolytic effector function. An incomplete understanding of the biological coupling between T cell expansion, differentiation, and response to stimulation hinders the co-optimization of these factors. We report on a biophysical investigation of how the short-term kinetics of T cell functional activation, through molecular stimulation and cell-cell interactions, competes with phenotype differentiation. T cells receive molecular stimulation for a few minutes to a few hours in bulk culture. Following this priming period, the cells are then analyzed at the transcriptional level, or isolated as single cells, with continuing molecular stimulation, within microchambers for analysis via 11-plex secreted protein assays. We resolve a rapid feedback mechanism, promoted by T cell—T cell contact interactions, which strongly amplifies T cell functional performance while yielding only minimal phenotype differentiation. When tested in mouse models of ACT, optimally primed T cells lead to complete tumor eradication. A similar kinetic process is identified in CD8+ and CD4+ T cells collected from a patient with metastatic melanoma. PMID:29360859

Spectral Monitoring of Surfactant Clearance during Alveolar Epithelial Type II Cell Differentiation

PubMed Central

Swain, Robin J.; Kemp, Sarah J.; Goldstraw, Peter; Tetley, Teresa D.; Stevens, Molly M.

2008-01-01

In this study, we report on the noninvasive identification of spectral markers of alveolar type II (ATII) cell differentiation in vitro using Raman microspectroscopy. ATII cells are progenitor cells for alveolar type I (ATI) cells in vivo, and spontaneously differentiate toward an ATI-like phenotype in culture. We analyzed undifferentiated and differentiated primary human ATII cells, and correlated Raman spectral changes to cellular changes in morphology and marker protein synthesis (surfactant protein C, alkaline phosphatase, caveolin-1). Undifferentiated ATII cells demonstrated spectra with strong phospholipid vibrations, arising from alveolar surfactant stored within cytoplasmic lamellar bodies (Lbs). Differentiated ATI-like cells yielded spectra with significantly less lipid content. Factor analysis revealed a phospholipid-dominated spectral component as the main discriminator between the ATII and ATI-like phenotypes. Spectral modeling of the data revealed a significant decrease in the spectral contribution of cellular lipids—specifically phosphatidyl choline, the main constituent of surfactant, as ATII cells differentiate. These observations were consistent with the clearance of surfactant from Lbs as ATII cells differentiate, and were further supported by cytochemical staining for Lbs. These results demonstrate the first spectral characterization of primary human ATII cells, and provide insight into the biochemical properties of alveolar surfactant in its unperturbed cellular environment. PMID:18820234

Quantitative Raman spectral changes of the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into islet-like cells by biochemical component analysis and multiple peak fitting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Xin; Fang, Shaoyin; Zhang, Daosen; Zhang, Qinnan; He, Yingtian; Lu, Xiaoxu; Liu, Shengde; Zhong, Liyun

2015-12-01

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiate into islet-like cells, providing a possible solution for type I diabetes treatment. To search for the precise molecular mechanism of the directional differentiation of MSC-derived islet-like cells, biomolecular composition, and structural conformation information during MSC differentiation, is required. Because islet-like cells lack specific surface markers, the commonly employed immunostaining technique is not suitable for their identification, physical separation, and enrichment. Combining Raman spectroscopic data, a fitting accuracy-improved biochemical component analysis, and multiple peaks fitting approach, we identified the quantitative biochemical and intensity change of Raman peaks that show the differentiation of MSCs into islet-like cells. Along with increases in protein and glycogen content, and decreases in deoxyribonucleic acid and ribonucleic acid content, in islet-like cells relative to MSCs, it was found that a characteristic peak of insulin (665 cm-1) has twice the intensity in islet-like cells relative to MSCs, indicating differentiation of MSCs into islet-like cells was successful. Importantly, these Raman signatures provide useful information on the structural and pathological states during MSC differentiation and help to develop noninvasive and label-free Raman sorting methods for stem cells and their lineages.

Miz1, a Novel Target of ING4, Can Drive Prostate Luminal Epithelial Cell Differentiation.

PubMed

Berger, Penny L; Winn, Mary E; Miranti, Cindy K

2017-01-01

How prostate epithelial cells differentiate and how dysregulation of this process contributes to prostate tumorigenesis remain unclear. We recently identified a Myc target and chromatin reader protein, ING4, as a necessary component of human prostate luminal epithelial cell differentiation, which is often lost in primary prostate tumors. Furthermore, loss of ING4 in the context of oncogenic mutations is required for prostate tumorigenesis. Identifying the gene targets of ING4 can provide insight into how its loss disrupts differentiation and leads to prostate cancer. Using a combination of RNA-Seq, a best candidate approach, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), we identified Miz1 as a new ING4 target. ING4 or Miz1 overexpression, shRNA knock-down, and a Myc-binding mutant were used in a human in vitro differentiation assay to assess the role of Miz1 in luminal cell differentiation. ING4 directly binds the Miz1 promoter and is required to induce Miz1 mRNA and protein expression during luminal cell differentiation. Miz1 mRNA was not induced in shING4 expressing cells or tumorigenic cells in which ING4 is not expressed. Miz1 dependency on ING4 was unique to differentiating luminal cells; Miz1 mRNA expression was not induced in basal cells. Although Miz1 is a direct target of ING4, and its overexpression can drive luminal cell differentiation, Miz1 was not required for differentiation. Miz1 is a newly identified ING4-induced target gene which can drive prostate luminal epithelial cell differentiation although it is not absolutely required. Prostate 77:49-59, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Evaluation of a Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell Adherent Cell Differentiation and Cytotoxicity (ACDC) assay (Keystone Sym)

EPA Science Inventory

Our goal is to establish an in vitro model system to evaluate chemical effects using a single stem cell culture technique that would improve throughput and provide quantitative markers of differentiation and cell number. To this end, we have used an adherent cell differentiation ...

Screening ToxCast™ Phase I Chemicals in a Mouse Embryonic Stem Cell Adherent Cell Differentiation and Cytotoxicity (ACDC) Assay

EPA Science Inventory

An Adherent Cell Differentiation and Cytotoxicity (ACDC) in vitro assay with mouse embryonic stem cells was used to screen the ToxCast Phase I chemical library for effects on cellular differentiation and cell number. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the ...

Molecular assessment, characterization, and differentiation of theca stem cells imply the presence of mesenchymal and pluripotent stem cells in sheep ovarian theca layer.

PubMed

Adib, Samane; Valojerdi, Mojtaba Rezazadeh

2017-10-01

The ability of ovarian theca stem cells to differentiate into oocyte and theca cells may lead to a major advancement in reproductive biology and infertility treatments. However, there is little information about function, growth and differentiation potential of these immature cells. In this study adult sheep theca stem cells (TSCs) characteristics, and differentiation potential into osteocyte-like cells (OSLCs), adipocyte-like cells (ALCs), theca progenitor-like cells (TPCs), and oocyte-like cells (OLCs) were investigated. TSCs were isolated, cultured, and compared with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), fibroblast cells (FCs), and pluripotent embryonic ovarian cells (EO). Adherent TSCs were morphologically similar to FCs. Cell cycle analysis showed high proliferation capacity of TSCs. TSCs were positive for the mesenchymal cells surface markers, and also expressed POU5F1. Differentiation potential of TSCs into OSLCs and ALCs were confirmed by alizarin red and oil red staining respectively. OSTEOCALCIN and COL1 were expressed in OSLCs. ALCs were positive for PPARα and LPL. TPCs expressed theca specific genes (GLI2, GLI3, PTCH1, CYP17A1, 3β-HSD and LHR) and secreted testosterone, dehydroepiandrostenedione (DHEA), androstenedione, progesterone and estradiol. Lipid droplets in these steroid cells were viewed by oil red staining. OLCs expressed oocyte-specific marker genes including, ZP3, ZP2, GDF9, SYCP3, PRDM1, STELLA, FRAGILIS, DAZL, as well as POU5F1, and showed separated sphere structure. Our results indicated that TSCs derived from ovarian follicles contain MSCs and pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) that can be differentiated into lineages of mesenchymal origin and are capable of differentiation into TPCs and OLCs under in vitro conditions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The signaling symphony: T cell receptor tunes cytokine-mediated T cell differentiation

PubMed Central

Huang, Weishan; August, Avery

2015-01-01

T cell development, differentiation, and maintenance are orchestrated by 2 key signaling axes: the antigen-specific TCR and cytokine-mediated signals. The TCR signals the recognition of self- and foreign antigens to control T cell homeostasis for immune tolerance and immunity, which is regulated by a variety of cytokines to determine T cell subset homeostasis and differentiation. TCR signaling can synergize with or antagonize cytokine-mediated signaling to fine tune T cell fate; however, the latter is less investigated. Murine models with attenuated TCR signaling strength have revealed that TCR signaling can function as regulatory feedback machinery for T cell homeostasis and differentiation in differential cytokine milieus, such as IL-2-mediated Treg development; IL-7-mediated, naïve CD8+ T cell homeostasis; and IL-4-induced innate memory CD8+ T cell development. In this review, we discuss the symphonic cross-talk between TCR and cytokine-mediated responses that differentially control T cell behavior, with a focus on the negative tuning by TCR activation on the cytokine effects. PMID:25525115

Hyperglycemia Promotes Schwann Cell De-differentiation and De-myelination via Sorbitol Accumulation and Igf1 Protein Down-regulation.

PubMed

Hao, Wu; Tashiro, Syoichi; Hasegawa, Tomoka; Sato, Yuiko; Kobayashi, Tami; Tando, Toshimi; Katsuyama, Eri; Fujie, Atsuhiro; Watanabe, Ryuichi; Morita, Mayu; Miyamoto, Kana; Morioka, Hideo; Nakamura, Masaya; Matsumoto, Morio; Amizuka, Norio; Toyama, Yoshiaki; Miyamoto, Takeshi

2015-07-10

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is frequently accompanied by complications, such as peripheral nerve neuropathy. Schwann cells play a pivotal role in regulating peripheral nerve function and conduction velocity; however, changes in Schwann cell differentiation status in DM are not fully understood. Here, we report that Schwann cells de-differentiate into immature cells under hyperglycemic conditions as a result of sorbitol accumulation and decreased Igf1 expression in those cells. We found that de-differentiated Schwann cells could be re-differentiated in vitro into mature cells by treatment with an aldose reductase inhibitor, to reduce sorbitol levels, or with vitamin D3, to elevate Igf1 expression. In vivo DM models exhibited significantly reduced nerve function and conduction, Schwann cell de-differentiation, peripheral nerve de-myelination, and all conditions were significantly rescued by aldose reductase inhibitor or vitamin D3 administration. These findings reveal mechanisms underlying pathological changes in Schwann cells seen in DM and suggest ways to treat neurological conditions associated with this condition. © 2015 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

A genetic framework controlling the differentiation of intestinal stem cells during regeneration in Drosophila

PubMed Central

Boquete, Jean-Philippe

2017-01-01

The speed of stem cell differentiation has to be properly coupled with self-renewal, both under basal conditions for tissue maintenance and during regeneration for tissue repair. Using the Drosophila midgut model, we analyze at the cellular and molecular levels the differentiation program required for robust regeneration. We observe that the intestinal stem cell (ISC) and its differentiating daughter, the enteroblast (EB), form extended cell-cell contacts in regenerating intestines. The contact between progenitors is stabilized by cell adhesion molecules, and can be dynamically remodeled to elicit optimal juxtacrine Notch signaling to determine the speed of progenitor differentiation. Notably, increasing the adhesion property of progenitors by expressing Connectin is sufficient to induce rapid progenitor differentiation. We further demonstrate that JAK/STAT signaling, Sox21a and GATAe form a functional relay to orchestrate EB differentiation. Thus, our study provides new insights into the complex and sequential events that are required for rapid differentiation following stem cell division during tissue replenishment. PMID:28662029

Toll like Receptor 2 engagement on CD4+ T cells promotes TH9 differentiation and function.

PubMed

Karim, Ahmad Faisal; Reba, Scott M; Li, Qing; Boom, W Henry; Rojas, Roxana E

2017-09-01

We have recently demonstrated that mycobacterial ligands engage Toll like receptor 2 (TLR2) on CD4 + T cells and up-regulate T-cell receptor (TCR) triggered Th1 responses in vitro and in vivo. To better understand the role of T-cell expressed TLR2 on CD4 + T-cell differentiation and function, we conducted a gene expression analysis of murine naïve CD4 + T-cells stimulated in the presence or absence of TLR2 co-stimulation. Unexpectedly, naïve CD4 + T-cells co-stimulated via TLR2 showed a significant up-regulation of Il9 mRNA compared to cells co-stimulated via CD28. Under TH9 differentiation, we observed up-regulation of TH9 differentiation, evidenced by increases in both percent of IL-9 secreting cells and IL-9 in culture supernatants in the presence of TLR2 agonist both in polyclonal and Ag85B cognate peptide specific stimulations. Under non-polarizing conditions, TLR2 engagement on CD4 + T-cells had minimal effect on IL-9 secretion and TH9 differentiation, likely due to a prominent effect of TLR2 signaling on IFN-γ secretion and TH1 differentiation. We also report that, TLR2 signaling in CD4 + T cells increased expression of transcription factors BATF and PU.1, known to positively regulate TH9 differentiation. These results reveal a novel role of T-cell expressed TLR2 in enhancing the differentiation and function of TH9 T cells. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

SCOUP: a probabilistic model based on the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process to analyze single-cell expression data during differentiation.

PubMed

Matsumoto, Hirotaka; Kiryu, Hisanori

2016-06-08

Single-cell technologies make it possible to quantify the comprehensive states of individual cells, and have the power to shed light on cellular differentiation in particular. Although several methods have been developed to fully analyze the single-cell expression data, there is still room for improvement in the analysis of differentiation. In this paper, we propose a novel method SCOUP to elucidate differentiation process. Unlike previous dimension reduction-based approaches, SCOUP describes the dynamics of gene expression throughout differentiation directly, including the degree of differentiation of a cell (in pseudo-time) and cell fate. SCOUP is superior to previous methods with respect to pseudo-time estimation, especially for single-cell RNA-seq. SCOUP also successfully estimates cell lineage more accurately than previous method, especially for cells at an early stage of bifurcation. In addition, SCOUP can be applied to various downstream analyses. As an example, we propose a novel correlation calculation method for elucidating regulatory relationships among genes. We apply this method to a single-cell RNA-seq data and detect a candidate of key regulator for differentiation and clusters in a correlation network which are not detected with conventional correlation analysis. We develop a stochastic process-based method SCOUP to analyze single-cell expression data throughout differentiation. SCOUP can estimate pseudo-time and cell lineage more accurately than previous methods. We also propose a novel correlation calculation method based on SCOUP. SCOUP is a promising approach for further single-cell analysis and available at https://github.com/hmatsu1226/SCOUP.

Glycoproteomic Analysis of Glioblastoma Stem Cell Differentiation

PubMed Central

He, Jintang; Liu, Yashu; Zhu, Thant S.; Xie, Xiaolei; Costello, Mark A.; Talsma, Caroline E.; Flack, Callie G.; Crowley, Jessica G.; DiMeco, Francesco; Vescovi, Angelo L.; Fan, Xing; Lubman, David M.

2010-01-01

Cancer stem cells are responsible for tumor formation through self-renewal and differentiation into multiple cell types, and thus represent a new therapeutic target for tumors. Glycoproteins play a critical role in determining the fates of stem cells such as self-renewal, proliferation and differentiation. Here we applied a multi-lectin affinity chromatography and quantitative glycoproteomics approach to analyze alterations of glycoproteins relevant to the differentiation of a glioblastoma-derived stem cell line HSR-GBM1. Three lectins including concanavalin A (Con A), wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) and peanut agglutinin (PNA) were used to capture glycoproteins, followed by LC-MS/MS analysis. A total of 73 and 79 high-confidence (FDR < 0.01) glycoproteins were identified from the undifferentiated and differentiated cells, respectively. Label-free quantitation resulted in the discovery of 18 differentially expressed glycoproteins, wherein 9 proteins are localized in the lysosome. All of these lysosomal glycoproteins were up-regulated after differentiation, where their principal function was hydrolysis of glycosyl residues. Protein-protein interaction and functional analyses revealed the active involvement of lysosomes during the process of glioblastoma stem cell differentiation. This work provides glycoprotein markers to characterize differentiation status of glioblastoma stem cells which may be useful in stemcell therapy of glioblastoma. PMID:21110520

Overexpression of Striated Muscle Activator of Rho Signaling (STARS) Increases C2C12 Skeletal Muscle Cell Differentiation.

PubMed

Wallace, Marita A; Della Gatta, Paul A; Ahmad Mir, Bilal; Kowalski, Greg M; Kloehn, Joachim; McConville, Malcom J; Russell, Aaron P; Lamon, Séverine

2016-01-01

Skeletal muscle growth and regeneration depend on the activation of satellite cells, which leads to myocyte proliferation, differentiation and fusion with existing muscle fibers. Skeletal muscle cell proliferation and differentiation are tightly coordinated by a continuum of molecular signaling pathways. The striated muscle activator of Rho signaling (STARS) is an actin binding protein that regulates the transcription of genes involved in muscle cell growth, structure and function via the stimulation of actin polymerization and activation of serum-response factor (SRF) signaling. STARS mediates cell proliferation in smooth and cardiac muscle models; however, whether STARS overexpression enhances cell proliferation and differentiation has not been investigated in skeletal muscle cells. We demonstrate for the first time that STARS overexpression enhances differentiation but not proliferation in C2C12 mouse skeletal muscle cells. Increased differentiation was associated with an increase in the gene levels of the myogenic differentiation markers Ckm, Ckmt2 and Myh4, the differentiation factor Igf2 and the myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs) Myf5 and Myf6. Exposing C2C12 cells to CCG-1423, a pharmacological inhibitor of SRF preventing the nuclear translocation of its co-factor MRTF-A, had no effect on myotube differentiation rate, suggesting that STARS regulates differentiation via a MRTF-A independent mechanism. These findings position STARS as an important regulator of skeletal muscle growth and regeneration.

Influence of In Vitro and In Vivo Oxygen Modulation on β Cell Differentiation From Human Embryonic Stem Cells

PubMed Central

Cechin, Sirlene; Álvarez-Cubela, Silvia; Giraldo, Jaime A.; Molano, Ruth D.; Villate, Susana; Ricordi, Camillo; Pileggi, Antonello; Inverardi, Luca

2014-01-01

The possibility of using human embryonic stem (hES) cell-derived β cells as an alternative to cadaveric islets for the treatment of type 1 diabetes is now widely acknowledged. However, current differentiation methods consistently fail to generate meaningful numbers of mature, functional β cells. In order to address this issue, we set out to explore the role of oxygen modulation in the maturation of pancreatic progenitor (PP) cells differentiated from hES cells. We have previously determined that oxygenation is a powerful driver of murine PP differentiation along the endocrine lineage of the pancreas. We hypothesized that targeting physiological oxygen partial pressure (pO2) levels seen in mature islets would help the differentiation of PP cells along the β-cell lineage. This hypothesis was tested both in vivo (by exposing PP-transplanted immunodeficient mice to a daily hyperbaric oxygen regimen) and in vitro (by allowing PP cells to mature in a perfluorocarbon-based culture device designed to carefully adjust pO2 to a desired range). Our results show that oxygen modulation does indeed contribute to enhanced maturation of PP cells, as evidenced by improved engraftment, segregation of α and β cells, body weight maintenance, and rate of diabetes reversal in vivo, and by elevated expression of pancreatic endocrine makers, β-cell differentiation yield, and insulin production in vitro. Our studies confirm the importance of oxygen modulation as a key variable to consider in the design of β-cell differentiation protocols and open the door to future strategies for the transplantation of fully mature β cells. PMID:24375542

Stem cell plasticity.

PubMed

Lakshmipathy, Uma; Verfaillie, Catherine

2005-01-01

The central dogma in stem cell biology has been that cells isolated from a particular tissue can renew and differentiate into lineages of the tissue it resides in. Several studies have challenged this idea by demonstrating that tissue specific cell have considerable plasticity and can cross-lineage restriction boundary and give rise to cell types of other lineages. However, the lack of a clear definition for plasticity has led to confusion with several reports failing to demonstrate that a single cell can indeed differentiate into multiple lineages at significant levels. Further, differences between results obtained in different labs has cast doubt on some results and several studies still await independent confirmation. In this review, we critically evaluate studies that report stem cell plasticity using three rigid criteria to define stem cell plasticity; differentiation of a single cell into multiple cell lineages, functionality of differentiated cells in vitro and in vivo, robust and persistent engraft of transplanted cells.

The In Vitro Differentiation of GDNF Gene-Engineered Amniotic Fluid-Derived Stem Cells into Renal Tubular Epithelial-Like Cells.

PubMed

Lu, Ying; Wang, Zhuojun; Chen, Lu; Wang, Jia; Li, Shulin; Liu, Caixia; Sun, Dong

2018-05-01

Amniotic fluid is an alternative source of stem cells, and human amniotic fluid-derived stem cells (AFSCs) obtained from a small amount of amniotic fluid collected during the second trimester represent a novel source for use in regenerative medicine. These AFSCs are characterized by lower diversity, a higher proliferation rate, and a wider differentiation capability than adult mesenchymal stem cells. AFSCs are selected based on the cell surface marker c-kit receptor (CD117) using immunomagnetic sorting. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is expressed during early kidney development and regulates the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells in vitro. In this study, c-kit-sorted AFSCs were induced toward osteogenic or adipogenic differentiation. AFSCs engineered via the insertion of GDNF were cocultured with mouse renal tubular epithelial cells (mRTECs), which were preconditioned by hypoxia-reoxygenation in vitro. After coculture for 8 days, AFSCs differentiation into epithelial-like cells was evaluated by performing immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction to identify cells expressing the renal epithelial markers, cytokeratin 18 (CK18), E-cadherin, aquaporin-1 (AQP1), and paired box 2 gene (Pax2). The GDNF gene enhanced AFSCs differentiation into RTECs. AFSCs possess self-renewal ability and multiple differentiation potential and thus represent a new source of stem cells.

Mesenchymal stem cells derived from human exocrine pancreas express transcription factors implicated in beta-cell development.

PubMed

Baertschiger, Reto M; Bosco, Domenico; Morel, Philippe; Serre-Beinier, Veronique; Berney, Thierry; Buhler, Leo H; Gonelle-Gispert, Carmen

2008-07-01

Transplantation of in vitro generated islets or insulin-producing cells represents an attractive option to overcome organ shortage. The aim of this study was to isolate, expand, and characterize cells from human exocrine pancreas and analyze their potential to differentiate into beta cells. Fibroblast-like cells growing out of human exocrine tissue were characterized by flow cytometry and by their capacity to differentiate into mesenchymal cell lineages. During cell expansion and after differentiation toward beta cells, expression of transcription factors of endocrine pancreatic progenitors was analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Cells emerged from 14/18 human pancreatic exocrine fractions and were expanded up to 40 population doublings. These cells displayed surface antigens similar to mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow. A culture of these cells in adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation media allowed differentiation into adipocyte- and chondrocyte-like cells. During expansion, cells expressed transcription factors implicated in islet development such as Isl1, Nkx2.2, Nkx6.1, nestin, Ngn3, Pdx1, and NeuroD. Activin A and hepatocyte growth factor induced an expression of insulin, glucagon, and glucokinase. Proliferating cells with characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells and endocrine progenitors were isolated from exocrine tissue. Under specific conditions, these cells expressed little insulin. Human pancreatic exocrine tissue might thus be a source of endocrine cell progenitors.

Arginine methylation catalyzed by PRMT1 is required for B cell activation and differentiation.

PubMed

Infantino, Simona; Light, Amanda; O'Donnell, Kristy; Bryant, Vanessa; Avery, Danielle T; Elliott, Michael; Tangye, Stuart G; Belz, Gabrielle; Mackay, Fabienne; Richard, Stephane; Tarlinton, David

2017-10-12

Arginine methylation catalyzed by protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMT) is a common post-translational modification in mammalian cells, regulating many important functions including cell signalling, proliferation and differentiation. Here we show the role of PRMT1 in B-cell activation and differentiation. PRMT1 expression and activity in human and mouse peripheral B cells increases in response to in vitro or in vivo activation. Deletion of the Prmt1 gene in mature B cells establishes that although the frequency and phenotype of peripheral B cell subsets seem unaffected, immune responses to T-cell-dependent and -independent antigens are substantially reduced. In vitro activation of Prmt1-deficient B cells with a variety of mitogens results in diminished proliferation, differentiation and survival, effects that are correlated with altered signal transduction from the B cell receptor. Thus PRMT1 activity in B cells is required for correct execution of multiple processes that in turn are necessary for humoral immunity.PRMT1 is an arginine methyltransferase involved in a variety of cell functions. Here the authors delete PRMT1 specifically in mature B cells to show the importance of arginine methylation for B cell proliferation, differentiation and survival, and thereby for humoral immunity.

Intravenously injected human multilineage-differentiating stress-enduring cells selectively engraft into mouse aortic aneurysms and attenuate dilatation by differentiating into multiple cell types.

PubMed

Hosoyama, Katsuhiro; Wakao, Shohei; Kushida, Yoshihiro; Ogura, Fumitaka; Maeda, Kay; Adachi, Osamu; Kawamoto, Shunsuke; Dezawa, Mari; Saiki, Yoshikatsu

2018-06-01

Aortic aneurysms result from the degradation of multiple components represented by endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and elastic fibers. Cells that can replenish these components are desirable for cell-based therapy. Intravenously injected multilineage-differentiating stress-enduring (Muse) cells, endogenous nontumorigenic pluripotent-like stem cells, reportedly integrate into the damaged site and repair the tissue through spontaneous differentiation into tissue-compatible cells. We evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of Muse cells in a murine aortic aneurysm model. Human bone marrow Muse cells, isolated as stage-specific embryonic antigen-3 + from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, or non-Muse cells (stage-specific embryonic antigen-3 - cells in mesenchymal stem cells), bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, or vehicle was intravenously injected at day 0, day 7, and 2 weeks (20,000 cells/injection) after inducing aortic aneurysms by periaortic incubation of CaCl 2 and elastase in severe combined immunodeficient mice. At 8 weeks, infusion of human Muse cells attenuated aneurysm dilation, and the aneurysmal size in the Muse group corresponded to approximately 62.5%, 55.6%, and 45.6% in the non-Muse, mesenchymal stem cell, and vehicle groups, respectively. Multiphoton laser confocal microscopy revealed that infused Muse cells migrated into aneurysmal tissue from the adventitial side and penetrated toward the luminal side. Histologic analysis demonstrated robust preservation of elastic fibers and spontaneous differentiation into endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells. After intravenous injection, Muse cells homed and expanded to the aneurysm from the adventitial side. Subsequently, Muse cells differentiated spontaneously into vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells, and elastic fibers were preserved. These Muse cell features together led to substantial attenuation of aneurysmal dilation. Copyright © 2018 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Activation of the kinase activity of ATM by retinoic acid is required for CREB-dependent differentiation of neuroblastoma cells.

PubMed

Fernandes, Norvin D; Sun, Yingli; Price, Brendan D

2007-06-01

The ATM protein kinase is mutated in ataxia telangiectasia, a genetic disease characterized by defective DNA repair, neurodegeneration, and growth factor signaling defects. The activity of ATM kinase is activated by DNA damage, and this activation is required for cells to survive genotoxic events. In addition to this well characterized role in DNA repair, we now demonstrate a novel role for ATM in the retinoic acid (RA)-induced differentiation of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells into post-mitotic, neuronal-like cells. RA rapidly activates the activity of ATM kinase, leading to the ATM-dependent phosphorylation of the CREB protein, extrusion of neuritic processes, and differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells into neuronal-like cells. When ATM protein expression was suppressed by short hairpin RNA, the ATM-dependent phosphorylation of CREB was blocked. Furthermore, ATM-negative cells failed to differentiate into neuronal-like cells when exposed to retinoic acid; instead, they underwent cell death. Expression of a constitutively active CREBVP16 construct, or exposure to forskolin to induce CREB phosphorylation, rescued ATM negative cells and restored differentiation. Furthermore, when dominant negative CREB proteins with mutations in either the CREB phosphorylation site (CREBS133A) or the DNA binding domain (KCREB) were introduced into SH-SY5Y cells, retinoic acid-induced differentiation was blocked and the cells underwent cell death. The results demonstrate that ATM is required for the retinoic acid-induced differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells through the ATM dependent-phosphorylation of serine 133 of CREB. These results therefore define a novel mechanism for activation of the activity of ATM kinase by RA, and implicate ATM in the regulation of CREB function during RA-induced differentiation.

c-FLIP is involved in erythropoietin-mediated protection of erythroid-differentiated cells from TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis.

PubMed

Vittori, Daniela; Vota, Daiana; Callero, Mariana; Chamorro, María E; Nesse, Alcira

2010-05-04

The TNF-alpha (tumour necrosis factor) affects a wide range of biological activities, such as cell proliferation and apoptosis. Cell life or death responses to this cytokine might depend on cell conditions. This study focused on the modulation of factors that would affect the sensitivity of erythroid-differentiated cells to TNF-alpha. Hemin-differentiated K562 cells showed higher sensitivity to TNF-induced apoptosis than undifferentiated cells. At the same time, hemin-induced erythroid differentiation reduced c-FLIP (cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein) expression. However, this negative effect was prevented by prior treatment with Epo (erythropoietin), which allowed the cell line to maintain c-FLIP levels. On the other hand, erythroid-differentiated UT-7 cells - dependent on Epo for survival - showed resistance to TNF-alpha pro-apoptotic action. Only after the inhibition of PI3K (phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase)-mediated pathways, which was accompanied by negative c-FLIP modulation and increased erythroid differentiation, were UT-7 cells sensitive to TNF-alpha-triggered apoptosis. In summary, erythroid differentiation might deregulate the balance between growth promotion and death signals induced by TNF-alpha, depending on cell type and environmental conditions. The role of c-FLIP seemed to be critical in the protection of erythroid-differentiated cells from apoptosis or in the determination of their sensitivity to TNF-mediated programmed cell death. Epo, which for the first time was found to be involved in the prevention of c-FLIP down-regulation, proved to have an anti-apoptotic effect against the pro-inflammatory factor. The identification of signals related to cell life/death switching would have significant implications in the control of proliferative diseases and would contribute to the understanding of mechanisms underlying the anaemia associated with inflammatory processes.

Human galectin-9 on the porcine cells affects the cytotoxic activity of M1-differentiated THP-1 cells through inducing a shift in M2-differentiated THP-1 cells.

PubMed

Jung, Sung Han; Hwang, Jeong Ho; Kim, Sang Eun; Kim, Young Kyu; Park, Hyo Chang; Lee, Hoon Taek

2017-07-01

In xenotransplantation, immune rejection by macrophages occurs rapidly and remains a major obstacle. Studies to control immune rejection in macrophages have been continuing to date. Recent studies have reported that human galectin-9 (hGal-9) can regulate the function of regulatory T cells (Treg), as well as cytotoxicity T cells (CTL) and natural killer cells (NK). Although the effect of hGal-9 on lymphocytes has been well studied, the relationship between hGal-9 and myeloid cells has been scarcely studied. To confirm the decreased cytotoxic activity effect by hGal-9 in M1-differentiated THP-1 cells, we established the hGal-9 expressing transgenic porcine cell line. hGal-9 siRNA was transfected to transgenic cells and recombinant hGal-9 (rhGal-9) was treated to co-culturing condition, and then, flow cytometry assay was conducted for analyzing the cytotoxic activity of M1-differentiated THP-1 cells. Related inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-10, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-12, IL-23, and TGF-β) and related enzymes (iNOS and Arginase 1) were analyzed by qPCR and Western blot assay. To identify the shift in M1/M2-differentiated THP-1 cells, expression levels of CCR7, CD163, iNOS, and Arginase 1 and population of M2 marker positive cells were analyzed. The expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in M1-differentiated THP-1 cells co-cultured with hGal-9-expressing porcine kidney epithelial cells were decreased, but not in co-cultured THP-1 cells. However, the expression levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines were also increased in co-cultured M1-differentiated THP-1 cells. The cytotoxicity effect of M1-differentiated THP-1 cells on transgenic cells was decreased while the expression levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines and M2 macrophages-related molecules were increased. M2 differentiation program was turned on while M1 program was turned down by enhancing the phosphorylation levels of Akt and PI3K and the expression level of PPAR-γ. Due to these changes, differentiation of M2 program was enhanced in cells co-cultured with hGal-9. These data suggested that hGal-9 has a reduction in M1-differentiated THP-1 cell cytotoxic activity-related acute immune rejection in pig-to-human xenotransplantation in addition to its role in lymphoid lineage immune cell regulation. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Self-organization of neural patterns and structures in 3D culture of stem cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sasai, Yoshiki

2013-05-01

Over the last several years, much progress has been made for in vitro culture of mouse and human ES cells. Our laboratory focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of neural differentiation from pluripotent cells. Pluripotent cells first become committed to the ectodermal fate and subsequently differentiate into uncommitted neuroectodermal cells. Both previous mammalian and amphibian studies on pluripotent cells have indicated that the neural fate is a sort of the basal direction of the differentiation of these cells while mesoendodermal differentiation requires extrinsic inductive signals. ES cells differentiate into neuroectodermal cells with a rostral-most character (telencephalon and hypothalamus) when they are cultured in the absence of strong patterning signals. In this talk, I first discuss this issue by referring to our recent data on the mechanism of spontaneous neural differentiation in serum-free culture of mouse ES cells. Then, I will talk about self-organization phenomena observed in 3D culture of ES cells, which lead to tissue-autonomous formation of regional structures such as layered cortical tissues. I also discuss our new attempt to monitor these in vitro morphogenetic processes by live imaging, in particular, self-organizing morphogenesis of the optic cup in three-dimensional cultures.

Plasma Rich in Growth Factors Induces Cell Proliferation, Migration, Differentiation, and Cell Survival of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

PubMed Central

Mellado-López, Maravillas; Griffeth, Richard J.; Meseguer-Ripolles, Jose; García, Montserrat

2017-01-01

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are a promising therapeutic alternative for tissue repair in various clinical applications. However, restrictive cell survival, differential tissue integration, and undirected cell differentiation after transplantation in a hostile microenvironment are complications that require refinement. Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) from platelet-rich plasma favors human and canine ASC survival, proliferation, and delaying human ASC senescence and autophagocytosis in comparison with serum-containing cultures. In addition, canine and human-derived ASCs efficiently differentiate into osteocytes, adipocytes, or chondrocytes in the presence of PRGF. PRGF treatment induces phosphorylation of AKT preventing ASC death induced by lethal concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. Indeed, AKT inhibition abolished the PRGF apoptosis prevention in ASC exposed to 100 μM of hydrogen peroxide. Here, we show that canine ASCs respond to PRGF stimulus similarly to the human cells regarding cell survival and differentiation postulating the use of dogs as a suitable translational model. Overall, PRGF would be employed as a serum substitute for mesenchymal stem cell amplification to improve cell differentiation and as a preconditioning agent to prevent oxidative cell death. PMID:29270200

Premyogenic progenitors derived from human pluripotent stem cells expand in floating culture and differentiate into transplantable myogenic progenitors.

PubMed

Sakai-Takemura, Fusako; Narita, Asako; Masuda, Satoru; Wakamatsu, Toshifumi; Watanabe, Nobuharu; Nishiyama, Takashi; Nogami, Ken'ichiro; Blanc, Matthias; Takeda, Shin'ichi; Miyagoe-Suzuki, Yuko

2018-04-26

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are a potential source for cell therapy of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. To reliably obtain skeletal muscle progenitors from hiPSCs, we treated hiPS cells with a Wnt activator, CHIR-99021 and a BMP receptor inhibitor, LDN-193189, and then induced skeletal muscle cells using a previously reported sphere-based culture. This protocol greatly improved sphere formation efficiency and stably induced the differentiation of myogenic cells from hiPS cells generated from both healthy donors and a patient with congenital myasthenic syndrome. hiPSC-derived myogenic progenitors were enriched in the CD57(-) CD108(-) CD271(+) ERBB3(+) cell fraction, and their differentiation was greatly promoted by TGF-β inhibitors. TGF-β inhibitors down-regulated the NFIX transcription factor, and NFIX short hairpin RNA (shRNA) improved the differentiation of iPS cell-derived myogenic progenitors. These results suggest that NFIX inhibited differentiation of myogenic progenitors. hiPSC-derived myogenic cells differentiated into myofibers in muscles of NSG-mdx 4Cv mice after direct transplantation. Our results indicate that our new muscle induction protocol is useful for cell therapy of muscular dystrophies.

Alleviation of streptozotocin-induced diabetes in nude mice by stem cells derived from human first trimester umbilical cord.

PubMed

Cao, M; Zhang, J B; Dong, D D; Mou, Y; Li, K; Fang, J; Wang, Z Y; Chen, C; Zhao, J; Yie, S M

2015-10-16

Cells isolated from human first trimester umbilical cord perivascular layer (hFTM-PV) tissues display the pluripotent characteristics of stem cells. In this study, we examined whether hFTM-PV cells can differentiate into islet-like clusters (ILCs) in vitro, and whether transplantation of the hFTM-PV cells with and without differentiation in vitro can alleviate diabetes in nude mice. The hFTM-PV cells were differentiated into ILCs in vitro through a simple stepwise culture protocol. To examine the in vivo effects of the cells, the hFTM-PV cells with and without differentiation in vitro were transplanted into the abdominal cavity of nude mice with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. Blood glucose levels, body weight, and the survival probability of the diabetic nude mice were then statistically analyzed. The hFTM-PV cells were successfully induced into ILCs that could release insulin in response to elevated concentrations of glucose in vitro. In transplantation experiments, we observed that mice transplanted with the undifferentiated hFTM-PV cells, embryonic body-like cell aggregations, or ILCs all demonstrated normalized hyperglycemia and showed improved survival rate compared with those without cell transplantation. The hFTM-PV cells have the ability to differentiate into ILCs in vitro and transplantations of undifferentiated and differentiated cells can alleviate STZ-induced diabetes in nude mice. This may offer a potential cell source for stem cell-based therapy for treating diabetes in the future.

Retracted article: In vitro derivation of mammalian germ cells from stem cells and their potential therapeutic application.

PubMed

Saito, Shigeo; Lin, Ying-Chu; Murayama, Yoshinobu; Nakamura, Yukio; Eckner, Richard; Niemann, Heiner; Yokoyama, Kazunari K

2015-12-01

Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are a unique type of cells because they exhibit the characteristics of self-renewal and pluripotency. PSCs may be induced to differentiate into any cell type, even male and female germ cells, suggesting their potential as novel cell-based therapeutic treatment for infertility problems. Spermatogenesis is an intricate biological process that starts from self-renewal of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and leads to differentiated haploid spermatozoa. Errors at any stage in spermatogenesis may result in male infertility. During the past decade, much progress has been made in the derivation of male germ cells from various types of progenitor stem cells. Currently, there are two main approaches for the derivation of functional germ cells from PSCs, either the induction of in vitro differentiation to produce haploid cell products, or combination of in vitro differentiation and in vivo transplantation. The production of mature and fertile spermatozoa from stem cells might provide an unlimited source of autologous gametes for treatment of male infertility. Here, we discuss the current state of the art regarding the differentiation potential of SSCs, embryonic stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells to produce functional male germ cells. We also discuss the possible use of livestock-derived PSCs as a novel option for animal reproduction and infertility treatment.

In vitro-microenvironment directs preconditioning of human chorion derived MSC promoting differentiation of OPC-like cells.

PubMed

Periasamy, Ramesh; Surbek, Daniel V; Schoeberlein, Andreina

2018-06-01

The loss of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPC) is a hallmark of perinatal brain injury. Our aim was to develop an in vitro culture condition for human chorion-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) that enhances their stem cell properties and their capability to differentiate towards OPC-like cells. MSC were grown either in serum replacement medium (SRM) or serum-containing medium (SM) and tested for their morphology, proliferation, secretome, migration, protein expression and differentiation into OPC-like cells. MSC cultured in SRM condition have distinct morphology/protein expression profile, increased cell proliferation/migration and capacity to differentiate into OPC-like cells. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Physicochemical Control of Adult Stem Cell Differentiation: Shedding Light on Potential Molecular Mechanisms

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

stem - cell -based biomedical and therapeutic applications, including tissue engineering, requires an understanding of the cell-cell and cell-environment interactions. To this end, recent efforts have been focused on the manipulation of adult stem cell differentiation using inductive soluble factors, designing suitable mechanical environments, and applying noninvasive physical forces. Although each of these different approaches has been successfully applied to regulate stem cell differentiation, it would be of great interest and

Differentiation potentials of perivascular cells in the bone tissue remodeling zones under microgravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodionova, Natalia; Katkova, Olena

Adaptive remodeling processes in the skeleton bones occur in the close topographical interconnection with blood capillaries followed by perivascular cells. Radioautographic studies with 3H- thymidine (Kimmel D.B., Fee W.S., 1980; Rodionova N.V., 1989, 2006) has shown that in osteogenesis zones there is sequential differentiation process of the perivascular cells into osteogenic ones. Using electron microscopy and cytochemistry we studied perivsacular cells in metaphysis of the rats femoral bones under conditions of modeling microgravity (28 days duration) and in femoral bones metaphyses of rats flown on board of the space laboratory (Spacelab - 2) It was revealed that population of the perivascular cells is not homogeneous in adaptive zones of the remodeling in both control and test groups (lowering support loading). This population comprises adjacent to endothelium little differentiated forms and isolated cells with differentiation features (specific volume of rough endoplasmic reticulum in cytoplasm is increased). Majority of the perivascular cells in the control group reveals reaction to alkaline phosphatase (marker of the osteogenic differentiation). In little differentiated cells this reaction is registered in nucleolus, nucleous and cytoplasm. In differentiating cells activity of the alkaline phosphatase is also detected on the outer surface of the cellular membrane. Unlike the control group in the bones of animals under microgravitaty reaction to the alkaline phosphatase is registered not for all cells of perivascular population. Part of the differentiating perivascular cells does not contain a product of the reaction. There is also visible trend of individual alkaline phosphatase containing perivascular cells amounts decrease (i.e. osteogenic cells-precursors). Under microgravity some little differentiated perivascular cells reveal destruction signs. Found decrease trend of the alkaline phosphatase containing cells (i.e. osteogenic cells) number in perivascular cells population. It is one of the mechanisms of the osteogenic process intensity decrease in bones due to lowering support loading on the bone skeleton. In particular this is confirmed by the fact that in the zones of adaptive remodeling we found fibroblasts and fibrosis zones - areas filled with non mineralized collagen fibrils on the bones surfaces. Hence it should be considered that lowering (removal) support loading slows down (or blocks) osteogenic differentiation of the perivascular cells part and stimulates differentiation of the fibroblast cells. Obtained data considered as one of the cellular mechanisms of the adaptive reactions development in spongy bone under microgravity which could lead to the bone mass loss.

Muscle satellite cells adopt divergent fates

PubMed Central

Zammit, Peter S.; Golding, Jon P.; Nagata, Yosuke; Hudon, Valérie; Partridge, Terence A.; Beauchamp, Jonathan R.

2004-01-01

Growth, repair, and regeneration of adult skeletal muscle depends on the persistence of satellite cells: muscle stem cells resident beneath the basal lamina that surrounds each myofiber. However, how the satellite cell compartment is maintained is unclear. Here, we use cultured myofibers to model muscle regeneration and show that satellite cells adopt divergent fates. Quiescent satellite cells are synchronously activated to coexpress the transcription factors Pax7 and MyoD. Most then proliferate, down-regulate Pax7, and differentiate. In contrast, other proliferating cells maintain Pax7 but lose MyoD and withdraw from immediate differentiation. These cells are typically located in clusters, together with Pax7−ve progeny destined for differentiation. Some of the Pax7+ve/MyoD−ve cells then leave the cell cycle, thus regaining the quiescent satellite cell phenotype. Significantly, noncycling cells contained within a cluster can be stimulated to proliferate again. These observations suggest that satellite cells either differentiate or switch from terminal myogenesis to maintain the satellite cell pool. PMID:15277541

[Proliferation and morphological differentiation of neurblastoma cells in cultured under the effect of avermectins].

PubMed

Miakisheva, S N; Kostenko, M A; Driniaev, V A; Mosin, V A

2001-01-01

The effect of natural avermectin complex (Aversectin C) and Abamectin on the processes of proliferation and morphological differentiation of the neural cells was studied using N1E-115 murine neuroblastoma cells (clone C-1300) as a model. Aversectin C in concentrations 10(-7)-10(-8) was shown to induce morphological differentiation of cultured nervous cells. Treatment with Abamectin resulted in the changes of proliferation pattern of the cells. Morphological differentiation of the cultured nervous cells treated with Aversectin C was associated with electrophysiological one.

Derivation, propagation and differentiation of human embryonic stem cells.

PubMed

Conley, Brock J; Young, Julia C; Trounson, Alan O; Mollard, Richard

2004-04-01

Embryonic stem (ES) cells are in vitro cultivated pluripotent cells derived from the inner cell mass (ICM) of the embryonic blastocyst. Attesting to their pluripotency, ES cells can be differentiated into representative derivatives of all three embryonic germ layers (endoderm, ectoderm and mesoderm) both in vitro and in vivo. Although mouse ES cells have been studied for many years, human ES cells have only more recently been derived and successfully propagated. Many biochemical differences and culture requirements between mouse and human ES cells have been described, yet despite these differences the study of murine ES cells has provided important insights into methodologies aimed at generating a greater and more in depth understanding of human ES cell biology. One common feature of both mouse and human ES cells is their capacity to undergo controlled differentiation into spheroid structures termed embryoid bodies (EBs). EBs recapitulate several aspects of early development, displaying regional-specific differentiation programs into derivatives of all three embryonic germ layers. For this reason, EB formation has been utilised as an initial step in a wide range of studies aimed at differentiating both mouse and human ES cells into a specific and desired cell type. Recent reports utilising specific growth factor combinations and cell-cell induction systems have provided alternative strategies for the directed differentiation of cells into a desired lineage. According to each one of these strategies, however, a relatively high cell lineage heterogeneity remains, necessitating subsequent purification steps including mechanical dissection, selective media or fluorescent or magnetic activated cell sorting (FACS and MACS, respectively). In the future, the ability to specifically direct differentiation of human ES cells at 100% efficiency into a desired lineage will allow us to fully explore the potential of these cells in the analysis of early human development, drug discovery, drug testing and repair of damaged or diseased tissues via transplantation.

Recent Developments in β-Cell Differentiation of Pluripotent Stem Cells Induced by Small and Large Molecules

PubMed Central

Kumar, S. Suresh; Alarfaj, Abdullah A.; Munusamy, Murugan A.; Singh, A. J. A. Ranjith; Peng, I-Chia; Priya, Sivan Padma; Hamat, Rukman Awang; Higuchi, Akon

2014-01-01

Human pluripotent stem cells, including human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), hold promise as novel therapeutic tools for diabetes treatment because of their self-renewal capacity and ability to differentiate into beta (β)-cells. Small and large molecules play important roles in each stage of β-cell differentiation from both hESCs and hiPSCs. The small and large molecules that are described in this review have significantly advanced efforts to cure diabetic disease. Lately, effective protocols have been implemented to induce hESCs and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) to differentiate into functional β-cells. Several small molecules, proteins, and growth factors promote pancreatic differentiation from hESCs and hMSCs. These small molecules (e.g., cyclopamine, wortmannin, retinoic acid, and sodium butyrate) and large molecules (e.g. activin A, betacellulin, bone morphogentic protein (BMP4), epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), noggin, transforming growth factor (TGF-α), and WNT3A) are thought to contribute from the initial stages of definitive endoderm formation to the final stages of maturation of functional endocrine cells. We discuss the importance of such small and large molecules in uniquely optimized protocols of β-cell differentiation from stem cells. A global understanding of various small and large molecules and their functions will help to establish an efficient protocol for β-cell differentiation. PMID:25526563

Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth differentiate toward neural cells in a medium dynamically cultured with Schwann cells in a series of polydimethylsiloxanes scaffolds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Wen-Ta; Pan, Yu-Jing

2016-08-01

Objective. Schwann cells (SCs) are primary structural and functional cells in the peripheral nervous system. These cells play a crucial role in peripheral nerve regeneration by releasing neurotrophic factors. This study evaluated the neural differentiation potential effects of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) in a rat Schwann cell (RSC) culture medium. Approach. SHEDs and RSCs were individually cultured on a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) scaffold, and the effects of the RSC medium on the SHEDs differentiation between static and dynamic cultures were compared. Main results. Results demonstrated that the SHED cells differentiated by the RSC cultured medium in the static culture formed neurospheres after 7 days at the earliest, and SHED cells formed neurospheres within 3 days in the dynamic culture. These results confirm that the RSC culture medium can induce neurospheres formation, the speed of formation and the number of neurospheres (19.16 folds high) in a dynamic culture was superior to the static culture for 3 days culture. The SHED-derived spheres were further incubated in the RSCs culture medium, these neurospheres continuously differentiated into neurons and neuroglial cells. Immunofluorescent staining and RT-PCR revealed nestin, β-III tubulin, GFAP, and γ-enolase of neural markers on the differentiated cells. Significance. These results indicated that the RSC culture medium can induce the neural differentiation of SHED cells, and can be used as a new therapeutic tool to repair nerve damage.

Rho-associated kinase inhibitors promote the cardiac differentiation of embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells.

PubMed

Cheng, Ya-Ting; Yeih, Dong-Feng; Liang, Shu-Man; Chien, Chia-Ying; Yu, Yen-Ling; Ko, Bor-Sheng; Jan, Yee-Jee; Kuo, Cheng-Chin; Sung, Li-Ying; Shyue, Song-Kun; Chen, Ming-Fong; Yet, Shaw-Fang; Wu, Kenneth K; Liou, Jun-Yang

2015-12-15

Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) plays an important role in maintaining embryonic stem (ES) cell pluripotency. To determine whether ROCK is involved in ES cell differentiation into cardiac and hematopoietic lineages, we evaluated the effect of ROCK inhibitors, Y-27632 and fasudil on murine ES and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell differentiation. Gene expression levels were determined by real-time PCR, Western blot analysis and immunofluorescent confocal microscopy. Cell transplantation of induced differentiated cells were assessed in vivo in a mouse model (three groups, n=8/group) of acute myocardial infarction (MI). The cell engraftment was examined by immunohistochemical staining and the outcome was analyzed by echocardiography. Cells were cultured in hematopoietic differentiation medium in the presence or absence of ROCK inhibitor and colony formation as well as markers of ES, hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and cells of cardiac lineages were analyzed. ROCK inhibition resulted in a drastic change in colony morphology accompanied by loss of hematopoietic markers (GATA-1, CD41 and β-Major) and expressed markers of cardiac lineages (GATA-4, Isl-1, Tbx-5, Tbx-20, MLC-2a, MLC-2v, α-MHC, cTnI and cTnT) in murine ES and iPS cells. Fasudil-induced cardiac progenitor (Mesp-1 expressing) cells were infused into a murine MI model. They engrafted into the peri-infarct and infarct regions and preserved left ventricular function. These findings provide new insights into the signaling required for ES cell differentiation into hematopoietic as well as cardiac lineages and suggest that ROCK inhibitors are useful in directing iPS cell differentiation into cardiac progenitor cells for cell therapy of cardiovascular diseases. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cell adhesion molecules expression pattern indicates that somatic cells arbitrate gonadal sex of differentiating bipotential fetal mouse gonad.

PubMed

Piprek, Rafal P; Kolasa, Michal; Podkowa, Dagmara; Kloc, Malgorzata; Kubiak, Jacek Z

2017-10-01

Unlike other organ anlagens, the primordial gonad is sexually bipotential in all animals. In mouse, the bipotential gonad differentiates into testis or ovary depending on the genetic sex (XY or XX) of the fetus. During gonad development cells segregate, depending on genetic sex, into distinct compartments: testis cords and interstitium form in XY gonad, and germ cell cysts and stroma in XX gonad. However, our knowledge of mechanisms governing gonadal sex differentiation remains very vague. Because it is known that adhesion molecules (CAMs) play a key role in organogenesis, we suspected that diversified expression of CAMs should also play a crucial role in gonad development. Using microarray analysis we identified 129 CAMs and factors regulating cell adhesion during sexual differentiation of mouse gonad. To identify genes expressed differentially in three cell lines in XY and XX gonads: i) supporting (Sertoli or follicular cells), ii) interstitial or stromal cells, and iii) germ cells, we used transgenic mice expressing EGFP reporter gene and FACS cell sorting. Although a large number of CAMs expressed ubiquitously, expression of certain genes was cell line- and genetic sex-specific. The sets of CAMs differentially expressed in supporting versus interstitial/stromal cells may be responsible for segregation of these two cell lines during gonadal development. There was also a significant difference in CAMs expression pattern between XY supporting (Sertoli) and XX supporting (follicular) cells but not between XY and XX germ cells. This indicates that differential CAMs expression pattern in the somatic cells but not in the germ line arbitrates structural organization of gonadal anlagen into testis or ovary. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Involvement of H-ras in erythroid differentiation of TF1 and human umbilical cord blood CD34 cells.

PubMed

Ge, Y; Li, Z H; Marshall, M S; Broxmeyer, H E; Lu, L

1998-06-01

To investigate the role of the ras gene in erythroid differentiation, a human erythroleukemic cell line, TF1, was transduced with a selectable retroviral vector carrying a mammalian wild type H-ras gene or a cytoplasmic dominant negative RAS1 gene. Transduction of TF1 cells with the wild type H-ras gene resulted in changes of cell types and up-regulation of erythroid-specific gene expression similar to that seen in differentiating erythroid cells. The number of red blood cell containing colonies derived from TF1 cells transduced with wild type H-ras cDNA was significantly increased and the cells in the colonies were more hemoglobinized as estimated by a deeper red color compared to those colony cells from mock or dominant negative RAS1 gene transduced TF1 cells, suggesting increased erythroid differentiation of TF1 cells after transduction of wild type H-ras in vitro. The mRNA levels of beta- and gamma-, but not alpha-, globin genes were significantly higher in H-ras transduced TF1 cells than those in TF1 cells transduced with mock or dominant negative RAS1 gene. Moreover, a 4kb pre-mRNA of the Erythropoietin receptor (EpoR) was highly expressed only in H-ras transduced TF1 cells. Additionally, human umbilical cord blood (CB) CD34 cells which are highly enriched for hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells were transduced with the same retroviral vectors to evaluate in normal primary cells the activities of H-ras in erythroid differentiation. Increased numbers of erythroid cell containing colonies (BFU-E and CFU-GEMM) were observed in CD34 cells transduced with the H-ras cDNA, compared to that from mock transduced cells. These data suggest a possible role for ras in erythroid differentiation.

Diversity in TAF proteomics: consequences for cellular differentiation and migration.

PubMed

Kazantseva, Jekaterina; Palm, Kaia

2014-09-19

Development is a highly controlled process of cell proliferation and differentiation driven by mechanisms of dynamic gene regulation. Specific DNA binding factors for establishing cell- and tissue-specific transcriptional programs have been characterised in different cell and animal models. However, much less is known about the role of "core transcription machinery" during cell differentiation, given that general transcription factors and their spatiotemporally patterned activity govern different aspects of cell function. In this review, we focus on the role of TATA-box associated factor 4 (TAF4) and its functional isoforms generated by alternative splicing in controlling lineage-specific differentiation of normal mesenchymal stem cells and cancer stem cells. In the light of our recent findings, induction, control and maintenance of cell differentiation status implies diversification of the transcription initiation apparatus orchestrated by alternative splicing.

Quantitative metabolic imaging using endogenous fluorescence to detect stem cell differentiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quinn, Kyle P.; Sridharan, Gautham V.; Hayden, Rebecca S.; Kaplan, David L.; Lee, Kyongbum; Georgakoudi, Irene

2013-12-01

The non-invasive high-resolution spatial mapping of cell metabolism within tissues could provide substantial advancements in assessing the efficacy of stem cell therapy and understanding tissue development. Here, using two-photon excited fluorescence microscopy, we elucidate the relationships among endogenous cell fluorescence, cell redox state, and the differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells into adipogenic and osteoblastic lineages. Using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and quantitative PCR, we evaluate the sensitivity of an optical redox ratio of FAD/(NADH + FAD) to metabolic changes associated with stem cell differentiation. Furthermore, we probe the underlying physiological mechanisms, which relate a decrease in the redox ratio to the onset of differentiation. Because traditional assessments of stem cells and engineered tissues are destructive, time consuming, and logistically intensive, the development and validation of a non-invasive, label-free approach to defining the spatiotemporal patterns of cell differentiation can offer a powerful tool for rapid, high-content characterization of cell and tissue cultures.

Progressive Chromatin Condensation and H3K9 Methylation Regulate the Differentiation of Embryonic and Hematopoietic Stem Cells

DOE PAGES

Ugarte, Fernando; Sousae, Rebekah; Cinquin, Bertrand; ...

2015-10-17

Epigenetic regulation serves as the basis for stem cell differentiation into distinct cell types, but it is unclear how global epigenetic changes are regulated during this process. Here, we tested the hypothesis that global chromatin organization affects the lineage potential of stem cells and that manipulation of chromatin dynamics influences stem cell function. Using nuclease sensitivity assays, we found a progressive decrease in chromatin digestion among pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs), multipotent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), and mature hematopoietic cells. Quantitative high-resolution microscopy revealed that ESCs contain significantly more euchromatin than HSCs, with a further reduction in mature cells. Increasedmore » cellular maturation also led to heterochromatin localization to the nuclear periphery. Functionally, prevention of heterochromatin formation by inhibition of the histone methyltransferase G9A resulted in delayed HSC differentiation. Lastly, our results demonstrate global chromatin rearrangements during stem cell differentiation and that heterochromatin formation by H3K9 methylation regulates HSC differentiation.« less

Progressive Chromatin Condensation and H3K9 Methylation Regulate the Differentiation of Embryonic and Hematopoietic Stem Cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ugarte, Fernando; Sousae, Rebekah; Cinquin, Bertrand

Epigenetic regulation serves as the basis for stem cell differentiation into distinct cell types, but it is unclear how global epigenetic changes are regulated during this process. Here, we tested the hypothesis that global chromatin organization affects the lineage potential of stem cells and that manipulation of chromatin dynamics influences stem cell function. Using nuclease sensitivity assays, we found a progressive decrease in chromatin digestion among pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs), multipotent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), and mature hematopoietic cells. Quantitative high-resolution microscopy revealed that ESCs contain significantly more euchromatin than HSCs, with a further reduction in mature cells. Increasedmore » cellular maturation also led to heterochromatin localization to the nuclear periphery. Functionally, prevention of heterochromatin formation by inhibition of the histone methyltransferase G9A resulted in delayed HSC differentiation. Lastly, our results demonstrate global chromatin rearrangements during stem cell differentiation and that heterochromatin formation by H3K9 methylation regulates HSC differentiation.« less

Whole-genome fingerprint of the DNA methylome during human B cell differentiation.

PubMed

Kulis, Marta; Merkel, Angelika; Heath, Simon; Queirós, Ana C; Schuyler, Ronald P; Castellano, Giancarlo; Beekman, Renée; Raineri, Emanuele; Esteve, Anna; Clot, Guillem; Verdaguer-Dot, Néria; Duran-Ferrer, Martí; Russiñol, Nuria; Vilarrasa-Blasi, Roser; Ecker, Simone; Pancaldi, Vera; Rico, Daniel; Agueda, Lidia; Blanc, Julie; Richardson, David; Clarke, Laura; Datta, Avik; Pascual, Marien; Agirre, Xabier; Prosper, Felipe; Alignani, Diego; Paiva, Bruno; Caron, Gersende; Fest, Thierry; Muench, Marcus O; Fomin, Marina E; Lee, Seung-Tae; Wiemels, Joseph L; Valencia, Alfonso; Gut, Marta; Flicek, Paul; Stunnenberg, Hendrik G; Siebert, Reiner; Küppers, Ralf; Gut, Ivo G; Campo, Elías; Martín-Subero, José I

2015-07-01

We analyzed the DNA methylome of ten subpopulations spanning the entire B cell differentiation program by whole-genome bisulfite sequencing and high-density microarrays. We observed that non-CpG methylation disappeared upon B cell commitment, whereas CpG methylation changed extensively during B cell maturation, showing an accumulative pattern and affecting around 30% of all measured CpG sites. Early differentiation stages mainly displayed enhancer demethylation, which was associated with upregulation of key B cell transcription factors and affected multiple genes involved in B cell biology. Late differentiation stages, in contrast, showed extensive demethylation of heterochromatin and methylation gain at Polycomb-repressed areas, and genes with apparent functional impact in B cells were not affected. This signature, which has previously been linked to aging and cancer, was particularly widespread in mature cells with an extended lifespan. Comparing B cell neoplasms with their normal counterparts, we determined that they frequently acquire methylation changes in regions already undergoing dynamic methylation during normal B cell differentiation.

Differential effects of Notch ligands Delta-1 and Jagged-1 in human lymphoid differentiation.

PubMed

Jaleco, A C; Neves, H; Hooijberg, E; Gameiro, P; Clode, N; Haury, M; Henrique, D; Parreira, L

2001-10-01

Notch signaling is known to differentially affect the development of lymphoid B and T cell lineages, but it remains unclear whether such effects are specifically dependent on distinct Notch ligands. Using a cell coculture assay we observed that the Notch ligand Delta-1 completely inhibits the differentiation of human hematopoietic progenitors into the B cell lineage while promoting the emergence of cells with a phenotype of T cell/natural killer (NK) precursors. In contrast, Jagged-1 did not disturb either B or T cell/NK development. Furthermore, cells cultured in the presence of either Delta-1 or Jagged-1 can acquire a phenotype of NK cells, and Delta-1, but not Jagged-1, permits the emergence of a de novo cell population coexpressing CD4 and CD8. Our results thus indicate that distinct Notch ligands can mediate differential effects of Notch signaling and provide a useful system to further address cell-fate decision processes in lymphopoiesis.

Differential Effects of Notch Ligands Delta-1 and Jagged-1 in Human Lymphoid Differentiation

PubMed Central

Jaleco, Ana C.; Neves, Hélia; Hooijberg, Erik; Gameiro, Paula; Clode, Nuno; Haury, Matthias; Henrique, Domingos; Parreira, Leonor

2001-01-01

Notch signaling is known to differentially affect the development of lymphoid B and T cell lineages, but it remains unclear whether such effects are specifically dependent on distinct Notch ligands. Using a cell coculture assay we observed that the Notch ligand Delta-1 completely inhibits the differentiation of human hematopoietic progenitors into the B cell lineage while promoting the emergence of cells with a phenotype of T cell/natural killer (NK) precursors. In contrast, Jagged-1 did not disturb either B or T cell/NK development. Furthermore, cells cultured in the presence of either Delta-1 or Jagged-1 can acquire a phenotype of NK cells, and Delta-1, but not Jagged-1, permits the emergence of a de novo cell population coexpressing CD4 and CD8. Our results thus indicate that distinct Notch ligands can mediate differential effects of Notch signaling and provide a useful system to further address cell-fate decision processes in lymphopoiesis. PMID:11581320

PC12 Cells Differentiate into Chromaffin Cell-Like Phenotype in Coculture with Adrenal Medullary Endothelial Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mizrachi, Yaffa; Naranjo, Jose R.; Levi, Ben-Zion; Pollard, Harvey B.; Lelkes, Peter I.

1990-08-01

Previously we described specific in vitro interactions between PC12 cells, a cloned, catecholamine-secreting pheochromocytoma cell line derived from the rat adrenal medulla, and bovine adrenal medullary endothelial cells. We now demonstrate that these interactions induce the PC12 cells to acquire physical and biochemical characteristics reminiscent of chromaffin cells. Under coculture conditions involving direct cell-cell contact, the endothelial cells and the PC12 cells reduced their rates of proliferation; upon prolonged coculture PC12 cells clustered into nests of cells similar to the organization of chromaffin cells seen in vivo. Within 3 days in coculture with endothelial cells, but not with unrelated control cells, PC12 cells synthesized increased levels of [Met]enkephalin. In addition, PC12 cells, growing on confluent endothelial monolayers, failed to extend neurites in response to nerve growth factor. Neither medium conditioned by endothelial cells nor fixed endothelial cells could by themselves induce all of these different phenomena in the PC12 cells. These results suggest that under coculture conditions PC12 cells change their state of differentiation toward a chromaffin cell-like phenotype. The rapid, transient increase in the expression of the protooncogene c-fos suggests that the mechanism(s) inducing the change in the state of differentiation in PC12 cells in coculture with the endothelial cells may be distinct from that described for the differentiation of PC12 cells--e.g., by glucocorticoids. We propose that similar interactions between endothelial cells and chromaffin cell precursors may occur during embryonic development and that these interactions might be instrumental for the organ-specific differentiation of the adrenal medulla in vivo.

B cells regulate thymic CD8+T cell differentiation in lupus-prone mice.

PubMed

Xing, Chen; Zhu, Gaizhi; Xiao, He; Fang, Ying; Liu, Xiaoling; Han, Gencheng; Chen, Guojiang; Hou, Chunmei; Shen, Beifen; Li, Yan; Ma, Ning; Wang, Renxi

2017-10-27

Previous studies have shown that under normal physiological conditions thymic B cells play a critical function in T cell negative selection. We tested the effect of thymic B cells on thymic T-cell differentiation in autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We found that thymic B cells and CD8 - CD4 + and CD4 - CD8 + T cells increased, whereas CD4 + CD8 + T cells decreased in lupus-prone mice. Once B cells were reduced, the change was reversed. Furthermore, we found that B cells blocked thymic immature single positive (ISP) CD4 - CD8 + CD3 lo/- RORγt - T cells progression into CD4 + CD8 + T cells. Interestingly, we found a novel population of thymic immature T cells (CD4 - CD8 + CD3 lo RORγt + ) that were induced into mature CD4 - CD8 + CD3 + RORγt + T cells by B cells in lupus-prone mice. Importantly, we found that IgG, produced by thymic B cells, played a critical role in the differentiation of thymic CD8 + ISP and mature RORγt + CD8 + T cells in lupus-prone mice. In conclusion, B cells blocked the differentiation from thymic CD8 + ISP and induced the differentiation of a novel immature CD4 - CD8 + CD3 lo RORγt + T cells into mature RORγt + CD8 + T cells by secreting IgG antibody in lupus-prone mice.

Cryopreservation has no effect on function of natural killer cells differentiated in vitro from umbilical cord blood CD34(+) cells.

PubMed

Domogala, Anna; Madrigal, J Alejandro; Saudemont, Aurore

2016-06-01

Natural killer (NK) cells offer the potential for a powerful cellular immunotherapy because they can target malignant cells without being direct effectors of graft-versus-host disease. We have previously shown that high numbers of functional NK cells can be differentiated in vitro from umbilical cord blood (CB) CD34(+) cells. To develop a readily available, off-the-shelf cellular product, it is essential that NK cells differentiated in vitro can be frozen and thawed while maintaining the same phenotype and functions. We evaluated the phenotype and function of fresh and frozen NK cells differentiated in vitro. We also assessed whether the concentration of NK cells at the time of freezing had an impact on cell viability. We found that cell concentration of NK cells at the time of freezing did not have an impact on their viability and on cell recovery post-thaw. Moreover, freezing of differentiated NK cells in vitro did not affect their phenotype, cytotoxicity and degranulation capacity toward K562 cells, cytokine production and proliferation. We are therefore able to generate large numbers of functional NK cells from CB CD34(+) cells that maintain the same phenotype and function post-cryopreservation, which will allow for multiple infusions of a highly cytotoxic NK cell product. Copyright © 2016 International Society for Cellular Therapy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase, DNA methyltransferase, and transforming growth factor-β promotes differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells into enterocytes.

PubMed

Kodama, Nao; Iwao, Takahiro; Kabeya, Tomoki; Horikawa, Takashi; Niwa, Takuro; Kondo, Yuki; Nakamura, Katsunori; Matsunaga, Tamihide

2016-06-01

We previously reported that small-molecule compounds were effective in generating pharmacokinetically functional enterocytes from human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. In this study, to determine whether the compounds promote the differentiation of human iPS cells into enterocytes, we investigated the effects of a combination of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK), DNA methyltransferase (DNMT), and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β inhibitors on intestinal differentiation. Human iPS cells cultured on feeder cells were differentiated into endodermal cells by activin A. These endodermal-like cells were then differentiated into intestinal stem cells by fibroblast growth factor 2. Finally, the cells were differentiated into enterocyte cells by epidermal growth factor and small-molecule compounds. After differentiation, mRNA expression levels and drug-metabolizing enzyme activities were measured. The mRNA expression levels of the enterocyte marker sucrase-isomaltase and the major drug-metabolizing enzyme cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 were increased by a combination of MEK, DNMT, and TGF-β inhibitors. The mRNA expression of CYP3A4 was markedly induced by 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. Metabolic activities of CYP1A1/2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP3A4/5, UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, and sulfotransferase were also observed in the differentiated cells. In conclusion, MEK, DNMT, and TGF-β inhibitors can be used to promote the differentiation of human iPS cells into pharmacokinetically functional enterocytes. Copyright © 2016 The Japanese Society for the Study of Xenobiotics. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Subcloning of three osteoblastic cell lines with distinct differentiation phenotypes from the mouse osteoblastic cell line KS-4.

PubMed

Yamashita, T; Ishii, H; Shimoda, K; Sampath, T K; Katagiri, T; Wada, M; Osawa, T; Suda, T

1996-11-01

Three distinct osteoblastic cell lines (KS418, KS460, and KS483) were subcloned from the mouse osteoblastic KS-4 cells, which possessed the abilities not only to differentiate into mature osteoblasts, but also to support osteoclast differentiation in coculture with spleen cells. The order of the magnitude of the basal alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was KS483 > KS418 > KS460. KS483 cells were also more differentiated than KS418 and KS460 in terms of ALP activity and osteocalcin production, when cultured in growth medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum. In long-term culture, KS418 and KS483 apparently differentiated into mature osteoblasts and formed calcified nodules without addition of beta-glycerophosphate. Electron microscopic analysis demonstrated that calcification occurring in the nodules was initiated in the matrix vesicles as observed in bone formation in vivo. Nodule formation and mineral deposition occurred simultaneously in the presence of beta-glycerophosphate, but the former always preceded the latter without addition of beta-glycerophosphate. In contrast, KS460 cells did not show time-dependent increases of ALP activity, type I collagen expression and osteocalcin production, which were induced by treatment with recombinant osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1). The three cell lines similarly supported osteoclast differentiation in coculture with spleen cells in response to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. These results indicate that the three cell lines subcloned from the original KS-4 cells represent phenotypically distinct osteoblasts during osteoblast differentiation, but are equipped similarly with the capacity to support osteoclast differentiation. The subcloned cells of the KS-4 series may provide useful systems in which to study osteoblast differentiation and function.

RhoA orchestrates glycolysis for Th2 cell differentiation and allergic airway inflammation

PubMed Central

Yang, Jun-Qi; Kalim, Khalid W.; Li, Yuan; Zhang, Shuangmin; Hinge, Ashwini; Filippi, Marie-Dominique; Zheng, Yi; Guo, Fukun

2015-01-01

Background Mitochondrial metabolism is known to be important for T cell activation. However, its involvement in effector T cell differentiation has just begun to gain attention. Importantly, how metabolic pathways are integrated with T cell activation and effector cell differentiation and function remains largely unknown. Objective We sought to test our hypothesis that RhoA GTPase orchestrates glycolysis for Th2 cell differentiation and Th2-mediated allergic airway inflammation. Methods Conditional RhoA-deficient mice were generated by crossing RhoAflox/flox mice with CD2-Cre transgenic mice. Effects of RhoA on Th2 differentiation were evaluated by in vitro Th2-polarized culture conditions, and in vivo in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic airway inflammation. Cytokines were measured by intracellular staining and ELISA. T cell metabolism was measured by Seahorse XF24 Analyzer and flow cytometry. Results Disruption of RhoA inhibited T cell activation and Th2 differentiation in vitro and prevented the development of allergic airway inflammation in vivo, with no effect on Th1 cells. RhoA deficiency in activated T cells led to multiple defects in metabolic pathways such as glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. Importantly, RhoA couples glycolysis to Th2 cell differentiation and allergic airway inflammation via regulating IL-4 receptor mRNA expression and Th2-specific signaling events. Finally, inhibition of Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK), an immediate downstream effector of RhoA, blocked Th2 differentiation and allergic airway inflammation. Conclusion RhoA is a key component of the signaling cascades leading to Th2-differentiation and allergic airway inflammation, at least in part, through the control of T cell metabolism and via ROCK pathway. PMID:26100081

The potential of chondrogenic pre-differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells for regeneration in harsh nucleus pulposus microenvironment.

PubMed

Wang, Jingkai; Tao, Yiqing; Zhou, Xiaopeng; Li, Hao; Liang, Chengzhen; Li, Fangcai; Chen, Qi-Xin

2016-12-01

Recent studies indicated that cell-based therapy could be a promising approach to treat intervertebral disc degeneration. Though the harsh microenvironment in disc is still challenging to implanted cells, it could be overcome by pre-conditioning graft cells before transplantation, suggested by previous literatures. Therefore, we designed this study to identify the potential effect of chondrogenic pre-differentiation on adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in intervertebral disc-like microenvironment, characterized by limited nutrition, acidic, and high osmosis in vitro. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells of rat were divided into five groups, embedded in type II collagen scaffold, and cultured in chondrogenic differentiation medium for 0, 3, 7, 10, and 14 days. Then, the adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were implanted and cultured in intervertebral disc-like condition. The proliferation and differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were evaluated by cell counting kit-8 test, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis. Analyzed by the first week in intervertebral disc-like condition, the results showed relatively greater proliferative capability and extracellular matrix synthesis ability of the adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells pre-differentiated for 7 and 10 days than the control. We concluded that pre-differentiation of rat adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in chondrogenic culture medium for 7 to 10 days could promote the regeneration effect of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in intervertebral disc-like condition, and the pre-differentiated cells could be a promising cell source for disc regeneration medicine.

Selective neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells induced by nanosecond microplasma agitation.

PubMed

Xiong, Z; Zhao, S; Mao, X; Lu, X; He, G; Yang, G; Chen, M; Ishaq, M; Ostrikov, K

2014-03-01

An essential step for therapeutic and research applications of stem cells is their ability to differentiate into specific cell types. Neuronal cells are of great interest for medical treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and traumatic injuries of central nervous system (CNS), but efforts to produce these cells have been met with only modest success. In an attempt of finding new approaches, atmospheric-pressure room-temperature microplasma jets (MPJs) are shown to effectively direct in vitro differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) predominantly into neuronal lineage. Murine neural stem cells (C17.2-NSCs) treated with MPJs exhibit rapid proliferation and differentiation with longer neurites and cell bodies eventually forming neuronal networks. MPJs regulate ~75% of NSCs to differentiate into neurons, which is a higher efficiency compared to common protein- and growth factors-based differentiation. NSCs exposure to quantized and transient (~150 ns) micro-plasma bullets up-regulates expression of different cell lineage markers as β-Tubulin III (for neurons) and O4 (for oligodendrocytes), while the expression of GFAP (for astrocytes) remains unchanged, as evidenced by quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence microscopy and Western Blot assay. It is shown that the plasma-increased nitric oxide (NO) production is a factor in the fate choice and differentiation of NSCs followed by axonal growth. The differentiated NSC cells matured and produced mostly cholinergic and motor neuronal progeny. It is also demonstrated that exposure of primary rat NSCs to the microplasma leads to quite similar differentiation effects. This suggests that the observed effect may potentially be generic and applicable to other types of neural progenitor cells. The application of this new in vitro strategy to selectively differentiate NSCs into neurons represents a step towards reproducible and efficient production of the desired NSC derivatives. Published by Elsevier B.V.

CELLPEDIA: a repository for human cell information for cell studies and differentiation analyses.

PubMed

Hatano, Akiko; Chiba, Hirokazu; Moesa, Harry Amri; Taniguchi, Takeaki; Nagaie, Satoshi; Yamanegi, Koji; Takai-Igarashi, Takako; Tanaka, Hiroshi; Fujibuchi, Wataru

2011-01-01

CELLPEDIA is a repository database for current knowledge about human cells. It contains various types of information, such as cell morphologies, gene expression and literature references. The major role of CELLPEDIA is to provide a digital dictionary of human cells for the biomedical field, including support for the characterization of artificially generated cells in regenerative medicine. CELLPEDIA features (i) its own cell classification scheme, in which whole human cells are classified by their physical locations in addition to conventional taxonomy; and (ii) cell differentiation pathways compiled from biomedical textbooks and journal papers. Currently, human differentiated cells and stem cells are classified into 2260 and 66 cell taxonomy keys, respectively, from which 934 parent-child relationships reported in cell differentiation or transdifferentiation pathways are retrievable. As far as we know, this is the first attempt to develop a digital cell bank to function as a public resource for the accumulation of current knowledge about human cells. The CELLPEDIA homepage is freely accessible except for the data submission pages that require authentication (please send a password request to cell-info@cbrc.jp). Database URL: http://cellpedia.cbrc.jp/

Synthetic niches for differentiation of human embryonic stem cells bypassing embryoid body formation.

PubMed

Liu, Yarong; Fox, Victoria; Lei, Yuning; Hu, Biliang; Joo, Kye-Il; Wang, Pin

2014-07-01

The unique self-renewal and pluripotency features of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) offer the potential for unlimited development of novel cell therapies. Currently, hESCs are cultured and differentiated using methods, such as monolayer culture and embryoid body (EB) formation. As such, achieving efficient differentiation into higher order structures remains a challenge, as well as maintaining cell viability during differentiation into homogeneous cell populations. Here, we describe the application of highly porous polymer scaffolds as synthetic stem cell niches. Bypassing the EB formation step, these scaffolds are capable of three-dimensional culture of undifferentiated hESCs and subsequent directed differentiation into three primary germ layers. H9 hESCs were successfully maintained and proliferated in biodegradable polymer scaffolds based on poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). The results showed that cells within PLGA scaffolds retained characteristics of undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells. Moreover, the scaffolds allowed differentiation towards the lineage of interest by the addition of growth factors to the culture system. The in vivo transplantation study revealed that the scaffolds could provide a microenvironment that enabled hESCs to interact with their surroundings, thereby promoting cell differentiation. Therefore, this approach, which provides a unique culture/differentiation system for hESCs, will find its utility in various stem cell-based tissue-engineering applications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Slow and sustained nitric oxide releasing compounds inhibit multipotent vascular stem cell proliferation and differentiation without causing cell death

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Curtis, Brandon M.; Leix, Kyle Alexander; Ji, Yajing

Highlights: • Multipotent vascular stem cells (MVSCs) proliferate and differentiate. • Nitric oxide inhibits proliferation of MVSCs. • Nitric oxide inhibits MVSC differentiation to mesenchymal-like stem cells (MSCs). • Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) neither de-differentiate nor proliferate. - Abstract: Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of cerebral and myocardial infarction. It is believed that neointimal growth common in the later stages of atherosclerosis is a result of vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) de-differentiation in response to endothelial injury. However, the claims of the SMC de-differentiation theory have not been substantiated by monitoring the fate of mature SMCs in response to suchmore » injuries. A recent study suggests that atherosclerosis is a consequence of multipotent vascular stem cell (MVSC) differentiation. Nitric oxide (NO) is a well-known mediator against atherosclerosis, in part because of its inhibitory effect on SMC proliferation. Using three different NO-donors, we have investigated the effects of NO on MVSC proliferation. Results indicate that NO inhibits MVSC proliferation in a concentration dependent manner. A slow and sustained delivery of NO proved to inhibit proliferation without causing cell death. On the other hand, larger, single-burst NO concentrations, inhibits proliferation, with concurrent significant cell death. Furthermore, our results indicate that endogenously produced NO inhibits MVSC differentiation to mesenchymal-like stem cells (MSCs) and subsequently to SMC as well.« less

Paroxetine Can Enhance Neurogenesis during Neurogenic Differentiation of Human Adipose-derived Stem Cells

PubMed Central

Jahromi, Maliheh; Razavi, Shahnaz; Amirpour, Nushin; Khosravizadeh, Zahra

2016-01-01

Background: Some antidepressant drugs can promote neuronal cell proliferation in vitro as well as hippocampal neurogenesis in human and animal models. Furthermore, adipose tissue is an available source of adult stem cells with the ability to differentiate in to multiple lineages. Therefore, human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (hAD-SCs) may be a suitable source for regenerative medical applications. Since there is no evidence for the effect of Paroxetine as the most commonly prescribed antidepressant drug for neurogenic potential of hADSCs, an attempt was made to determine the effect of Paroxetine on proliferation and neural differentiation of hADSCs. Methods: ADSCs were isolated from human abdominal fat. These cells differentiated to neuron-like cells and were treated with Paroxetine. 3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and immunofluorescence technique were used for assessment of cell proliferation and neurogenic differentiation potential of induced cells, respectively. Results: MTT assay analysis showed that Paroxetine significantly increased the proliferation rate of induced hADSCs (p<0.05), while immunofluorescent staining indicated that Paroxetine treatment during neurogenic differentiation could enhance the mean percentage of Nestin and MAP2 (Microtubule-associated protein-2) positive cells but the mean percentage of GFAP (Glial acidic fibrillary protein) positive cells significantly decreased relative to control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our results provide evidence that Paroxetine can promote proliferation and differentiation rate during neurogenic differentiation of hADSCs. Moreover, Paroxetine can reduce gliogenesis of induced hADSCs during neurogenic differentiation. PMID:27920882

Dasatinib inhibits both osteoclast activation and prostate cancer PC-3-cell-induced osteoclast formation.

PubMed

Araujo, John C; Poblenz, Ann; Corn, Paul; Parikh, Nila U; Starbuck, Michael W; Thompson, Jerry T; Lee, Francis; Logothetis, Christopher J; Darnay, Bryant G

2009-11-01

Therapies to target prostate cancer bone metastases have only limited effects. New treatments are focused on the interaction between cancer cells, bone marrow cells and the bone matrix. Osteoclasts play an important role in the development of bone tumors caused by prostate cancer. Since Src kinase has been shown to be necessary for osteoclast function, we hypothesized that dasatinib, a Src family kinase inhibitor, would reduce osteoclast activity and prostate cancer (PC-3) cell-induced osteoclast formation. Dasatinib inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation of bone marrow-derived monocytes with an EC(50) of 7.5 nM. PC-3 cells, a human prostate cancer cell line, were able to differentiate RAW 264.7 cells, a murine monocytic cell line, into osteoclasts, and dasatinib inhibited this differentiation. In addition, conditioned medium from PC-3 cell cultures was able to differentiate RAW 264.7 cells into osteoclasts and this too, was inhibited by dasatinib. Even the lowest concentration of dasatinib, 1.25 nmol, inhibited osteoclast differentiation by 29%. Moreover, dasatinib inhibited osteoclast activity by 58% as measured by collagen 1 release. We performed in vitro experiments utilizing the Src family kinase inhibitor dasatinib to target osteoclast activation as a means of inhibiting prostate cancer bone metastases. Dasatinib inhibits osteoclast differentiation of mouse primary bone marrow-derived monocytes and PC-3 cell-induced osteoclast differentiation. Dasatinib also inhibits osteoclast degradation activity. Inhibiting osteoclast differentiation and activity may be an effective targeted therapy in patients with prostate cancer bone metastases.

Emergence of multicellular organisms with dynamic differentiation and spatial pattern.

PubMed

Furusawa, C; Kaneko, K

1998-01-01

The origin of multicellular organisms and the mechanism of development in cell societies are studied by choosing a model with intracellular biochemical dynamics allowing for oscillations, cell-cell interaction through diffusive chemicals on a two-dimensional grid, and state-dependent cell adhesion. Cells differentiate due to a dynamical instability, as described by our "isologous diversification" theory. A fixed spatial pattern of differentiated cells emerges, where spatial information is sustained by cell-cell interactions. This pattern is robust against perturbations. With an adequate cell adhesion force, active cells are release that form the seed of a new generation of multicellular organisms, accompanied by death of the original multicellular unit as a halting state. It is shown that the emergence of multicellular organisms with differentiation, regulation, and life cycle is not an accidental event, but a natural consequence in a system of replicating cells with growth.

Enforced expression of the c-myc oncogene inhibits cell differentiation by precluding entry into a distinct predifferentiation state in G/sub 0//G/sub 1/

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Freytag, S.O.

1988-04-01

A broad base of data has implicated a role for the c-myc proto-oncogene in the control of the cell cycle and cell differentiation. To further define the role of myc in these processes, the authors examined the effect of enforced myc expression on several events that are thought to be important steps leading to the terminally differentiated state: (i) the ability to arrest growth in G/sub 0//G/sub 1/, (ii) the ability to replicate the genome upon initiation of the differentiation program, and (iii) the ability to loose responsiveness to mitogens and withdraw from the cell cycle. 3T3-L1 preadipocyte cell linesmore » expressing various levels of myc mRNA were established by transfection with a recombinant myc gene under the transcriptional control of the Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) promoter. Cells that expressed high constitutive levels of pRSV myc mRNA arrested in G/sub 0//G/sub 1/ at densities similar to those of normal cells at confluence. Upon initiation of the differentiation program, such cells traversed the cell cycle with kinetics similar to those of normal cells and subsequently arrested in G/sub 0//G/sub 1/. Thus, enforced expression of myc had no effect on the ability of cells to arrest growth in G/sub 0//G/sub 1/ or to replicate the genome upon initiation of the differentiation program. Cells were then tested for their ability to reenter the cell cycle upon exposure to high concentrations of serum and for their capacity to differentiate. In contrast to normal cells, cells expressing high constitutive levels of myc RNA reentered the cell cycle when challenged with 30% serum and failed to terminally differentiate.« less

Endothelial cells genetically selected from differentiating mouse embryonic stem cells incorporate at sites of neovascularization in vivo.

PubMed

Marchetti, Sandrine; Gimond, Clotilde; Iljin, Kristiina; Bourcier, Christine; Alitalo, Kari; Pouysségur, Jacques; Pagès, Gilles

2002-05-15

Large scale purification of endothelial cells is of great interest as it could improve tissue transplantation, reperfusion of ischemic tissues and treatment of pathologies in which an endothelial cell dysfunction exists. In this study, we describe a novel genetic approach that selects for endothelial cells from differentiating embryonic stem (ES) cells. Our strategy is based on the establishment of ES-cell clones that carry an integrated puromycin resistance gene under the control of a vascular endothelium-specific promoter, tie-1. Using EGFP as a reporter gene, we first confirmed the endothelial specificity of the tie-1 promoter in the embryoid body model and in cells differentiated in 2D cultures. Subsequently, tie-1-EGFP ES cells were used as recipients for the tie-1-driven puror transgene. The resulting stable clones were expanded and differentiated for seven days in the presence of VEGF before puromycin selection. As expected, puromycin-resistant cells were positive for EGFP and also expressed several endothelial markers, including CD31, CD34, VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, Tie-1, VE-cadherin and ICAM-2. Release from the puromycin selection resulted in the appearance of alpha-smooth muscle actin-positive cells. Such cells became more numerous when the population was cultured on laminin-1 or in the presence of TGF-beta1, two known inducers of smooth muscle cell differentiation. The hypothesis that endothelial cells or their progenitors may differentiate towards a smooth muscle cell phenotype was further supported by the presence of cells expressing both CD31 and alpha-smooth muscle actin markers. Finally, we show that purified endothelial cells can incorporate into the neovasculature of transplanted tumors in nude mice. Taken together, these results suggest that application of endothelial lineage selection to differentiating ES cells may become a useful approach for future pro-angiogenic and endothelial cell replacement therapies.

Integration-deficient lentivectors: an effective strategy to purify and differentiate human embryonic stem cell-derived hepatic progenitors.

PubMed

Yang, Guanghua; Si-Tayeb, Karim; Corbineau, Sébastien; Vernet, Rémi; Gayon, Régis; Dianat, Noushin; Martinet, Clémence; Clay, Denis; Goulinet-Mainot, Sylvie; Tachdjian, Gérard; Tachdjian, Gérard; Burks, Deborah; Vallier, Ludovic; Bouillé, Pascale; Dubart-Kupperschmitt, Anne; Weber, Anne

2013-07-19

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) hold great promise for applications in regenerative medicine. However, the safety of cell therapy using differentiated hPSC derivatives must be improved through methods that will permit the transplantation of homogenous populations of a specific cell type. To date, purification of progenitors and mature cells generated from either embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells remains challenging with use of conventional methods. We used lentivectors encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) driven by the liver-specific apoliprotein A-II (APOA-II) promoter to purify human hepatic progenitors. We evaluated both integrating and integration-defective lentivectors in combination with an HIV integrase inhibitor. A human embryonic stem cell line was differentiated into hepatic progenitors using a chemically defined protocol. Subsequently, cells were transduced and sorted at day 16 of differentiation to obtain a cell population enriched in hepatic progenitor cells. After sorting, more than 99% of these APOA-II-GFP-positive cells expressed hepatoblast markers such as α-fetoprotein and cytokeratin 19. When further cultured for 16 days, these cells underwent differentiation into more mature cells and exhibited hepatocyte properties such as albumin secretion. Moreover, they were devoid of vector DNA integration. We have developed an effective strategy to purify human hepatic cells from cultures of differentiating hPSCs, producing a novel tool that could be used not only for cell therapy but also for in vitro applications such as drug screening. The present strategy should also be suitable for the purification of a broad range of cell types derived from either pluripotent or adult stem cells.

Influence of LOX/COX inhibitors on cell differentiation induced by all-trans retinoic acid in neuroblastoma cell lines.

PubMed

Redova, Martina; Chlapek, Petr; Loja, Tomas; Zitterbart, Karel; Hermanova, Marketa; Sterba, Jaroslav; Veselska, Renata

2010-02-01

We investigated the possible modulation by LOX/ COX inhibitors of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA)-induced cell differentiation in two established neuroblastoma cell lines, SH-SY5Y and SK-N-BE(2). Caffeic acid, as an inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase, and celecoxib, as an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2, were chosen for this study. The effects of the combined treatment with ATRA and LOX/COX inhibitors on neuroblastoma cells were studied using cell morphology assessment, detection of differentiation markers by immunoblotting, measurement of proliferation activity, and cell cycle analysis and apoptosis detection by flow cytometry. The results clearly demonstrated the potential of caffeic acid to enhance ATRA-induced cell differentiation, especially in the SK-N-BE(2) cell line, whereas application of celecoxib alone or with ATRA led predominantly to cytotoxic effects in both cell lines. Moreover, the higher sensitivity of the SK-N-BE(2) cell line to combined treatment with ATRA and LOX/COX inhibitors suggests that cancer stem cells are a main target for this therapeutic approach. Nevertheless, further detailed study of the phenomenon of enhanced cell differentiation by expression profiling is needed.

On the Stem Cell Origin of Cancer

PubMed Central

Sell, Stewart

2010-01-01

In each major theory of the origin of cancer—field theory, chemical carcinogenesis, infection, mutation, or epigenetic change—the tissue stem cell is involved in the generation of cancer. Although the cancer type is identified by the more highly differentiated cells in the cancer cell lineage or hierarchy (transit-amplifying cells), the property of malignancy and the molecular lesion of the cancer exist in the cancer stem cell. In the case of teratocarcinomas, normal germinal stem cells have the potential to become cancers if placed in an environment that allows expression of the cancer phenotype (field theory). In cancers due to chemically induced mutations, viral infections, somatic and inherited mutations, or epigenetic changes, the molecular lesion or infection usually first occurs in the tissue stem cells. Cancer stem cells then give rise to transit-amplifying cells and terminally differentiated cells, similar to what happens in normal tissue renewal. However, the major difference between cancer growth and normal tissue renewal is that whereas normal transit amplifying cells usually differentiate and die, at various levels of differentiation, the cancer transit-amplifying cells fail to differentiate normally and instead accumulate (ie, they undergo maturation arrest), resulting in cancer growth. PMID:20431026

Robust and Highly-Efficient Differentiation of Functional Monocytic Cells from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells under Serum- and Feeder Cell-Free Conditions

PubMed Central

Yanagimachi, Masakatsu D.; Niwa, Akira; Tanaka, Takayuki; Honda-Ozaki, Fumiko; Nishimoto, Seiko; Murata, Yuuki; Yasumi, Takahiro; Ito, Jun; Tomida, Shota; Oshima, Koichi; Asaka, Isao; Goto, Hiroaki; Heike, Toshio; Nakahata, Tatsutoshi; Saito, Megumu K.

2013-01-01

Monocytic lineage cells (monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells) play important roles in immune responses and are involved in various pathological conditions. The development of monocytic cells from human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is of particular interest because it provides an unlimited cell source for clinical application and basic research on disease pathology. Although the methods for monocytic cell differentiation from ESCs/iPSCs using embryonic body or feeder co-culture systems have already been established, these methods depend on the use of xenogeneic materials and, therefore, have a relatively poor-reproducibility. Here, we established a robust and highly-efficient method to differentiate functional monocytic cells from ESCs/iPSCs under serum- and feeder cell-free conditions. This method produced 1.3×106±0.3×106 floating monocytes from approximately 30 clusters of ESCs/iPSCs 5–6 times per course of differentiation. Such monocytes could be differentiated into functional macrophages and dendritic cells. This method should be useful for regenerative medicine, disease-specific iPSC studies and drug discovery. PMID:23573196

3-bromopyruvate ameliorate autoimmune arthritis by modulating Th17/Treg cell differentiation and suppressing dendritic cell activation.

PubMed

Okano, Takaichi; Saegusa, Jun; Nishimura, Keisuke; Takahashi, Soshi; Sendo, Sho; Ueda, Yo; Morinobu, Akio

2017-02-10

Recent studies have shown that cellular metabolism plays an important role in regulating immune cell functions. In immune cell differentiation, both interleukin-17-producing T (Th17) cells and dendritic cells (DCs) exhibit increased glycolysis through the upregulation of glycolytic enzymes, such as hexokinase-2 (HK2). Blocking glycolysis with 2-deoxyglucose was recently shown to inhibit Th17 cell differentiation while promoting regulatory T (Treg) cell generation. However, 2-DG inhibits all isoforms of HK. Thus, it is unclear which isoform has a critical role in Th17 cell differentiation and in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis. Here we demonstrated that 3-bromopyruvate (BrPA), a specific HK2 inhibitor, significantly decreased the arthritis scores and the histological scores in SKG mice, with a significant increase in Treg cells, decrease in Th17 cells, and decrease in activated DCs in the spleen. In vitro, BrPA facilitated the differentiation of Treg cells, suppressed Th17 cells, and inhibited the activation of DCs. These results suggested that BrPA may be a therapeutic target of murine arthritis. Although the role of IL-17 is not clarified in the treatment of RA, targeting cell metabolism to alter the immune cell functions might lead to a new therapeutic strategy for RA.

Cutaneous amelanotic signet-ring cell malignant melanoma with interspersed myofibroblastic differentiation in a young cat.

PubMed

Hirz, Manuela; Herden, Christiane

2016-07-01

The diagnosis of malignant melanoma can be difficult because these tumors can be amelanotic and may contain diverse variants and divergent differentiations, of which the signet-ring cell subtype is very rare and has only been described in humans, dogs, cats, and a hamster. We describe herein histopathologic and immunohistochemical approaches taken to diagnose a case of signet-ring cell malignant melanoma with myofibroblastic differentiation in a cat. A tumor within the abdominal skin of a 2-year-old cat was composed of signet-ring cells and irregularly interwoven streams of spindle cells. Both neoplastic cell types were periodic-acid-Schiff, Fontana, and Sudan black B negative. Signet-ring cells strongly expressed vimentin and S100 protein. Spindle cells strongly expressed vimentin and smooth muscle actin; some cells expressed S100, moderately neuron-specific enolase, and others variably actin and desmin. A few round cells expressed melan A, and a few plump spindle cells expressed melan A and PNL2, confirming the diagnosis of amelanotic signet-ring cell malignant melanoma with myofibroblastic differentiation in a cat. Differential diagnoses were excluded, including signet-ring cell forms of adenocarcinomas, lymphomas, liposarcomas, leiomyosarcomas, squamous cell carcinomas, basal cell carcinomas, and adnexal tumors. © 2016 The Author(s).

Coordination of Myeloid Differentiation with Reduced Cell Cycle Progression by PU.1 Induction of MicroRNAs Targeting Cell Cycle Regulators and Lipid Anabolism.

PubMed

Solomon, Lauren A; Podder, Shreya; He, Jessica; Jackson-Chornenki, Nicholas L; Gibson, Kristen; Ziliotto, Rachel G; Rhee, Jess; DeKoter, Rodney P

2017-05-15

During macrophage development, myeloid progenitor cells undergo terminal differentiation coordinated with reduced cell cycle progression. Differentiation of macrophages from myeloid progenitors is accompanied by increased expression of the E26 transformation-specific transcription factor PU.1. Reduced PU.1 expression leads to increased proliferation and impaired differentiation of myeloid progenitor cells. It is not understood how PU.1 coordinates macrophage differentiation with reduced cell cycle progression. In this study, we utilized cultured PU.1-inducible myeloid cells to perform genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) analysis coupled with gene expression analysis to determine targets of PU.1 that may be involved in regulating cell cycle progression. We found that genes encoding cell cycle regulators and enzymes involved in lipid anabolism were directly and inducibly bound by PU.1 although their steady-state mRNA transcript levels were reduced. Inhibition of lipid anabolism was sufficient to reduce cell cycle progression in these cells. Induction of PU.1 reduced expression of E2f1 , an important activator of genes involved in cell cycle and lipid anabolism, indirectly through microRNA 223. Next-generation sequencing identified microRNAs validated as targeting cell cycle and lipid anabolism for downregulation. These results suggest that PU.1 coordinates cell cycle progression with differentiation through induction of microRNAs targeting cell cycle regulators and lipid anabolism. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.

Transcriptomic Profiling Discloses Molecular and Cellular Events Related to Neuronal Differentiation in SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells.

PubMed

Pezzini, Francesco; Bettinetti, Laura; Di Leva, Francesca; Bianchi, Marzia; Zoratti, Elisa; Carrozzo, Rosalba; Santorelli, Filippo M; Delledonne, Massimo; Lalowski, Maciej; Simonati, Alessandro

2017-05-01

Human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells are widely utilized in in vitro studies to dissect out pathogenetic mechanisms of neurodegenerative disorders. These cells are considered as neuronal precursors and differentiate into more mature neuronal phenotypes under selected growth conditions. In this study, in order to decipher the pathways and cellular processes underlying neuroblastoma cell differentiation in vitro, we performed systematic transcriptomic (RNA-seq) and bioinformatic analysis of SH-SY5Y cells differentiated according to a two-step paradigm: retinoic acid treatment followed by enriched neurobasal medium. Categorization of 1989 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified in differentiated cells functionally linked them to changes in cell morphology including remodelling of plasma membrane and cytoskeleton, and neuritogenesis. Seventy-three DEGs were assigned to axonal guidance signalling pathway, and the expression of selected gene products such as neurotrophin receptors, the functionally related SLITRK6, and semaphorins, was validated by immunoblotting. Along with these findings, the differentiated cells exhibited an ability to elongate longer axonal process as assessed by the neuronal cytoskeletal markers biochemical characterization and morphometric evaluation. Recognition of molecular events occurring in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells is critical to accurately interpret the cellular responses to specific stimuli in studies on disease pathogenesis.

An animated landscape representation of CD4+ T-cell differentiation, variability, and plasticity: Insights into the behavior of populations versus cells

PubMed Central

Rebhahn, Jonathan A; Deng, Nan; Sharma, Gaurav; Livingstone, Alexandra M; Huang, Sui; Mosmann, Tim R

2014-01-01

Recent advances in understanding CD4+ T-cell differentiation suggest that previous models of a few distinct, stable effector phenotypes were too simplistic. Although several well-characterized phenotypes are still recognized, some states display plasticity, and intermediate phenotypes exist. As a framework for reexamining these concepts, we use Waddington's landscape paradigm, augmented with explicit consideration of stochastic variations. Our animation program “LAVA” visualizes T-cell differentiation as cells moving across a landscape of hills and valleys, leading to attractor basins representing stable or semistable differentiation states. The model illustrates several principles, including: (i) cell populations may behave more predictably than individual cells; (ii) analogous to reticulate evolution, differentiation may proceed through a network of interconnected states, rather than a single well-defined pathway; (iii) relatively minor changes in the barriers between attractor basins can change the stability or plasticity of a population; (iv) intrapopulation variability of gene expression may be an important regulator of differentiation, rather than inconsequential noise; (v) the behavior of some populations may be defined mainly by the behavior of outlier cells. While not a quantitative representation of actual differentiation, our model is intended to provoke discussion of T-cell differentiation pathways, particularly highlighting a probabilistic view of transitions between states. PMID:24945794

Recent progress in stem cell differentiation directed by material and mechanical cues.

PubMed

Lin, Xunxun; Shi, Yuan; Cao, Yilin; Liu, Wei

2016-02-02

Stem cells play essential roles in tissue regeneration in vivo via specific lineage differentiation induced by environmental factors. In the past, biochemical signals were the focus of induced stem cell differentiation. As reported by Engler et al (2006 Cell 126 677-89), biophysical signal mediated stem cell differentiation could also serve as an important inducer. With the advancement of material science, it becomes a possible strategy to generate active biophysical signals for directing stem cell fate through specially designed material microstructures. In the past five years, significant progress has been made in this field, and these designed biophysical signals include material elasticity/rigidity, micropatterned structure, extracellular matrix (ECM) coated materials, material transmitted extracellular mechanical force etc. A large number of investigations involved material directed differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells, neural stem/progenitor cells, adipose derived stem cells, hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, embryonic stem cells and other cells. Hydrogel based materials were commonly used to create varied mechanical properties via modifying the ratio of different components, crosslinking levels, matrix concentration and conjugation with other components. Among them, polyacrylamide (PAM) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) hydrogels remained the major types of material. Specially designed micropatterning was not only able to create a unique topographical surface to control cell shape, alignment, cell-cell and cell-matrix contact for basic stem cell biology study, but also could be integrated with 3D bioprinting to generate micropattered 3D structure and thus to induce stem cell based tissue regeneration. ECM coating on a specific topographical structure was capable of inducing even more specific and potent stem cell differentiation along with soluble factors and mechanical force. The article overviews the progress of the past five years in this particular field.

Differentiation within autologous fibrin scaffolds of porcine dermal cells with the mesenchymal stem cell phenotype

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Puente, Pilar de la, E-mail: pilardelapuentegarcia@gmail.com; Ludeña, Dolores; López, Marta

2013-02-01

Porcine mesenchymal stem cells (pMSCs) are an attractive source of cells for tissue engineering because their properties are similar to those of human stem cells. pMSCs can be found in different tissues but their dermal origin has not been studied in depth. Additionally, MSCs differentiation in monolayer cultures requires subcultured cells, and these cells are at risk of dedifferentiation when implanting them into living tissue. Following this, we attempted to characterize the MSCs phenotype of porcine dermal cells and to evaluate their cellular proliferation and differentiation in autologous fibrin scaffolds (AFSs). Dermal biopsies and blood samples were obtained from 12more » pigs. Dermal cells were characterized by flow cytometry. Frozen autologous plasma was used to prepare AFSs. pMSC differentiation was studied in standard structures (monolayers and pellets) and in AFSs. The pMSCs expressed the CD90 and CD29 markers of the mesenchymal lineage. AFSs afforded adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation. The porcine dermis can be proposed to be a good source of MSCs with adequate proliferative capacity and a suitable expression of markers. The pMSCs also showed optimal proliferation and differentiation in AFSs, such that these might serve as a promising autologous and implantable material for use in tissue engineering. -- Highlights: ► Low fibrinogen concentration provides a suitable matrix for cell migration and differentiation. ► Autologous fibrin scaffolds is a promising technique in tissue engineering. ► Dermal cells are an easily accessible mesenchymal stem cell source. ► Fibrin scaffolds afforded adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation.« less

The processing of asparagine-linked oligosaccharides in HT-29 cells is a function of their state of enterocytic differentiation. An accumulation of Man9,8-GlcNAc2-Asn species is indicative of an impaired N-glycan trimming in undifferentiated cells.

PubMed

Ogier-Denis, E; Codogno, P; Chantret, I; Trugnan, G

1988-05-05

Studies on the regulation of the enterocytic differentiation of the human colon cancer cell line HT-29, which is differentiated in the absence (Glc-) but not in the presence of glucose (Glc+), have recently shown that the post-translational processing of sucrase-isomaltase and particularly its glycosylation vary as a function of cell differentiation (Trugnan G., Rousset, M., Chantret, I., Barbat, A., and Zweibaum, A. (1987) J. Cell Biol. 104, 1199-1205). Other studies indicate that in undifferentiated HT-29 Glc+ cells there is an accumulation of UDP-N-acetylhexosamine, which is involved in the glycosylation process (Wice, B. M., Trugnan, G., Pinto, M., Rousset, M., Chevalier, G., Dussaulx, E., Lacroix, B., and Zweibaum, A. (1985) J. Biol. Chem. 260, 139-146). The purpose of the present work is to investigate whether an overall alteration of protein glycosylation is associated with the inability of HT-29 cells to differentiate. At least three alterations are detected: (i) after a 10-min pulse, the incorporation of D-[2-3H]mannose in undifferentiated cells is severely reduced, compared to differentiated cells. (ii) After a 24-h period of labeling with D-[2-3H]mannose, undifferentiated cells accumulate more than 60% of the radioactivity in the high mannose glycopeptides, whereas differentiated HT-29 Glc- cells accumulate only 38%. (iii) The analysis of the high mannose oligosaccharides transferred "en bloc" from the lipid precursor shows that Man9,8-GlcNAc2 species accumulate in undifferentiated cells, whereas no such accumulation can be detected in differentiated cells. This glycosylation pattern is consistent with an impairment of the trimming of high mannose into complex glycans. It is concluded that N-glycan processing is correlated with the state of enterocytic differentiation of HT-29 cells.

Osteogenic differentiation capacity of human skeletal muscle-derived progenitor cells.

PubMed

Oishi, Teruyo; Uezumi, Akiyoshi; Kanaji, Arihiko; Yamamoto, Naoki; Yamaguchi, Asami; Yamada, Harumoto; Tsuchida, Kunihiro

2013-01-01

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is defined as the formation of ectopic bone in soft tissue outside the skeletal tissue. HO is thought to result from aberrant differentiation of osteogenic progenitors within skeletal muscle. However, the precise origin of HO is still unclear. Skeletal muscle contains two kinds of progenitor cells, myogenic progenitors and mesenchymal progenitors. Myogenic and mesenchymal progenitors in human skeletal muscle can be identified as CD56(+) and PDGFRα(+) cells, respectively. The purpose of this study was to investigate the osteogenic differentiation potential of human skeletal muscle-derived progenitors. Both CD56(+) cells and PDGFRα(+) cells showed comparable osteogenic differentiation potential in vitro. However, in an in vivo ectopic bone formation model, PDGFRα(+) cells formed bone-like tissue and showed successful engraftment, while CD56(+) cells did not form bone-like tissue and did not adapt to an osteogenic environment. Immunohistological analysis of human HO sample revealed that many PDGFRα(+) cells were localized in proximity to ectopic bone formed in skeletal muscle. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are known to regulate many biological processes including osteogenic differentiation. We investigated the participation of miRNAs in the osteogenic differentiation of PDGFRα(+) cells by using microarray. We identified miRNAs that had not been known to be involved in osteogenesis but showed dramatic changes during osteogenic differentiation of PDGFRα(+) cells. Upregulation of miR-146b-5p and -424 and downregulation of miR-7 during osteogenic differentiation of PDGFRα(+) cells were confirmed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Inhibition of upregulated miRNAs, miR-146b-5p and -424, resulted in the suppression of osteocyte maturation, suggesting that these two miRNAs have the positive role in the osteogenesis of PDGFRα(+) cells. Our results suggest that PDGFRα(+) cells may be the major source of HO and that the newly identified miRNAs may regulate osteogenic differentiation process of PDGFRα(+) cells.

Differential gene expression profiling of human adipose stem cells differentiating into smooth muscle-like cells by TGFβ1/BMP4

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Elçin, Ayşe Eser; Parmaksiz, Mahmut; Dogan, Arin

Regenerative repair of the vascular system is challenging from the perspectives of translational medicine and tissue engineering. There are fundamental hurdles in front of creating bioartificial arteries, which involve recaputilation of the three-layered structure under laboratory settings. Obtaining and maintaining smooth muscle characteristics is an important limitation, as the transdifferentiated cells fail to display mature phenotype. This study aims to shed light on the smooth muscle differentiation of human adipose stem cells (hASCs). To this end, we first acquired hASCs from lipoaspirate samples. Upon characterization, the cells were induced to differentiate into smooth muscle (SM)-like cells using a variety ofmore » inducer combinations. Among all, TGFβ1/BMP4 combination had the highest differentiation efficiency, based on immunohistochemical analyses. hSM-like cell samples were compared to hASCs and to the positive control, human coronary artery-smooth muscle cells (hCA-SMCs) through gene transcription profiling. Microarray findings revealed the activation of gene groups that function in smooth muscle differentiation, signaling pathways, extracellular modeling and cell proliferation. Our results underline the effectiveness of the growth factors and suggest some potential variables for detecting the SM-like cell characteristics. Evidence in transcriptome level was used to evaluate the TGFβ1/BMP4 combination as a previously unexplored effector for the smooth muscle differentiation of adipose stem cells. - Highlights: • Human adipose stem cells (hASCs) were isolated, characterized and cultured. • Growth factor combinations were evaluated for their effectiveness in differentiation using IHC. • hASCs were differentiated into smooth muscle (SM)-like cells using TGF-β1 and BMP4 combination. • Microarray analysis was performed for hASCs, SM-like cells and coronary artery-SMCs. • Microarray data was used to perform hierarchical clustering and interpretation of activated pathways.« less

The effect of nutritional status and myogenic satellite cell age on turkey satellite cell proliferation, differentiation, and expression of myogenic transcriptional regulatory factors and heparan sulfate proteoglycans syndecan-4 and glypican-1.

PubMed

Harthan, Laura B; McFarland, Douglas C; Velleman, Sandra G

2014-01-01

Posthatch satellite cell mitotic activity is a critical component of muscle development and growth. Satellite cells are myogenic stem cells that can be induced by nutrition to follow other cellular developmental pathways, and whose mitotic activity declines with age. The objective of the current study was to determine the effect of restricting protein synthesis on the proliferation and differentiation, expression of myogenic transcriptional regulatory factors myogenic determination factor 1, myogenin, and myogenic regulatory factor 4, and expression of the heparan sulfate proteoglycans syndecan-4 and glypican-1 in satellite cells isolated from 1-d-, 7-wk-, and 16-wk-old turkey pectoralis major muscle (1 d, 7 wk, and 16 wk cells, respectively) by using variable concentrations of Met and Cys. Four Met concentrations-30 (control), 7.5, 3, or 0 mg/L with 3.2 mg/L of Cys per 1 mg/L of Met-were used for culture of satellite cells to determine the effect of nutrition and age on satellite cell behavior during proliferation and differentiation. Proliferation was reduced by lower Met and Cys concentrations in all ages at 96 h of proliferation. Differentiation was increased in the 1 d Met-restricted cells, whereas the 7 wk cells treated with 3 mg/L of Met had decreased differentiation. Reduced Met and Cys levels from the control did not significantly affect the 16 wk cells at 72 h of differentiation. However, medium with no Met or Cys suppressed differentiation at all ages. The expression of myogenic determination factor 1, myogenin, myogenic regulatory factor 4, syndecan-4, and glypican-1 was differentially affected by age and Met or Cys treatment. These data demonstrate the age-specific manner in which turkey pectoralis major muscle satellite cells respond to nutritional availability and the importance of defining optimal nutrition to maximize satellite cell proliferation and differentiation for subsequent muscle mass accretion.

Stress responses at the endometrial-placental interface regulate labyrinthine placental differentiation from trophoblast stem cells.

PubMed

Rappolee, D A; Zhou, S; Puscheck, E E; Xie, Y

2013-05-01

Development can happen in one of two ways. Cells performing a necessary function can differentiate from stem cells before the need for it arises and stress does not develop. Or need arises before function, stress develops and stress signals are part of the normal stimuli that regulate developmental mechanisms. These mechanisms adjust stem cell differentiation to produce function in a timely and proportional manner. In this review, we will interpret data from studies of null lethal mutants for placental stress genes that suggest the latter possibility. Acknowledged stress pathways participate in stress-induced and -regulated differentiation in two ways. These pathways manage the homeostatic response to maintain stem cells during the stress. Stress pathways also direct stem cell differentiation to increase the first essential lineage and suppress later lineages when stem cell accumulation is diminished. This stress-induced differentiation maintains the conceptus during stress. Pathogenic outcomes arise because population sizes of normal stem cells are first depleted by decreased accumulation. The fraction of stem cells is further decreased by differentiation that is induced to compensate for smaller stem cell populations. Analysis of placental lethal null mutant genes known to mediate stress responses suggests that the labyrinthine placenta develops during, and is regulated by, hypoxic stress.

Clonal yeast biofilms can reap competitive advantages through cell differentiation without being obligatorily multicellular

PubMed Central

Hanghøj, Kristian Ebbesen; Andersen, Kaj Scherz; Boomsma, Jacobus J.

2016-01-01

How differentiation between cell types evolved is a fundamental question in biology, but few studies have explored single-gene phenotypes that mediate first steps towards division of labour with selective advantage for groups of cells. Here, we show that differential expression of the FLO11 gene produces stable fractions of Flo11+ and Flo11− cells in clonal Saccharomyces cerevisiae biofilm colonies on medium with intermediate viscosity. Differentiated Flo11+/− colonies, consisting of adhesive and non-adhesive cells, obtain a fourfold growth advantage over undifferentiated colonies by overgrowing glucose resources before depleting them, rather than depleting them while they grow as undifferentiated Flo11− colonies do. Flo11+/− colonies maintain their structure and differentiated state by switching non-adhesive cells to adhesive cells with predictable probability. Mixtures of Flo11+ and Flo11− cells from mutant strains that are unable to use this epigenetic switch mechanism produced neither integrated colonies nor growth advantages, so the condition-dependent selective advantages of differentiated FLO11 expression can only be reaped by clone-mate cells. Our results show that selection for cell differentiation in clonal eukaryotes can evolve before the establishment of obligate undifferentiated multicellularity, and without necessarily leading to more advanced organizational complexity. PMID:27807261

Overexpression of hTERT increases stem-like properties and decreases spontaneous differentiation in human mesenchymal stem cell lines

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

To overcome loss of stem-like properties and spontaneous differentiation those hinder the expansion and application of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), we have clonally isolated permanent and stable human MSC lines by ectopic overexpression of primary cell cultures of hMSCs with HPV 16 E6E7 and human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) genes. These cells were found to have a differentiation potential far beyond the ordinary hMSCs. They expressed trophoectoderm and germline specific markers upon differentiation with BMP4 and retinoic acid, respectively. Furthermore, they displayed higher osteogenic and neural differentiation efficiency than primary hMSCs or hMSCs expressed HPV16 E6E7 alone with a decrease in methylation level as proven by a global CpG island methylation profile analysis. Notably, the demethylated CpG islands were highly associated with development and differentiation associated genes. Principal component analysis further pointed out the expression profile of the cells converged toward embryonic stem cells. These data demonstrate these cells not only are a useful tool for the studies of cell differentiation both for the mesenchymal and neurogenic lineages, but also provide a valuable source of cells for cell therapy studies in animal models of skeletal and neurological disorders. PMID:20670406

Expression of Coxsackievirus and Adenovirus Receptor Separates Hematopoietic and Cardiac Progenitor Cells in Fetal Liver Kinase 1-Expressing Mesoderm

PubMed Central

Tashiro, Katsuhisa; Hirata, Nobue; Okada, Atsumasa; Yamaguchi, Tomoko; Takayama, Kazuo; Mizuguchi, Hiroyuki

2015-01-01

In developing embryos or in vitro differentiation cultures using pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), such as embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, fetal liver kinase 1 (Flk1)-expressing mesodermal cells are thought to be a heterogeneous population that includes hematopoietic progenitors, endothelial progenitors, and cardiac progenitors. However, information on cell surface markers for separating these progenitors in Flk1+ cells is currently limited. In the present study, we show that distinct types of progenitor cells in Flk1+ cells could be separated according to the expression of coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR, also known as CXADR), a tight junction component molecule. We found that mouse and human PSC- and mouse embryo-derived Flk1+ cells could be subdivided into Flk1+CAR+ cells and Flk1+CAR− cells. The progenitor cells with cardiac potential were almost entirely restricted to Flk1+CAR+ cells, and Flk1+CAR− cells efficiently differentiated into hematopoietic cells. Endothelial differentiation potential was observed in both populations. Furthermore, from the expression of CAR, Flk1, and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α (PDGFRα), Flk1+ cells could be separated into three populations (Flk1+PDGFRα−CAR− cells, Flk1+PDGFRα−CAR+ cells, and Flk1+PDGFRα+CAR+ cells). Flk1+PDGFRα+ cells and Flk1+PDGFRα− cells have been reported as cardiac and hematopoietic progenitor cells, respectively. We identified a novel population (Flk1+PDGFRα−CAR+ cells) with the potential to differentiate into not only hematopoietic cells and endothelial cells but also cardiomyocytes. Our findings indicate that CAR would be a novel and prominent marker for separating PSC- and embryo-derived Flk1+ mesodermal cells with distinct differentiation potentials. PMID:25762001

Three-dimensional wet-electrospun poly(lactic acid)/multi-wall carbon nanotubes scaffold induces differentiation of human menstrual blood-derived stem cells into germ-like cells.

PubMed

Eyni, Hossein; Ghorbani, Sadegh; Shirazi, Reza; Salari Asl, Leila; P Beiranvand, Shahram; Soleimani, Masoud

2017-09-01

Infertility caused by the disruption or absence of germ cells is a major and largely incurable medical problem. Germ cells (i.e., sperm or egg) play a key role in the transmission of genetic and epigenetic information across generations. Generation of gametes derived in vitro from stem cells hold promising prospects which could potentially help infertile men and women. Menstrual blood-derived stem cells are a unique stem cell source. Evidence suggests that menstrual blood-derived stem cells exhibit a multi-lineage potential and have attracted extensive attention in regenerative medicine. To maintain the three-dimensional structure of natural extra cellular matrices in vitro, scaffolds can do this favor and mimic a microenvironment for cell proliferation and differentiation. According to previous studies, poly(lactic acid) and multi-wall carbon nanotubes have been introduced as novel and promising biomaterials for the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells. Some cell types have been successfully grown on a matrix containing carbon nanotubes in tissue engineering but there is no report for this material to support stem cells differentiation into germ cells lineage. This study designed a 3D wet-electrospun poly(lactic acid) and poly(lactic acid)/multi-wall carbon nanotubes composite scaffold to compare infiltration, proliferation, and differentiation potential of menstrual blood-derived stem cells toward germ cell lineage with 2D culture. Our primary data revealed that the fabricated scaffold has mechanical and biological suitable qualities for supporting and attachments of stem cells. The differentiated menstrual blood-derived stem cells tracking in scaffolds using scanning electron microscopy confirmed cell attachment, aggregation, and distribution on the porous scaffold. Based on the differentiation assay by RT-PCR analysis, stem cells and germ-like cells markers were expressed in 3D groups as well as 2D one. It seems that poly(lactic acid)/multi-wall carbon nanotubes scaffold-seeded menstrual blood-derived stem cells could be viewed as a novel, safe, and accessible construct for these cells, as they enhance germ-like generation from menstrual blood-derived stem cells.

MicroRNAs: key regulators of stem cells.

PubMed

Gangaraju, Vamsi K; Lin, Haifan

2009-02-01

The hallmark of a stem cell is its ability to self-renew and to produce numerous differentiated cells. This unique property is controlled by dynamic interplays between extrinsic signalling, epigenetic, transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulations. Recent research indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) have an important role in regulating stem cell self-renewal and differentiation by repressing the translation of selected mRNAs in stem cells and differentiating daughter cells. Such a role has been shown in embryonic stem cells, germline stem cells and various somatic tissue stem cells. These findings reveal a new dimension of gene regulation in controlling stem cell fate and behaviour.

Reactive oxygen species activate differentiation gene transcription of acute myeloid leukemia cells via the JNK/c-JUN signaling pathway.

PubMed

Lam, Chung Fan; Yeung, Hoi Ting; Lam, Yuk Man; Ng, Ray Kit

2018-05-01

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and altered cellular redox status are associated with many malignancies. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells are maintained at immature state by differentiation blockade, which involves deregulation of transcription factors in myeloid differentiation. AML cells can be induced to differentiate by phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), which possesses pro-oxidative activity. However, the signaling events mediated by ROS in the activation of transcriptional program during AML differentiation has not been fully elucidated. Here, we investigated AML cell differentiation by treatment with PMA and ROS scavenger N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC). We observed elevation of intracellular ROS level in the PMA-treated AML cells, which correlated with differentiated cell morphology and increased CD11b + mature cell population. The effect of PMA can be abolished by NAC co-treatment, supporting the involvement of ROS in the process. Moreover, we demonstrated that short ROS elevation mediated cell cycle arrest, but failed to activate myeloid gene transcription; whereas prolonged ROS elevation activated JNK/c-JUN signaling pathway. Inhibition of JNK suppressed the expression of key myeloid transcriptional regulators c-JUN, SPI-1 and MAFB, and prevented AML cells from undergoing terminal differentiation. These findings provide new insights into the crucial role of JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway in the activation of transcriptional program during ROS-mediated AML differentiation. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Zinc Promotes Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Proliferation and Differentiation towards a Neuronal Fate

PubMed Central

Moon, Mi-Young; Kim, Hyun Jung; Choi, Bo Young; Sohn, Min

2018-01-01

Zinc is an essential element required for cell division, migration, and proliferation. Under zinc-deficient conditions, proliferation and differentiation of neural progenitors are significantly impaired. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) are multipotent stem cells that can differentiate into neurons. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of zinc on AD-MSC proliferation and differentiation. We initially examined the effect of zinc on stem cell proliferation at the undifferentiated stage. AD-MSCs showed high proliferation rates on day 6 in 30 μM and 100 μM of ZnCl2. Zinc chelation inhibited AD-MSC proliferation via downregulation of ERK1/2 activity. We then assessed whether zinc was involved in cell migration and neurite outgrowth during differentiation. After three days of neuronal differentiation, TUJ-1-positive cells were observed, implying that AD-MSCs had differentiated into early neuron or neuron-like cells. Neurite outgrowth was increased in the zinc-treated group, while the CaEDTA-treated group showed diminished, shrunken neurites. Furthermore, we showed that zinc promoted neurite outgrowth via the inactivation of RhoA and led to the induction of neuronal gene expression (MAP2 and nestin) in differentiated stem cells. Taken together, zinc promoted AD-MSC proliferation and affected neuronal differentiation, mainly by increasing neurite outgrowth. PMID:29765417

Epigenetic control of CD8+ T cell differentiation.

PubMed

Henning, Amanda N; Roychoudhuri, Rahul; Restifo, Nicholas P

2018-05-01

Upon stimulation, small numbers of naive CD8 + T cells proliferate and differentiate into a variety of memory and effector cell types. CD8 + T cells can persist for years and kill tumour cells and virally infected cells. The functional and phenotypic changes that occur during CD8 + T cell differentiation are well characterized, but the epigenetic states that underlie these changes are incompletely understood. Here, we review the epigenetic processes that direct CD8 + T cell differentiation and function. We focus on epigenetic modification of DNA and associated histones at genes and their regulatory elements. We also describe structural changes in chromatin organization that affect gene expression. Finally, we examine the translational potential of epigenetic interventions to improve CD8 + T cell function in individuals with chronic infections and cancer.

Hybrid cell adhesive material for instant dielectrophoretic cell trapping and long-term cell function assessment.

PubMed

Reyes, Darwin R; Hong, Jennifer S; Elliott, John T; Gaitan, Michael

2011-08-16

Dielectrophoresis (DEP) for cell manipulation has focused, for the most part, on approaches for separation/enrichment of cells of interest. Advancements in cell positioning and immobilization onto substrates for cell culture, either as single cells or as cell aggregates, has benefited from the intensified research efforts in DEP (electrokinetic) manipulation. However, there has yet to be a DEP approach that provides the conditions for cell manipulation while promoting cell function processes such as cell differentiation. Here we present the first demonstration of a system that combines DEP with a hybrid cell adhesive material (hCAM) to allow for cell entrapment and cell function, as demonstrated by cell differentiation into neuronlike cells (NLCs). The hCAM, comprised of polyelectrolytes and fibronectin, was engineered to function as an instantaneous cell adhesive surface after DEP manipulation and to support long-term cell function (cell proliferation, induction, and differentiation). Pluripotent P19 mouse embryonal carcinoma cells flowing within a microchannel were attracted to the DEP electrode surface and remained adhered onto the hCAM coating under a fluid flow field after the DEP forces were removed. Cells remained viable after DEP manipulation for up to 8 d, during which time the P19 cells were induced to differentiate into NLCs. This approach could have further applications in areas such as cell-cell communication, three-dimensional cell aggregates to create cell microenvironments, and cell cocultures.

Three-Step Method for Proliferation and Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cell (hESC)-Derived Male Germ Cells

PubMed Central

Lim, Jung Jin; Shim, Myung Sun; Lee, Jeoung Eun; Lee, Dong Ryul

2014-01-01

The low efficiency of differentiation into male germ cell (GC)-like cells and haploid germ cells from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) reflects the culture method employed in the two-dimensional (2D)-microenvironment. In this study, we applied a three-step media and calcium alginate-based 3D-culture system for enhancing the differentiation of hESCs into male germ stem cell (GSC)-like cells and haploid germ cells. In the first step, embryoid bodies (EBs) were derived from hESCs cultured in EB medium for 3 days and re-cultured for 4 additional days in EB medium with BMP4 and RA to specify GSC-like cells. In the second step, the resultant cells were cultured in GC-proliferation medium for 7 days. The GSC-like cells were then propagated after selection using GFR-α1 and were further cultured in GC-proliferation medium for 3 weeks. In the final step, a 3D-co-culture system using calcium alginate encapsulation and testicular somatic cells was applied to induce differentiation into haploid germ cells, and a culture containing approximately 3% male haploid germ cells was obtained after 2 weeks of culture. These results demonstrated that this culture system could be used to efficiently induce GSC-like cells in an EB population and to promote the differentiation of ESCs into haploid male germ cells. PMID:24690677

MicroRNA-432 contributes to dopamine cocktail and retinoic acid induced differentiation of human neuroblastoma cells by targeting NESTIN and RCOR1 genes.

PubMed

Das, Eashita; Bhattacharyya, Nitai Pada

2014-05-02

MicroRNA (miRNA) regulates expression of protein coding genes and has been implicated in diverse cellular processes including neuronal differentiation, cell growth and death. To identify the role of miRNA in neuronal differentiation, SH-SY5Y and IMR-32 cells were treated with dopamine cocktail and retinoic acid to induce differentiation. Detection of miRNAs in differentiated cells revealed that expression of many miRNAs was altered significantly. Among the altered miRNAs, human brain expressed miR-432 induced neurite projections, arrested cells in G0-G1, reduced cell proliferation and could significantly repress NESTIN/NES, RCOR1/COREST and MECP2. Our results reveal that miR-432 regulate neuronal differentiation of human neuroblastoma cells. Copyright © 2014 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Confined Sandwichlike Microenvironments Tune Myogenic Differentiation.

PubMed

Ballester-Beltrán, José; Trujillo, Sara; Alakpa, Enateri V; Compañ, Vicente; Gavara, Rafael; Meek, Dominic; West, Christopher C; Péault, Bruno; Dalby, Matthew J; Salmerón-Sánchez, Manuel

2017-08-14

Sandwichlike (SW) cultures are engineered as a multilayer technology to simultaneously stimulate dorsal and ventral cell receptors, seeking to mimic cell adhesion in three-dimensional (3D) environments in a reductionist manner. The effect of this environment on cell differentiation was investigated for several cell types cultured in standard growth media, which promotes proliferation on two-dimensional (2D) surfaces and avoids any preferential differentiation. First, murine C2C12 myoblasts showed specific myogenic differentiation. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) of adipose and bone marrow origin, which can differentiate toward a wider variety of lineages, showed again myodifferentiation. Overall, this study shows myogenic differentiation in normal growth media for several cell types under SW conditions, avoiding the use of growth factors and cytokines, i.e., solely by culturing cells within the SW environment. Mechanistically, it provides further insights into the balance between integrin adhesion to the dorsal substrate and the confinement imposed by the SW system.

Confined Sandwichlike Microenvironments Tune Myogenic Differentiation

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Sandwichlike (SW) cultures are engineered as a multilayer technology to simultaneously stimulate dorsal and ventral cell receptors, seeking to mimic cell adhesion in three-dimensional (3D) environments in a reductionist manner. The effect of this environment on cell differentiation was investigated for several cell types cultured in standard growth media, which promotes proliferation on two-dimensional (2D) surfaces and avoids any preferential differentiation. First, murine C2C12 myoblasts showed specific myogenic differentiation. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) of adipose and bone marrow origin, which can differentiate toward a wider variety of lineages, showed again myodifferentiation. Overall, this study shows myogenic differentiation in normal growth media for several cell types under SW conditions, avoiding the use of growth factors and cytokines, i.e., solely by culturing cells within the SW environment. Mechanistically, it provides further insights into the balance between integrin adhesion to the dorsal substrate and the confinement imposed by the SW system. PMID:28824958

ent-Jungermannenone C Triggers Reactive Oxygen Species-Dependent Cell Differentiation in Leukemia Cells.

PubMed

Yue, Zongwei; Xiao, Xinhua; Wu, Jinbao; Zhou, Xiaozhou; Liu, Weilong; Liu, Yaxi; Li, Houhua; Chen, Guoqiang; Wu, Yingli; Lei, Xiaoguang

2018-02-23

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematologic malignancy that is characterized by clonal proliferation of myeloid blasts. Despite the progress that has been made in the treatment of various malignant hematopoietic diseases, the effective treatment of AML remains very challenging. Differentiation therapy has emerged as a promising approach for leukemia treatment, and new and effective chemical agents to trigger the differentiation of AML cells, especially drug-resistant cells, are urgently required. Herein, the natural product jungermannenone C, a tetracyclic diterpenoid isolated from liverworts, is reported to induce cell differentiation in AML cells. Interestingly, the unnatural enantiomer of jungermannenone C (1) was found to be more potent than jungermannenone C in inducing cell differentiation. Furthermore, compound 1 targets peroxiredoxins I and II by selectively binding to the conserved cysteine residues and leads to cellular reactive oxygen species accumulation. Accordingly, ent-jungermannenone C (1) shows potential for further investigation as an effective differentiation therapy against AML.

In vitro spatially organizing the differentiation in individual multicellular stem cell aggregates.

PubMed

Qi, Hao; Huang, Guoyou; Han, Yu Long; Lin, Wang; Li, Xiujun; Wang, Shuqi; Lu, Tian Jian; Xu, Feng

2016-01-01

With significant potential as a robust source to produce specific somatic cells for regenerative medicine, stem cells have attracted increasing attention from both academia and government. In vivo, stem cell differentiation is a process under complicated regulations to precisely build tissue with unique spatial structures. Since multicellular spheroidal aggregates of stem cells, commonly called as embryoid bodies (EBs), are considered to be capable of recapitulating the events in early stage of embryonic development, a variety of methods have been developed to form EBs in vitro for studying differentiation of embryonic stem cells. The regulation of stem cell differentiation is crucial in directing stem cells to build tissue with the correct spatial architecture for specific functions. However, stem cells within the three-dimensional multicellular aggregates undergo differentiation in a less unpredictable and spatially controlled manner in vitro than in vivo. Recently, various microengineering technologies have been developed to manipulate stem cells in vitro in a spatially controlled manner. Herein, we take the spotlight on these technologies and researches that bring us the new potential for manipulation of stem cells for specific purposes.

Evaluation of Bone Marrow Processing Protocol for Therapeutic Applications via Culture and Characterization of Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

PubMed

Verma, Poonam; Bansal, Himanshu; Agrawal, Anupama; Leon, Jerry; Sundell, I Birgitta; Koka, Prasad S

Human mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow (hMSCs) have broad therapeutic potential. These cells can be are readily isolated from bone marrow by their property to adhere to tissue culture treated culture wares. However, the proliferation rates and other properties of the cells gradually change during expansion. This study aims to validate the protocol of isolation and differentiation of hMSCs from bone marrow for therapeutic applications. Sixty ml of bone marrow was extracted from 5 patients and MSCs were isolated. These were characterized by Flow Cytometry, CFU assay and were differentiated into bone, fat cells and neurocytes. The cells were having healthy morphology. These were positive for the markers CD105, CD90 and CD73 and negative for CD45, CD34 and HLA-DR. The cells could differentiate into fat, bone and neural cells. MSCs from the bone marrow were isolated and differentiated. These cells were morphologically healthy and passed CFU assay. The cells exhibited differentiation potential into bone, fat and neural tissue. These cells can be used in therapeutic applications.

DNA methylation restricts lineage-specific functions of transcription factor Gata4 during embryonic stem cell differentiation.

PubMed

Oda, Masaaki; Kumaki, Yuichi; Shigeta, Masaki; Jakt, Lars Martin; Matsuoka, Chisa; Yamagiwa, Akiko; Niwa, Hitoshi; Okano, Masaki

2013-06-01

DNA methylation changes dynamically during development and is essential for embryogenesis in mammals. However, how DNA methylation affects developmental gene expression and cell differentiation remains elusive. During embryogenesis, many key transcription factors are used repeatedly, triggering different outcomes depending on the cell type and developmental stage. Here, we report that DNA methylation modulates transcription-factor output in the context of cell differentiation. Using a drug-inducible Gata4 system and a mouse embryonic stem (ES) cell model of mesoderm differentiation, we examined the cellular response to Gata4 in ES and mesoderm cells. The activation of Gata4 in ES cells is known to drive their differentiation to endoderm. We show that the differentiation of wild-type ES cells into mesoderm blocks their Gata4-induced endoderm differentiation, while mesoderm cells derived from ES cells that are deficient in the DNA methyltransferases Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b can retain their response to Gata4, allowing lineage conversion from mesoderm cells to endoderm. Transcriptome analysis of the cells' response to Gata4 over time revealed groups of endoderm and mesoderm developmental genes whose expression was induced by Gata4 only when DNA methylation was lost, suggesting that DNA methylation restricts the ability of these genes to respond to Gata4, rather than controlling their transcription per se. Gata4-binding-site profiles and DNA methylation analyses suggested that DNA methylation modulates the Gata4 response through diverse mechanisms. Our data indicate that epigenetic regulation by DNA methylation functions as a heritable safeguard to prevent transcription factors from activating inappropriate downstream genes, thereby contributing to the restriction of the differentiation potential of somatic cells.

Generation of a human airway epithelium derived basal cell line with multipotent differentiation capacity

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background As the multipotent progenitor population of the airway epithelium, human airway basal cells (BC) replenish the specialized differentiated cell populations of the mucociliated airway epithelium during physiological turnover and repair. Cultured primary BC divide a limited number of times before entering a state of replicative senescence, preventing the establishment of long-term replicating cultures of airway BC that maintain their original phenotype. Methods To generate an immortalized human airway BC cell line, primary human airway BC obtained by brushing the airway epithelium of healthy nonsmokers were infected with a retrovirus expressing human telomerase (hTERT). The resulting immortalized cell line was then characterized under non-differentiating and differentiating air-liquid interface (ALI) culture conditions using ELISA, TaqMan quantitative PCR, Western analysis, and immunofluorescent and immunohistochemical staining analysis for cell type specific markers. In addition, the ability of the cell line to respond to environmental stimuli under differentiating ALI culture was assessed. Results We successfully generated an immortalized human airway BC cell line termed BCi-NS1 via expression of hTERT. A single cell derived clone from the parental BCi-NS1 cells, BCi-NS1.1, retains characteristics of the original primary cells for over 40 passages and demonstrates a multipotent differentiation capacity into secretory (MUC5AC, MUC5B), goblet (TFF3), Clara (CC10) and ciliated (DNAI1, FOXJ1) cells on ALI culture. The cells can respond to external stimuli such as IL-13, resulting in alteration of the normal differentiation process. Conclusion Development of immortalized human airway BC that retain multipotent differentiation capacity over long-term culture should be useful in understanding the biology of BC, the response of BC to environmental stress, and as a target for assessment of pharmacologic agents. PMID:24298994

Sodium and calcium currents in neuroblastoma x glioma hybrid cells before and after morphological differentiation by dibutyryl cyclic AMP.

PubMed

Bodewei, R; Hering, S; Schubert, B; Wollenberger, A

1985-04-01

Sodium and calcium inward currents (INa and ICa) were measured in neuroblastoma X glioma hybrid cells of clones 108CC5 and 108CC15 by a single suction pipette method for internal perfusion and voltage clamp. Morphologically undifferentiated, exponentially growing cells were compared with cells differentiated by cultivation with 1 mmol/l dibutyryl cyclic AMP. Outward currents were eliminated by perfusing the cells with a K+-free solution. Voltage dependence and ion selectivity as well as steady state inactivation characteristics of INa and ICa resembled those of differentiated mouse neuroblastoma cells, clone N1E-115 (Moolenaar and Spector 1978, 1979). These parameters were identical in undifferentiated and differentiated cells of both clones. After differentiation the average density of the peak sodium and calcium currents was increased two and four-fold, respectively, in both cell lines. Our data indicate that exponentially growing, morphologically undifferentiated 108CC5 and 108CC15 neuroblastoma X glioma hybrid cells possess functional Na+ and Ca2+ channels undistinguishable from those of non-proliferating cells of these clones differentiated morphologically by treatment with dibutyryl cyclic AMP. That Na+ and Ca2+ spikes were not detected by other authors in these cells prior to morphological differentiation by dibutyryl cyclic AMP may be attributed to the fact that at the low resting membrane potential measured the Na+ and Ca2+ channels are inactivated.

Calcium: A novel and efficient inducer of differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells into neuron-like cells.

PubMed

Goudarzi, Farjam; Tayebinia, Heidar; Karimi, Jamshid; Habibitabar, Elahe; Khodadadi, Iraj

2018-06-05

This study comparatively investigated the effectiveness of calcium and other well-known inducers such as isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX) and insulin in differentiating human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) into neuronal-like cells. ADSCs were immunophenotyped and differentiated into neuron-like cells with different combinations of calcium, IBMX, and insulin. Calcium mobilization across the membrane was determined. Differentiated cells were characterized by cell cycle profiling, staining of Nissl bodies, detecting the gene expression level of markers such as neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN), microtubule associated protein 2 (MAP2), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), doublecortin, synapsin I, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and myelin basic protein (MBP) by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and protein level by the immunofluorescence technique. Treatment with Ca + IBMX + Ins induced neuronal appearance and projection of neurite-like processes in the cells, accompanied with inhibition of proliferation and halt in the cell cycle. A significantly higher expression of MBP, GFAP, NeuN, NSE, synapsin 1, doublecortin, and MAP2 was detected in differentiated cells, confirming the advantages of Ca + IBMX + Ins to the other combinations of inducers. Here, we showed an efficient protocol for neuronal differentiation of ADSCs, and calcium fostered differentiation by augmenting the number of neuron-like cells and instantaneous increase in the expression of neuronal markers. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is required for cardiac lineage differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells.

PubMed

Eshkiki, Zahra Shokati; Ghahremani, Mohammad Hossein; Shabani, Parisa; Firuzjaee, Sattar Gorgani; Sadeghi, Asie; Ghanbarian, Hossein; Meshkani, Reza

2017-01-01

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) has been shown to regulate multiple cellular events such as differentiation, cell growth, and proliferation; however, the role of PTP1B in differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells into cardiomyocytes remains unexplored. In the present study, we investigated the effects of PTP1B inhibition on differentiation of ES cells into cardiomyocytes. PTP1B mRNA and protein levels were increased during the differentiation of ES cells into cardiomyocytes. Accordingly, a stable ES cell line expressing PTP1B shRNA was established. In vitro, the number and size of spontaneously beating embryoid bodies were significantly decreased in PTP1B-knockdown cells, compared with the control cells. Decreased expression of cardiac-specific markers Nkx2-5, MHC-α, cTnT, and CX43, as assessed by real-time PCR analysis, was further confirmed by immunocytochemistry of the markers. The results also showed that PTP1B inhibition induced apoptosis in both differentiated and undifferentiated ES cells, as presented by increasing the level of cleaved caspase-3, cytochrome C, and cleaved PARP. Further analyses revealed that PTP1B inhibition did not change proliferation and pluripotency of undifferentiated ES cells. Taken together, the data presented here suggest that PTP1B is essential for proper differentiation of ES cells into cardiomyocytes.

Ectopic Activation of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Lens Fiber Cells Results in Cataract Formation and Aberrant Fiber Cell Differentiation

PubMed Central

Antosova, Barbora; Smolikova, Jana; Borkovcova, Romana; Strnad, Hynek; Lachova, Jitka; Machon, Ondrej; Kozmik, Zbynek

2013-01-01

The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway controls many processes during development, including cell proliferation, cell differentiation and tissue homeostasis, and its aberrant regulation has been linked to various pathologies. In this study we investigated the effect of ectopic activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling during lens fiber cell differentiation. To activate Wnt/β-catenin signaling in lens fiber cells, the transgenic mouse referred to as αA-CLEF was generated, in which the transactivation domain of β-catenin was fused to the DNA-binding protein LEF1, and expression of the transgene was controlled by αA-crystallin promoter. Constitutive activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in lens fiber cells of αA-CLEF mice resulted in abnormal and delayed fiber cell differentiation. Moreover, adult αA-CLEF mice developed cataract, microphthalmia and manifested downregulated levels of γ-crystallins in lenses. We provide evidence of aberrant expression of cell cycle regulators in embryonic lenses of αA-CLEF transgenic mice resulting in the delay in cell cycle exit and in the shift of fiber cell differentiation to the central fiber cell compartment. Our results indicate that precise regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling activity during later stages of lens development is essential for proper lens fiber cell differentiation and lens transparency. PMID:24205179

Early-stage detection of VE-cadherin during endothelial differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells using SPR biosensor.

PubMed

Fathi, Farzaneh; Rezabakhsh, Aysa; Rahbarghazi, Reza; Rashidi, Mohammad-Reza

2017-10-15

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensors are most commonly applied for real-time dynamic analysis and measurement of interactions in bio-molecular studies and cell-surface analysis without the need for labeling processes. Up to present, SPR application in stem cell biology and biomedical sciences was underused. Herein, a very simple and sensitive method was developed to evaluate human mesenchymal stem cells trans-differentiation to endothelial lineage of over a period of 14 days based on VE-cadherin biomarker. The SPR signals increased with the increase of the amount of VE-cadherin expression on the cell surface during cell differentiation process. The method was able to detect ≈27 cells permm 2 . No significant effect was observed on the cell viability during the cell attachment to the surface of immune-reactive biochips and during the SPR analysis. Using this highly sensitive SPR method, it was possible to sense the early stage of endothelial differentiation on day 3 in label-free form, whereas flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy methods were found unable to detect the cell differentiation at the same time. Therefore, the proposed method can rapidly and accurately detect cell differentiation in live cells and label-free manner without any need of cell breakage and has great potential for both diagnostic and experimental approaches. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

[Phenotype-based primary screening for drugs promoting neuronal subtype differentiation in embryonic stem cells with light microscope].

PubMed

Gao, Yi-ning; Wang, Dan-ying; Pan, Zong-fu; Mei, Yu-qin; Wang, Zhi-qiang; Zhu, Dan-yan; Lou, Yi-jia

2012-07-01

To set up a platform for phenotype-based primary screening of drug candidates promoting neuronal subtype differentiation in embryonic stem cells (ES) with light microscope. Hanging drop culture 4-/4+ method was employed to harvest the cells around embryoid body (EB) at differentiation endpoint. Morphological evaluation for neuron-like cells was performed with light microscope. Axons for more than three times of the length of the cell body were considered as neuron-like cells. The compound(s) that promote neuron-like cells was further evaluated. Icariin (ICA, 10(-6)mol/L) and Isobavachin (IBA, 10(-7)mol/L) were selected to screen the differentiation-promoting activity on ES cells. Immunofluorescence staining with specific antibodies (ChAT, GABA) was used to evaluate the neuron subtypes. The cells treated with IBA showed neuron-like phenotype, but the cells treated with ICA did not exhibit the morphological changes. ES cells treated with IBA was further confirmed to be cholinergic and GABAergic neurons. Phenotypic screening with light microscope for molecules promoting neuronal differentiation is an effective method with advantages of less labor and material consuming and time saving, and false-positive results derived from immunofluorescence can be avoided. The method confirms that IBA is able to facilitate ES cells differentiating into neuronal cells, including cholinergic neurons and GABAergic neurons.

The AP-1 transcription factor Fra1 inhibits follicular B cell differentiation into plasma cells

PubMed Central

Grötsch, Bettina; Brachs, Sebastian; Lang, Christiane; Luther, Julia; Derer, Anja; Schlötzer-Schrehardt, Ursula; Bozec, Aline; Fillatreau, Simon; Berberich, Ingolf; Hobeika, Elias; Reth, Michael; Wagner, Erwin F.; Schett, Georg

2014-01-01

The cornerstone of humoral immunity is the differentiation of B cells into antibody-secreting plasma cells. This process is tightly controlled by a regulatory gene network centered on the transcriptional repressor B lymphocyte–induced maturation protein 1 (Blimp1). Proliferation of activated B cells is required to foster Blimp1 expression but needs to be terminated to avoid overshooting immune reactions. Activator protein 1 (AP-1) transcription factors become quickly up-regulated upon B cell activation. We demonstrate that Fra1, a Fos member of AP-1, enhances activation-induced cell death upon induction in activated B cells. Moreover, mice with B cell–specific deletion of Fra1 show enhanced plasma cell differentiation and exacerbated antibody responses. In contrast, transgenic overexpression of Fra1 blocks plasma cell differentiation and immunoglobulin production, which cannot be rescued by Bcl2. On the molecular level, Fra1 represses Blimp1 expression and interferes with binding of the activating AP-1 member c-Fos to the Blimp1 promoter. Conversely, overexpression of c-Fos in Fra1 transgenic B cells releases Blimp1 repression. As Fra1 lacks transcriptional transactivation domains, we propose that Fra1 inhibits Blimp1 expression and negatively controls plasma cell differentiation through binding to the Blimp1 promoter. In summary, we demonstrate that Fra1 negatively controls plasma cell differentiation by repressing Blimp1 expression. PMID:25288397

Soluble Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 1 Released by Skin-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Is Critical for Inhibiting Th17 Cell Differentiation

PubMed Central

Ke, Fang; Zhang, Lingyun; Liu, Zhaoyuan; Yan, Sha; Xu, Zhenyao; Bai, Jing; Zhu, Huiyuan; Lou, Fangzhou; Cai, Wei; Sun, Yang; Gao, Yuanyuan; Wang, Hong

2016-01-01

T helper 17 (Th17) cells play an important role in multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Th17 cell differentiation from naïve T cells can be induced in vitro by the cytokines transforming growth factor β1 and interleukin-6. However, it remains unclear whether other regulatory factors control the differentiation of Th17 cells. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising candidate for inhibiting Th17 cell differentiation and autoimmune diseases. Despite the fact that several molecules have been linked to the immunomodulatory function of MSCs, many other key MSC-secreted regulators that are involved in inhibiting Th17 cell polarization are ill-defined. In this study, we demonstrated that the intraperitoneal administration of skin-derived MSCs (S-MSCs) substantially ameliorated the development of EAE in mice. We found that the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, a key mediator in the pathophysiology of MS and EAE, was capable of promoting Th17 cell differentiation. Moreover, under inflammatory conditions, we demonstrated that S-MSCs produced high amounts of soluble TNF receptor 1 (sTNFR1), which binds TNF-α and antagonizes its function. Knockdown of sTNFR1 in S-MSCs decreased their inhibitory effect on Th17 cell differentiation ex vivo and in vivo. Thus, our data identified sTNFR1 and its target TNF-α as critical regulators for Th17 cell differentiation, suggesting a previously unrecognized mechanism for MSC therapy in Th17-mediated autoimmune diseases. Significance This study showed that administration of skin-derived mesenchymal stem cells (S-MSCs) was able to alleviate the clinical score of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by inhibiting the differentiation of T helper 17 (Th17) cells. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α is a critical cytokine for promoting Th17 cell differentiation. It was discovered that activated S-MSCs produced high amount of soluble TNF receptor 1 (sTNFR1), which neutralized TNF-α and inhibited Th17 cell polarization. The data identified S-MSC-secreted sTNFR1 and its target TNF-α as essential regulators for Th17 cell differentiation and revealed a novel mechanism underlying MSC-mediated immunomodulatory function in autoimmunity. PMID:26819253

Cytokines and the regulation of fungus-specific CD4 T cell differentiation

PubMed Central

Espinosa, Vanessa; Rivera, Amariliz

2011-01-01

CD4 T cells play important and non-redundant roles in protection against infection with diverse fungi. Distinct CD4 T cell subsets can mediate protection against fungal disease where Th1 and Th17 CD4 T cell subsets have been found to promote fungal clearance and protective immunity against diverse fungal pathogens. The differentiation of naïve CD4 T cells into Th1 or Th17 cells is crucially controlled by their interaction with dendritic cells and instructed by cytokines. IL-12 and IFN-γ promote Th1 differentiation while TGF-β, IL-6, IL-1, IL-21 and IL-23 promote Th17 differentiation and maintenance. The production of these cytokines by DCs is in turn regulated by innate receptors triggered in response to fungal infection. In this review we will discuss the contributions of cytokines found to influence fungus-specific CD4 T cell differentiation and their role in defense against fungal disease. We will also highlight the contributions of innate receptors involved in recognition of fungi and how they shape cytokine secretion and CD4 T cell differentiation. PMID:22133343

Isolation and Culture of Pig Spermatogonial Stem Cells and Their in Vitro Differentiation into Neuron-Like Cells and Adipocytes

PubMed Central

Wang, Xiaoyan; Chen, Tingfeng; Zhang, Yani; Li, Bichun; Xu, Qi; Song, Chengyi

2015-01-01

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) renew themselves throughout the life of an organism and also differentiate into sperm in the adult. They are multipopent and therefore, can be induced to differentiate into many cells types in vitro. SSCs from pigs, considered an ideal animal model, are used in studies of male infertility, regenerative medicine, and preparation of transgenic animals. Here, we report on a culture system for porcine SSCs and the differentiation of these cells into neuron-like cells and adipocytes. SSCs and Sertoli cells were isolated from neonatal piglet testis by differential adhesion and SSCs were cultured on a feeder layer of Sertoli cells. Third-generation SSCs were induced to differentiate into neuron-like cells by addition of retinoic acid, β-mercaptoethanol, and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) to the induction media and into adipocytes by the addition of hexadecadrol, insulin, and IBMX to the induction media. The differentiated cells were characterized by biochemical staining, qRT-PCR, and immunocytochemistry. The cells were positive for SSC markers, including alkaline phosphatase and SSC-specific genes, consistent with the cells being undifferentiated. The isolated SSCs survived on the Sertoli cells for 15 generations. Karyotyping confirmed that the chromosomal number of the SSCs were normal for pig (2n = 38, n = 19). Pig SSCs were successfully induced into neuron-like cells eight days after induction and into adipocytes 22 days after induction as determined by biochemical and immunocytochemical staining. qPCR results also support this conclusion. The nervous tissue markers genes, Nestin and β-tubulin, were expressed in the neuron-like cells and the adipocyte marker genes, PPARγ and C/EBPα, were expressed in the adipocytes. PMID:26556335

Activation of the mouse Oct4 promoter in medaka embryonic stem cells and its use for ablation of spontaneous differentiation.

PubMed

Hong, Yunhan; Winkler, Christoph; Liu, Tongming; Chai, Guixuan; Schartl, Manfred

2004-07-01

The determination and maintenance of the cell fate is ultimately due to differential gene activity. In the mouse, expression of the transcription factor Oct4 is high in totipotent inner cell mass, germ cells and undifferentiated embryonic stem (ES) cells, but dramatically reduced or extinct upon differentiation. Here, we show that medaka blastula embryos and cells of the ES cell line MES1 are able to activate the Oct4 promoter. Ectopic expression of a fusion gene for beta-galactosidase and neomycin resistance from the Oct4 promoter conferred resistance to G418. G418 selection led to a homogeneous population of undifferentiated ES cells which were able to undergo induced or directed differentiation into various cell types including neuron-like cells and melanocytes. Furthermore, GFP-labeled GOF18geo-MES1 cells after differentiation ablation were able to contribute to a wide variety of organ systems derived from all the three germ layers. Most importantly, we show that drug ablation of differentiation on the basis of Oct4 promoter is a useful tool to improve ES cell cultivation and chimera formation: MES1 cells after differentiation ablation appeared to be better donors than the parental MES1 line, as the permissive number of input donor cells increases from 100 to 200, resulting in an enhanced degree of chimerism. Taken together, some transcription factors and cis-acting regulatory sequences controlling totipotency-specific gene expression appear to be conserved between mammals and fish, and medaka ES cells offer an in vitro system for characterizing the expression of totipotency-specific genes such as putative Oct4 homologs from fish.

Assessment of stem cell differentiation based on genome-wide expression profiles.

PubMed

Godoy, Patricio; Schmidt-Heck, Wolfgang; Hellwig, Birte; Nell, Patrick; Feuerborn, David; Rahnenführer, Jörg; Kattler, Kathrin; Walter, Jörn; Blüthgen, Nils; Hengstler, Jan G

2018-07-05

In recent years, protocols have been established to differentiate stem and precursor cells into more mature cell types. However, progress in this field has been hampered by difficulties to assess the differentiation status of stem cell-derived cells in an unbiased manner. Here, we present an analysis pipeline based on published data and methods to quantify the degree of differentiation and to identify transcriptional control factors explaining differences from the intended target cells or tissues. The pipeline requires RNA-Seq or gene array data of the stem cell starting population, derived 'mature' cells and primary target cells or tissue. It consists of a principal component analysis to represent global expression changes and to identify possible problems of the dataset that require special attention, such as: batch effects; clustering techniques to identify gene groups with similar features; over-representation analysis to characterize biological motifs and transcriptional control factors of the identified gene clusters; and metagenes as well as gene regulatory networks for quantitative cell-type assessment and identification of influential transcription factors. Possibilities and limitations of the analysis pipeline are illustrated using the example of human embryonic stem cell and human induced pluripotent cells to generate 'hepatocyte-like cells'. The pipeline quantifies the degree of incomplete differentiation as well as remaining stemness and identifies unwanted features, such as colon- and fibroblast-associated gene clusters that are absent in real hepatocytes but typically induced by currently available differentiation protocols. Finally, transcription factors responsible for incomplete and unwanted differentiation are identified. The proposed method is widely applicable and allows an unbiased and quantitative assessment of stem cell-derived cells.This article is part of the theme issue 'Designer human tissue: coming to a lab near you'. © 2018 The Author(s).

Reversible Block of Mouse Neural Stem Cell Differentiation in the Absence of Dicer and MicroRNAs

PubMed Central

Sansom, Stephen N.; Alsiö, Jessica M.; Kaneda, Masahiro; Smith, James; O'Carroll, Donal; Tarakhovsky, Alexander; Livesey, Frederick J.

2010-01-01

Background To investigate the functions of Dicer and microRNAs in neural stem (NS) cell self-renewal and neurogenesis, we established neural stem cell lines from the embryonic mouse Dicer-null cerebral cortex, producing neural stem cell lines that lacked all microRNAs. Principal Findings Dicer-null NS cells underwent normal self-renewal and could be maintained in vitro indefinitely, but had subtly altered cell cycle kinetics and abnormal heterochromatin organisation. In the absence of all microRNAs, Dicer-null NS cells were incapable of generating either glial or neuronal progeny and exhibited a marked dependency on exogenous EGF for survival. Dicer-null NS cells assumed complex differences in mRNA and protein expression under self-renewing conditions, upregulating transcripts indicative of self-renewing NS cells and expressing genes characteristic of differentiating neurons and glia. Underlining the growth-factor dependency of Dicer-null NS cells, many regulators of apoptosis were enriched in expression in these cells. Dicer-null NS cells initiate some of the same gene expression changes as wild-type cells under astrocyte differentiating conditions, but also show aberrant expression of large sets of genes and ultimately fail to complete the differentiation programme. Acute replacement of Dicer restored their ability to differentiate to both neurons and glia. Conclusions The block in differentiation due to loss of Dicer and microRNAs is reversible and the significantly altered phenotype of Dicer-null NS cells does not constitute a permanent transformation. We conclude that Dicer and microRNAs function in this system to maintain the neural stem cell phenotype and to facilitate the completion of differentiation. PMID:20976144

The TEL-AML1 fusion protein of acute lymphoblastic leukemia modulates IRF3 activity during early B-cell differentiation.

PubMed

de Laurentiis, A; Hiscott, J; Alcalay, M

2015-12-03

The t(12;21) translocation is the most common genetic rearrangement in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and gives rise to the TEL-AML1 fusion gene. Many studies on TEL-AML1 describe specific properties of the fusion protein, but a thorough understanding of its function is lacking. We exploited a pluripotent hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell line, EML1, and generated a cell line (EML-TA) stably expressing the TEL-AML1 fusion protein. EML1 cells differentiate to mature B-cells following treatment with IL7; whereas EML-TA display an impaired differentiation capacity and remain blocked at an early stage of maturation. Global gene expression profiling of EML1 cells at different stages of B-lymphoid differentiation, compared with EML-TA, identified the interferon (IFN)α/β pathway as a primary target of repression by TEL-AML1. In particular, expression and phosphorylation of interferon-regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) was decreased in EML-TA cells; strikingly, stable expression of IRF3 restored the capacity of EML-TA cells to differentiate into mature B-cells. Similarly, IRF3 silencing in EML1 cells by siRNA was sufficient to block B-lymphoid differentiation. The ability of TEL-AML1 to block B-cell differentiation and downregulate the IRF3-IFNα/β pathway was confirmed in mouse and human primary hematopoietic precursor cells (Lin- and CD34+ cells, respectively), and in a patient-derived cell line expressing TEL-AML1 (REH). Furthermore, treatment of TEL-AML1 expressing cells with IFNα/β was sufficient to overcome the maturation block. Our data provide new insight on TEL-AML1 function and may offer a new therapeutic opportunity for B-ALL.

Human amniotic fluid promotes retinal pigmented epithelial cells' trans-differentiation into rod photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells.

PubMed

Ghaderi, Shima; Soheili, Zahra-Soheila; Ahmadieh, Hamid; Davari, Maliheh; Jahromi, Fatemeh Sanie; Samie, Shahram; Rezaie-Kanavi, Mozhgan; Pakravesh, Jalil; Deezagi, Abdolkhalegh

2011-09-01

To evaluate the effect of human amniotic fluid (HAF) on retinal pigmented epithelial cells growth and trans-differentiation into retinal neurons, retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) cells were isolated from neonatal human cadaver eye globes and cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium-F12 supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). Confluent monolayer cultures were trypsinized and passaged using FBS-containing or HAF-containing media. Amniotic fluid samples were received from pregnant women in the first trimester of gestation. Cell proliferation and death enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed to assess the effect of HAF on RPE cell growth. Trans-differentiation into rod photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells was also studied using immunocytochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction techniques. Primary cultures of RPE cells were successfully established under FBS-containing or HAF-containing media leading to rapid cell growth and proliferation. When RPE cells were moved to in vitro culture system, they began to lose their differentiation markers such as pigmentation and RPE65 marker and trans-differentiated neural-like cells followed by spheroid colonies pertaining to stem/progenitor cells were morphologically detected. Immunocytochemistry (ICC) analysis of HAF-treated cultures showed a considerable expression of Rhodopsin gene (30% Rhodopsin-positive cells) indicating trans-differentiation of RPE cells to rod photoreceptors. Real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed an HAF-dose-dependant expression of Thy-1 gene (RGC marker) and significant promoting effect of HAF on RGCs generation. The data presented here suggest that HAF possesses invaluable stimulatory effect on RPE cells growth and trans-differentiation into retinal neurons. It can be regarded as a newly introduced enriched supplement in serum-free kinds of media used in neuro-retinal regeneration studies.

Survival, migration, and differentiation of Sox1-GFP embryonic stem cells in coculture with an auditory brainstem slice preparation.

PubMed

Glavaski-Joksimovic, Aleksandra; Thonabulsombat, Charoensri; Wendt, Malin; Eriksson, Mikael; Palmgren, Björn; Jonsson, Anna; Olivius, Petri

2008-03-01

The poor regeneration capability of the mammalian hearing organ has initiated different approaches to enhance its functionality after injury. To evaluate a potential neuronal repair paradigm in the inner ear and cochlear nerve we have previously used embryonic neuronal tissue and stem cells for implantation in vivo and in vitro. At present, we have used in vitro techniques to study the survival and differentiation of Sox1-green fluorescent protein (GFP) mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells as a monoculture or as a coculture with rat auditory brainstem slices. For the coculture, 300 microm-thick brainstem slices encompassing the cochlear nucleus and cochlear nerve were prepared from postnatal SD rats. The slices were propagated using the membrane interface method and the cochlear nuclei were prelabeled with DiI. After some days in culture a suspension of Sox1 cells was deposited next to the brainstem slice. Following deposition Sox1 cells migrated toward the brainstem and onto the cochlear nucleus. GFP was not detectable in undifferentiated ES cells but became evident during neural differentiation. Up to 2 weeks after transplantation the cocultures were fixed. The undifferentiated cells were evaluated with antibodies against progenitor cells whereas the differentiated cells were determined with neuronal and glial markers. The morphological and immunohistochemical data indicated that Sox1 cells in monoculture differentiated into a higher percentage of glial cells than neurons. However, when a coculture was used a significantly lower percentage of Sox1 cells differentiated into glial cells. The results demonstrate that a coculture of Sox1 cells and auditory brainstem present a useful model to study stem cell differentiation.

Pluripotency factors in embryonic stem cells regulate differentiation into germ layers.

PubMed

Thomson, Matt; Liu, Siyuan John; Zou, Ling-Nan; Smith, Zack; Meissner, Alexander; Ramanathan, Sharad

2011-06-10

Cell fate decisions are fundamental for development, but we do not know how transcriptional networks reorganize during the transition from a pluripotent to a differentiated cell state. Here, we asked how mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) leave the pluripotent state and choose between germ layer fates. By analyzing the dynamics of the transcriptional circuit that maintains pluripotency, we found that Oct4 and Sox2, proteins that maintain ESC identity, also orchestrate germ layer fate selection. Oct4 suppresses neural ectodermal differentiation and promotes mesendodermal differentiation; Sox2 inhibits mesendodermal differentiation and promotes neural ectodermal differentiation. Differentiation signals continuously and asymmetrically modulate Oct4 and Sox2 protein levels, altering their binding pattern in the genome, and leading to cell fate choice. The same factors that maintain pluripotency thus also integrate external signals and control lineage selection. Our study provides a framework for understanding how complex transcription factor networks control cell fate decisions in progenitor cells. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Method for the Direct Identification of Differentiating Muscle Cells by a Fluorescent Mitochondrial Dye

PubMed Central

Miyake, Tetsuaki; McDermott, John C.; Gramolini, Anthony O.

2011-01-01

Identification of differentiating muscle cells generally requires fixation, antibodies directed against muscle specific proteins, and lengthy staining processes or, alternatively, transfection of muscle specific reporter genes driving GFP expression. In this study, we examined the possibility of using the robust mitochondrial network seen in maturing muscle cells as a marker of cellular differentiation. The mitochondrial fluorescent tracking dye, MitoTracker, which is a cell-permeable, low toxicity, fluorescent dye, allowed us to distinguish and track living differentiating muscle cells visually by epi-fluorescence microscopy. MitoTracker staining provides a robust and simple detection strategy for living differentiating cells in culture without the need for fixation or biochemical processing. PMID:22174849

Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals metallothionein heterogeneity during hESC differentiation to definitive endoderm.

PubMed

Lu, Junjie; Baccei, Anna; Lummertz da Rocha, Edroaldo; Guillermier, Christelle; McManus, Sean; Finney, Lydia A; Zhang, Cheng; Steinhauser, Matthew L; Li, Hu; Lerou, Paul H

2018-04-01

Differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells towards definitive endoderm (DE) is the critical first step for generating cells comprising organs such as the gut, liver, pancreas and lung. This in-vitro differentiation process generates a heterogeneous population with a proportion of cells failing to differentiate properly and maintaining expression of pluripotency factors such as Oct4. RNA sequencing of single cells collected at four time points during a 4-day DE differentiation identified high expression of metallothionein genes in the residual Oct4-positive cells that failed to differentiate to DE. Using X-ray fluorescence microscopy and multi-isotope mass spectrometry, we discovered that high intracellular zinc level corresponds with persistent Oct4 expression and failure to differentiate. This study improves our understanding of the cellular heterogeneity during in-vitro directed differentiation and provides a valuable resource to improve DE differentiation efficiency. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Down-regulated non-coding RNA (lncRNA-ANCR) promotes osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells.

PubMed

Jia, Qian; Jiang, Wenkai; Ni, Longxing

2015-02-01

Our studies aimed to figure out how anti-differentiation noncoding RNA (ANCR) regulates the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs). In this study, we used lentivirus infection to down-regulate the expression of ANCR in PDLSCs. Then we compared the proliferation of control cells and PDLSC/ANCR-RNAi cells by Cell Counting Kit-8. And the osteogenic differentiation of control cells and PDLSC/ANCR-RNAi cells were evaluated by Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity quantification and Alizarin red staining. WNT inhibitor was used to analyze the relationship between ANCR and canonical WNT signalling pathway. The expression of osteogenic differentiation marker mRNAs, DKK1, GSK3-β and β-catenin were evaluated by qRT-PCR. The results showed that down-regulated ANCR promoted proliferation of PDLSCs. Down-regulated ANCR also promoted osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs by up-regulating osteogenic differentiation marker genes. After the inhibition of canonical WNT signalling pathway, the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSC/ANCR-RNAi cells was inhibited too. qRT-PCR results also demonstrated that canonical WNT signalling pathway was activated for ANCR-RNAi on PDLSCs during the procedure of proliferation and osteogenic induction. These results indicated that ANCR was a key regulator of the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs, and its regulating effects was associated with the canonical WNT signalling pathway, thus offering a new target for oral stem cell differentiation studies that could also facilitate oral tissue engineering. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Low oxygen tension enhances endothelial fate of human pluripotent stem cells.

PubMed

Kusuma, Sravanti; Peijnenburg, Elizabeth; Patel, Parth; Gerecht, Sharon

2014-04-01

A critical regulator of the developing or regenerating vasculature is low oxygen tension. Precise elucidation of the role of low oxygen environments on endothelial commitment from human pluripotent stem cells necessitates controlled in vitro differentiation environments. We used a feeder-free, 2-dimensional differentiation system in which we could monitor accurately dissolved oxygen levels during human pluripotent stem cell differentiation toward early vascular cells (EVCs). We found that oxygen uptake rate of differentiating human pluripotent stem cells is lower in 5% O2 compared with atmospheric conditions. EVCs differentiated in 5% O2 had an increased vascular endothelial cadherin expression with clusters of vascular endothelial cadherin+ cells surrounded by platelet-derived growth factor β+ cells. When we assessed the temporal effects of low oxygen differentiation environments, we determined that low oxygen environments during the early stages of EVC differentiation enhance endothelial lineage commitment. EVCs differentiated in 5% O2 exhibited an increased expression of vascular endothelial cadherin and CD31 along with their localization to the membrane, enhanced lectin binding and acetylated low-density lipoprotein uptake, rapid cord-like structure formation, and increased expression of arterial endothelial cell markers. Inhibition of reactive oxygen species generation during the early stages of differentiation abrogated the endothelial inductive effects of the low oxygen environments. Low oxygen tension during early stages of EVC derivation induces endothelial commitment and maturation through the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, highlighting the importance of regulating oxygen tensions during human pluripotent stem cell-vascular differentiation.

Hepatic differentiation of pluripotent stem cells.

PubMed

Loya, Komal; Eggenschwiler, Reto; Ko, Kinarm; Sgodda, Malte; André, Francoise; Bleidissel, Martina; Schöler, Hans R; Cantz, Tobias

2009-10-01

In regenerative medicine pluripotent stem cells are considered to be a valuable self-renewing source for therapeutic cell transplantations, given that a functional organ-specific phenotype can be acquired by in vitro differentiation protocols. Furthermore, derivatives of pluripotent stem cells that mimic fetal progenitor stages could serve as an important tool to analyze organ development with in vitro approaches. Because of ethical issues regarding the generation of human embryonic stem (ES) cells, other sources for pluripotent stem cells are intensively studied. Like in less developed vertebrates, pluripotent stem cells can be generated from the female germline even in mammals, via parthenogenetic activation of oocytes. Recently, testis-derived pluripotent stem cells were derived from the male germline. Therefore, we compared two different hepatic differentiation approaches and analyzed the generation of definitive endoderm progenitor cells and their further maturation into a hepatic phenotype using murine parthenogenetic ES cells, germline-derived pluripotent stem cells, and ES cells. Applying quantitative RT-PCR, both germline-derived pluripotent cell lines show similar differentiation capabilities as normal murine ES cells and can be considered an alternative source for pluripotent stem cells in regenerative medicine.

Identification of transcription coactivator OCA-B-dependent genes involved in antigen-dependent B cell differentiation by cDNA array analyses.

PubMed

Kim, Unkyu; Siegel, Rachael; Ren, Xiaodi; Gunther, Cary S; Gaasterland, Terry; Roeder, Robert G

2003-07-22

The tissue-specific transcriptional coactivator OCA-B is required for antigen-dependent B cell differentiation events, including germinal center formation. However, the identity of OCA-B target genes involved in this process is unknown. This study has used large-scale cDNA arrays to monitor changes in gene expression patterns that accompany mature B cell differentiation. B cell receptor ligation alone induces many genes involved in B cell expansion, whereas B cell receptor and helper T cell costimulation induce genes associated with B cell effector function. OCA-B expression is induced by both B cell receptor ligation alone and helper T cell costimulation, suggesting that OCA-B is involved in B cell expansion as well as B cell function. Accordingly, several genes involved in cell proliferation and signaling, such as Lck, Kcnn4, Cdc37, cyclin D3, B4galt1, and Ms4a11, have been identified as OCA-B-dependent genes. Further studies on the roles played by these genes in B cells will contribute to an understanding of B cell differentiation.

[Therapeutic cloning. Biology, perspectives and alternatives].

PubMed

Maddox-Hyttel, Poul

2003-02-24

Certain diseases are caused by or cause irreversible loss of cells and may in the future be treated by cell-based therapies where spare cells are introduced into the body. Therapeutic cloning constitutes a scientifically and ethically challenging route to the generation of autologous patient specific spare cells: Stem cells for subsequent differentiation and transplantation are isolated from one week old embryos, which are produced by cloning by nuclear transfer from normal cells retrieved from a patient. Research in therapeutic cloning should be pursued in line with alternative strategies for obtaining stem cells. Finally, the molecular biology of cloning by nuclear transfer may hold the key to understanding trans-differentiation, which ultimately may allow for de-differentiation and subsequent re-differentiation of adult somatic cells for therapeutic purposes.

The new generation of beta-cells: replication, stem cell differentiation, and the role of small molecules.

PubMed

Borowiak, Malgorzata

2010-01-01

Diabetic patients suffer from the loss of insulin-secreting β-cells, or from an improper working β-cell mass. Due to the increasing prevalence of diabetes across the world, there is a compelling need for a renewable source of cells that could replace pancreatic β-cells. In recent years, several promising approaches to the generation of new β-cells have been developed. These include directed differentiation of pluripotent cells such as embryonic stem (ES) cells or induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, or reprogramming of mature tissue cells. High yield methods to differentiate cell populations into β-cells, definitive endoderm, and pancreatic progenitors, have been established using growth factors and small molecules. However, the final step of directed differentiation to generate functional, mature β-cells in sufficient quantities has yet to be achieved in vitro. Beside the needs of transplantation medicine, a renewable source of β-cells would also be important in terms of a platform to study the pathogenesis of diabetes, and to seek alternative treatments. Finally, by generating new β-cells, we could learn more details about pancreatic development and β-cell specification. This review gives an overview of pancreas ontogenesis in the perspective of stem cell differentiation, and highlights the critical aspects of small molecules in the generation of a renewable β-cell source. Also, it discusses longer term challenges and opportunities in moving towards a therapeutic goal for diabetes.

Role for early-differentiated natural killer cells in infectious mononucleosis

PubMed Central

Azzi, Tarik; Lünemann, Anna; Murer, Anita; Ueda, Seigo; Béziat, Vivien; Malmberg, Karl-Johan; Staubli, Georg; Gysin, Claudine; Berger, Christoph; Münz, Christian

2014-01-01

A growing body of evidence suggests that the human natural killer (NK)-cell compartment is phenotypically and functionally heterogeneous and is composed of several differentiation stages. Moreover, NK-cell subsets have been shown to exhibit adaptive immune features during herpes virus infection in experimental mice and to expand preferentially during viral infections in humans. However, both phenotype and role of NK cells during acute symptomatic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, termed infectious mononucleosis (IM), remain unclear. Here, we longitudinally assessed the kinetics, the differentiation, and the proliferation of subsets of NK cells in pediatric IM patients. Our results indicate that acute IM is characterized by the preferential proliferation of early-differentiated CD56dim NKG2A+ immunoglobulin-like receptor- NK cells. Moreover, this NK-cell subset exhibits features of terminal differentiation and persists at higher frequency during at least the first 6 months after acute IM. Finally, we demonstrate that this NK-cell subset preferentially degranulates and proliferates on exposure to EBV-infected B cells expressing lytic antigens. Thus, early-differentiated NK cells might play a key role in the immune control of primary infection with this persistent tumor-associated virus. PMID:25205117

Role for early-differentiated natural killer cells in infectious mononucleosis.

PubMed

Azzi, Tarik; Lünemann, Anna; Murer, Anita; Ueda, Seigo; Béziat, Vivien; Malmberg, Karl-Johan; Staubli, Georg; Gysin, Claudine; Berger, Christoph; Münz, Christian; Chijioke, Obinna; Nadal, David

2014-10-16

A growing body of evidence suggests that the human natural killer (NK)-cell compartment is phenotypically and functionally heterogeneous and is composed of several differentiation stages. Moreover, NK-cell subsets have been shown to exhibit adaptive immune features during herpes virus infection in experimental mice and to expand preferentially during viral infections in humans. However, both phenotype and role of NK cells during acute symptomatic Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, termed infectious mononucleosis (IM), remain unclear. Here, we longitudinally assessed the kinetics, the differentiation, and the proliferation of subsets of NK cells in pediatric IM patients. Our results indicate that acute IM is characterized by the preferential proliferation of early-differentiated CD56(dim) NKG2A(+) immunoglobulin-like receptor(-) NK cells. Moreover, this NK-cell subset exhibits features of terminal differentiation and persists at higher frequency during at least the first 6 months after acute IM. Finally, we demonstrate that this NK-cell subset preferentially degranulates and proliferates on exposure to EBV-infected B cells expressing lytic antigens. Thus, early-differentiated NK cells might play a key role in the immune control of primary infection with this persistent tumor-associated virus. © 2014 by The American Society of Hematology.

Calreticulin Regulates VEGF-A in Neuroblastoma Cells.

PubMed

Weng, Wen-Chin; Lin, Kuan-Hung; Wu, Pei-Yi; Lu, Yi-Chien; Weng, Yi-Cheng; Wang, Bo-Jeng; Liao, Yung-Feng; Hsu, Wen-Ming; Lee, Wang-Tso; Lee, Hsinyu

2015-08-01

Calreticulin (CRT) has been previously correlated with the differentiation of neuroblastoma (NB), implying a favorable prognostic factor. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been reported to participate in the behavior of NB. This study investigated the association of CRT and VEGF-A in NB cells. The expressions of VEGF-A and HIF-1α, with overexpression or knockdown of CRT, were measured in three NB cells (SH-SY5Y, SK-N-DZ, and stNB-V1). An inducible CRT NB cell line and knockdown CRT stable cell lines were also established. The impacts of CRT overexpression on NB cell apoptosis, proliferation, and differentiation were also evaluated. We further examined the role of VEGF-A in the NB cell differentiation via VEGF receptor blockade. Constitutive overexpression of CRT led to NB cell differentiation without proliferation. Thus, an inducible CRT stNB-V1 cell line was generated by a tetracycline-regulated gene system. CRT overexpression increased VEGF-A and HIF-1α messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions in SH-SY5Y, SK-N-DZ, and stNB-V1 cells. CRT overexpression also enhanced VEGF-A protein expression and secretion level in conditioned media in different NB cell lines. Knockdown of CRT decreased VEGF-A and HIF-1α mRNA expressions and lowered VEGF-A protein expression and secretion level in conditioned media in different NB cell lines. We further demonstrated that NB cell apoptosis was not affected by CRT overexpression in stNB-V1 cells. Nevertheless, overexpression of CRT suppressed cell proliferation and enhanced cell differentiation in stNB-V1 cells, whereas blockage of VEGFR-1 markedly suppressed the expression of neuron-specific markers including GAP43, NSE2, and NFH, as well as TrkA, a molecular marker indicative of NB cell differentiation. Our findings suggest that VEGF-A is involved in CRT-related neuronal differentiation in NB. Our work may provide important information for developing a new therapeutic strategy to improve the outcome of NB patients.

Cytotoxicity of Vitex agnus-castus fruit extract and its major component, casticin, correlates with differentiation status in leukemia cell lines.

PubMed

Kikuchi, Hidetomo; Yuan, Bo; Nishimura, Yoshio; Imai, Masahiko; Furutani, Ryota; Kamoi, Saki; Seno, Misako; Fukushima, Shin; Hazama, Shingo; Hirobe, Chieko; Ohyama, Kunio; Hu, Xiao-Mei; Takagi, Norio; Hirano, Toshihiko; Toyoda, Hiroo

2013-12-01

We have demonstrated that an extract from the ripe fruit of Vitex agnus-castus (Vitex) exhibits cytotoxic activities against various types of solid tumor cells, whereas its effects on leukemia cells has not been evaluated to date. In this study, the effects of Vitex and its major component, casticin, on leukemia cell lines, HL-60 and U-937, were investigated by focusing on proliferation, induction of apoptosis and differentiation. Identification and quantitation by NMR spectroscopy showed that casticin accounted for approximate 1% weight of Vitex. Dose-dependent cytotoxicity of Vitex and casticin was observed in both cell lines, and HL-60 cells were more sensitive to the cytotoxicity of Vitex/casticin compared to U-937 cells. Furthermore, compared to unstimulated HL-60 cells, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)- and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃ (VD₃)-differentiated HL-60 cells acquired resistance to Vitex/casticin based on the results from cell viability and apoptosis induction analysis. Since the HL-60 cell line is more immature than the U-937 cell line, these results suggested that the levels of cytotoxicity of Vitex/casticin were largely attributed to the degree of differentiation of leukemia cells; that is, cell lines with less differentiated phenotype were more susceptible than the differentiated ones. RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that PMA upregulated the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in HL-60 cells, and that anti-ICAM-1 monoclonal antibody not only abrogated PMA-induced aggregation and adhesion of the cells but also restored its sensitivity to Vitex. These results suggested that ICAM-1 plays a crucial role in the acquired resistance in PMA-differentiated HL-60 cells by contributing to cell adhesion. These findings provide fundamental insights into the clinical application of Vitex/casticin for hematopoietic malignancy.

Evidence for heterogeneity of astrocyte de-differentiation in vitro: astrocytes transform into intermediate precursor cells following induction of ACM from scratch-insulted astrocytes.

PubMed

Yang, Hao; Qian, Xin-Hong; Cong, Rui; Li, Jing-wen; Yao, Qin; Jiao, Xi-Ying; Ju, Gong; You, Si-Wei

2010-04-01

Our previous study definitely demonstrated that the mature astrocytes could undergo a de-differentiation process and further transform into pluripotential neural stem cells (NSCs), which might well arise from the effect of diffusible factors released from scratch-insulted astrocytes. However, these neurospheres passaged from one neurosphere-derived from de-differentiated astrocytes possessed a completely distinct characteristic in the differentiation behavior, namely heterogeneity of differentiation. The heterogeneity in cell differentiation has become a crucial but elusive issue. In this study, we show that purified astrocytes could de-differentiate into intermediate precursor cells (IPCs) with addition of scratch-insulted astrocyte-conditioned medium (ACM) to the culture, which can express NG2 and A2B5, the IPCs markers. Apart from the number of NG2(+) and A2B5(+) cells, the percentage of proliferative cells as labeled with BrdU progressively increased with prolonged culture period ranging from 1 to 10 days. Meanwhile, the protein level of A2B5 in cells also increased significantly. These results revealed that not all astrocytes could de-differentiate fully into NSCs directly when induced by ACM, rather they generated intermediate or more restricted precursor cells that might undergo progressive de-differentiation to generate NSCs.

LACTB is a tumour suppressor that modulates lipid metabolism and cell state.

PubMed

Keckesova, Zuzana; Donaher, Joana Liu; De Cock, Jasmine; Freinkman, Elizaveta; Lingrell, Susanne; Bachovchin, Daniel A; Bierie, Brian; Tischler, Verena; Noske, Aurelia; Okondo, Marian C; Reinhardt, Ferenc; Thiru, Prathapan; Golub, Todd R; Vance, Jean E; Weinberg, Robert A

2017-03-30

Post-mitotic, differentiated cells exhibit a variety of characteristics that contrast with those of actively growing neoplastic cells, such as the expression of cell-cycle inhibitors and differentiation factors. We hypothesized that the gene expression profiles of these differentiated cells could reveal the identities of genes that may function as tumour suppressors. Here we show, using in vitro and in vivo studies in mice and humans, that the mitochondrial protein LACTB potently inhibits the proliferation of breast cancer cells. Its mechanism of action involves alteration of mitochondrial lipid metabolism and differentiation of breast cancer cells. This is achieved, at least in part, through reduction of the levels of mitochondrial phosphatidylserine decarboxylase, which is involved in the synthesis of mitochondrial phosphatidylethanolamine. These observations uncover a novel mitochondrial tumour suppressor and demonstrate a connection between mitochondrial lipid metabolism and the differentiation program of breast cancer cells, thereby revealing a previously undescribed mechanism of tumour suppression.

TOPICAL REVIEW: Artificial extracellular matrix for embryonic stem cell cultures: a new frontier of nanobiomaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amranul Haque, Md; Nagaoka, Masato; Hexig, Bayar; Akaike, Toshihiro

2010-02-01

Nanobiomaterials can play a central role in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering by facilitating cellular behavior and function, such as those where extracellular matrices (ECMs) direct embryonic stem (ES) cell morphogenesis, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. However, controlling ES cell proliferation and differentiation using matrices from natural sources is still challenging due to complex and heterogeneous culture conditions. Moreover, the systemic investigation of the regulation of self-renewal and differentiation to lineage specific cells depends on the use of defined and stress-free culture conditions. Both goals can be achieved by the development of biomaterial design targeting ECM or growth factors for ES cell culture. This targeted application will benefit from expansion of ES cells for transplantation, as well as the production of a specific differentiated cell type either by controlling the differentiation in a very specific pathway or by elimination of undesirable cell types.

VEGF induces differentiation of functional endothelium from human embryonic stem cells: implications for tissue engineering

PubMed Central

Nourse, Marilyn B.; Halpin, Daniel E.; Scatena, Marta; Mortisen, Derek J.; Tulloch, Nathaniel L.; Hauch, Kip D.; Torok-Storb, Beverly; Ratner, Buddy D.; Pabon, Lil; Murry, Charles E.

2010-01-01

Objective Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) offer a sustainable source of endothelial cells for therapeutic vascularization and tissue engineering, but current techniques for generating these cells remain inefficient. We endeavored to induce and isolate functional endothelial cells from differentiating hESCs. Methods and Results To enhance endothelial cell differentiation above a baseline of ∼2% in embryoid body (EB) spontaneous differentiation, three alternate culture conditions were compared. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment of EBs showed the best induction, with markedly increased expression of endothelial cell proteins CD31, VE-Cadherin, and von Willebrand Factor, but not the hematopoietic cell marker CD45. CD31 expression peaked around days 10-14. Continuous VEGF treatment resulted in a four- to five-fold enrichment of CD31+ cells but did not increase endothelial proliferation rates, suggesting a primary effect on differentiation. CD31+ cells purified from differentiating EBs upregulated ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in response to TNFα, confirming their ability to function as endothelial cells. These cells also expressed multiple endothelial genes and formed lumenized vessels when seeded onto porous poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) scaffolds and implanted in vivo subcutaneously in athymic rats. Collagen gel constructs containing hESC-derived endothelial cells and implanted into infarcted nude rat hearts formed robust networks of patent vessels filled with host blood cells. Conclusions VEGF induces functional endothelial cells from hESCs independent of endothelial cell proliferation. These enrichment methods increase endothelial cell yield, enabling applications for revascularization as well as basic studies of human endothelial biology. We demonstrate the ability of hESC-derived endothelial cells to facilitate vascularization of tissue-engineered implants. PMID:19875721

Increased numbers of preexisting memory CD8 T cells and decreased T-bet expression can restrain terminal differentiation of secondary effector and memory CD8 T cells.

PubMed

Joshi, Nikhil S; Cui, Weiguo; Dominguez, Claudia X; Chen, Jonathan H; Hand, Timothy W; Kaech, Susan M

2011-10-15

Memory CD8 T cells acquire effector memory cell properties after reinfection and may reach terminally differentiated, senescent states ("Hayflick limit") after multiple infections. The signals controlling this process are not well understood, but we found that the degree of secondary effector and memory CD8 T cell differentiation was intimately linked to the amount of T-bet expressed upon reactivation and preexisting memory CD8 T cell number (i.e., primary memory CD8 T cell precursor frequency) present during secondary infection. Compared with naive cells, memory CD8 T cells were predisposed toward terminal effector (TE) cell differentiation because they could immediately respond to IL-12 and induce T-bet, even in the absence of Ag. TE cell formation after secondary (2°) or tertiary infections was dependent on increased T-bet expression because T-bet(+/-) cells were resistant to these phenotypic changes. Larger numbers of preexisting memory CD8 T cells limited the duration of 2° infection and the amount of IL-12 produced, and consequently, this reduced T-bet expression and the proportion of 2° TE CD8 T cells that formed. Together, these data show that over repeated infections, memory CD8 T cell quality and proliferative fitness is not strictly determined by the number of serial encounters with Ag or cell divisions, but is a function of the CD8 T cell differentiation state, which is genetically controlled in a T-bet-dependent manner. This differentiation state can be modulated by preexisting memory CD8 T cell number and the intensity of inflammation during reinfection. These results have important implications for vaccinations involving prime-boost strategies.

Long Term Culture of the A549 Cancer Cell Line Promotes Multilamellar Body Formation and Differentiation towards an Alveolar Type II Pneumocyte Phenotype

PubMed Central

Cooper, James Ross; Abdullatif, Muhammad Bilal; Burnett, Edward C.; Kempsell, Karen E.; Conforti, Franco; Tolley, Howard; Collins, Jane E.; Davies, Donna E.

2016-01-01

Pulmonary research requires models that represent the physiology of alveolar epithelium but concerns with reproducibility, consistency and the technical and ethical challenges of using primary or stem cells has resulted in widespread use of continuous cancer or other immortalized cell lines. The A549 ‘alveolar’ cell line has been available for over four decades but there is an inconsistent view as to its suitability as an appropriate model for primary alveolar type II (ATII) cells. Since most work with A549 cells involves short term culture of proliferating cells, we postulated that culture conditions that reduced proliferation of the cancer cells would promote a more differentiated ATII cell phenotype. We examined A549 cell growth in different media over long term culture and then used microarray analysis to investigate temporal regulation of pathways involved in cell cycle and ATII differentiation; we also made comparisons with gene expression in freshly isolated human ATII cells. Analyses indicated that long term culture in Ham’s F12 resulted in substantial modulation of cell cycle genes to result in a quiescent population of cells with significant up-regulation of autophagic, differentiation and lipidogenic pathways. There were also increased numbers of up- and down-regulated genes shared with primary cells suggesting adoption of ATII characteristics and multilamellar body (MLB) development. Subsequent Oil Red-O staining and Transmission Electron Microscopy confirmed MLB expression in the differentiated A549 cells. This work defines a set of conditions for promoting ATII differentiation characteristics in A549 cells that may be advantageous for studies with this cell line. PMID:27792742

Effect of Wnt-1 inducible signaling pathway protein-2 (WISP-2/CCN5), a downstream protein of Wnt signaling, on adipocyte differentiation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Inadera, Hidekuni; Shimomura, Akiko; Tachibana, Shinjiro

2009-02-20

Wnt signaling negatively regulates adipocyte differentiation, and ectopic expression of Wnt-1 in 3T3-L1 cells induces several downstream molecules of Wnt signaling, including Wnt-1 inducible signaling pathway protein (WISP)-2. In this study, we examined the role of WISP-2 in the process of adipocyte differentiation using an in vitro cell culture system. In the differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells, WISP-2 expression was observed in growing cells and declined thereafter. In the mitotic clonal expansion phase of adipocyte differentiation, WISP-2 expression was transiently down-regulated concurrently with up-regulation of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein {delta} expression. Treatment of 3T3-L1 cells in the differentiation medium with lithium, an activatormore » of Wnt signaling, inhibited the differentiation process with concomitant induction of WISP-2. Treatment of differentiated cells with lithium induced de-differentiation as evidenced by profound reduction of peroxisome proliferator-activator receptor {gamma} expression and concomitant induction of WISP-2. However, de-differentiation of differentiated cells induced by tumor necrosis factor-{alpha} did not induce WISP-2 expression. To directly examine the effect of WISP-2 on adipocyte differentiation, 3T3-L1 cells were infected with a retrovirus carrying WISP-2. Although forced expression of WISP-2 inhibited preadipocyte proliferation, it had no effect on adipocyte differentiation. Thus, although WISP-2 is a downstream protein of Wnt signaling, the role of WISP-2 on adipocyte differentiation may be marginal, at least in this in vitro culture model.« less

The MADS-box XAANTAL1 increases proliferation at the Arabidopsis root stem-cell niche and participates in transition to differentiation by regulating cell-cycle components

PubMed Central

García-Cruz, Karla V.; García-Ponce, Berenice; Garay-Arroyo, Adriana; Sanchez, María De La Paz; Ugartechea-Chirino, Yamel; Desvoyes, Bénédicte; Pacheco-Escobedo, Mario A.; Tapia-López, Rosalinda; Ransom-Rodríguez, Ivan; Gutierrez, Crisanto; Alvarez-Buylla, Elena R.

2016-01-01

Background Morphogenesis depends on the concerted modulation of cell proliferation and differentiation. Such modulation is dynamically adjusted in response to various external and internal signals via complex transcriptional regulatory networks that mediate between such signals and regulation of cell-cycle and cellular responses (proliferation, growth, differentiation). In plants, which are sessile, the proliferation/differentiation balance is plastically adjusted during their life cycle and transcriptional networks are important in this process. MADS-box genes are key developmental regulators in eukaryotes, but their role in cell proliferation and differentiation modulation in plants remains poorly studied. Methods We characterize the XAL1 loss-of-function xal1-2 allele and overexpression lines using quantitative cellular and cytometry analyses to explore its role in cell cycle, proliferation, stem-cell patterning and transition to differentiation. We used quantitative PCR and cellular markers to explore if XAL1 regulates cell-cycle components and PLETHORA1 (PLT1) gene expression, as well as confocal microscopy to analyse stem-cell niche organization. Key Results We previously showed that XAANTAL1 (XAL1/AGL12) is necessary for Arabidopsis root development as a promoter of cell proliferation in the root apical meristem. Here, we demonstrate that XAL1 positively regulates the expression of PLT1 and important components of the cell cycle: CYCD3;1, CYCA2;3, CYCB1;1, CDKB1;1 and CDT1a. In addition, we show that xal1-2 mutant plants have a premature transition to differentiation with root hairs appearing closer to the root tip, while endoreplication in these plants is partially compromised. Coincidently, the final size of cortex cells in the mutant is shorter than wild-type cells. Finally, XAL1 overexpression-lines corroborate that this transcription factor is able to promote cell proliferation at the stem-cell niche. Conclusion XAL1 seems to be an important component of the networks that modulate cell proliferation/differentiation transition and stem-cell proliferation during Arabidopsis root development; it also regulates several cell-cycle components. PMID:27474508

Constitutive Proteasomal Degradation of TWIST-1 in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells Impacts Differentiation and Metastatic Potential

PubMed Central

Yin, Gang; Alvero, Ayesha B.; Craveiro, Vinicius; Holmberg, Jennie C.; Fu, Han-Hsuan; Montagna, Michele K.; Yang, Yang; Chefetz-Menaker, Ilana; Nuti, Sudhakar; Rossi, Michael; Silasi, Dan-Arin; Rutherford, Thomas; Mor, Gil

2013-01-01

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical process for embryogenesis but is abnormally activated during cancer metastasis and recurrence. This process enables epithelial cancer cells to acquire mobility and traits associated with stemness. It is unknown whether epithelial stem cells or epithelial cancer stem cells are able to undergo EMT, and what molecular mechanism regulates this process in these specific cell types. We found that Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Stem cells (EOC stem cells) are the source of metastatic progenitor cells through a differentiation process involving EMT and Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transition (MET). We demonstrate both in vivo and in vitro the differentiation of EOC stem cells into mesenchymal spheroid-forming cells (MSFCs) and their capacity to initiate an active carcinomatosis. Furthermore, we demonstrate that human EOC stem cells injected i.p in mice are able to form ovarian tumors, suggesting that the EOC stem cells have the ability to “home” to the ovaries and establish tumors. Most interestingly, we found that TWIST1 is constitutively degraded in EOC stem cells, and that the acquisition of TWIST1 requires additional signals that will trigger the differentiation process. These findings are relevant for understanding the differentiation and metastasis process in EOC stem cells. PMID:22349827

Fibronectin promotes differentiation of neural crest progenitors endowed with smooth muscle cell potential

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Costa-Silva, Bruno; Programa de Pos-graduacao em Neurociencias, Centro de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitario - Trindade, 88040-900, Florianopolis, S.C.; Coelho da Costa, Meline

The neural crest (NC) is a model system used to investigate multipotency during vertebrate development. Environmental factors control NC cell fate decisions. Despite the well-known influence of extracellular matrix molecules in NC cell migration, the issue of whether they also influence NC cell differentiation has not been addressed at the single cell level. By analyzing mass and clonal cultures of mouse cephalic and quail trunk NC cells, we show for the first time that fibronectin (FN) promotes differentiation into the smooth muscle cell phenotype without affecting differentiation into glia, neurons, and melanocytes. Time course analysis indicated that the FN-induced effectmore » was not related to massive cell death or proliferation of smooth muscle cells. Finally, by comparing clonal cultures of quail trunk NC cells grown on FN and collagen type IV (CLIV), we found that FN strongly increased both NC cell survival and the proportion of unipotent and oligopotent NC progenitors endowed with smooth muscle potential. In contrast, melanocytic progenitors were prominent in clonogenic NC cells grown on CLIV. Taken together, these results show that FN promotes NC cell differentiation along the smooth muscle lineage, and therefore plays an important role in fate decisions of NC progenitor cells.« less

Tcf7 Is an Important Regulator of the Switch of Self-Renewal and Differentiation in a Multipotential Hematopoietic Cell Line

PubMed Central

Schulz, Vincent P.; Hariharan, Manoj; Tuck, David; Lian, Jin; Du, Jiang; Shi, Minyi; Ye, Zhijia; Gerstein, Mark; Snyder, Michael P.; Weissman, Sherman

2012-01-01

A critical problem in biology is understanding how cells choose between self-renewal and differentiation. To generate a comprehensive view of the mechanisms controlling early hematopoietic precursor self-renewal and differentiation, we used systems-based approaches and murine EML multipotential hematopoietic precursor cells as a primary model. EML cells give rise to a mixture of self-renewing Lin-SCA+CD34+ cells and partially differentiated non-renewing Lin-SCA-CD34− cells in a cell autonomous fashion. We identified and validated the HMG box protein TCF7 as a regulator in this self-renewal/differentiation switch that operates in the absence of autocrine Wnt signaling. We found that Tcf7 is the most down-regulated transcription factor when CD34+ cells switch into CD34− cells, using RNA–Seq. We subsequently identified the target genes bound by TCF7, using ChIP–Seq. We show that TCF7 and RUNX1 (AML1) bind to each other's promoter regions and that TCF7 is necessary for the production of the short isoforms, but not the long isoforms of RUNX1, suggesting that TCF7 and the short isoforms of RUNX1 function coordinately in regulation. Tcf7 knock-down experiments and Gene Set Enrichment Analyses suggest that TCF7 plays a dual role in promoting the expression of genes characteristic of self-renewing CD34+ cells while repressing genes activated in partially differentiated CD34− state. Finally a network of up-regulated transcription factors of CD34+ cells was constructed. Factors that control hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) establishment and development, cell growth, and multipotency were identified. These studies in EML cells demonstrate fundamental cell-intrinsic properties of the switch between self-renewal and differentiation, and yield valuable insights for manipulating HSCs and other differentiating systems. PMID:22412390

Differentiation of Wharton's Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Motor Neuron-Like Cells on Three-Dimensional Collagen-Grafted Nanofibers.

PubMed

Bagher, Zohreh; Azami, Mahmoud; Ebrahimi-Barough, Somayeh; Mirzadeh, Hamid; Solouk, Atefeh; Soleimani, Mansooreh; Ai, Jafar; Nourani, Mohammad Reza; Joghataei, Mohammad Taghi

2016-05-01

Cell transplantation strategies have provided potential therapeutic approaches for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Mesenchymal stem cells from Wharton's jelly (WJMSCs) are abundant and available adult stem cells with low immunological incompatibility, which could be considered for cell replacement therapy in the future. However, MSC transplantation without any induction or support material causes poor control of cell viability and differentiation. In this study, we investigated the effect of the nanoscaffolds on WJMSCs differentiation into motor neuronal lineages in the presence of retinoic acid (RA) and sonic hedgehog (Shh). Surface properties of scaffolds have been shown to significantly influence cell behaviors such as adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Therefore, polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers were constructed via electrospinning, surface modified by plasma treatment, and grafted by collagen. Characterization of the scaffolds by means of ATR-FTIR, contact angel, and Bradford proved grafting of the collagen on the surface of the scaffolds. WJMSCs were seeded on nanofibrous and tissue culture plate (TCP) and viability of WJMSCs were measured by MTT assay and then induced to differentiate into motor neuron-like cells for 15 days. Differentiated cells were evaluated morphologically, and real-time PCR and immunocytochemistry methods were done to evaluate expression of motor neuron-like cell markers in mRNA and protein levels. Our results showed that obtained cells could express motor neuron biomarkers at both RNA and protein levels, but the survival and differentiation of WJMSCs into motor neuron-like cells on the PCL/collagen scaffold were higher than cultured cells in the TCP and PCL groups. Taken together, WJMSCs are an attractive stem cell source for inducing into motor neurons in vitro especially when grown on nanostructural scaffolds and PCL/collagen scaffolds can provide a suitable, three-dimensional situation for neuronal survival and differentiation that suggest their potential application towards nerve regeneration.

Physalis angulata induces in vitro differentiation of murine bone marrow cells into macrophages.

PubMed

da Silva, Bruno José Martins; Rodrigues, Ana Paula D; Farias, Luis Henrique S; Hage, Amanda Anastácia P; Do Nascimento, Jose Luiz M; Silva, Edilene O

2014-10-03

The bone marrow is a hematopoietic tissue that, in the presence of cytokines and growth factors, generates all of the circulating blood cells. These cells are important for protecting the organism against pathogens and for establishing an effective immune response. Previous studies have shown immunomodulatory effects of different products isolated from plant extracts. This study aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory properties of aqueous Physalis angulata (AEPa) extract on the differentiation of bone marrow cells. Increased cellular area, higher spreading ability and several cytoplasmatic projections were observed in the treated cells, using optical microscopy, suggesting cell differentiation. Furthermore, AEPa did not promote the proliferation of lymphocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes, however promotes increased the number of macrophages in the culture. The ultrastructural analysis by Transmission Electron Microscopy of treated cells showed spreading ability, high number of cytoplasmatic projections and increase of autophagic vacuoles. Moreover, a high level of LC3b expression by treated cells was detected by flow cytometry, suggesting an autophagic process. Cell surface expression of F4/80 and CD11b also indicated that AEPa may stimulate differentiation of bone marrow cells mainly into macrophages. In addition, AEPa did not differentiate cells into dendritic cells, as assessed by CD11c analysis. Furthermore, no cytotoxic effects were observed in the cells treated with AEPa. Results demonstrate that AEPa promotes the differentiation of bone marrow cells, particularly into macrophages and may hold promise as an immunomodulating agent.

Physalis angulata induces in vitro differentiation of murine bone marrow cells into macrophages

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background The bone marrow is a hematopoietic tissue that, in the presence of cytokines and growth factors, generates all of the circulating blood cells. These cells are important for protecting the organism against pathogens and for establishing an effective immune response. Previous studies have shown immunomodulatory effects of different products isolated from plant extracts. This study aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory properties of aqueous Physalis angulata (AEPa) extract on the differentiation of bone marrow cells. Results Increased cellular area, higher spreading ability and several cytoplasmatic projections were observed in the treated cells, using optical microscopy, suggesting cell differentiation. Furthermore, AEPa did not promote the proliferation of lymphocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes, however promotes increased the number of macrophages in the culture. The ultrastructural analysis by Transmission Electron Microscopy of treated cells showed spreading ability, high number of cytoplasmatic projections and increase of autophagic vacuoles. Moreover, a high level of LC3b expression by treated cells was detected by flow cytometry, suggesting an autophagic process. Cell surface expression of F4/80 and CD11b also indicated that AEPa may stimulate differentiation of bone marrow cells mainly into macrophages. In addition, AEPa did not differentiate cells into dendritic cells, as assessed by CD11c analysis. Furthermore, no cytotoxic effects were observed in the cells treated with AEPa. Conclusion Results demonstrate that AEPa promotes the differentiation of bone marrow cells, particularly into macrophages and may hold promise as an immunomodulating agent. PMID:25281406

T inflammatory memory CD8 T cells participate to antiviral response and generate secondary memory cells with an advantage in XCL1 production.

PubMed

Jubin, Virginie; Ventre, Erwan; Leverrier, Yann; Djebali, Sophia; Mayol, Katia; Tomkowiak, Martine; Mafille, Julien; Teixeira, Marie; Teoh, Denise Y-L; Lina, Bruno; Walzer, Thierry; Arpin, Christophe; Marvel, Jacqueline

2012-06-01

Besides the classically described subsets of memory CD8 T cells generated under infectious conditions, are T inflammatory memory cells generated under sterile priming conditions, such as sensitization to allergens. Although not fully differentiated as pathogen-induced memory cells, they display memory properties that distinguish them from naive CD8 T cells. Given these memory cells are generated in an antigen-specific context that is devoid of pathogen-derived danger signals and CD4 T cell help, we herein questioned whether they maintained their activation and differentiation potential, could be recruited in an immune response directed against a pathogen expressing their cognate antigen and further differentiate in fully competent secondary memory cells. We show that T inflammatory memory cells can indeed take part to the immune response triggered by a viral infection, differentiate into secondary effectors and further generate typical central memory CD8 T cells and effector memory CD8 T cells. Furthermore, the secondary memory cells they generate display a functional advantage over primary memory cells in their capacity to produce TNF-α and the XCL1 chemokine. These results suggest that cross-reactive stimulations and differentiation of cells directed against allergens or self into fully competent pathogen-induced memory cells might have incidences in inflammatory immuno-pathologies.

Placenta-an alternative source of stem cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Matikainen, Tiina; Laine, Jarmo

2005-09-01

The two most promising practical applications of human stem cells are cellular replacement therapies in human disease and toxicological screening of candidate drug molecules. Both require a source of human stem cells that can be isolated, purified, expanded in number and differentiated into the cell type of choice in a controlled manner. Currently, uses of both embryonic and adult stem cells are investigated. While embryonic stem cells are pluripotent and can differentiate into any specialised cell type, their use requires establishment of embryonic stem cell lines using the inner cell mass of an early pre-implantation embryo. As the blastocyst ismore » destroyed during the process, ethical issues need to be carefully considered. The use of embryonic stem cells is also limited by the difficulties in growing large numbers of the cells without inducing spontaneous differentiation, and the problems in controlling directed differentiation of the cells. The use of adult stem cells, typically derived from bone marrow, but also from other tissues, is ethically non-controversial but their differentiation potential is more limited than that of the embryonic stem cells. Since human cord blood, umbilical cord, placenta and amnion are normally discarded at birth, they provide an easily accessible alternative source of stem cells. We review the potential and current status of the use of adult stem cells derived from the placenta or umbilical cord in therapeutic and toxicological applications.« less

Mapping gene expression patterns during myeloid differentiation using the EML hematopoietic progenitor cell line.

PubMed

Du, Yang; Campbell, Janee L; Nalbant, Demet; Youn, Hyewon; Bass, Ann C Hughes; Cobos, Everardo; Tsai, Schickwann; Keller, Jonathan R; Williams, Simon C

2002-07-01

The detailed examination of the molecular events that control the early stages of myeloid differentiation has been hampered by the relative scarcity of hematopoietic stem cells and the lack of suitable cell line models. In this study, we examined the expression of several myeloid and nonmyeloid genes in the murine EML hematopoietic stem cell line. Expression patterns for 19 different genes were examined by Northern blotting and RT-PCR in RNA samples from EML, a variety of other immortalized cell lines, and purified murine hematopoietic stem cells. Representational difference analysis (RDA) was performed to identify differentially expressed genes in EML. Expression patterns of genes encoding transcription factors (four members of the C/EBP family, GATA-1, GATA-2, PU.1, CBFbeta, SCL, and c-myb) in EML were examined and were consistent with the proposed functions of these proteins in hematopoietic differentiation. Expression levels of three markers of terminal myeloid differentiation (neutrophil elastase, proteinase 3, and Mac-1) were highest in EML cells at the later stages of differentiation. In a search for genes that were differentially expressed in EML cells during myeloid differentiation, six cDNAs were isolated. These included three known genes (lysozyme, histidine decarboxylase, and tryptophan hydroxylase) and three novel genes. Expression patterns of known genes in differentiating EML cells accurately reflected their expected expression patterns based on previous studies. The identification of three novel genes, two of which encode proteins that may act as regulators of hematopoietic differentiation, suggests that EML is a useful model system for the molecular analysis of hematopoietic differentiation.

[Proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells in hydrogels of human blood plasma].

PubMed

Linero, Itali M; Doncel, Adriana; Chaparro, Orlando

2014-01-01

The use of mesenchymal stem cells in clinical practice has increased considerably in the last decade because they play a supporting role in the processes of tissue repair and regeneration, becoming the main tool of cell therapy for the treatment of diseases functionally affecting bone and cartilage tissue . To evaluate in vitro the proliferative and osteogenic differentiation ability of mesenchymal stem cells derived from human adipose tissue in a blood plasma hydrogel. Mesenchymal stem cells were obtained from human adipose tissue explants and characterized by flow cytometry. Their multipotentiality was demonstrated by their ability to differentiate to adipogenic and osteogenic lineages. Cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation ability of the cells cultured in blood plasma hydrogels were also evaluated. Mesenchymal stem cells derived from human adipose tissue growing in human blood plasma hydrogels showed a pattern of proliferation similar to that of the cells cultured in monolayer and also maintained their ability to differentiate to osteogenic lineage. Human blood plasma hydrogels are a suitable support for proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells derived from human adipose tissue and provides a substrate that is autologous, biocompatible, reabsorbable, easy to use, potentially injectable and economic, which could be used as a successful strategy for the management and clinical application of cell therapy in regenerative medicine.

Hedgehog signaling regulates the generation of ameloblast progenitors in the continuously growing mouse incisor

PubMed Central

Seidel, Kerstin; Ahn, Christina P.; Lyons, David; Nee, Alexander; Ting, Kevin; Brownell, Isaac; Cao, Tim; Carano, Richard A. D.; Curran, Tom; Schober, Markus; Fuchs, Elaine; Joyner, Alexandra; Martin, Gail R.; de Sauvage, Frederic J.; Klein, Ophir D.

2010-01-01

In many organ systems such as the skin, gastrointestinal tract and hematopoietic system, homeostasis is dependent on the continuous generation of differentiated progeny from stem cells. The rodent incisor, unlike human teeth, grows throughout the life of the animal and provides a prime example of an organ that rapidly deteriorates if newly differentiated cells cease to form from adult stem cells. Hedgehog (Hh) signaling has been proposed to regulate self-renewal, survival, proliferation and/or differentiation of stem cells in several systems, but to date there is little evidence supporting a role for Hh signaling in adult stem cells. We used in vivo genetic lineage tracing to identify Hh-responsive stem cells in the mouse incisor and we show that sonic hedgehog (SHH), which is produced by the differentiating progeny of the stem cells, signals to several regions of the incisor. Using a hedgehog pathway inhibitor (HPI), we demonstrate that Hh signaling is not required for stem cell survival but is essential for the generation of ameloblasts, one of the major differentiated cell types in the tooth, from the stem cells. These results therefore reveal the existence of a positive-feedback loop in which differentiating progeny produce the signal that in turn allows them to be generated from stem cells. PMID:20978073

Single-cell entropy for accurate estimation of differentiation potency from a cell's transcriptome

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teschendorff, Andrew E.; Enver, Tariq

2017-06-01

The ability to quantify differentiation potential of single cells is a task of critical importance. Here we demonstrate, using over 7,000 single-cell RNA-Seq profiles, that differentiation potency of a single cell can be approximated by computing the signalling promiscuity, or entropy, of a cell's transcriptome in the context of an interaction network, without the need for feature selection. We show that signalling entropy provides a more accurate and robust potency estimate than other entropy-based measures, driven in part by a subtle positive correlation between the transcriptome and connectome. Signalling entropy identifies known cell subpopulations of varying potency and drug resistant cancer stem-cell phenotypes, including those derived from circulating tumour cells. It further reveals that expression heterogeneity within single-cell populations is regulated. In summary, signalling entropy allows in silico estimation of the differentiation potency and plasticity of single cells and bulk samples, providing a means to identify normal and cancer stem-cell phenotypes.

PRMT5 is essential for the maintenance of chondrogenic progenitor cells in the limb bud

PubMed Central

Norrie, Jacqueline L.; Li, Qiang; Co, Swanie; Huang, Bau-Lin; Ding, Ding; Uy, Jann C.; Ji, Zhicheng; Mackem, Susan; Bedford, Mark T.; Galli, Antonella; Ji, Hongkai

2016-01-01

During embryonic development, undifferentiated progenitor cells balance the generation of additional progenitor cells with differentiation. Within the developing limb, cartilage cells differentiate from mesodermal progenitors in an ordered process that results in the specification of the correct number of appropriately sized skeletal elements. The internal pathways by which these cells maintain an undifferentiated state while preserving their capacity to differentiate is unknown. Here, we report that the arginine methyltransferase PRMT5 has a crucial role in maintaining progenitor cells. Mouse embryonic buds lacking PRMT5 have severely truncated bones with wispy digits lacking joints. This novel phenotype is caused by widespread cell death that includes mesodermal progenitor cells that have begun to precociously differentiate into cartilage cells. We propose that PRMT5 maintains progenitor cells through its regulation of Bmp4. Intriguingly, adult and embryonic stem cells also require PRMT5 for maintaining pluripotency, suggesting that similar mechanisms might regulate lineage-restricted progenitor cells during organogenesis. PMID:27827819

PRMT5 is essential for the maintenance of chondrogenic progenitor cells in the limb bud.

PubMed

Norrie, Jacqueline L; Li, Qiang; Co, Swanie; Huang, Bau-Lin; Ding, Ding; Uy, Jann C; Ji, Zhicheng; Mackem, Susan; Bedford, Mark T; Galli, Antonella; Ji, Hongkai; Vokes, Steven A

2016-12-15

During embryonic development, undifferentiated progenitor cells balance the generation of additional progenitor cells with differentiation. Within the developing limb, cartilage cells differentiate from mesodermal progenitors in an ordered process that results in the specification of the correct number of appropriately sized skeletal elements. The internal pathways by which these cells maintain an undifferentiated state while preserving their capacity to differentiate is unknown. Here, we report that the arginine methyltransferase PRMT5 has a crucial role in maintaining progenitor cells. Mouse embryonic buds lacking PRMT5 have severely truncated bones with wispy digits lacking joints. This novel phenotype is caused by widespread cell death that includes mesodermal progenitor cells that have begun to precociously differentiate into cartilage cells. We propose that PRMT5 maintains progenitor cells through its regulation of Bmp4 Intriguingly, adult and embryonic stem cells also require PRMT5 for maintaining pluripotency, suggesting that similar mechanisms might regulate lineage-restricted progenitor cells during organogenesis. © 2016. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

Odontoblast-Like Cells Differentiated from Dental Pulp Stem Cells Retain Their Phenotype after Subcultivation

PubMed Central

Baldión, Paula A.; Velandia-Romero, Myriam L.

2018-01-01

Odontoblasts, the main cell type in teeth pulp tissue, are not cultivable and they are responsible for the first line of response after dental restauration. Studies on dental materials cytotoxicity and odontoblast cells physiology require large quantity of homogenous cells retaining most of the phenotype characteristics. Odontoblast-like cells (OLC) were differentiated from human dental pulp stem cells using differentiation medium (containing TGF-β1), and OLC expanded after trypsinization (EXP-21) were evaluated and compared. Despite a slower cell growth curve, EXP-21 cells express similarly the odontoblast markers dentinal sialophosphoprotein and dentin matrix protein-1 concomitantly with RUNX2 transcripts and low alkaline phosphatase activity as expected. Both OLC and EXP-21 cells showed similar mineral deposition activity evidenced by alizarin red and von Kossa staining. These results pointed out minor changes in phenotype of subcultured EXP-21 regarding the primarily differentiated OLC, making the subcultivation of these cells a useful strategy to obtain odontoblasts for biocompatibility or cell physiology studies in dentistry. PMID:29670655

Haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells from human pluripotent stem cells

PubMed Central

Sugimura, Ryohichi; Jha, Deepak Kumar; Han, Areum; Soria-Valles, Clara; da Rocha, Edroaldo Lummertz; Lu, Yi-Fen; Goettel, Jeremy A.; Serrao, Erik; Rowe, R. Grant; Malleshaiah, Mohan; Wong, Irene; Sousa, Patricia; Zhu, Ted N.; Ditadi, Andrea; Keller, Gordon; Engelman, Alan N.; Snapper, Scott B.; Doulatov, Sergei; Daley, George Q.

2018-01-01

A variety of tissue lineages can be differentiated from pluripotent stem cells by mimicking embryonic development through stepwise exposure to morphogens, or by conversion of one differentiated cell type into another by enforced expression of master transcription factors. Here, to yield functional human haematopoietic stem cells, we perform morphogen-directed differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into haemogenic endothelium followed by screening of 26 candidate haematopoietic stem-cell-specifying transcription factors for their capacity to promote multi-lineage haematopoietic engraftment in mouse hosts. We recover seven transcription factors (ERG, HOXA5, HOXA9, HOXA10, LCOR, RUNX1 and SPI1) that are sufficient to convert haemogenic endothelium into haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells that engraft myeloid, B and T cells in primary and secondary mouse recipients. Our combined approach of morphogen-driven differentiation and transcription-factor-mediated cell fate conversion produces haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells from pluripotent stem cells and holds promise for modelling haematopoietic disease in humanized mice and for therapeutic strategies in genetic blood disorders. PMID:28514439

Pluripotent hybrid cells contribute to extraembryonic as well as embryonic tissues.

PubMed

Do, Jeong Tae; Choi, Hyun Woo; Choi, Youngsok; Schöler, Hans R

2011-06-01

The restricted gene expression of a differentiated cell can be reversed by forming hybrid with embryonic stem cells (ESCs). The resulting hybrid cells showed not only an ESC-specific marker expression but also a differentiation potential similar to the pluripotent fusion partner. Here, we evaluated whether the tetraploid fusion hybrid cells have a unique differentiation potential compared with diploid pluripotent cells. The first Oct4-GFP-positive cells were observed at day 2 following fusion between ESCs and neurosphere cells (OG2(+/-)/ROSA26(+/-)). Reprogramming efficiency was as high as 94.5% at passage 5 and 96.4% at passage 13. We have found that the tetraploid hybrid cells could form chimera with contribution to placenta after blastocyst injection. This result indicates that the tetraploid pluripotent fusion hybrid cells have wide range of differentiation potential. Therefore, we suggest that once the somatic cells are reprogrammed by fusion with ESCs, the tetraploid hybrid cells contributed to the extraembryonic as well as embryonic tissues.

Single-cell entropy for accurate estimation of differentiation potency from a cell's transcriptome

PubMed Central

Teschendorff, Andrew E.; Enver, Tariq

2017-01-01

The ability to quantify differentiation potential of single cells is a task of critical importance. Here we demonstrate, using over 7,000 single-cell RNA-Seq profiles, that differentiation potency of a single cell can be approximated by computing the signalling promiscuity, or entropy, of a cell's transcriptome in the context of an interaction network, without the need for feature selection. We show that signalling entropy provides a more accurate and robust potency estimate than other entropy-based measures, driven in part by a subtle positive correlation between the transcriptome and connectome. Signalling entropy identifies known cell subpopulations of varying potency and drug resistant cancer stem-cell phenotypes, including those derived from circulating tumour cells. It further reveals that expression heterogeneity within single-cell populations is regulated. In summary, signalling entropy allows in silico estimation of the differentiation potency and plasticity of single cells and bulk samples, providing a means to identify normal and cancer stem-cell phenotypes. PMID:28569836

Molecular basis of differentiation therapy for soft tissue sarcomas

PubMed Central

Luther, Gaurav; Rames, Richard; Wagner, Eric R.; Zhu, Gaohui; Luo, Qing; Bi, Yang; Kim, Stephanie H.; Gao, Jian-Li; Huang, Enyi; Yang, Ke; Wang, Linyuan; Liu, Xing; Li, Mi; Hu, Ning; Su, Yuxi; Luo, Xiaoji; Chen, Liang; Luo, Jinyong; Haydon, Rex C.; Luu, Hue H.; Zhou, Lan; He, Tong-Chuan

2015-01-01

Stem cells are undifferentiated precursor cells with the capacity for proliferation or terminal differentiation. Progression down the differentiation cascade results in a loss of proliferative potential in exchange for the differentiated phenotype. This balance is tightly regulated in the physiologic state. Recent studies, however, have demonstrated that during tumorigenesis, disruptions preventing terminal differentiation allow cancer cells to maintain a proliferative, precursor cell phenotype. Current therapies (i.e., chemotherapy and radiation therapy) target the actively proliferating cells in tumor masses, which in many cases inevitably induce therapy-resistant cancer cells. It is conceivable that promising therapy regimens can be developed by treating human cancers by inducing terminal differentiation, thereby restoring the interrupted pathway and shifting the balance from proliferation to differentiation. For example, osteosarcoma (OS) is a primary bone cancer caused by differentiation defects in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for which several differentiation therapies have shown great promise. In this review, we discuss the various differentiation therapies in the treatment of human sarcomas with a focus on OS. Such therapies hold great promise as they not only inhibit tumorigenesis, but also avoid the adverse effects associated with conventional chemotherapy regimens. Furthermore, it is conceivable that a combination of conventional therapies with differentiation therapy should significantly improve anticancer efficacy and reduce drug-resistance in the clinical management of human cancers, including sarcomas. PMID:26912947

β-Cell Replacement in Mice Using Human Type 1 Diabetes Nuclear Transfer Embryonic Stem Cells.

PubMed

Sui, Lina; Danzl, Nichole; Campbell, Sean R; Viola, Ryan; Williams, Damian; Xing, Yuan; Wang, Yong; Phillips, Neil; Poffenberger, Greg; Johannesson, Bjarki; Oberholzer, Jose; Powers, Alvin C; Leibel, Rudolph L; Chen, Xiaojuan; Sykes, Megan; Egli, Dieter

2018-01-01

β-Cells derived from stem cells hold great promise for cell replacement therapy for diabetes. Here we examine the ability of nuclear transfer embryonic stem cells (NT-ESs) derived from a patient with type 1 diabetes to differentiate into β-cells and provide a source of autologous islets for cell replacement. NT-ESs differentiate in vitro with an average efficiency of 55% into C-peptide-positive cells, expressing markers of mature β-cells, including MAFA and NKX6.1. Upon transplantation in immunodeficient mice, grafted cells form vascularized islet-like structures containing MAFA/C-peptide-positive cells. These β-cells adapt insulin secretion to ambient metabolite status and show normal insulin processing. Importantly, NT-ES-β-cells maintain normal blood glucose levels after ablation of the mouse endogenous β-cells. Cystic structures, but no teratomas, were observed in NT-ES-β-cell grafts. Isogenic induced pluripotent stem cell lines showed greater variability in β-cell differentiation. Even though different methods of somatic cell reprogramming result in stem cell lines that are molecularly indistinguishable, full differentiation competence is more common in ES cell lines than in induced pluripotent stem cell lines. These results demonstrate the suitability of NT-ES-β-cells for cell replacement for type 1 diabetes and provide proof of principle for therapeutic cloning combined with cell therapy. © 2017 by the American Diabetes Association.

Dynamics associated with spontaneous differentiation of ovarian stem cells in vitro

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Recent studies suggest that ovarian germ line stem cells replenish oocyte-pool in adult stage, and challenge the central doctrine of ‘fixed germ cell pool’ in mammalian reproductive biology. Two distinct populations of spherical stem cells with high nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio have been recently identified in the adult mammalian ovary surface epithelium (OSE) including nuclear OCT-4A positive very small embryonic-like (VSELs) and cytoplasmic OCT-4 expressing ovarian germ stem cells (OGSCs). Three weeks culture of scraped OSE cells results in spontaneous differentiation of the stem cells into oocyte-like, parthenote-like, embryoid body-like structures and also embryonic stem cell-like colonies whereas epithelial cells attach and transform into a bed of mesenchymal cells. Present study was undertaken, to further characterize ovarian stem cells and to comprehend better the process of spontaneous differentiation of ovarian stem cells into oocyte-like structures in vitro. Methods Ovarian stem cells were enriched by immunomagnetic sorting using SSEA-4 as a cell surface marker and were further characterized. Stem cells and clusters of OGSCs (reminiscent of germ cell nests in fetal ovaries), were characterized by immuno-localization for stem and germ cell specific markers and spontaneous differentiation in OSE cultures was studied by live cell imaging. Results Differential expression of markers specific for pluripotent VSELs (nuclear OCT-4A, SSEA-4, CD133), OGSCs (cytoplasmic OCT-4) primordial germ cells (FRAGILIS, STELLA, VASA) and germ cells (DAZL, GDF-9, SCP-3) were studied. Within one week of culture, stem cells became bigger in size, developed abundant cytoplasm, differentiated into germ cells, revealed presence of Balbiani body-like structure (mitochondrial cloud) and exhibited characteristic cytoplasmic streaming. Conclusions Presence of germ cell nests, Balbiani body-like structures and cytoplasmic streaming extensively described during fetal ovary development, are indeed well recapitulated during in vitro oogenesis in adult OSE cultures along with characteristic expression of stem/germ cell/oocyte markers. Further studies are required to assess the genetic integrity of in vitro derived oocytes before harnessing their clinical potential. Advance in our knowledge about germ cell differentiation from stem cells will enable researchers to design better in vitro strategies which in turn may have relevance to reproductive biology and regenerative medicine. PMID:24568237

Delivery of Differentiation Factors by Mesoporous Silica Particles Assists Advanced Differentiation of Transplanted Murine Embryonic Stem Cells

PubMed Central

Kozhevnikova, Mariya; König, Niclas; Zhou, Chunfang; Leao, Richardson; Knöpfel, Thomas; Pankratova, Stanislava; Trolle, Carl; Berezin, Vladimir; Bock, Elisabeth; Aldskogius, Håkan

2013-01-01

Stem cell transplantation holds great hope for the replacement of damaged cells in the nervous system. However, poor long-term survival after transplantation and insufficiently robust differentiation of stem cells into specialized cell types in vivo remain major obstacles for clinical application. Here, we report the development of a novel technological approach for the local delivery of exogenous trophic factor mimetics to transplanted cells using specifically designed silica nanoporous particles. We demonstrated that delivering Cintrofin and Gliafin, established peptide mimetics of the ciliary neurotrophic factor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, respectively, with these particles enabled not only robust functional differentiation of motor neurons from transplanted embryonic stem cells but also their long-term survival in vivo. We propose that the delivery of growth factors by mesoporous nanoparticles is a potentially versatile and widely applicable strategy for efficient differentiation and functional integration of stem cell derivatives upon transplantation. PMID:24089415

Role of thrombopoietin in mast cell differentiation.

PubMed

Migliaccio, Anna Rita; Rana, Rosa Alba; Vannucchi, Alessandro M; Manzoli, Francesco A

2007-06-01

Mast cells are important elements of the body response to foreign antigens, being those represented either by small molecules (allergic response) or harbored by foreign microorganisms (response to parasite infection). These cells derive from hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells present in the marrow. However, in contrast with most of the other hematopoietic lineages, mast cells do not differentiate in the marrow but in highly vascularized extramedullary sites, such as the skin or the gut. Mast cell differentiation in the marrow is activated as part of the body response to parasites. We will review here the mast cell differentiation pathway and what is known of its major intrinsic and extrinsic control mechanisms. It will also be described that thrombopoietin, the ligand for the Mpl receptor, in addition to its pivotal rule in the control of thrombocytopoiesis and of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell proliferation, exerts a regulatory function in mast cell differentiation. Some of the possible implications of this newly described biological activity of thrombopoietin will be discussed.

MicroRNA-196b promotes cell proliferation and suppress cell differentiation in vitro

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cao, Donglin, E-mail: caodlgz@sina.com; Hu, Liangshan; Lei, Da

Highlights: • miRNA-196b increases proliferation and blocks differentiation of progenitor cell. • miRNA-196b inhibits apoptosis and increases viability of cells lines. • Forced expression of miR-196b blocks the differentiation of THP1 induced by PMA. - Abstract: MicroRNA-196b (miR-196b) is frequently amplified and aberrantly overexpressed in acute leukemias. To investigate the role of miR-196b in acute leukemias, it has been observed that forced expression of this miRNA increases proliferation and inhibits apoptosis in human cell lines. More importantly, we show that this miRNA can significantly increase the colony-forming capacity of mouse normal bone marrow progenitor cells alone, as well as partiallymore » blocking the cells from differentiation. Taken together, our studies suggest that miRNA-196b may play an essential role in the development of MLL-associated leukemias through inhibiting cell differentiation and apoptosis, while promoting cell proliferation.« less

Brca1 regulates in vitro differentiation of mammary epithelial cells.

PubMed

Kubista, Marion; Rosner, Margit; Kubista, Ernst; Bernaschek, Gerhard; Hengstschläger, Markus

2002-07-18

Murine Brca1 is widely expressed during development in different tissues. Why alterations of BRCA1 lead specifically to breast and ovarian cancer is currently not clarified. Here we show that Brca1 protein expression is upregulated during mammary epithelial differentiation of HC11 cells, during differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts into myotubes and during neuronal differentiation of N1E-115 cells. Ectopic overexpression of BRCA1 and downregulation of endogenous Brca1 expression specifically affect the regulation of mammary epithelial cell differentiation. Accelerated mammary epithelial cell differentiation upon high ectopic BRCA1 expression is not a consequence of the anti-proliferative capacity of this tumor suppressor and independent of functional p53. Overexpression of the BRCA1 variant lacking the large central exon 11 has no effects on mammary epithelial cell differentiation. These data provide new insights into the cellular role of Brca1.

Colonization of collagen scaffolds by adipocytes derived from mesenchymal stem cells of the common marmoset monkey

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bernemann, Inga, E-mail: bernemann@imp.uni-hannover.de; Mueller, Thomas; Blasczyk, Rainer

Highlights: {yields} Marmoset bone marrow-derived MSCs differentiate in suspension into adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic lineages. {yields} Marmoset MSCs integrate in collagen type I scaffolds and differentiate excellently into adipogenic cells. {yields} Common marmoset monkey is a suitable model for soft tissue engineering in human regenerative medicine. -- Abstract: In regenerative medicine, human cell replacement therapy offers great potential, especially by cell types differentiated from immunologically and ethically unproblematic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In terms of an appropriate carrier material, collagen scaffolds with homogeneous pore size of 65 {mu}m were optimal for cell seeding and cultivating. However, before clinical application andmore » transplantation of MSC-derived cells in scaffolds, the safety and efficiency, but also possible interference in differentiation due to the material must be preclinically tested. The common marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus) is a preferable non-human primate animal model for this aim due to its genetic and physiological similarities to the human. Marmoset bone marrow-derived MSCs were successfully isolated, cultured and differentiated in suspension into adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic lineages by defined factors. The differentiation capability could be determined by FACS. Specific marker genes for all three cell types could be detected by RT-PCR. Furthermore, MSCs seeded on collagen I scaffolds differentiated in adipogenic lineage showed after 28 days of differentiation high cell viability and homogenous distribution on the material which was validated by calcein AM and EthD staining. As proof of adipogenic cells, the intracellular lipid vesicles in the cells were stained with Oil Red O. The generation of fat vacuoles was visibly extensive distinguishable and furthermore determined on the molecular level by expression of specific marker genes. The results of the study proved both the differential potential of marmoset MSCs in adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic lineages and the suitability of collagen scaffolds as carrier material undisturbing differentiation of primate mesenchymal stem cells.« less

Overexpression of cyclin D1 induces the reprogramming of differentiated epidermal cells into stem cell-like cells.

PubMed

Zhao, Along; Yang, Leilei; Ma, Kui; Sun, Mengli; Li, Lei; Huang, Jin; Li, Yang; Zhang, Cuiping; Li, Haihong; Fu, Xiaobing

2016-01-01

It has been reported that Wnt/β-catenin is critical for dedifferentiation of differentiated epidermal cells. Cyclin D1 (CCND1) is a β-catenin target gene. In this study, we provide evidence that overexpression of CCND1 induces reprogramming of epidermal cells into stem cell-like cells. After introducing CCND1 gene into differentiated epidermal cells, we found that the large flat-shaped cells with a small nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio changed into small round-shaped cells with a large nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio. The expressions of CK10, β1-integrin, Oct4 and Nanog in CCND1 induced cells were remarkably higher than those in the control group (P < 0.01). In addition, the induced cells exhibited a high colony-forming ability and a long-term proliferative potential. When the induced cells were implanted into a wound of laboratory animal model, the wound healing was accelerated. These results suggested that overexpression of CCND1 induced the reprogramming of differentiated epidermal cells into stem cell-like cells. This study may also offer a new approach to yield epidermal stem cells for wound repair and regeneration.

Distinct capacity for differentiation to inner ear cell types by progenitor cells of the cochlea and vestibular organs

PubMed Central

McLean, Will J.; McLean, Dalton T.; Eatock, Ruth Anne

2016-01-01

Disorders of hearing and balance are most commonly associated with damage to cochlear and vestibular hair cells or neurons. Although these cells are not capable of spontaneous regeneration, progenitor cells in the hearing and balance organs of the neonatal mammalian inner ear have the capacity to generate new hair cells after damage. To investigate whether these cells are restricted in their differentiation capacity, we assessed the phenotypes of differentiated progenitor cells isolated from three compartments of the mouse inner ear – the vestibular and cochlear sensory epithelia and the spiral ganglion – by measuring electrophysiological properties and gene expression. Lgr5+ progenitor cells from the sensory epithelia gave rise to hair cell-like cells, but not neurons or glial cells. Newly created hair cell-like cells had hair bundle proteins, synaptic proteins and membrane proteins characteristic of the compartment of origin. PLP1+ glial cells from the spiral ganglion were identified as neural progenitors, which gave rise to neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, but not hair cells. Thus, distinct progenitor populations from the neonatal inner ear differentiate to cell types associated with their organ of origin. PMID:27789624

Neurogenic Radial Glia-like Cells in Meninges Migrate and Differentiate into Functionally Integrated Neurons in the Neonatal Cortex.

PubMed

Bifari, Francesco; Decimo, Ilaria; Pino, Annachiara; Llorens-Bobadilla, Enric; Zhao, Sheng; Lange, Christian; Panuccio, Gabriella; Boeckx, Bram; Thienpont, Bernard; Vinckier, Stefan; Wyns, Sabine; Bouché, Ann; Lambrechts, Diether; Giugliano, Michele; Dewerchin, Mieke; Martin-Villalba, Ana; Carmeliet, Peter

2017-03-02

Whether new neurons are added in the postnatal cerebral cortex is still debated. Here, we report that the meninges of perinatal mice contain a population of neurogenic progenitors formed during embryonic development that migrate to the caudal cortex and differentiate into Satb2 + neurons in cortical layers II-IV. The resulting neurons are electrically functional and integrated into local microcircuits. Single-cell RNA sequencing identified meningeal cells with distinct transcriptome signatures characteristic of (1) neurogenic radial glia-like cells (resembling neural stem cells in the SVZ), (2) neuronal cells, and (3) a cell type with an intermediate phenotype, possibly representing radial glia-like meningeal cells differentiating to neuronal cells. Thus, we have identified a pool of embryonically derived radial glia-like cells present in the meninges that migrate and differentiate into functional neurons in the neonatal cerebral cortex. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Role of bioinspired polymers in determination of pluripotent stem cell fate

PubMed Central

Abraham, Sheena; Eroshenko, Nikolai; Rao, Raj R

2009-01-01

Human pluripotent stem cells, including embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells, hold enormous potential for the treatment of many diseases, owing to their ability to generate cell types useful for therapeutic applications. Currently, many stem cell culture propagation and differentiation systems incorporate animal-derived components for promoting self-renewal and differentiation. However, use of these components is labor intensive, carries the risk of xenogeneic contamination and yields compromised experimental results that are difficult to duplicate. From a biomaterials perspective, the generation of an animal- and cell-free biomimetic microenvironment that provides the appropriate physical and chemical cues for stem cell self-renewal or differentiation into specialized cell types would be ideal. This review presents the use of natural and synthetic polymers that support propagation and differentiation of stem cells, in an attempt to obtain a clear understanding of the factors responsible for the determination of stem cell fate. PMID:19580405

In vitro study on bone formation and surface topography from the standpoint of biomechanics.

PubMed

Kawahara, H; Soeda, Y; Niwa, K; Takahashi, M; Kawahara, D; Araki, N

2004-12-01

Effect of surface topography upon cell-adhesion, -orientation and -differentiation was investigated by in vitro study on cellular responses to titanium substratum with different surface roughness. Cell-shape, -function and -differentiation depending upon the surface topography were clarified by use of bone formative group cells (BFGCs) derived from bone marrow of beagle's femur. BFGCs consisted of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and osteogenetic stem cells (OSC). Cell differentiation of BFGCs was expressed and promoted by structural changes of cytoskeleton, and cell-organella, which was caused by mechanical stress with cytoplasmic stretching of cell adhesions to the substratum. Phagocytic monocytes of HSC differentiated to osteomediator cells (OMC) by cytoplasmic stretching with cell adhesion to the substratum. The OMC mediated and promoted cell differentiation from OSC to osteoblast through osteoblastic phenotype cell (OBC) by cell-aggregation of nodules with "pile up" phenomenon of OBC onto OMC. The osteogenesis might be performed by coupling work of both cells, OMC originated from monocyte of HSC and OBC originated from OSC, which were explained by SEM, TEM and fluorescent probe investigation on BFGCs on the test plate of cp titanium plates with different topographies. This osteogenetic process was proved by investigating cell proliferation, DNA contents, cell-adhesion, alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcine productivity for cells on the titanium plates with different topographies. The study showed increased osteogenic effects for cells cultured on Ti with increased surface roughness. Possible mechanisms were discussed from a biomechanical perspective.

Droplet Microarray Based on Patterned Superhydrophobic Surfaces Prevents Stem Cell Differentiation and Enables High-Throughput Stem Cell Screening.

PubMed

Tronser, Tina; Popova, Anna A; Jaggy, Mona; Bastmeyer, Martin; Levkin, Pavel A

2017-12-01

Over the past decades, stem cells have attracted growing interest in fundamental biological and biomedical research as well as in regenerative medicine, due to their unique ability to self-renew and differentiate into various cell types. Long-term maintenance of the self-renewal ability and inhibition of spontaneous differentiation, however, still remain challenging and are not fully understood. Uncontrolled spontaneous differentiation of stem cells makes high-throughput screening of stem cells also difficult. This further hinders investigation of the underlying mechanisms of stem cell differentiation and the factors that might affect it. In this work, a dual functionality of nanoporous superhydrophobic-hydrophilic micropatterns is demonstrated in their ability to inhibit differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) and at the same time enable formation of arrays of microdroplets (droplet microarray) via the effect of discontinuous dewetting. Such combination makes high-throughput screening of undifferentiated mouse embryonic stem cells possible. The droplet microarray is used to investigate the development, differentiation, and maintenance of stemness of mESC, revealing the dependence of stem cell behavior on droplet volume in nano- and microliter scale. The inhibition of spontaneous differentiation of mESCs cultured on the droplet microarray for up to 72 h is observed. In addition, up to fourfold increased cell growth rate of mESCs cultured on our platform has been observed. The difference in the behavior of mESCs is attributed to the porosity and roughness of the polymer surface. This work demonstrates that the droplet microarray possesses the potential for the screening of mESCs under conditions of prolonged inhibition of stem cells' spontaneous differentiation. Such a platform can be useful for applications in the field of stem cell research, pharmacological testing of drug efficacy and toxicity, biomedical research as well as in the field of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Single-Cell-Based Analysis Highlights a Surge in Cell-to-Cell Molecular Variability Preceding Irreversible Commitment in a Differentiation Process

PubMed Central

Boullu, Loïs; Morin, Valérie; Vallin, Elodie; Guillemin, Anissa; Papili Gao, Nan; Cosette, Jérémie; Arnaud, Ophélie; Kupiec, Jean-Jacques; Espinasse, Thibault

2016-01-01

In some recent studies, a view emerged that stochastic dynamics governing the switching of cells from one differentiation state to another could be characterized by a peak in gene expression variability at the point of fate commitment. We have tested this hypothesis at the single-cell level by analyzing primary chicken erythroid progenitors through their differentiation process and measuring the expression of selected genes at six sequential time-points after induction of differentiation. In contrast to population-based expression data, single-cell gene expression data revealed a high cell-to-cell variability, which was masked by averaging. We were able to show that the correlation network was a very dynamical entity and that a subgroup of genes tend to follow the predictions from the dynamical network biomarker (DNB) theory. In addition, we also identified a small group of functionally related genes encoding proteins involved in sterol synthesis that could act as the initial drivers of the differentiation. In order to assess quantitatively the cell-to-cell variability in gene expression and its evolution in time, we used Shannon entropy as a measure of the heterogeneity. Entropy values showed a significant increase in the first 8 h of the differentiation process, reaching a peak between 8 and 24 h, before decreasing to significantly lower values. Moreover, we observed that the previous point of maximum entropy precedes two paramount key points: an irreversible commitment to differentiation between 24 and 48 h followed by a significant increase in cell size variability at 48 h. In conclusion, when analyzed at the single cell level, the differentiation process looks very different from its classical population average view. New observables (like entropy) can be computed, the behavior of which is fully compatible with the idea that differentiation is not a “simple” program that all cells execute identically but results from the dynamical behavior of the underlying molecular network. PMID:28027290

Single-Cell-Based Analysis Highlights a Surge in Cell-to-Cell Molecular Variability Preceding Irreversible Commitment in a Differentiation Process.

PubMed

Richard, Angélique; Boullu, Loïs; Herbach, Ulysse; Bonnafoux, Arnaud; Morin, Valérie; Vallin, Elodie; Guillemin, Anissa; Papili Gao, Nan; Gunawan, Rudiyanto; Cosette, Jérémie; Arnaud, Ophélie; Kupiec, Jean-Jacques; Espinasse, Thibault; Gonin-Giraud, Sandrine; Gandrillon, Olivier

2016-12-01

In some recent studies, a view emerged that stochastic dynamics governing the switching of cells from one differentiation state to another could be characterized by a peak in gene expression variability at the point of fate commitment. We have tested this hypothesis at the single-cell level by analyzing primary chicken erythroid progenitors through their differentiation process and measuring the expression of selected genes at six sequential time-points after induction of differentiation. In contrast to population-based expression data, single-cell gene expression data revealed a high cell-to-cell variability, which was masked by averaging. We were able to show that the correlation network was a very dynamical entity and that a subgroup of genes tend to follow the predictions from the dynamical network biomarker (DNB) theory. In addition, we also identified a small group of functionally related genes encoding proteins involved in sterol synthesis that could act as the initial drivers of the differentiation. In order to assess quantitatively the cell-to-cell variability in gene expression and its evolution in time, we used Shannon entropy as a measure of the heterogeneity. Entropy values showed a significant increase in the first 8 h of the differentiation process, reaching a peak between 8 and 24 h, before decreasing to significantly lower values. Moreover, we observed that the previous point of maximum entropy precedes two paramount key points: an irreversible commitment to differentiation between 24 and 48 h followed by a significant increase in cell size variability at 48 h. In conclusion, when analyzed at the single cell level, the differentiation process looks very different from its classical population average view. New observables (like entropy) can be computed, the behavior of which is fully compatible with the idea that differentiation is not a "simple" program that all cells execute identically but results from the dynamical behavior of the underlying molecular network.

Neural differentiation of novel multipotent progenitor cells from cryopreserved human umbilical cord blood

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, Myoung Woo; Moon, Young Joon; Yang, Mal Sook

2007-06-29

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is a rich source of hematopoietic stem cells, with practical and ethical advantages. To date, the presence of other stem cells in UCB remains to be established. We investigated whether other stem cells are present in cryopreserved UCB. Seeded mononuclear cells formed adherent colonized cells in optimized culture conditions. Over a 4- to 6-week culture period, colonized cells gradually developed into adherent mono-layer cells, which exhibited homogeneous fibroblast-like morphology and immunophenotypes, and were highly proliferative. Isolated cells were designated 'multipotent progenitor cells (MPCs)'. Under appropriate conditions for 2 weeks, MPCs differentiated into neural tissue-specific cell types,more » including neuron, astrocyte, and oligodendrocyte. Differentiated cells presented their respective markers, specifically, NF-L and NSE for neurons, GFAP for astrocytes, and myelin/oligodendrocyte for oligodendrocytes. In this study, we successfully isolated MPCs from cryopreserved UCB, which differentiated into the neural tissue-specific cell types. These findings suggest that cryopreserved human UCB is a useful alternative source of neural progenitor cells, such as MPCs, for experimental and therapeutic applications.« less

Rhesus Monkey Cumulus Cells Revert to a Mural Granulosa Cell State After an Ovulatory Stimulus

PubMed Central

Chaffin, Charles L.; Lee, Young S.; Patel, Bela G.; Latham, Keith E.

2012-01-01

Follicular somatic cells (mural granulosa cells and cumulus cells) and the oocyte communicate through paracrine interactions and through direct gap junctions between oocyte and cumulus cells. Considering that mural and cumulus cells arise through a common developmental pathway and that their differentiation is essential to reproductive success, understanding how these cells differ is a key aspect to understanding their critical functions. Changes in global gene expression before and after an ovulatory stimulus were compared between cumulus and mural granulosa cells to test the hypothesis that mural and cumulus cells are highly differentiated at the time of an ovulatory stimulus and further differentiate during the periovulatory interval. The transcriptomes of the two cell types were markedly different (>1500 genes) before an ovulatory hCG bolus but converged after ovulation to become completely overlapping. The predominant transition was for the cumulus cells to become more like mural cells after hCG. This indicates that the differentiated phenotype of the cumulus cell is not stable and irreversibly established but may rather be an ongoing physiological response to the oocyte. PMID:23008515

Endocrine disrupting chemicals affect the adipogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells in distinct ontogenetic windows

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Biemann, Ronald, E-mail: ronald.biemann@medizin.uni-halle.de; Navarrete Santos, Anne; Navarrete Santos, Alexander

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Endocrine disrupting chemicals affect adipogenesis in mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The adipogenic impact depends strongly on the window of exposure. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Bisphenol A reduces the potential of MSC to differentiate into adipocytes. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer DEHP and TBT trigger the adipogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer BPA, DEHP and TBT did not affect adipogenesis in embryonic stem cells. -- Abstract: Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) like bisphenol A (BPA), bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) and tributyltin (TBT) are ubiquitously present in the environment and in human tissues. They bind to nuclear hormone receptors and affect cellular and developmental processes. In this study,more » we show that BPA, DEHP and TBT affect the adipogenic differentiation of murine mesenchymal stem cells (MSC, C3H/10T1/2) in a concentration-, stage- and compound-specific manner. C3H/10T1/2 cells and embryonic stem cells (CGR8) were exposed to BPA, DEHP or TBT at different stages of cell determination and differentiation (undifferentiated growth, adipogenic induction and terminal adipogenic differentiation). The final amount of differentiated adipocytes, cellular triglyceride content and mRNA expression of adipogenic marker genes (adiponectin, FABP4, PPAR{gamma}2, LPL) were quantified and compared with corresponding unexposed cells. BPA (10 {mu}M) decreased subsequent adipogenic differentiation of MSC, when cells were exposed during undifferentiated growth. In contrast, DEHP (100 {mu}M) during the hormonal induction period, and TBT (100 nM) in all investigated stages, enhanced adipogenesis. Importantly, exposure of undifferentiated murine embryonic stem cells did not show any effect of the investigated EDC on subsequent adipogenic differentiation.« less

α2 Integrin, extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer, and matrix metalloproteinase-3 act sequentially to induce differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells into odontoblast-like cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ozeki, Nobuaki; Kawai, Rie; Hase, Naoko

We previously reported that interleukin 1β acts via matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 to regulate cell proliferation and suppress apoptosis in α2 integrin-positive odontoblast-like cells differentiated from mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells. Here we characterize the signal cascade underpinning odontoblastic differentiation in mouse ES cells. The expression of α2 integrin, extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (Emmprin), and MMP-3 mRNA and protein were all potently increased during odontoblastic differentiation. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) disruption of the expression of these effectors potently suppressed the expression of the odontoblastic biomarkers dentin sialophosphoprotein, dentin matrix protein-1 and alkaline phosphatase, and blocked odontoblast calcification. Our siRNA, western blotmore » and blocking antibody analyses revealed a unique sequential cascade involving α2 integrin, Emmprin and MMP-3 that drives ES cell differentiation into odontoblasts. This cascade requires the interaction between α2 integrin and Emmprin and is potentiated by exogenous MMP-3. Finally, although odontoblast-like cells potently express α2, α6, αV, β1, and β3, integrins, we confirmed that β1 integrin acts as the trigger for ES cell differentiation, apparently in complex with α2 integrin. These results demonstrate a unique and unanticipated role for an α2 integrin-, Emmprin-, and MMP-3-mediated signaling cascade in driving mouse ES cell differentiation into odontoblast-like cells. - Highlights: • Odontoblast differentiation requires activation of α2 integrin, Emmprin and MMP-3. • α2 integrin, Emmprin and MMP-3 form a sequential signaling cascade. • β1 integrin acts a specific trigger for odontoblast differentiation. • The role of these effectors is highly novel and unanticipated.« less

Differentiation induction of mouse embryonic stem cells into sinus node-like cells by suramin

PubMed Central

Wiese, Cornelia; Nikolova, Teodora; Zahanich, Ihor; Sulzbacher, Sabine; Fuchs, Joerg; Yamanaka, Satoshi; Graf, Eva; Ravens, Ursula; Boheler, Kenneth R.; Wobus, Anna M.

2015-01-01

Background Embryonic stem (ES) cells differentiate into cardiac phenotypes representing early pacemaker-, atrial-, ventricular-, and sinus node-like cells, however, ES-derived specification into sinus nodal cells is not yet known. By using the naphthylamine derivative of urea, suramin, we were able to follow the process of cardiac specialization into sinus node-like cells. Methods Differentiating mouse ES cells were treated with suramin (500 μM) from day 5 to 7 of embryoid body formation, and cells were analysed for their differentiation potential via morphological analysis, flow cytometry, RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and patch clamp analysis. Results Application of suramin resulted in an increased number of cardiac cells, but inhibition of neuronal, skeletal muscle and definitive endoderm differentiation. Immediately after suramin treatment, a decreased mesendoderm differentiation was found. Brachyury, FGF10, Wnt8 and Wnt3a transcript levels were significantly down-regulated, followed by a decrease in mesoderm- and cardiac progenitor-specific markers BMP2, GATA4/5, Wnt11, Isl1, Nkx2.5 and Tbx5 immediately after removal of the substance. With continued differentiation, a significant up-regulation of Brachyury, FGF10 and GATA5 transcript levels was observed, whereas Nkx2.5, Isl1, Tbx5, BMP2 and Wnt11 levels were normalized to control levels. At advanced differentiation stages, sinus node-specific HCN4, Tbx2 and Tbx3 transcript levels were significantly up-regulated. Immunofluorescence and patch-clamp analysis confirmed the increased number of sinus node-like cells, and electrophysiological analysis revealed a lower number of atrial- and ventricular-like cardiomyocytes following suramin treatment. Conclusion We conclude that the interference of suramin with the cardiac differentiation process modified mesoderm- and cardiac-specific gene expression resulting in enhanced formation of sinus node-like cells. PMID:19775764

Effect of long-term culture of mouse embryonic stem cells under low oxygen concentration as well as on glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan on cell proliferation and differentiation.

PubMed

Ramírez, M Á; Pericuesta, E; Yáñez-Mó, M; Palasz, A; Gutiérrez-Adán, A

2011-02-01

Maintaining undifferentiated stem cells in defined conditions is of critical importance to improve their in vitro culture. We have evaluated the effects of culturing mouse stem (mES) cells under physiological oxygen concentration as well as by replacing fibroblast feeder layer (mEF) with gelatin or glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan (HA), on cell proliferation and differentiation. After 3 days culture or after long-term cell culture under different conditions, levels of apoptotic cell death were determined by cell cycle and TUNEL (TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labelling) assays and levels of cell proliferation by CFSE (5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester) labelling. We assessed spontaneous differentiation into cardiomyocytes and mRNA expression of pluripotency and differentiation biomarkers. After 3 days culture under hypoxic conditions, levels of proliferation and apoptosis of mES cells were higher, in correlation with increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species. However, when cells were continuously grown for 1 month under those conditions, the level of apoptosis was, in all cases, under 4%. Hypoxia reduced spontaneous differentiation of mES into cardiomyocytes. Long-term culture on HA was more effective in maintaining the pluripotent state of the mES cells when compared to that on gelatin. Level of terminal differentiation was highest on mEF, intermediate on HA and lowest on gelatin. Our data suggest that hypoxia is not necessary for maintaining pluripotency of mES cells and appeared to be detrimental during ES differentiation. Moreover, HA may offer a valuable alternative for long-term culture of mES cells in vitro. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Regenerative effects of human embryonic stem cell-derived neural crest cells for treatment of peripheral nerve injury.

PubMed

Jones, Iwan; Novikova, Liudmila N; Novikov, Lev N; Renardy, Monika; Ullrich, Andreas; Wiberg, Mikael; Carlsson, Leif; Kingham, Paul J

2018-04-01

Surgical intervention is the current gold standard treatment following peripheral nerve injury. However, this approach has limitations, and full recovery of both motor and sensory modalities often remains incomplete. The development of artificial nerve grafts that either complement or replace current surgical procedures is therefore of paramount importance. An essential component of artificial grafts is biodegradable conduits and transplanted cells that provide trophic support during the regenerative process. Neural crest cells are promising support cell candidates because they are the parent population to many peripheral nervous system lineages. In this study, neural crest cells were differentiated from human embryonic stem cells. The differentiated cells exhibited typical stellate morphology and protein expression signatures that were comparable with native neural crest. Conditioned media harvested from the differentiated cells contained a range of biologically active trophic factors and was able to stimulate in vitro neurite outgrowth. Differentiated neural crest cells were seeded into a biodegradable nerve conduit, and their regeneration potential was assessed in a rat sciatic nerve injury model. A robust regeneration front was observed across the entire width of the conduit seeded with the differentiated neural crest cells. Moreover, the up-regulation of several regeneration-related genes was observed within the dorsal root ganglion and spinal cord segments harvested from transplanted animals. Our results demonstrate that the differentiated neural crest cells are biologically active and provide trophic support to stimulate peripheral nerve regeneration. Differentiated neural crest cells are therefore promising supporting cell candidates to aid in peripheral nerve repair. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Differential muscle regulatory factor gene expression between larval and adult myogenesis in the frog Xenopus laevis: adult myogenic cell-specific myf5 upregulation and its relation to the notochord suppression of adult muscle differentiation.

PubMed

Yamane, Hitomi; Nishikawa, Akio

2013-08-01

During Xenopus laevis metamorphosis, larval-to-adult muscle conversion depends on the differential responses of adult and larval myogenic cells to thyroid hormone. Essential differences in cell growth, differentiation, and hormone-dependent life-or-death fate have been reported between cultured larval (tail) and adult (hindlimb) myogenic cells. A previous study revealed that tail notochord cells suppress terminal differentiation in adult (but not larval) myogenic cells. However, little is known about the differences in expression patterns of myogenic regulatory factors (MRF) and the satellite cell marker Pax7 between adult and larval myogenic cells. In the present study, we compared mRNA expression of these factors between the two types. At first, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis of hindlimb buds showed sequential upregulation of myf5, myogenin, myod, and mrf4 during stages 50-54, when limb buds elongate and muscles begin to form. By contrast, in the tail, there was no such increase during the same period. Secondary, these results were duplicated in vitro: adult myogenic cells upregulated myf5, myod, and pax7 in the early culture period, followed by myogenin upregulation and myotube differentiation, while larval myogenic cells did not upregulate these genes and precociously started myotube differentiation. Thirdly, myf5 upregulation and early-phase proliferation in adult myogenic cells were potently inhibited by the presence of notochord cells, suggesting that notochord cells suppress adult myogenesis through inhibiting the transition from Myf5(-) stem cells to Myf5(+) committed myoblasts. All of the data presented here suggest that myf5 upregulation can be a good criterion for the activation of adult myogenesis during X. laevis metamorphosis.

Effect of molecular weight and concentration of hyaluronan on cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation in vitro

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhao, Ningbo, E-mail: curl-zhao@163.com; Wang, Xin, E-mail: 394041230@qq.com; Qin, Lei, E-mail: qinlei30@126.com

Hyaluronan (HA), the simplest glycosaminoglycan and a major component of the extracellular matrix, exists in various tissues. It is involved in some critical biological procedures, including cellular signaling, cell adhesion and proliferation, and cell differentiation. The effect of molecular weight (MW) and concentration of HA on cell proliferation and differentiation was controversial. In this study, we investigated the effect of MW and concentration of HA on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of rabbit bone marrow-derived stem cells in vitro. Results showed that high MW HA decreased the cell adhesion rate in a concentration-dependant manner. The cell adhesion rate was decreased bymore » increasing MW of HA. Cell proliferation was significantly enhanced by low MW HA (P < 0.05). The factorial analysis indicated that MW and concentration had an interactive effect on the cell adhesion rate and cell proliferation (P < 0.05). High MW HA increased the mRNA expressions of ALP, RUNX-2 and OCN. The higher the MW was, the higher the mRNA expressions were. The factorial analysis indicated that MW and concentration had an interactive effect on ALP mRNA expression (P < 0.05). HA of higher MW and higher concentration promoted bone formation. These findings provide some useful information in understanding the mechanism underlying the effect of MW and concentration of HA on cell proliferation and differentiation. - Highlights: • Effect of hyaluronan on cell proliferation and differentiation is evaluated in vitro. • Hyaluronan of low molecular weight increases cell proliferation. • Hyaluronan of high molecular weight promotes cell osteogenic differentiation. • Molecular weight and concentration of hyaluronan show interactive effect.« less

Differentiation of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells into Dopaminergic Neuron-like Cells in Vitro.

PubMed

Chun, So Young; Soker, Shay; Jang, Yu-Jin; Kwon, Tae Gyun; Yoo, Eun Sang

2016-02-01

We investigated the potential of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) to differentiate into dopaminergic neurons in vitro as an autologous stem cell source for Parkinson's disease treatment. The hDPSCs were expanded in knockout-embryonic stem cell (KO-ES) medium containing leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) on gelatin-coated plates for 3-4 days. Then, the medium was replaced with KO-ES medium without LIF to allow the formation of the neurosphere for 4 days. The neurosphere was transferred into ITS medium, containing ITS (human insulin-transferrin-sodium) and fibronectin, to select for Nestin-positive cells for 6-8 days. The cells were then cultured in N-2 medium containing basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF), FGF-8b, sonic hedgehog-N, and ascorbic acid on poly-l-ornithine/fibronectin-coated plates to expand the Nestin-positive cells for up to 2 weeks. Finally, the cells were transferred into N-2/ascorbic acid medium to allow for their differentiation into dopaminergic neurons for 10-15 days. The differentiation stages were confirmed by morphological, immunocytochemical, flow cytometric, real-time PCR, and ELISA analyses. The expressions of mesenchymal stem cell markers were observed at the early stages. The expressions of early neuronal markers were maintained throughout the differentiation stages. The mature neural markers showed increased expression from stage 3 onwards. The percentage of cells positive for tyrosine hydroxylase was 14.49%, and the amount was 0.526 ± 0.033 ng/mL at the last stage. hDPSCs can differentiate into dopaminergic neural cells under experimental cell differentiation conditions, showing potential as an autologous cell source for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Potential differentiation of islet-like cells from pregnant cow-derived placental stem cells.

PubMed

Peng, Shao-Yu; Chou, Chien-Wen; Kuo, Yu-Hsuan; Shen, Perng-Chih; Shaw, S W Steven

2017-06-01

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that destroys islet cells and results in insufficient insulin secretion by pancreatic β-cells. Islet transplantation from donors is an approach used for treating patients with diabetes; however, this therapy is difficult to implement because of the lack of donors. Nevertheless, several stem cells have the potential to differentiate from islet-like cells and enable insulin secretion for treating diabetes in animal models. For example, placenta is considered a waste material and can be harvested noninvasively during delivery without ethical or moral concerns. To date, the differentiation of islet-like cells from cow-derived placental stem cells (CPSCs) has yet to be demonstrated. The investigation of potential differentiation of islet-like cells from CPSCs was conducted by supplementation with nicotinamide, exendin-4, glucose, and poly-d-lysine and was detected through reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, dithizone staining, and immunocytochemical methods. Our results indicated that CPSCs are established and express mesenchymal stem cell surface antigen markers, such as CD73, CD166, β-integrin, and Oct-4, but not hematopoietic stem cell surface antigen markers, such as CD45. After induction, the CPSCs successfully differentiated into islet-like cells. The CPSC-derived islet-like cells expressed islet cell development-related genes, such as insulin, glucagon, pax-4, Nkx6.1, pax-6, and Fox. Moreover, CPSC-derived islet-like cells can be stained with zinc ions, which are widely distributed in the islet cells and enable insulin secretion. Altogether, islet-like cells have the potential to be differentiated from CPSCs without gene manipulation, and can be used in diabetic animal models in the future for preclinical and drug testing trial investigations. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

[Rhythmic beating cardiomyocytes derived from human embryonic germ (EG) cells in vitro].

PubMed

Hua, Jinlian; Xu, Xiaoming; Dou, Zhongying

2006-10-01

Embryonic germ (EG) cells are pluripotent cells derived from primordial germ cells (PGCs) of gonads, gonadal ridges and mesenteries, analogies of fetuses,with the ability to undergo both highly self-renewal and multiple differentiation. These cells in vitro can differentiate into derivatives of all three embryonic germ layers when transferred to an in vitro environment and have the ability to form any fully differentiated cells of the body. The aim of this study is to investigate the potentiality of human EG cells differentiation into cardiomyocytes. Inducing human EG cells with the method of murine ES cells differentiation into cardiomyocytes, supplemented with 0.75%-1% DMSO, 20% NBS, 10(-7) mM RA and 20% cardiomyocytes conditioned medium. 20 heart-like (rhythmic beating cell masses were observed in vitro culture and delayed human EG cells, which beat spontaneously from 20-120 times per minute and maintained beating for 2-15 days, periodic acid's staining (PAS), Myoglobin and a-actin immunological histology positive were all positive and reacted with K+, Ca2+ and adrenalin. Relatively unorganized myofibrillar bundles or more organized sarcomeres, z-bands or a gap junction, the presence of desmosomes in a few cells of the cell masses was observed with transmision electron microscope, which initially demonstrated that these cells were cardiomyocytes. We could not get rhythmly beating cardiomyocytes with 0.75%-1% DMSO, 10-7 mM RA and 20% cardiomyocytes conditioned medium,but in which the percentage of cardiac alpha-actin immunostaining positive cells were increased. The results first demonstrated that human EG cells can differentiate into rhythmic beating cardiomyocytes in vitro and suggests that human EG cells may represent a new potent resource for cardiomyocytes transplantation therapy for myocardium infarction.

Inhibition of T Helper Cell Type 2 Cell Differentiation and Immunoglobulin E Response by Ligand-Activated Vα14 Natural Killer T Cells

PubMed Central

Cui, Junqing; Watanabe, Naohiro; Kawano, Tetsu; Yamashita, Masakatsu; Kamata, Tohru; Shimizu, Chiori; Kimura, Motoko; Shimizu, Eiko; Koike, Jyunzo; Koseki, Haruhiko; Tanaka, Yujiro; Taniguchi, Masaru; Nakayama, Toshinori

1999-01-01

Murine Vα14 natural killer T (NKT) cells are thought to play a crucial role in various immune responses, including infectious, allergic, and autoimmune diseases. Because Vα14 NKT cells produce large amounts of both interleukin (IL)-4 and interferon (IFN)-γ upon in vivo stimulation with a specific ligand, α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer), or after treatment with anti-CD3 antibody, a regulatory role on helper T (Th) cell differentiation has been proposed for these cells. However, the identity of the cytokine produced by Vα14 NKT cells that play a dominant role on the Th cell differentiation still remains controversial. Here, we demonstrate by using Vα14 NKT-deficient mice that Vα14 NKT cells are dispensable for the induction of antigen-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E responses induced by ovalbumin immunization or Nippostrongylus brasiliensis infection. However, upon in vivo activation with α-GalCer, Vα14 NKT cells are found to suppress antigen-specific IgE production. The suppression appeared to be IgE specific, and was not detected in either Vα14 NKT– or IFN-γ–deficient mice. Consistent with these results, we also found that ligand-activated Vα14 NKT cells inhibited Th2 cell differentiation in an in vitro induction culture system. Thus, it is likely that activated Vα14 NKT cells exert a potent inhibitory effect on Th2 cell differentiation and subsequent IgE production by producing a large amount of IFN-γ. In marked contrast, our studies have revealed that IL-4 produced by Vα14 NKT cells has only a minor effect on Th2 cell differentiation. PMID:10499917

Systematically labeling developmental stage-specific genes for the study of pancreatic β-cell differentiation from human embryonic stem cells.

PubMed

Liu, Haisong; Yang, Huan; Zhu, Dicong; Sui, Xin; Li, Juan; Liang, Zhen; Xu, Lei; Chen, Zeyu; Yao, Anzhi; Zhang, Long; Zhang, Xi; Yi, Xing; Liu, Meng; Xu, Shiqing; Zhang, Wenjian; Lin, Hua; Xie, Lan; Lou, Jinning; Zhang, Yong; Xi, Jianzhong; Deng, Hongkui

2014-10-01

The applications of human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived cells in regenerative medicine has encountered a long-standing challenge: how can we efficiently obtain mature cell types from hPSCs? Attempts to address this problem are hindered by the complexity of controlling cell fate commitment and the lack of sufficient developmental knowledge for guiding hPSC differentiation. Here, we developed a systematic strategy to study hPSC differentiation by labeling sequential developmental genes to encompass the major developmental stages, using the directed differentiation of pancreatic β cells from hPSCs as a model. We therefore generated a large panel of pancreas-specific mono- and dual-reporter cell lines. With this unique platform, we visualized the kinetics of the entire differentiation process in real time for the first time by monitoring the expression dynamics of the reporter genes, identified desired cell populations at each differentiation stage and demonstrated the ability to isolate these cell populations for further characterization. We further revealed the expression profiles of isolated NGN3-eGFP(+) cells by RNA sequencing and identified sushi domain-containing 2 (SUSD2) as a novel surface protein that enriches for pancreatic endocrine progenitors and early endocrine cells both in human embryonic stem cells (hESC)-derived pancreatic cells and in the developing human pancreas. Moreover, we captured a series of cell fate transition events in real time, identified multiple cell subpopulations and unveiled their distinct gene expression profiles, among heterogeneous progenitors for the first time using our dual reporter hESC lines. The exploration of this platform and our new findings will pave the way to obtain mature β cells in vitro.

A minimal spatial cell lineage model of epithelium: tissue stratification and multi-stability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeh, Wei-Ting; Chen, Hsuan-Yi

2018-05-01

A minimal model which includes spatial and cell lineage dynamics for stratified epithelia is presented. The dependence of tissue steady state on cell differentiation models, cell proliferation rate, cell differentiation rate, and other parameters are studied numerically and analytically. Our minimal model shows some important features. First, we find that morphogen or mechanical stress mediated interaction is necessary to maintain a healthy stratified epithelium. Furthermore, comparing with tissues in which cell differentiation can take place only during cell division, tissues in which cell division and cell differentiation are decoupled can achieve relatively higher degree of stratification. Finally, our model also shows that in the presence of short-range interactions, it is possible for a tissue to have multiple steady states. The relation between our results and tissue morphogenesis or lesion is discussed.

Three-dimensional neural differentiation of embryonic stem cells with ACM induction in microfibrous matrices in bioreactors.

PubMed

Liu, Ning; Ouyang, Anli; Li, Yan; Yang, Shang-Tian

2013-01-01

The clinical use of pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-derived neural cells requires an efficient differentiation process for mass production in a bioreactor. Toward this goal, neural differentiation of murine embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in three-dimensional (3D) polyethylene terephthalate microfibrous matrices was investigated in this study. To streamline the process and provide a platform for process integration, the neural differentiation of ESCs was induced with astrocyte-conditioned medium without the formation of embryoid bodies, starting from undifferentiated ESC aggregates expanded in a suspension bioreactor. The 3D neural differentiation was able to generate a complex neural network in the matrices. When compared to 2D differentiation, 3D differentiation in microfibrous matrices resulted in a higher percentage of nestin-positive cells (68% vs. 54%) and upregulated gene expressions of nestin, Nurr1, and tyrosine hydroxylase. High purity of neural differentiation in 3D microfibrous matrix was also demonstrated in a spinner bioreactor with 74% nestin + cells. This study demonstrated the feasibility of a scalable process based on 3D differentiation in microfibrous matrices for the production of ESC-derived neural cells. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

Enhancement of neuronal differentiation by using small molecules modulating Nodal/Smad, Wnt/β-catenin, and FGF signaling.

PubMed

Song, Yonghee; Lee, Somyung; Jho, Eek-Hoon

2018-06-08

Pluripotent embryonic stem cells are one of the best modalities for the disease treatment due to their potential for self-renewal and differentiation into various cell types. Induction of stem cell differentiation into specific cell lineages has been investigated for decades, especially in vitro neuronal differentiation of embryonic stem cells. However, in vitro differentiation methods do not yield sufficient amounts of neurons for use in the therapeutic treatment of neurological disorders. Here, we provide an improved neuronal differentiation method based on a combination of small regulatory molecules for specific signaling pathways (FGF4 for FGF signaling, SB431542 for Nodal/Smad signaling, and XAV939 and BIO for Wnt signaling) in N2B27 media. We found that FGF4 was required for neural induction, SB431542 accelerated neural precursor differentiation, and treatment with XAV939 and BIO at different periods enhanced neuronal differentiation. These optimized neuronal differentiation conditions may allow a greater neuron cell yield within a shorter time than current methods and be the basis for treatment of neurological dysfunction using stem cells. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Pleiotrophin antagonizes Brd2 during neuronal differentiation

PubMed Central

Garcia-Gutierrez, Pablo; Juarez-Vicente, Francisco; Wolgemuth, Debra J.; Garcia-Dominguez, Mario

2014-01-01

ABSTRACT Bromodomain-containing protein 2 (Brd2) is a BET family chromatin adaptor required for expression of cell-cycle-associated genes and therefore involved in cell cycle progression. Brd2 is expressed in proliferating neuronal progenitors, displays cell-cycle-stimulating activity and, when overexpressed, impairs neuronal differentiation. Paradoxically, Brd2 is also detected in differentiating neurons. To shed light on the role of Brd2 in the transition from cell proliferation to differentiation, we had previously looked for proteins that interacted with Brd2 upon induction of neuronal differentiation. Surprisingly, we identified the growth factor pleiotrophin (Ptn). Here, we show that Ptn antagonized the cell-cycle-stimulating activity associated with Brd2, thus enhancing induced neuronal differentiation. Moreover, Ptn knockdown reduced neuronal differentiation. We analyzed Ptn-mediated antagonism of Brd2 in a cell differentiation model and in two embryonic processes associated with the neural tube: spinal cord neurogenesis and neural crest migration. Finally, we investigated the mechanisms of Ptn-mediated antagonism and determined that Ptn destabilizes the association of Brd2 with chromatin. Thus, Ptn-mediated Brd2 antagonism emerges as a modulation system accounting for the balance between cell proliferation and differentiation in the vertebrate nervous system. PMID:24695857

A Bilayer Construct Controls Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Differentiation into Endothelial Cells and Pericytes without Growth Factor Stimulation

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-01

A Bilayer Construct Controls Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Differentiation into Endothelial Cells and Pericytes Without Growth Factor Stimulation...Ph.D.3 This work describes the differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASC) in a composite hy- drogel for use as a vascularized...tissue from a single population of ASC. This work underscores the importance of the extracellular matrix in controlling stem cell phenotype. It is our

Enhancer of polycomb coordinates multiple signaling pathways to promote both cyst and germline stem cell differentiation in the Drosophila adult testis

PubMed Central

Feng, Lijuan; Shi, Zhen; Chen, Xin

2017-01-01

Stem cells reside in a particular microenvironment known as a niche. The interaction between extrinsic cues originating from the niche and intrinsic factors in stem cells determines their identity and activity. Maintenance of stem cell identity and stem cell self-renewal are known to be controlled by chromatin factors. Herein, we use the Drosophila adult testis which has two adult stem cell lineages, the germline stem cell (GSC) lineage and the cyst stem cell (CySC) lineage, to study how chromatin factors regulate stem cell differentiation. We find that the chromatin factor Enhancer of Polycomb [E(Pc)] acts in the CySC lineage to negatively control transcription of genes associated with multiple signaling pathways, including JAK-STAT and EGF, to promote cellular differentiation in the CySC lineage. E(Pc) also has a non-cell-autonomous role in regulating GSC lineage differentiation. When E(Pc) is specifically inactivated in the CySC lineage, defects occur in both germ cell differentiation and maintenance of germline identity. Furthermore, compromising Tip60 histone acetyltransferase activity in the CySC lineage recapitulates loss-of-function phenotypes of E(Pc), suggesting that Tip60 and E(Pc) act together, consistent with published biochemical data. In summary, our results demonstrate that E(Pc) plays a central role in coordinating differentiation between the two adult stem cell lineages in Drosophila testes. PMID:28196077

Long-term culture and differentiation of porcine red bone marrow hematopoietic cells co-cultured with immortalized mesenchymal cells.

PubMed

Garba, Abubakar; Acar, Delphine D; Roukaerts, Inge D M; Desmarets, Lowiese M B; Devriendt, Bert; Nauwynck, Hans J

2017-09-01

Mesenchymal cells are multipotent stromal cells with self-renewal, differentiation and immunomodulatory capabilities. We aimed to develop a co-culture model for differentiating hematopoietic cells on top of immortalized mesenchymal cells for studying interactions between hematopoietic and mesenchymal cells, useful for adequately exploring the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal cells. In this study, we investigated the survival, proliferation and differentiation of porcine red bone marrow hematopoietic cells co-cultured with immortalized porcine bone marrow mesenchymal cells for a period of five weeks. Directly after collection, primary porcine bone marrow mesenchymal cells adhered firmly to the bottom of the culture plates and showed a fibroblast-like appearance, one week after isolation. Upon immortalization, porcine bone marrow mesenchymal cells were continuously proliferating. They were positive for simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen and the mesenchymal cell markers CD44 and CD55. Isolated red bone marrow cells were added to these immortalized mesenchymal cells. Five weeks post-seeding, 92±6% of the red bone marrow hematopoietic cells were still alive and their number increased 3-fold during five weekly subpassages on top of the immortalized mesenchymal cells. The red bone marrow hematopoietic cells were originally small and round; later, the cells increased in size. Some of them became elongated, while others remained round. Tiny dendrites appeared attaching hematopoietic cells to the underlying immortalized mesenchymal cells. Furthermore, weekly differential-quick staining of the cells indicated the presence of monoblasts, monocytes, macrophages and lymphocytes in the co-cultures. At three weeks of co-culture, flow cytometry analysis showed an increased surface expression of CD172a, CD14, CD163, CD169, CD4 and CD8 up to 37±0.8%, 40±8%, 41±4%, 23±3% and 19±5% of the hematopoietic cells, respectively. In conclusion, continuous mesenchymal cell cultures were successfully established and characterized and they supported the proliferation of red bone marrow hematopoietic cells, which finally differentiated into monocytic cells and CD4 + and CD8 + cells. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Microtubule-regulating proteins and cAMP-dependent signaling in neuroblastoma differentiation.

PubMed

Muñoz-Llancao, Pablo; de Gregorio, Cristian; Las Heras, Macarena; Meinohl, Christopher; Noorman, Kevin; Boddeke, Erik; Cheng, Xiaodong; Lezoualc'h, Frank; Schmidt, Martina; Gonzalez-Billault, Christian

2017-03-01

Neurons are highly differentiated cells responsible for the conduction and transmission of information in the nervous system. The proper function of a neuron relies on the compartmentalization of their intracellular domains. Differentiated neuroblastoma cells have been extensively used to study and understand the physiology and cell biology of neuronal cells. Here, we show that differentiation of N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells is more pronounced upon exposure of a chemical analog of cyclic AMP (cAMP), db-cAMP. We next analysed the expression of key microtubule-regulating proteins in differentiated cells and the expression and activation of key cAMP players such as EPAC, PKA and AKAP79/150. Most of the microtubule-promoting factors were up regulated during differentiation of N1E-115 cells, while microtubule-destabilizing proteins were down regulated. We observed an increase in tubulin post-translational modifications related to microtubule stability. As expected, db-cAMP increased PKA- and EPAC-dependent signalling. Consistently, pharmacological modulation of EPAC activity instructed cell differentiation, number of neurites, and neurite length in N1E-115 cells. Moreover, disruption of the PKA-AKAP interaction reduced these morphometric parameters. Interestingly, PKA and EPAC act synergistically to induce neuronal differentiation in N1E-115. Altogether these results show that the changes observed in the differentiation of N1E-115 cells proceed by regulating several microtubule-stabilizing factors, and the acquisition of a neuronal phenotype is a process involving concerted although independent functions of EPAC and PKA. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Dasatinib inhibits both osteoclast activation and prostate cancer PC-3 cell-induced osteoclast formation

PubMed Central

Araujo, John C.; Poblenz, Ann; Corn, Paul G.; Parikh, Nila U.; Starbuck, Michael W.; Thompson, Jerry T.; Lee, Francis; Logothetis, Christopher J.; Darnay, Bryant G.

2013-01-01

Purpose Therapies to target prostate cancer bone metastases have only limited effects. New treatments are focused on the interaction between cancer cells, bone marrow cells and the bone matrix. Osteoclasts play an important role in the development of bone tumors caused by prostate cancer. Since Src kinase has been shown to be necessary for osteoclast function, we hypothesized that dasatinib, a Src family kinase inhibitor, would reduce osteoclast activity and prostate cancer (PC-3) cell-induced osteoclast formation. Results Dasatinib inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation of bone marrow-derived monocytes with an EC50 of 7.5 nM. PC-3 cells, a human prostate cancer cell line, were able to differentiate RAW 264.7 cells, a murine monocytic cell line, into osteoclasts and dasatinib inhibited this differentiation. In addition, conditioned medium from PC-3 cell cultures was able to differentiate RAW 264.7 cells into osteoclasts and this too, was inhibited by dasatinib. Even the lowest concentration of dasatinib, 1.25 nmol, inhibited osteoclast differentiation by 29%. Moreover, dasatinib inhibited osteoclast activity by 58% as measured by collagen 1 release. Experimental design We performed in vitro experiments utilizing the Src family kinase inhibitor dasatinib to target osteoclast activation as a means of inhibiting prostate cancer bone metastases. Conclusion Dasatinib inhibits osteoclast differentiation of mouse primary bone marrow-derived monocytes and PC-3 cell-induced osteoclast differentiation. Dasatinib also inhibits osteoclast degradation activity. Inhibiting osteoclast differentiation and activity may be an effective targeted therapy in patients with prostate cancer bone metastases. PMID:19855158

Differentiation of Spermatogonia Stem Cells into Functional Mature Neurons Characterized with Differential Gene Expression.

PubMed

Bojnordi, Maryam Nazm; Azizi, Hossein; Skutella, Thomas; Movahedin, Mansoureh; Pourabdolhossein, Fereshteh; Shojaei, Amir; Hamidabadi, Hatef Ghasemi

2017-09-01

Transplantation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) is a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. However, ESCs are not usable clinically due to immunological and ethical limitations. The identification of an alternative safe cell source opens novel options via autologous transplantation in neuro-regeneration circumventing these problems. Here, we examined the neurogenic capacity of embryonic stem-like cells (ES-like cells) derived from the testis using neural growth factor inducers and utilized them to generate functional mature neurons. The neuronal differentiation of ES-like cells is induced in three stages. Stage 1 is related to embryoid body (EB) formation. To induce neuroprogenitor cells, EBs were cultured in the presence of retinoic acid, N 2 supplement and fibroblast growth factor followed by culturing in a neurobasal medium containing B 27 , N 2 supplements for additional 10 days, to allow the maturation and development of neuronal progenitor cells. The neurogenic differentiation was confirmed by immunostaining for markers of mature neurons. The differentiated neurons were positive for Tuj1 and Tau1. Real-time PCR dates indicated the expression of Nestin and Neuro D (neuroprogenitor markers) in induced cells at the second stage of the differentiation protocol. The differentiated mature neurons exhibited the specific neuron markers Map2 and β-tubulin. The functional maturity of neurons was confirmed by an electrophysiological analysis of passive and active neural membrane properties. These findings indicated a differentiation capacity of ES-like cells derived from the testis to functionally mature neurons, which proposes them as a novel cell source for neuroregenerative medicine.

Low-dose/dose-rate γ radiation depresses neural differentiation and alters protein expression profiles in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells and C17.2 neural stem cells.

PubMed

Bajinskis, Ainars; Lindegren, Heléne; Johansson, Lotta; Harms-Ringdahl, Mats; Forsby, Anna

2011-02-01

The effects of low doses of ionizing radiation on cellular development in the nervous system are presently unclear. The focus of the present study was to examine low-dose γ-radiation-induced effects on the differentiation of neuronal cells and on the development of neural stem cells to glial cells. Human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells were exposed to (137)Cs γ rays at different stages of retinoic acid-induced neuronal differentiation, and neurite formation was determined 6 days after exposure. When SH-SY5Y cells were exposed to low-dose-rate γ rays at the onset of differentiation, the number of neurites formed per cell was significantly less after exposure to either 10, 30 or 100 mGy compared to control cells. Exposure to 10 and 30 mGy attenuated differentiation of immature C17.2 mouse-derived neural stem cells to glial cells, as verified by the diminished expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein. Proteomic analysis of the neuroblastoma cells by 2D-PAGE after 30 mGy irradiation showed that proteins involved in neuronal development were downregulated. Proteins involved in cell cycle and proliferation were altered in both cell lines after exposure to 30 mGy; however, the rate of cell proliferation was not affected in the low-dose range. The radiation-induced attenuation of differentiation and the persistent changes in protein expression is indicative of an epigenetic rather than a cytotoxic mechanism.

Terminal Differentiation of Adult Hippocampal Progenitor Cells Is a Step Functionally Dissociable from Proliferation and Is Controlled by Tis21, Id3 and NeuroD2

PubMed Central

Micheli, Laura; Ceccarelli, Manuela; Gioia, Roberta; D’Andrea, Giorgio; Farioli-Vecchioli, Stefano; Costanzi, Marco; Saraulli, Daniele; Cestari, Vincenzo; Tirone, Felice

2017-01-01

Cell proliferation and differentiation are interdependent processes. Here, we have asked to what extent the two processes of neural progenitor cell amplification and differentiation are functionally separated. Thus, we analyzed whether it is possible to rescue a defect of terminal differentiation in progenitor cells of the dentate gyrus, where new neurons are generated throughout life, by inducing their proliferation and/or their differentiation with different stimuli appropriately timed. As a model we used the Tis21 knockout mouse, whose dentate gyrus neurons, as demonstrated by us and others, have an intrinsic defect of terminal differentiation. We first tested the effect of two proliferative as well as differentiative neurogenic stimuli, one pharmacological (fluoxetine), the other cognitive (the Morris water maze (MWM) training). Both effectively enhanced the number of new dentate gyrus neurons produced, and fluoxetine also reduced the S-phase length of Tis21 knockout dentate gyrus progenitor cells and increased the rate of differentiation of control cells, but neither factor enhanced the defective rate of differentiation. In contrast, the defect of terminal differentiation was fully rescued by in vivo infection of proliferating dentate gyrus progenitor cells with retroviruses either silencing Id3, an inhibitor of neural differentiation, or expressing NeuroD2, a proneural gene expressed in terminally differentiated dentate gyrus neurons. This is the first demonstration that NeuroD2 or the silencing of Id3 can activate the differentiation of dentate gyrus neurons, complementing a defect of differentiation. It also highlights how the rate of differentiation of dentate gyrus neurons is regulated genetically at several levels and that a neurogenic stimulus for amplification of neural stem/progenitor cells may not be sufficient in itself to modify this rate. PMID:28740463

Pathologic Stimulus Determines Lineage Commitment of Cardiac C-kit+ Cells.

PubMed

Chen, Zhongming; Zhu, Wuqiang; Bender, Ingrid; Gong, Wuming; Kwak, Il-Youp; Yellamilli, Amritha; Hodges, Thomas J; Nemoto, Natsumi; Zhang, Jianyi; Garry, Daniel J; van Berlo, Jop H

2017-12-12

Although cardiac c-kit + cells are being tested in clinical trials, the circumstances that determine lineage differentiation of c-kit + cells in vivo are unknown. Recent findings suggest that endogenous cardiac c-kit + cells rarely contribute cardiomyocytes to the adult heart. We assessed whether various pathological stimuli differentially affect the eventual cell fates of c-kit + cells. We used single-cell sequencing and genetic lineage tracing of c-kit + cells to determine whether various pathological stimuli would result in different fates of c-kit + cells. Single-cell sequencing of cardiac CD45 - c-kit + cells showed innate heterogeneity, indicative of the existence of vascular and mesenchymal c-kit + cells in normal hearts. Cardiac pressure overload resulted in a modest increase in c-kit-derived cardiomyocytes, with significant increases in the numbers of endothelial cells and fibroblasts. Doxorubicin-induced acute cardiotoxicity did not increase c-kit-derived endothelial cell fates but instead induced cardiomyocyte differentiation. Mechanistically, doxorubicin-induced DNA damage in c-kit + cells resulted in expression of p53. Inhibition of p53 blocked cardiomyocyte differentiation in response to doxorubicin, whereas stabilization of p53 was sufficient to increase c-kit-derived cardiomyocyte differentiation. These results demonstrate that different pathological stimuli induce different cell fates of c-kit + cells in vivo. Although the overall rate of cardiomyocyte formation from c-kit + cells is still below clinically relevant levels, we show that p53 is central to the ability of c-kit + cells to adopt cardiomyocyte fates, which could lead to the development of strategies to preferentially generate cardiomyocytes from c-kit + cells. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Involvement of Rictor/mTORC2 in cardiomyocyte differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells in vitro

PubMed Central

Zheng, Bei; Wang, Jiadan; Tang, Leilei; Tan, Chao; Zhao, Zhe; Xiao, Yi; Ge, Renshan; Zhu, Danyan

2017-01-01

Rictor is a key regulatory/structural subunit of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2) and is required for phosphorylation of Akt at serine 473. It plays an important role in cell survival, actin cytoskeleton organization and other processes in embryogenesis. However, the role of Rictor/mTORC2 in the embryonic cardiac differentiation has been uncovered. In the present study, we examined a possible link between Rictor expression and cardiomyocyte differentiation of the mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells. Knockdown of Rictor by shRNA significantly reduced the phosphorylation of Akt at serine 473 followed by a decrease in cardiomyocyte differentiation detected by beating embryoid bodies. The protein levels of brachyury (mesoderm protein), Nkx2.5 (cardiac progenitor cell protein) and α-Actinin (cardiomyocyte biomarker) decreased in Rictor knockdown group during cardiogenesis. Furthermore, knockdown of Rictor specifically inhibited the ventricular-like cells differentiation of mES cells with reduced level of ventricular-specific protein, MLC-2v. Meanwhile, patch-clamp analysis revealed that shRNA-Rictor significantly increased the number of cardiomyocytes with abnormal electrophysiology. In addition, the expressions and distribution patterns of cell-cell junction proteins (Cx43/Desmoplakin/N-cadherin) were also affected in shRNA-Rictor cardiomyocytes. Taken together, the results demonstrated that Rictor/mTORC2 might play an important role in the cardiomyocyte differentiation of mES cells. Knockdown of Rictor resulted in inhibiting ventricular-like myocytes differentiation and induced arrhythmias symptom, which was accompanied by interfering the expression and distribution patterns of cell-cell junction proteins. Rictor/mTORC2 might become a new target for regulating cardiomyocyte differentiation and a useful reference for application of the induced pluripotent stem cells. PMID:28123351

The absence of p27Kip1, an inhibitor of G1 cyclin-dependent kinases, uncouples differentiation and growth arrest during the granulosa->luteal transition.

PubMed

Tong, W; Kiyokawa, H; Soos, T J; Park, M S; Soares, V C; Manova, K; Pollard, J W; Koff, A

1998-09-01

The involvement of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors in differentiation remains unclear: are the roles of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors restricted to cell cycle arrest; or also required for completion of the differentiation program; or both? Here, we report that differentiation of luteal cells can be uncoupled from growth arrest in p27-deficient mice. In these mice, female-specific infertility correlates with a failure of embryos to implant at embryonic day 4.5. We show by ovarian transplant and hormone reconstitution experiments that failure to regulate luteal cell estradiol is one physiological mechanism for infertility in these mice. This failure is not due to a failure of p27-deficient granulosa cells to differentiate after hormonal stimulation; P450scc, a marker for luteal progesterone biosynthesis, is expressed and granulosa cell-specific cyclin D2 expression is reduced. However, unlike their wild-type counterparts, p27-deficient luteal cells continue to proliferate for up to 3.5 days after hormonal stimulation. By day 5.5, however, these cells withdraw from the cell cycle, suggesting that p27 plays a role in the early events regulating withdrawal of cells from the cell cycle. We have further shown that in the absence of this timely withdrawal, estradiol regulation is perturbed, explaining in part how fertility is compromised at the level of implantation. These data support the interpretation of our previous observations on oligodendrocyte differentiation about a role for p27 in establishing the nonproliferative state, which in some cases (oligodendrocytes) is required for differentiation, whereas in other cases it is required for the proper functioning of a differentiated cell (luteal cell).

NOTCH3 regulates stem-to-mural cell differentiation in infantile hemangioma.

PubMed

Edwards, Andrew K; Glithero, Kyle; Grzesik, Peter; Kitajewski, Alison A; Munabi, Naikhoba Co; Hardy, Krista; Tan, Qian Kun; Schonning, Michael; Kangsamaksin, Thaned; Kitajewski, Jan K; Shawber, Carrie J; Wu, June K

2017-11-02

Infantile hemangioma (IH) is a vascular tumor that begins with rapid vascular proliferation shortly after birth, followed by vascular involution in early childhood. We have found that NOTCH3, a critical regulator of mural cell differentiation and maturation, is expressed in hemangioma stem cells (HemSCs), suggesting that NOTCH3 may function in HemSC-to-mural cell differentiation and pathological vessel stabilization. Here, we demonstrate that NOTCH3 is expressed in NG2+PDGFRβ+ perivascular HemSCs and CD31+GLUT1+ hemangioma endothelial cells (HemECs) in proliferating IHs and becomes mostly restricted to the αSMA+NG2loPDGFRβlo mural cells in involuting IHs. NOTCH3 knockdown in HemSCs inhibited in vitro mural cell differentiation and perturbed αSMA expression. In a mouse model of IH, NOTCH3 knockdown or systemic expression of the NOTCH3 inhibitor, NOTCH3 Decoy, significantly decreased IH blood flow, vessel caliber, and αSMA+ perivascular cell coverage. Thus, NOTCH3 is necessary for HemSC-to-mural cell differentiation, and adequate perivascular cell coverage of IH vessels is required for IH vessel stability.

Correlation between ECM guidance and actin polymerization on osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Keller, Vivian; Deiwick, Andrea; Pflaum, Michael

The correlation between extracellular matrix (ECM) components, cell shape, and stem cell guidance can shed light in understanding and mimicking the functionality of stem cell niches for various applications. This interplay on osteogenic guidance of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) was focus of this study. Proliferation and osteogenic markers like alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium mineralization were slightly increased by the ECM components laminin (LA), collagen I (COL), and fibronectin (FIB); with control medium no differentiation occurred. ECM guided differentiation was rather dependent on osterix than on Runx2 pathway. FIB significantly enhanced cell elongation even in presence of actin polymerizationmore » blockers cytochalasin D (CytoD) and ROCK inhibitor Y-27632, which generally caused more rounded cells. Except for the COL surface, both inhibitors increased the extent of osterix, while the Runx2 pathway was more sensitive to the culture condition. Both inhibitors did not affect hASC proliferation. CytoD enabled osteogenic differentiation independently from the ECM, while it was rather blocked via Y-27632 treatment; on FIB the general highest extent of differentiation occurred. Taken together, the ECM effect on hASCs occurs indirectly and selectively via a dominant role of FIB: it sustains osteogenic differentiation in case of a tension-dependent control of actin polymerization. - Highlights: • Interplay of ECM and cell shape guides osteogenic differentiation of hASCs. • ECM components only present a promotive but not stimulative effect. • No direct correlation between ECM-enhanced cell elongation and differentiation. • Suppression of differentiation depends on a specific actin polymerization blocking. • Fibronectin sustains cell elongation and differentiation in case of blocking actin.« less

Induction of endoplasmic reticulum calcium pump expression during early leukemic B cell differentiation.

PubMed

Aït Ghezali, Lamia; Arbabian, Atousa; Roudot, Hervé; Brouland, Jean-Philippe; Baran-Marszak, Fanny; Salvaris, Evelyn; Boyd, Andrew; Drexler, Hans G; Enyedi, Agnes; Letestu, Remi; Varin-Blank, Nadine; Papp, Bela

2017-06-26

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium storage and release play important roles in B lymphocyte maturation, survival, antigen-dependent cell activation and immunoglobulin synthesis. Calcium is accumulated in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by Sarco/Endoplasmic Reticulum Calcium ATPases (SERCA enzymes). Because lymphocyte function is critically dependent on SERCA activity, it is important to understand qualitative and quantitative changes of SERCA protein expression that occur during B lymphoid differentiation and leukemogenesis. In this work we investigated the modulation of SERCA expression during the pharmacologically induced differentiation of leukemic precursor B lymphoblast cell lines that carry the E2A-PBX1 fusion oncoprotein. Changes of SERCA levels during differentiation were determined and compared to those of established early B lymphoid differentiation markers. SERCA expression of the cells was compared to that of mature B cell lines as well, and the effect of the direct inhibition of SERCA-dependent calcium transport on the differentiation process was investigated. We show that E2A-PBX1 + leukemia cells simultaneously express SERCA2 and SERCA3-type calcium pumps; however, their SERCA3 expression is markedly inferior to that of mature B cells. Activation of protein kinase C enzymes by phorbol ester leads to phenotypic differentiation of the cells, and this is accompanied by the induction of SERCA3 expression. Direct pharmacological inhibition of SERCA-dependent calcium transport during phorbol ester treatment interferes with the differentiation process. These data show that the calcium pump composition of the ER is concurrent with increased SERCA3 expression during the differentiation of precursor B acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells, that a cross-talk exists between SERCA function and the control of differentiation, and that SERCA3 may constitute an interesting new marker for the study of early B cell phenotype.

Inhibition of TGF-β Signaling in SHED Enhances Endothelial Differentiation.

PubMed

Xu, J G; Gong, T; Wang, Y Y; Zou, T; Heng, B C; Yang, Y Q; Zhang, C F

2018-02-01

Low efficiency of deriving endothelial cells (ECs) from adult stem cells hampers their utilization in tissue engineering studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether suppression of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling could enhance the differentiation efficiency of dental pulp-derived stem cells into ECs. We initially used vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) to stimulate 2 dental pulp-derived stem cells (dental pulp stem cells and stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth [SHED]) and compared their differentiation capacity into ECs. We further evaluated whether the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor I (VEGF-RI)-specific ligand placental growth factor-1 (PlGF-1) could mediate endothelial differentiation. Finally, we investigated whether the TGF-β signaling inhibitor SB-431542 could enhance the inductive effect of VEGF-A on endothelial differentiation, as well as the underlying mechanisms involved. ECs differentiated from dental pulp-derived stem cells exhibited the typical phenotypes of primary ECs, with SHED possessing a higher endothelial differentiation potential than dental pulp stem cells. VEGFR1-specific ligand-PLGF exerted a negligible effect on SHED-ECs differentiation. Compared with VEGF-A alone, the combination of VEGF-A and SB-431542 significantly enhanced the endothelial differentiation of SHED. The presence of SB-431542 inhibited the phosphorylation of Suppressor of Mothers Against Decapentaplegic 2/3 (SMAD2/3), allowing for VEGF-A-dependent phosphorylation and upregulation of VEGFR2. Our results indicate that the combination of VEGF-A and SB-431542 could enhance the differentiation of dental pulp-derived stem cells into endothelial cells, and this process is mediated through enhancement of VEGF-A-VEGFR2 signaling and concomitant inhibition of TGF-β-SMAD2/3 signaling.

Changes in the population of perivascular cells in the bone tissue remodeling zones under microgravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Katkova, Olena; Rodionova, Natalia; Shevel, Ivan

2016-07-01

Microgravity and long-term hypokinesia induce reduction both in bone mass and mineral saturation, which can lead to the development of osteoporosis and osteopenia. (Oganov, 2003). Reorganizations and adaptive remodeling processes in the skeleton bones occur in the topographical interconnection with blood capillaries and perivascular cells. Radioautographic studies with 3H- thymidine (Kimmel, Fee, 1980; Rodionova, 1989, 2006) have shown that in osteogenesis zones there is sequential differentiation process of the perivascular cells into osteogenic. Hence the study of populations of perivascular stromal cells in areas of destructive changes is actual. Perivascular cells from metaphysis of the rat femoral bones under conditions of modeling microgravity were studied using electron microscopy and cytochemistry (hindlimb unloading, 28 days duration) and biosatellite «Bion-M1» (duration of flight from April 19 till May 19, 2013 on C57, black mice). It was revealed that both control and test groups populations of the perivascular cells are not homogeneous in remodeling adaptive zones. These populations comprise of adjacent to endothelium poorly differentiated forms and isolated cells with signs of differentiation (specific increased volume of rough endoplasmic reticulum in cytoplasm). Majority of the perivascular cells in the control group (modeling microgravity) reveals reaction to alkaline phosphatase (marker of the osteogenic differentiation). In poorly differentiated cells this reaction is registered in nucleolus, nucleous and cytoplasm. In differentiating cells activity of the alkaline phosphatase is also detected on the outer surface of the cellular membrane. Unlike the control group in the bones of experimental animals reaction to the alkaline phosphatase is registered not in all cells of perivascular population. Part of the differentiating perivascular cells does not contain a product of the reaction. Under microgravity some poorly differentiated perivascular cells reveal signs of destruction. Thus it was found that number of the alkaline phosphatase containing cells (i.e. osteogenic cells) declines in perivascular cells population. It is one of the mechanisms of the osteogenic process decrease of intensity in bones because of lessening support loading on the bone skeleton. In the adaptive remodeling zones of bone tissue (near the vascular canals) in experiments fibroblasts and fibrosis zones were found - areas filled with non-mineralized collagen fibrils on the bones surfaces. Hence it should be considered that decrease (removal) of support loading slows down osteogenic differentiation of the part of perivascular cells and stimulates differentiation of the fibroblast cells. Obtained data is considered as one of the cellular mechanisms of the adaptive reactions development in spongy bone under microgravity which could lead to the bone mass loss.

Temporal competition between differentiation programs determines cell fate choice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuchina, Anna; Espinar, Lorena; Cagatay, Tolga; Balbin, Alejandro; Alvarado, Alma; Garcia-Ojalvo, Jordi; Suel, Gurol

2011-03-01

During pluripotent differentiation, cells adopt one of several distinct fates. The dynamics of this decision-making process are poorly understood, since cell fate choice may be governed by interactions between differentiation programs that are active at the same time. We studied the dynamics of decision-making in the model organism Bacillus subtilis by simultaneously measuring the activities of competing differentiation programs (sporulation and competence) in single cells. We discovered a precise switch-like point of cell fate choice previously hidden by cell-cell variability. Engineered artificial crosslinks between competence and sporulation circuits revealed that the precision of this choice is generated by temporal competition between the key players of two differentiation programs. Modeling suggests that variable progression towards a switch-like decision might represent a general strategy to maximize adaptability and robustness of cellular decision-making.

Cells in 3D-reconstitutued eccrine sweat gland cell spheroids differentiate into gross cystic disease fluid protein 15-expressing dark secretory cells and carbonic anhydrase II-expressing clear secretory cells.

PubMed

Li, Haihong; Chen, Liyun; Zhang, Mingjun; Zhang, Bingna

2017-07-01

Secretory coils of eccrine sweat glands are composed of myoepithelial cells, dark secretory cells and clear secretory cells. The two types of cells play important roles in sweat secretion. In our previous study, we demonstrated that the 3D-reconstituted eccrine sweat gland cell spheroids differentiate into secretory coil-like structures. However, whether the secretory coil-like structures further differentiate into dark secretory cells and clear secretory cells were is still unknown. In this study, we detected the differentiation of clear and dark secretory cells in the 3D-reconstituted eccrine sweat gland cell spheroids using the dark secretory cell-specific marker, GCDFP-15, and clear secretory cell-specific marker, CAII by immunofluorescence staining. Results showed that there were both GCDFP-15- and CAII-expressing cells in 12-week-old 3D spheroids, similar to native eccrine sweat glands, indicating that the spheroids possess a cellular structure capable of sweat secretion. We conclude that the 12-week 3D spheroids may have secretory capability. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Two-way regulation between cells and aligned collagen fibrils: local 3D matrix formation and accelerated neural differentiation of human decidua parietalis placental stem cells.

PubMed

Li, Wen; Zhu, Bofan; Strakova, Zuzana; Wang, Rong

2014-08-08

It has been well established that an aligned matrix provides structural and signaling cues to guide cell polarization and cell fate decision. However, the modulation role of cells in matrix remodeling and the feedforward effect on stem cell differentiation have not been studied extensively. In this study, we report on the concerted changes of human decidua parietalis placental stem cells (hdpPSCs) and the highly ordered collagen fibril matrix in response to cell-matrix interaction. With high-resolution imaging, we found the hdpPSCs interacted with the matrix by deforming the cell shape, harvesting the nearby collagen fibrils, and reorganizing the fibrils around the cell body to transform a 2D matrix to a localized 3D matrix. Such a unique 3D matrix prompted high expression of β-1 integrin around the cell body that mediates and facilitates the stem cell differentiation toward neural cells. The study offers insights into the coordinated, dynamic changes at the cell-matrix interface and elucidates cell modulation of its matrix to establish structural and biochemical cues for effective cell growth and differentiation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Viability and neural differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells derived from the umbilical cord following perinatal asphyxia.

PubMed

Aly, H; Mohsen, L; Badrawi, N; Gabr, H; Ali, Z; Akmal, D

2012-09-01

Hypoxia-ischemia is the leading cause of neurological handicaps in newborns worldwide. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) collected from fresh cord blood of asphyxiated newborns have the potential to regenerate damaged neural tissues. The aim of this study was to examine the capacity for MSCs to differentiate into neural tissue that could subsequently be used for autologous transplantation. We collected cord blood samples from full-term newborns with perinatal hypoxemia (n=27), healthy newborns (n=14) and non-hypoxic premature neonates (n=14). Mononuclear cells were separated, counted, and then analyzed by flow cytometry to assess various stem cell populations. MSCs were isolated by plastic adherence and characterized by morphology. Cells underwent immunophenotyping and trilineage differentiation potential. They were then cultured in conditions favoring neural differentiation. Neural lineage commitment was detected using immunohistochemical staining for glial fibrillary acidic protein, tubulin III and oligodendrocyte marker O4 antibodies. Mononuclear cell count and viability did not differ among the three groups of infants. Neural differentiation was best demonstrated in the cells derived from hypoxia-ischemia term neonates, of which 69% had complete and 31% had partial neural differentiation. Cells derived from preterm neonates had the least amount of neural differentiation, whereas partial differentiation was observed in only 12%. These findings support the potential utilization of umbilical cord stem cells as a source for autologous transplant in asphyxiated neonates.

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis of cell differentiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishii, Katsunori; Kimura, Akinori; Kushibiki, Toshihiro; Awazu, Kunio

2007-02-01

Stem cells and its differentiations have got a lot of attentions in regenerative medicine. The process of differentiations, the formation of tissues, has become better understood by the study using a lot of cell types progressively. These studies of cells and tissue dynamics at molecular levels are carried out through various approaches like histochemical methods, application of molecular biology and immunology. However, in case of using regenerative sources (cells, tissues and biomaterials etc.) clinically, they are measured and quality-controlled by non-invasive methods from the view point of safety. Recently, the use of Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) has been used to monitor biochemical changes in cells, and has gained considerable importance. The objective of this study is to establish the infrared spectroscopy of cell differentiation as a quality control of cell sources for regenerative medicine. In the present study, as a basic study, we examined the adipose differentiation kinetics of preadipocyte (3T3-L1) and the osteoblast differentiation kinetics of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (Kusa-A1) to analyze the infrared absorption spectra. As a result, we achieved to analyze the adipose differentiation kinetics using the infrared absorption peak at 1739 cm-1 derived from ester bonds of triglyceride and osteoblast differentiation kinetics using the infrared absorption peak at 1030 cm-1 derived from phosphate groups of calcium phosphate.

Transforming growth factor (TGF)beta, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and retinoid signalling pathways promote pancreatic exocrine gene expression in mouse embryonic stem cells.

PubMed Central

Skoudy, Anouchka; Rovira, Meritxell; Savatier, Pierre; Martin, Franz; León-Quinto, Trinidad; Soria, Bernat; Real, Francisco X

2004-01-01

Extracellular signalling cues play a major role in the activation of differentiation programmes. Mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells are pluripotent and can differentiate into a wide variety of specialized cells. Recently, protocols designed to induce endocrine pancreatic differentiation in vitro have been designed but little information is currently available concerning the potential of ES cells to differentiate into acinar pancreatic cells. By using conditioned media of cultured foetal pancreatic rudiments, we demonstrate that ES cells can respond in vitro to signalling pathways involved in exocrine development and differentiation. In particular, modulation of the hedgehog, transforming growth factor beta, retinoid, and fibroblast growth factor pathways in ES cell-derived embryoid bodies (EB) resulted in increased levels of transcripts encoding pancreatic transcription factors and cytodifferentiation markers, as demonstrated by RT-PCR. In EB undergoing spontaneous differentiation, expression of the majority of the acinar genes (i.e. amylase, carboxypeptidase A and elastase) was induced after the expression of endocrine genes, as occurs in vivo during development. These data indicate that ES cells can undergo exocrine pancreatic differentiation with a kinetic pattern of expression reminiscent of pancreas development in vivo and that ES cells can be coaxed to express an acinar phenotype by activation of signalling pathways known to play a role in pancreatic development and differentiation. PMID:14733613

Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Determines the Vasculogenic Fate of Postnatal Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

PubMed

Zhang, Zhaocheng; Nör, Felipe; Oh, Min; Cucco, Carolina; Shi, Songtao; Nör, Jacques E

2016-06-01

Vasculogenesis is the process of de novo blood vessel formation observed primarily during embryonic development. Emerging evidence suggest that postnatal mesenchymal stem cells are capable of recapitulating vasculogenesis when these cells are engaged in tissue regeneration. However, the mechanisms underlining the vasculogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells remain unclear. Here, we used stem cells from human permanent teeth (dental pulp stem cells [DPSC]) or deciduous teeth (stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth [SHED]) as models of postnatal primary human mesenchymal stem cells to understand mechanisms regulating their vasculogenic fate. GFP-tagged mesenchymal stem cells seeded in human tooth slice/scaffolds and transplanted into immunodeficient mice differentiate into human blood vessels that anastomize with the mouse vasculature. In vitro, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induced the vasculogenic differentiation of DPSC and SHED via potent activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Further, activation of Wnt signaling is sufficient to induce the vasculogenic differentiation of postnatal mesenchymal stem cells, while Wnt inhibition blocked this process. Notably, β-catenin-silenced DPSC no longer differentiate into endothelial cells in vitro, and showed impaired vasculogenesis in vivo. Collectively, these data demonstrate that VEGF signaling through the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway defines the vasculogenic fate of postnatal mesenchymal stem cells. Stem Cells 2016;34:1576-1587. © 2016 AlphaMed Press.

Pluripotency, Differentiation, and Reprogramming: A Gene Expression Dynamics Model with Epigenetic Feedback Regulation

PubMed Central

Miyamoto, Tadashi; Furusawa, Chikara; Kaneko, Kunihiko

2015-01-01

Embryonic stem cells exhibit pluripotency: they can differentiate into all types of somatic cells. Pluripotent genes such as Oct4 and Nanog are activated in the pluripotent state, and their expression decreases during cell differentiation. Inversely, expression of differentiation genes such as Gata6 and Gata4 is promoted during differentiation. The gene regulatory network controlling the expression of these genes has been described, and slower-scale epigenetic modifications have been uncovered. Although the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells is normally irreversible, reprogramming of cells can be experimentally manipulated to regain pluripotency via overexpression of certain genes. Despite these experimental advances, the dynamics and mechanisms of differentiation and reprogramming are not yet fully understood. Based on recent experimental findings, we constructed a simple gene regulatory network including pluripotent and differentiation genes, and we demonstrated the existence of pluripotent and differentiated states from the resultant dynamical-systems model. Two differentiation mechanisms, interaction-induced switching from an expression oscillatory state and noise-assisted transition between bistable stationary states, were tested in the model. The former was found to be relevant to the differentiation process. We also introduced variables representing epigenetic modifications, which controlled the threshold for gene expression. By assuming positive feedback between expression levels and the epigenetic variables, we observed differentiation in expression dynamics. Additionally, with numerical reprogramming experiments for differentiated cells, we showed that pluripotency was recovered in cells by imposing overexpression of two pluripotent genes and external factors to control expression of differentiation genes. Interestingly, these factors were consistent with the four Yamanaka factors, Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and Myc, which were necessary for the establishment of induced pluripotent stem cells. These results, based on a gene regulatory network and expression dynamics, contribute to our wider understanding of pluripotency, differentiation, and reprogramming of cells, and they provide a fresh viewpoint on robustness and control during development. PMID:26308610

Expression of c-Fes protein isoforms correlates with differentiation in myeloid leukemias.

PubMed

Carlson, Anne; Berkowitz, Jeanne McAdara; Browning, Damaris; Slamon, Dennis J; Gasson, Judith C; Yates, Karen E

2005-05-01

The cellular fes gene encodes a 93-kilodalton protein-tyrosine kinase (p93) that is expressed in both normal and neoplastic myeloid cells. Increased c-Fes expression is associated with differentiation in normal myeloid cells and cell lines. Our hypothesis was that primary leukemia cells would show a similar pattern of increased expression in more differentiated cells. Therefore, we compared c-Fes expression in cells with an undifferentiated, blast phenotype (acute myelogenous leukemia--AML) to cells with a differentiated phenotype (chronic myelogenous leukemia--CML). Instead of differences in p93 expression levels, we found complex patterns of c-Fes immunoreactive proteins that corresponded with differentiation in normal and leukemic myeloid cells. The "blast" pattern consisted of c-Fes immunoreactive proteins p93, p74, and p70; the "differentiated" pattern showed two additional c-Fes immunoreactive proteins, p67 and p62. Using mRNA from mouse and human cell lines, we found deletion of one or more exons in the c-fes mRNA. Those deletions predicted truncation of conserved domains (CDC15/FCH and SH2) involved in protein-protein interactions. No deletions were found, however, within the kinase domain. We infer that alternative splicing generates a family of c-Fes proteins. This may be a mechanism to direct the c-Fes kinase domain to different subcellular locations and/or substrates at specific stages of myeloid cell differentiation.

Inefficient differentiation response to cell cycle stress leads to genomic instability and malignant progression of squamous carcinoma cells

PubMed Central

Alonso-Lecue, Pilar; de Pedro, Isabel; Coulon, Vincent; Molinuevo, Rut; Lorz, Corina; Segrelles, Carmen; Ceballos, Laura; López-Aventín, Daniel; García-Valtuille, Ana; Bernal, José M; Mazorra, Francisco; Pujol, Ramón M; Paramio, Jesús; Ramón Sanz, J; Freije, Ana; Toll, Agustí; Gandarillas, Alberto

2017-01-01

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or epidermoid cancer is a frequent and aggressive malignancy. However in apparent paradox it retains the squamous differentiation phenotype except for very dysplastic lesions. We have shown that cell cycle stress in normal epidermal keratinocytes triggers a squamous differentiation response involving irreversible mitosis block and polyploidisation. Here we show that cutaneous SCC cells conserve a partial squamous DNA damage-induced differentiation response that allows them to overcome the cell division block. The capacity to divide in spite of drug-induced mitotic stress and DNA damage made well-differentiated SCC cells more genomically instable and more malignant in vivo. Consistently, in a series of human biopsies, non-metastatic SCCs displayed a higher degree of chromosomal alterations and higher expression of the S phase regulator Cyclin E and the DNA damage signal γH2AX than the less aggressive, non-squamous, basal cell carcinomas. However, metastatic SCCs lost the γH2AX signal and Cyclin E, or accumulated cytoplasmic Cyclin E. Conversely, inhibition of endogenous Cyclin E in well-differentiated SCC cells interfered with the squamous phenotype. The results suggest a dual role of cell cycle stress-induced differentiation in squamous cancer: the resulting mitotic blocks would impose, when irreversible, a proliferative barrier, when reversible, a source of genomic instability, thus contributing to malignancy. PMID:28661481

The pioneer factor Smed-gata456-1 is required for gut cell differentiation and maintenance in planarians.

PubMed

González-Sastre, Alejandro; De Sousa, Nídia; Adell, Teresa; Saló, Emili

2017-01-01

How adult stem cells differentiate into different cell types remains one of the most intriguing questions in regenerative medicine. Pioneer factors are transcription factors that can bind to and open chromatin, and are among the first elements involved in cell differentiation. We used the freshwater planarian Schmidtea mediterranea as a model system to study the role of the gata456 family of pioneer factors in gut cell differentiation during both regeneration and maintenance of the digestive system. Our findings reveal the presence of two members of the gata456 family in the Schmidtea mediterranea genome; Smed-gata456-1 and Smed-gata456-2. Our results show that Smed-gata456-1 is the only ortholog with a gut cell-related function. Smed-gata456-1 is essential for the differentiation of precursors into intestinal cells and for the survival of these differentiated cells, indicating a key role in gut regeneration and maintenance. Furthermore, tissues other than the gut appear normal following Smed-gata456-1 RNA interference (RNAi), indicating a gut-specific function. Importantly, different neoblast subtypes are unaffected by Smed-gata456-1(RNAi), suggesting that 1) Smed-gata456-1 is involved in the differentiation and maintenance, but not in the early determination, of gut cells; and 2) that the stem cell compartment is not dependent on a functional gut.

Characteristic Changes in Cell Surface Glycosylation Accompany Intestinal Epithelial Cell (IEC) Differentiation: High Mannose Structures Dominate the Cell Surface Glycome of Undifferentiated Enterocytes*

PubMed Central

Park, Dayoung; Brune, Kristin A.; Mitra, Anupam; Marusina, Alina I.; Maverakis, Emanual; Lebrilla, Carlito B.

2015-01-01

Changes in cell surface glycosylation occur during the development and differentiation of cells and have been widely correlated with the progression of several diseases. Because of their structural diversity and sensitivity to intra- and extracellular conditions, glycans are an indispensable tool for analyzing cellular transformations. Glycans present on the surface of intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) mediate interactions with billions of native microorganisms, which continuously populate the mammalian gut. A distinct feature of IECs is that they differentiate as they migrate upwards from the crypt base to the villus tip. In this study, nano-LC/ESI QTOF MS profiling was used to characterize the changes in glycosylation that correspond to Caco-2 cell differentiation. As Caco-2 cells differentiate to form a brush border membrane, a decrease in high mannose type glycans and a concurrent increase in fucosylated and sialylated complex/hybrid type glycans were observed. At day 21, when cells appear to be completely differentiated, remodeling of the cell surface glycome ceases. Differential expression of glycans during IEC maturation appears to play a key functional role in regulating the membrane-associated hydrolases and contributes to the mucosal surface innate defense mechanisms. Developing methodologies to rapidly identify changes in IEC surface glycans may lead to a rapid screening approach for a variety of disease states affecting the GI tract. PMID:26355101

Pre-differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells in combination with a microstructured nerve guide supports peripheral nerve regeneration in the rat sciatic nerve model.

PubMed

Boecker, Arne Hendrik; van Neerven, Sabien Geraldine Antonia; Scheffel, Juliane; Tank, Julian; Altinova, Haktan; Seidensticker, Katrin; Deumens, Ronald; Tolba, Rene; Weis, Joachim; Brook, Gary Anthony; Pallua, Norbert; Bozkurt, Ahmet

2016-02-01

Many bioartificial nerve guides have been investigated pre-clinically for their nerve regeneration-supporting function, often in comparison to autologous nerve transplantation, which is still regarded as the current clinical gold standard. Enrichment of these scaffolds with cells intended to support axonal regeneration has been explored as a strategy to boost axonal regeneration across these nerve guides Ansselin et al. (1998). In the present study, 20 mm rat sciatic nerve defects were implanted with a cell-seeded microstructured collagen nerve guide (Perimaix) or an autologous nerve graft. Under the influence of seeded, pre-differentiated mesenchymal stromal cells, axons regenerated well into the Perimaix nerve guide. Myelination-related parameters, like myelin sheath thickness, benefitted from an additional seeding with pre-differentiated mesenchymal stromal cells. Furthermore, both the number of retrogradely labelled sensory neurons and the axon density within the implant were elevated in the cell-seeded scaffold group with pre-differentiated mesenchymal stromal cells. However, a pre-differentiation had no influence on functional recovery. An additional cell seeding of the Perimaix nerve guide with mesenchymal stromal cells led to an extent of functional recovery, independent of the differentiation status, similar to autologous nerve transplantation. These findings encourage further investigations on pre-differentiated mesenchymal stromal cells as a cellular support for peripheral nerve regeneration. © 2015 Federation of European Neuroscience Societies and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Mangiferin positively regulates osteoblast differentiation and suppresses osteoclast differentiation

PubMed Central

Sekiguchi, Yuusuke; Mano, Hiroshi; Nakatani, Sachie; Shimizu, Jun; Kataoka, Aya; Ogura, Kana; Kimira, Yoshifumi; Ebata, Midori; Wada, Masahiro

2017-01-01

Mangiferin is a polyphenolic compound present in Salacia reticulata. It has been reported to reduce bone destruction and inhibit osteoclastic differentiation. This study aimed to determine whether mangiferin directly affects osteoblast and osteoclast proliferation and differentiation, and gene expression in MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells and osteoclast-like cells derived from primary mouse bone marrow macrophage cells. Mangiferin induced significantly greater WST-1 activity, indicating increased cell proliferation. Mangiferin induced significantly increased alkaline phosphatase staining, indicating greater cell differentiation. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) demonstrated that mangiferin significantly increased the mRNA level of runt-related transcription factor 2 (RunX2), but did not affect RunX1 mRNA expression. Mangiferin significantly reduced the formation of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive multinuclear cells. RT-PCR demonstrated that mangiferin significantly increased the mRNA level of estrogen receptor β (ERβ), but did not affect the expression of other osteoclast-associated genes. Mangiferin may inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption by suppressing differentiation of osteoclasts and promoting expression of ERβ mRNA in mouse bone marrow macrophage cells. It also has potential to promote osteoblastic bone formation by promoting cell proliferation and inducing cell differentiation in preosteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells via RunX2. Mangiferin may therefore be useful in improving bone disease outcomes. PMID:28627701

Mangiferin positively regulates osteoblast differentiation and suppresses osteoclast differentiation.

PubMed

Sekiguchi, Yuusuke; Mano, Hiroshi; Nakatani, Sachie; Shimizu, Jun; Kataoka, Aya; Ogura, Kana; Kimira, Yoshifumi; Ebata, Midori; Wada, Masahiro

2017-08-01

Mangiferin is a polyphenolic compound present in Salacia reticulata. It has been reported to reduce bone destruction and inhibit osteoclastic differentiation. This study aimed to determine whether mangiferin directly affects osteoblast and osteoclast proliferation and differentiation, and gene expression in MC3T3‑E1 osteoblastic cells and osteoclast‑like cells derived from primary mouse bone marrow macrophage cells. Mangiferin induced significantly greater WST‑1 activity, indicating increased cell proliferation. Mangiferin induced significantly increased alkaline phosphatase staining, indicating greater cell differentiation. Reverse transcription‑polymerase chain reaction (RT‑PCR) demonstrated that mangiferin significantly increased the mRNA level of runt‑related transcription factor 2 (RunX2), but did not affect RunX1 mRNA expression. Mangiferin significantly reduced the formation of tartrate‑resistant acid phosphatase‑positive multinuclear cells. RT‑PCR demonstrated that mangiferin significantly increased the mRNA level of estrogen receptor β (ERβ), but did not affect the expression of other osteoclast‑associated genes. Mangiferin may inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption by suppressing differentiation of osteoclasts and promoting expression of ERβ mRNA in mouse bone marrow macrophage cells. It also has potential to promote osteoblastic bone formation by promoting cell proliferation and inducing cell differentiation in preosteoblast MC3T3‑E1 cells via RunX2. Mangiferin may therefore be useful in improving bone disease outcomes.

Mitochondrial activity in the regulation of stem cell self-renewal and differentiation.

PubMed

Khacho, Mireille; Slack, Ruth S

2017-12-01

Mitochondria are classically known as the essential energy producers in cells. As such, the activation of mitochondrial metabolism upon cellular differentiation was deemed a necessity to fuel the high metabolic needs of differentiated cells. However, recent studies have revealed a direct role for mitochondrial activity in the regulation of stem cell fate and differentiation. Several components of mitochondrial metabolism and respiration have now been shown to regulate different aspects of stem cell differentiation through signaling, transcriptional, proteomic and epigenetic modulations. In light of these findings mitochondrial metabolism is no longer considered a consequence of cellular differentiation, but rather a key regulatory mechanism of this process. This review will focus on recent progress that defines mitochondria as the epicenters for the regulation of stem cell fate decisions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Stimulation of neural differentiation in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields incorporated with MNPs.

PubMed

Choi, Yun-Kyong; Lee, Dong Heon; Seo, Young-Kwon; Jung, Hyun; Park, Jung-Keug; Cho, Hyunjin

2014-10-01

Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs) have been investigated as a new cell-therapeutic solution due to their capacity that could differentiate into neural-like cells. Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) therapy has emerged as a novel technique, using mechanical stimulus to differentiate hBM-MSCs and significantly enhance neuronal differentiation to affect cellular and molecular reactions. Magnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (MNPs) have recently achieved widespread use for biomedical applications and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-labeled nanoparticles are used to increase their circulation time, aqueous solubility, biocompatibility, and nonspecific cellular uptake as well as to decrease immunogenicity. Many studies have used MNP-labeled cells for differentiation, but there have been no reports of MNP-labeled neural differentiation combined with EMFs. In this study, synthesized PEG-phospholipid encapsulated magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles are used on hBM-MSCs to improve their intracellular uptake. The PEGylated nanoparticles were exposed to the cells under 50 Hz of EMFs to improve neural differentiation. First, we measured cell viability and intracellular iron content in hBM-MSCs after treatment with MNPs. Analysis was conducted by RT-PCR, and immunohistological analysis using neural cell type-specific genes and antibodies after exposure to 50 Hz electromagnetic fields. These results suggest that electromagnetic fields enhance neural differentiation in hBM-MSCs incorporated with MNPs and would be an effective method for differentiating neural cells.

Prolonged cultivation of hippocampal neural precursor cells shifts their differentiation potential and selects for aneuploid cells.

PubMed

Nguyen, The Duy; Widera, Darius; Greiner, Johannes; Müller, Janine; Martin, Ina; Slotta, Carsten; Hauser, Stefan; Kaltschmidt, Christian; Kaltschmidt, Barbara

2013-12-01

Neural precursor cells (NPCs) are lineage-restricted neural stem cells with limited self-renewal, giving rise to a broad range of neural cell types such as neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. Despite this developmental potential, the differentiation capacity of NPCs has been controversially discussed concerning the trespassing lineage boundaries, for instance resulting in hematopoietic competence. Assessing their in vitro plasticity, we isolated nestin+/Sox2+, NPCs from the adult murine hippocampus. In vitro-expanded adult NPCs were able to form neurospheres, self-renew, and differentiate into neuronal, astrocytic, and oligodendrocytic cells. Although NPCs cultivated in early passage efficiently gave rise to neuronal cells in a directed differentiation assay, extensively cultivated NPCs revealed reduced potential for ectodermal differentiation. We further observed successful differentiation of long-term cultured NPCs into osteogenic and adipogenic cell types, suggesting that NPCs underwent a fate switch during culture. NPCs cultivated for more than 12 passages were aneuploid (abnormal chromosome numbers such as 70 chromosomes). Furthermore, they showed growth factor-independent proliferation, a hallmark of tumorigenic transformation. In conclusion, our findings substantiate the lineage restriction of NPCs from adult mammalian hippocampus. Prolonged cultivation results, however, in enhanced differentiation potential, which may be attributed to transformation events leading to aneuploid cells.

Endothelium trans differentiated from Wharton's jelly mesenchymal cells promote tissue regeneration: potential role of soluble pro-angiogenic factors.

PubMed

Aguilera, Valeria; Briceño, Luis; Contreras, Hector; Lamperti, Liliana; Sepúlveda, Esperanza; Díaz-Perez, Francisca; León, Marcelo; Veas, Carlos; Maura, Rafael; Toledo, Jorge Roberto; Fernández, Paulina; Covarrubias, Ambart; Zuñiga, Felipe Andrés; Radojkovic, Claudia; Escudero, Carlos; Aguayo, Claudio

2014-01-01

Mesenchymal stem cells have a high capacity for trans-differentiation toward many adult cell types, including endothelial cells. Feto-placental tissue, such as Wharton's jelly is a potential source of mesenchymal stem cells with low immunogenic capacity; make them an excellent source of progenitor cells with a potential use for tissue repair. We evaluated whether administration of endothelial cells derived from mesenchymal stem cells isolated from Wharton's jelly (hWMSCs) can accelerate tissue repair in vivo. Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from human Wharton's jelly by digestion with collagenase type I. Endothelial trans-differentiation was induced for 14 (hWMSC-End14d) and 30 (hWMSC-End30d) days. Cell phenotyping was performed using mesenchymal (CD90, CD73, CD105) and endothelial (Tie-2, KDR, eNOS, ICAM-1) markers. Endothelial trans-differentiation was demonstrated by the expression of endothelial markers and their ability to synthesize nitric oxide (NO). hWMSCs can be differentiated into adipocytes, osteocytes, chondrocytes and endothelial cells. Moreover, these cells show high expression of CD73, CD90 and CD105 but low expression of endothelial markers prior to differentiation. hWMSCs-End express high levels of endothelial markers at 14 and 30 days of culture, and also they can synthesize NO. Injection of hWMSC-End30d in a mouse model of skin injury significantly accelerated wound healing compared with animals injected with undifferentiated hWMSC or injected with vehicle alone. These effects were also observed in animals that received conditioned media from hWMSC-End30d cultures. These results demonstrate that mesenchymal stem cells isolated from Wharton's jelly can be cultured in vitro and trans-differentiated into endothelial cells. Differentiated hWMSC-End may promote neovascularization and tissue repair in vivo through the secretion of soluble pro-angiogenic factors.

Oxygen Tension Modulates Differentiation and Primary Macrophage Functions in the Human Monocytic THP-1 Cell Line

PubMed Central

Grodzki, Ana Cristina G.; Giulivi, Cecilia; Lein, Pamela J.

2013-01-01

The human THP-1 cell line is widely used as an in vitro model system for studying macrophage differentiation and function. Conventional culture conditions for these cells consist of ambient oxygen pressure (∼20% v/v) and medium supplemented with the thiol 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) and serum. In consideration of the redox activities of O2 and 2-ME, and the extensive experimental evidence supporting a role for reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the differentiation and function of macrophages, we addressed the question of whether culturing THP-1 cells under a more physiologically relevant oxygen tension (5% O2) in the absence of 2-ME and serum would alter THP-1 cell physiology. Comparisons of cultures maintained in 18% O2 versus 5% O2 indicated that reducing oxygen tension had no effect on the proliferation of undifferentiated THP-1 cells. However, decreasing the oxygen tension to 5% O2 significantly increased the rate of phorbol ester-induced differentiation of THP-1 cells into macrophage-like cells as well as the metabolic activity of both undifferentiated and PMA-differentiated THP-1 cells. Removal of both 2-ME and serum from the medium decreased the proliferation of undifferentiated THP-1 cells but increased metabolic activity and the rate of differentiation under either oxygen tension. In differentiated THP-1 cells, lowering the oxygen tension to 5% O2 decreased phagocytic activity, the constitutive release of β-hexosaminidase and LPS-induced NF-κB activation but enhanced LPS-stimulated release of cytokines. Collectively, these data demonstrate that oxygen tension influences THP-1 cell differentiation and primary macrophage functions, and suggest that culturing these cells under tightly regulated oxygen tension in the absence of exogenous reducing agent and serum is likely to provide a physiologically relevant baseline from which to study the role of the local redox environment in regulating THP-1 cell physiology. PMID:23355903

High oxygen condition facilitates the differentiation of mouse and human pluripotent stem cells into pancreatic progenitors and insulin-producing cells.

PubMed

Hakim, Farzana; Kaitsuka, Taku; Raeed, Jamiruddin Mohd; Wei, Fan-Yan; Shiraki, Nobuaki; Akagi, Tadayuki; Yokota, Takashi; Kume, Shoen; Tomizawa, Kazuhito

2014-04-04

Pluripotent stem cells have potential applications in regenerative medicine for diabetes. Differentiation of stem cells into insulin-producing cells has been achieved using various protocols. However, both the efficiency of the method and potency of differentiated cells are insufficient. Oxygen tension, the partial pressure of oxygen, has been shown to regulate the embryonic development of several organs, including pancreatic β-cells. In this study, we tried to establish an effective method for the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into insulin-producing cells by culturing under high oxygen (O2) conditions. Treatment with a high O2 condition in the early stage of differentiation increased insulin-positive cells at the terminus of differentiation. We found that a high O2 condition repressed Notch-dependent gene Hes1 expression and increased Ngn3 expression at the stage of pancreatic progenitors. This effect was caused by inhibition of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α protein level. Moreover, a high O2 condition activated Wnt signaling. Optimal stage-specific treatment with a high O2 condition resulted in a significant increase in insulin production in both mouse embryonic stem cells and human iPSCs and yielded populations containing up to 10% C-peptide-positive cells in human iPSCs. These results suggest that culturing in a high O2 condition at a specific stage is useful for the efficient generation of insulin-producing cells.

Reversible immortalization of Nestin-positive precursor cells from pancreas and differentiation into insulin-secreting cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wei, Pei; Li, Li; Qi, Hui

2012-02-10

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The NPPCs from mouse pancreas were isolated. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Tet-on system for SV40 large in NPPCs was used to get RINPPCs. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The RINPPCs can undergo at least 80 population doublings without senescence. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The RINPPCs can be induced to differentiate into insulin-producing cells. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The combination of GLP-1 and sodium butyrate promoted the differentiation process. -- Abstract: Pancreatic stem cells or progenitor cells posses the ability of directed differentiation into pancreatic {beta} cells. However, these cells usually have limited proliferative capacity and finite lifespan in vitro. In the present study, Nestin-positive progenitor cells (NPPCs) from mouse pancreas thatmore » expressed the pancreatic stem cells or progenitor cell marker Nestin were isolated to obtain a sufficient number of differentiated pancreatic {beta} cells. Tet-on system for SV40 large T-antigen expression in NPPCs was used to achieve reversible immortalization. The reversible immortal Nestin-positive progenitor cells (RINPPCs) can undergo at least 80 population doublings without senescence in vitro while maintaining their biological and genetic characteristics. RINPPCs can be efficiently induced to differentiate into insulin-producing cells that contain a combination of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and sodium butyrate. The results of the present study can be used to explore transplantation therapy of type I diabetes mellitus.« less

Differentiated epidermal cells regain the ability to regenerate a skin equivalent by increasing the level of β-catenin in the cells.

PubMed

Zhao, Zhili; Zhang, Cuiping; Fu, Xiaobing; Yang, Rongya; Peng, Chen; Gu, Tingmin; Sui, Zhifu; Wang, Congmin; Liu, Chang

2012-01-01

Epidermal stem cells are of major importance for skin regeneration and tissue engineering, but differentiated epidermal cells lost their proliferative capacity and are no longer able to regenerate a skin equivalent. Here, we investigated the role of β-catenin in regulating regenerative functions of differentiated epidermal cells. Lithium chloride and a highly specific glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β inhibitor were applied to induce the expression of β-catenin in differentiated epidermal cells. After a 6-day induction, the large flat-shaped cells with a small nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio had changed into small round-shaped cells with a large nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio. Phenotypic assays showed a remarkably higher expression of CK19, β(1)-integrin, Oct4 and Nanog in induced cells than in the control group (p < 0.01). In addition, the results of growth and functional investigations demonstrated that the induced epidermal cells exhibited a high colony-forming ability, a long-term proliferative potential and the ability to regenerate a skin equivalent, which were regarded as the most important features of epidermal stem cells. These results suggest that the activation of β-catenin favors the reversion or dedifferentiation of differentiated epidermal cells to an immature or a less differentiated state. This study may also offer a new approach to yield enough epidermal stem cells for skin regeneration and tissue engineering. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.

In vitro long-term development of cultured inner ear stem cells of newborn rat.

PubMed

Carricondo, Francisco; Iglesias, Mari Cruz; Rodríguez, Fernando; Poch-Broto, Joaquin; Gil-Loyzaga, Pablo

2010-10-01

The adult mammalian auditory receptor lacks any ability to repair and/or regenerate after injury. However, the late developing cochlea still contains some stem-cell-like elements that might be used to regenerate damaged neurons and/or cells of the organ of Corti. Before their use in any application, stem cell numbers need to be amplified because they are usually rare in late developing and adult tissues. The numerous re-explant cultures required for the progressive amplification process can result in a spontaneous differentiation process. This aspect has been implicated in the tumorigenicity of stem cells when transplanted into a tissue. The aim of this study has been to determine whether cochlear stem cells can proliferate and differentiate spontaneously in long-term cultures without the addition of any factor that might influence these processes. Cochlear stem cells, which express nestin protein, were cultured in monolayers and fed with DMEM containing 5% FBS. They quickly organized themselves into typical spheres exhibiting a high proliferation rate, self-renewal property, and differentiation ability. Secondary cultures of these stem cell spheres spontaneously differentiated into neuroectodermal-like cells. The expression of nestin, glial-fibrillary-acidic protein, vimentin, and neurofilaments was evaluated to identify early differentiation. Nestin expression appeared in primary and secondary cultures. Other markers were also identified in differentiating cells. Further research might demonstrate the spontaneous differentiation of cochlear stem cells and their teratogenic probability when they are used for transplantation.

Metabolism of two Go alpha isoforms in neuronal cells during differentiation.

PubMed

Brabet, P; Pantaloni, C; Bockaert, J; Homburger, V

1991-07-15

We have previously shown that undifferentiated N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells express only one isoform of Go alpha (pI = 5.8), whereas differentiated neuroblastoma cells expressed, in addition to this isoform, another Go alpha with a more acidic pI (5.55). Moreover, primary cultures of cerebellar granule cells, which are extremely well differentiated cells yielding a high density of synapses, expressed only a single Go alpha isoform with a pI of 5.55 (Brabet, P., Pantaloni, C., Rodriguez Martinez, J., Bockaert, J., and Homburger, V. (1990) J. Neurochem. 54, 1310-1320). In this report, using biosynthetic labeling with [35S]methionine and specific quantitative immunoprecipitation with a polyclonal antibody raised against the purified Go alpha protein, we have determined 1) the degradation rate of total Go alpha (sum of the two isoforms) in differentiated as well as in undifferentiated neuroblastoma cells and in cerebellar granule cells, 2) the degradation rates of each isoform in differentiated neuroblastoma cells. The t 1/2 for total Go alpha protein degradation was very different in the three neuronal cell populations and was 28 +/- 5 h (n = 5), 58 +/- 9 h (n = 5), and 154 +/- 22 h (n = 6) in undifferentiated, differentiated neuroblastoma, and granule cells, respectively. Using two-dimensional gel analysis of immunoprecipitates, we have also determined the individual t 1/2 for degradation of each Go alpha isoform in differentiated neuroblastoma cells, in which the two Go alpha isoforms were expressed. Results indicated that the two Go alpha isoforms exhibit similar t1/2 for degradation (49 +/- 5 h, n = 3). Thus, the t1/2 for degradation of the more basic Go alpha isoform is higher in differentiated neuroblastoma cells (49 +/- 5 h, n = 3) than in undifferentiated neuroblastoma cells (28 +/- 5 h, n = 5) which expressed only the more basic Go alpha isoform. It can be concluded that the degradation rate of the more basic Go alpha isoform is not a characteristic of the protein itself but depends on the state of the cell differentiation. The comparison between the t1/2 for degradation of the more acidic Go alpha isoform is differentiated neuroblastoma cells (51 +/- 6 h, n = 3) with that of cerebellar granule cells (154 +/- 22 h, n = 6) suggests that there is also a decrease in the degradation rate of the more acidic Go alpha isoform during differentiation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Graphene oxide promotes the differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells to dopamine neurons.

PubMed

Yang, Dehua; Li, Ting; Xu, Minghan; Gao, Feng; Yang, Juan; Yang, Zhi; Le, Weidong

2014-11-01

Nanoparticles are easier to pass through cell membranes, and they are considered to be the ideal biocompatible and mechanically stable platforms for supporting stem cell growth and differentiation. The aim of this study is to determine the effects of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene oxide (GO) and graphene (GR) on the dopamine neural differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs). GO was prepared according to a modified Hummers method. GR was synthesized by reduction of GO via L-ascorbic acid as a reductant in an aqueous solution at room temperature. CNTs were fabricated by chemical vapor deposition method. ESCs were differentiated by a stromal cell-derived inducing activity (SDIA) method after 10 days coculture with PA6 cells. The dopamine neural differentiation of the ESCs-GFP was examined by immunocytochemistry and real-time PCR. We found that only GO could effectively promote dopamine neuron differentiation after induction of SDIA and further enhance dopamine neuron-related gene expression compared with cells treated with no nanoparticle control, and the other two nanoparticles (CNTs and GR). These findings suggest that GO is a promising nanomaterial-based technical platform to effectively enhance dopamine neural differentiation of ESCs, which can be potentially applied for cell transplantation therapy.

Changes in the regulation of heat shock gene expression in neuronal cell differentiation.

PubMed

Oza, Jay; Yang, Jingxian; Chen, Kuang Yu; Liu, Alice Y-C

2008-01-01

Neuronal differentiation of the NG108-15 neuroblastoma-glioma hybrid cells is accompanied by a marked attenuation in the heat shock induction of the Hsp70-firefly luciferase reporter gene activity. Analysis of the amount and activation of heat shock factor 1, induction of mRNA(hsp), and the synthesis and accumulation of heat shock proteins (HSPs) in the undifferentiated and differentiated cells suggest a transcriptional mechanism for this attenuation. Concomitant with a decreased induction of the 72-kDa Hsp70 protein in the differentiated cells, there is an increased abundance of the constitutive 73-kDa Hsc70, a protein known to function in vesicle trafficking. Assessment of sensitivity of the undifferentiated and differentiated cells against stress-induced cell death reveals a significantly greater vulnerability of the differentiated cells toward the cytotoxic effects of arsenite and glutamate/glycine. This study shows that changes in regulation of the HSP and HSC proteins are components of the neuronal cell differentiation program and that the attenuated induction of HSPs likely contributes to neuronal vulnerability whereas the increased expression of Hsc70 likely has a role in neural-specific functions.

How B cells influence bone biology in health and disease.

PubMed

Horowitz, Mark C; Fretz, Jackie A; Lorenzo, Joseph A

2010-09-01

It is now well established that important regulatory interactions occur between the cells in the hematopoietic, immune and skeletal systems (osteoimmunology). B lymphocytes (B cells) are responsible for the generation and production of antibodies or immunoglobulins in the body. Together with T cells these lymphocytes comprise the adaptive immune system, which allows an individual to develop specific responses to an infection and retain memory of that infection, allowing for a faster and more robust response if that same infection occurs again. In addition to this immune function, B cells have a close and multifaceted relationship with bone cells. B cells differentiate from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in supportive niches found on endosteal bone surfaces. Cells in the osteoblast lineage support HSC and B cell differentiation in these niches. B cell differentiation is regulated, at least in part, by a series of transcription factors that function in a temporal manner. While these transcription factors are required for B cell differentiation, their loss causes profound changes in the bone phenotype. This is due, in part, to the close relationship between macrophage/osteoclast and B cell differentiation. Cross talk between B cells and bone cells is reciprocal with defects in the RANKL-RANK, OPG signaling axis resulting in altered bone phenotypes. While the role of B cells during normal bone remodeling appears minimal, activated B cells play an important role in many inflammatory diseases with associated bony changes. This review examines the relationship between B cells and bone cells and how that relationship affects the skeleton and hematopoiesis during health and disease. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Single-cell confocal spectrometry of a filamentous cyanobacterium Nostoc at room and cryogenic temperature. Diversity and differentiation of pigment systems in 311 cells.

PubMed

Sugiura, Kana; Itoh, Shigeru

2012-08-01

The fluorescence spectrum at 298 and 40 K and the absorption spectrum at 298 K of each cell of the filamentous cyanobacterium Nostoc sp. was measured by single-cell confocal laser spectroscopy to study the differentiation of cell pigments. The fluorescence spectra of vegetative (veg) and heterocyst (het) cells of Nostoc formed separate groups with low and high PSII to PSI ratios, respectively. The fluorescence spectra of het cells at 40 K still contained typical PSII bands. The PSII/PSI ratio estimated for the veg cells varied between 0.4 and 1.2, while that of het cells varied between 0 and 0.22 even in the same culture. The PSII/PSI ratios of veg cells resembled each other more closely in the same filament. 'pro-het' cells, which started to differentiate into het cells, were identified from the small but specific difference in the PSII/PSI ratio. The allophycocyanin (APC)/PSII ratio was almost constant in both veg and het cells, indicating their tight couplings. Phycocyanin (PC) showed higher fluorescence in most het cells, suggesting the uncoupling from PSII. Veg cells seem to vary their PSI contents to give different PSII/PSI ratios even in the same culture, and to suppress the synthesis of PSII, APC and PC to differentiate into het cells. APC and PC are gradually liberated from membranes in het cells with the uncoupling from PSII. Single-cell spectrometry will be useful to study the differentiation of intrinsic pigments of cells and chloroplasts, and to select microbes from natural environments.

New insights into mechanisms of stem cell daughter fate determination in regenerative tissues.

PubMed

Sada, Aiko; Tumbar, Tudorita

2013-01-01

Stem cells can self-renew and differentiate over extended periods of time. Understanding how stem cells acquire their fates is a central question in stem cell biology. Early work in Drosophila germ line and neuroblast showed that fate choice is achieved by strict asymmetric divisions that can generate each time one stem and one differentiated cell. More recent work suggests that during homeostasis, some stem cells can divide symmetrically to generate two differentiated cells or two identical stem cells to compensate for stem cell loss that occurred by direct differentiation or apoptosis. The interplay of all these factors ensures constant tissue regeneration and the maintenance of stem cell pool size. This interplay can be modeled as a population-deterministic dynamics that, at least in some systems, may be described as stochastic behavior. Here, we overview recent progress made on the characterization of stem cell dynamics in regenerative tissues. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

5-Bromodeoxyuridine induced differentiation of a human small cell lung cancer cell line is associated with alteration of gene expression.

PubMed

Chen, Yuan; Pacyna-Gengelbach, Manuela; Deutschmann, Nicole; Ye, Fei; Petersen, Iver

2007-02-16

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) appears to arise from neuroendocrine cells with the potential to differentiate into a variety of lung epithelial cell lineages. In order to investigate molecular events underlying the cell type transition in SCLC, we treated a SCLC cell line H526 with a differentiation inducing agent 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU). The treatment led to a dramatic conversion from suspension cells to adherent cells exhibiting an epithelioid phenotype, which remarkably reduced the ability of colony formation in soft agar and suppressed the tumor growth rate in nude mice. The phenotypic transition was consistent with upregulation of surfactant protein C (SFTPC), thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1), Connexin 26 (Cx26), insulin-like growth factor binding protein-related protein 1 (IGFBP-rP1), as well as homeobox genes LAGY, PITX1, and HOXB2. Our data suggest that BrdU induced cell differentiation could be linked to the development of a less aggressively phenotype in small cell lung cancer.

From embryonic stem cells to functioning germ cells: science, clinical and ethical perspectives.

PubMed

Kiatpongsan, Sorapop

2007-10-01

Embryonic stem cells have been well recognized as cells having a versatile potential to differentiate into all types of cells in the body including germ cells. There are many research studies focusing on the differentiation processes and protocols to derive various types of somatic cells from embryonic stem cells. However, germ cells have unique differentiation process and developmental pathway compared with somatic cells. Consequently, they will require different differentiation protocols and special culture techniques. More understanding and established in vitro systems for gametogenesis will greatly contribute to further progression of knowledge and technology in germ cell biology, reproductive biology and reproductive medicine. Moreover if oocytes can be efficiently produced in vitro, this will play an important role on progression in nuclear transfer and nuclear reprogramming technology. The present article will provide concise review on past important discoveries, current ongoing studies and future views of this challenging research area. An ethical perspective has also been proposed to give comprehensive summary and viewpoint for future clinical application.

The genetic network controlling plasma cell differentiation.

PubMed

Nutt, Stephen L; Taubenheim, Nadine; Hasbold, Jhagvaral; Corcoran, Lynn M; Hodgkin, Philip D

2011-10-01

Upon activation by antigen, mature B cells undergo immunoglobulin class switch recombination and differentiate into antibody-secreting plasma cells, the endpoint of the B cell developmental lineage. Careful quantitation of these processes, which are stochastic, independent and strongly linked to the division history of the cell, has revealed that populations of B cells behave in a highly predictable manner. Considerable progress has also been made in the last few years in understanding the gene regulatory network that controls the B cell to plasma cell transition. The mutually exclusive transcriptomes of B cells and plasma cells are maintained by the antagonistic influences of two groups of transcription factors, those that maintain the B cell program, including Pax5, Bach2 and Bcl6, and those that promote and facilitate plasma cell differentiation, notably Irf4, Blimp1 and Xbp1. In this review, we discuss progress in the definition of both the transcriptional and cellular events occurring during late B cell differentiation, as integrating these two approaches is crucial to defining a regulatory network that faithfully reflects the stochastic features and complexity of the humoral immune response. 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dynamics of embryonic stem cell differentiation inferred from single-cell transcriptomics show a series of transitions through discrete cell states

PubMed Central

Jang, Sumin; Choubey, Sandeep; Furchtgott, Leon; Zou, Ling-Nan; Doyle, Adele; Menon, Vilas; Loew, Ethan B; Krostag, Anne-Rachel; Martinez, Refugio A; Madisen, Linda; Levi, Boaz P; Ramanathan, Sharad

2017-01-01

The complexity of gene regulatory networks that lead multipotent cells to acquire different cell fates makes a quantitative understanding of differentiation challenging. Using a statistical framework to analyze single-cell transcriptomics data, we infer the gene expression dynamics of early mouse embryonic stem (mES) cell differentiation, uncovering discrete transitions across nine cell states. We validate the predicted transitions across discrete states using flow cytometry. Moreover, using live-cell microscopy, we show that individual cells undergo abrupt transitions from a naïve to primed pluripotent state. Using the inferred discrete cell states to build a probabilistic model for the underlying gene regulatory network, we further predict and experimentally verify that these states have unique response to perturbations, thus defining them functionally. Our study provides a framework to infer the dynamics of differentiation from single cell transcriptomics data and to build predictive models of the gene regulatory networks that drive the sequence of cell fate decisions during development. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.20487.001 PMID:28296635

The Transcription Factor STAT3 and Type I Interferons Are Mutually Repressive Insulators for Differentiation of Follicular Helper and T Helper_1 Cells

PubMed Central

Ray, John P.; Marshall, Heather D.; Laidlaw, Brian J.; Staron, Matthew M.; Kaech, Susan M.; Craft, Joe

2014-01-01

Summary Follicular helper T (Tfh) cells are required for the establishment of T-dependent B cell memory and high affinity antibody-secreting cells. We have revealed herein opposing roles for signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and type I interferon (IFN) signaling in the differentiation of Tfh cells following viral infection. STAT3-deficient CD4+ T cells had a profound defect in Tfh cell differentiation, accompanied by decreased germinal center (GC) B cells and antigen-specific antibody production during acute infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. STAT3-deficient Tfh cells had strikingly increased expression of a number of interferoninducible genes, in addition to enhanced T-bet synthesis, thus adopting a T helper-1 (Th1) cell-like effector phenotype. Conversely, IFNαβ receptor blockade restored Tfh and GC B cell phenotypes in mice containing STAT3-deficient CD4+ T cells. These data suggest mutually repressive roles for STAT3 and type I IFN signaling pathways in the differentiation of Tfh cells following viral infection. PMID:24631156

HES6 reverses nuclear reprogramming of insulin-producing cells following cell fusion

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ball, Andrew J.; Abrahamsson, Annelie E.; Tyrberg, Bjoern

2007-04-06

To examine the mechanism by which growth-stimulated pancreatic {beta}-cells dedifferentiate, somatic cell fusions were performed between MIN6, a highly differentiated mouse insulinoma, and {beta}lox5, a cell line derived from human {beta}-cells which progressively dedifferentiated in culture. MIN6/{beta}lox5 somatic cells hybrids underwent silencing of insulin expression and a marked decline in PDX1, NeuroD, and MafA, indicating that {beta}lox5 expresses a dominant transacting factor(s) that represses {beta}-cell differentiation. Expression of Hes1, which inhibits endocrine differentiation was higher in hybrid cells than in parental MIN6 cells. Hes6, a repressor of Hes1, was highly expressed in primary {beta}-cells as well as MIN6, but wasmore » repressed in hybrids. Hes6 overexpression using a retroviral vector led to a decrease in Hes1 levels, an increase in {beta}-cell transcription factors and partial restoration of insulin expression. We conclude that the balance of Notch activators and inhibitors may play an important role in maintaining the {beta}-cell differentiated state.« less

Epigenomic analysis of primary human T cells reveals enhancers associated with TH2 memory cell differentiation and asthma susceptibility

PubMed Central

Seumois, Grégory; Chavez, Lukas; Gerasimova, Anna; Lienhard, Matthias; Omran, Nada; Kalinke, Lukas; Vedanayagam, Maria; Ganesan, Asha Purnima V; Chawla, Ashu; Djukanović, Ratko; Ansel, K Mark; Peters, Bjoern; Rao, Anjana; Vijayanand, Pandurangan

2014-01-01

A characteristic feature of asthma is the aberrant accumulation, differentiation or function of memory CD4+ T cells that produce type 2 cytokines (TH2 cells). By mapping genome-wide histone modification profiles for subsets of T cells isolated from peripheral blood of healthy and asthmatic individuals, we identified enhancers with known and potential roles in the normal differentiation of human TH1 cells and TH2 cells. We discovered disease-specific enhancers in T cells that differ between healthy and asthmatic individuals. Enhancers that gained the histone H3 Lys4 dimethyl (H3K4me2) mark during TH2 cell development showed the highest enrichment for asthma-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which supported a pathogenic role for TH2 cells in asthma. In silico analysis of cell-specific enhancers revealed transcription factors, microRNAs and genes potentially linked to human TH2 cell differentiation. Our results establish the feasibility and utility of enhancer profiling in well-defined populations of specialized cell types involved in disease pathogenesis. PMID:24997565

Epigenomic analysis of primary human T cells reveals enhancers associated with TH2 memory cell differentiation and asthma susceptibility.

PubMed

Seumois, Grégory; Chavez, Lukas; Gerasimova, Anna; Lienhard, Matthias; Omran, Nada; Kalinke, Lukas; Vedanayagam, Maria; Ganesan, Asha Purnima V; Chawla, Ashu; Djukanović, Ratko; Ansel, K Mark; Peters, Bjoern; Rao, Anjana; Vijayanand, Pandurangan

2014-08-01

A characteristic feature of asthma is the aberrant accumulation, differentiation or function of memory CD4(+) T cells that produce type 2 cytokines (TH2 cells). By mapping genome-wide histone modification profiles for subsets of T cells isolated from peripheral blood of healthy and asthmatic individuals, we identified enhancers with known and potential roles in the normal differentiation of human TH1 cells and TH2 cells. We discovered disease-specific enhancers in T cells that differ between healthy and asthmatic individuals. Enhancers that gained the histone H3 Lys4 dimethyl (H3K4me2) mark during TH2 cell development showed the highest enrichment for asthma-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which supported a pathogenic role for TH2 cells in asthma. In silico analysis of cell-specific enhancers revealed transcription factors, microRNAs and genes potentially linked to human TH2 cell differentiation. Our results establish the feasibility and utility of enhancer profiling in well-defined populations of specialized cell types involved in disease pathogenesis.

Integrating human stem cell expansion and neuronal differentiation in bioreactors

PubMed Central

Serra, Margarida; Brito, Catarina; Costa, Eunice M; Sousa, Marcos FQ; Alves, Paula M

2009-01-01

Background Human stem cells are cellular resources with outstanding potential for cell therapy. However, for the fulfillment of this application, major challenges remain to be met. Of paramount importance is the development of robust systems for in vitro stem cell expansion and differentiation. In this work, we successfully developed an efficient scalable bioprocess for the fast production of human neurons. Results The expansion of undifferentiated human embryonal carcinoma stem cells (NTera2/cl.D1 cell line) as 3D-aggregates was firstly optimized in spinner vessel. The media exchange operation mode with an inoculum concentration of 4 × 105 cell/mL was the most efficient strategy tested, with a 4.6-fold increase in cell concentration achieved in 5 days. These results were validated in a bioreactor where similar profile and metabolic performance were obtained. Furthermore, characterization of the expanded population by immunofluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry showed that NT2 cells maintained their stem cell characteristics along the bioreactor culture time. Finally, the neuronal differentiation step was integrated in the bioreactor process, by addition of retinoic acid when cells were in the middle of the exponential phase. Neurosphere composition was monitored and neuronal differentiation efficiency evaluated along the culture time. The results show that, for bioreactor cultures, we were able to increase significantly the neuronal differentiation efficiency by 10-fold while reducing drastically, by 30%, the time required for the differentiation process. Conclusion The culture systems developed herein are robust and represent one-step-forward towards the development of integrated bioprocesses, bridging stem cell expansion and differentiation in fully controlled bioreactors. PMID:19772662

Characterization of Apoptosis Signaling Cascades During the Differentiation Process of Human Neural ReNcell VM Progenitor Cells In Vitro.

PubMed

Jaeger, Alexandra; Fröhlich, Michael; Klum, Susanne; Lantow, Margareta; Viergutz, Torsten; Weiss, Dieter G; Kriehuber, Ralf

2015-11-01

Apoptosis is an essential physiological process accompanying the development of the central nervous system and human neurogenesis. However, the time scale and the underlying molecular mechanisms are yet poorly understood. Due to this fact, we investigated the functionality and general inducibility of apoptosis in the human neural ReNcell VM progenitor cell line during differentiation and also after exposure to staurosporine (STS) and ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation. Transmission light microscopy, flow cytometry, and Western-/Immunoblot analysis were performed to compare proliferating and differentiating, in addition to STS- and UVB-treated cells. In particular, from 24 to 72 h post-initiation of differentiation, G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, increased loss of apoptotic cells, activation of pro-apoptotic BAX, Caspase-3, and cleavage of its substrate PARP were observed during cell differentiation and, to a higher extent, after treatment with STS and UVB. We conclude that redundant or defective cells are eliminated by apoptosis, while otherwise fully differentiated cells were less responsive to apoptosis induction by STS than proliferating cells, likely as a result of reduced APAF-1 expression, and increased levels of BCL-2. These data provide the evidence that apoptotic mechanisms in the neural ReNcell VM progenitor cell line are not only functional, but also inducible by external stimuli like growth factor withdrawal or treatment with STS and UVB, which marks this cell line as a suitable model to investigate apoptosis signaling pathways in respect to the differentiation processes of human neural progenitor cells in vitro.

Cannabidiol Exposure During Neuronal Differentiation Sensitizes Cells Against Redox-Active Neurotoxins.

PubMed

Schönhofen, Patrícia; de Medeiros, Liana M; Bristot, Ivi Juliana; Lopes, Fernanda M; De Bastiani, Marco A; Kapczinski, Flávio; Crippa, José Alexandre S; Castro, Mauro Antônio A; Parsons, Richard B; Klamt, Fábio

2015-08-01

Cannabidiol (CBD), one of the most abundant Cannabis sativa-derived compounds, has been implicated with neuroprotective effect in several human pathologies. Until now, no undesired side effects have been associated with CBD. In this study, we evaluated CBD's neuroprotective effect in terminal differentiation (mature) and during neuronal differentiation (neuronal developmental toxicity model) of the human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line. A dose-response curve was performed to establish a sublethal dose of CBD with antioxidant activity (2.5 μM). In terminally differentiated SH-SY5Y cells, incubation with 2.5 μM CBD was unable to protect cells against the neurotoxic effect of glycolaldehyde, methylglyoxal, 6-hydroxydopamine, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Moreover, no difference in antioxidant potential and neurite density was observed. When SH-SY5Y cells undergoing neuronal differentiation were exposed to CBD, no differences in antioxidant potential and neurite density were observed. However, CBD potentiated the neurotoxicity induced by all redox-active drugs tested. Our data indicate that 2.5 μM of CBD, the higher dose tolerated by differentiated SH-SY5Y neuronal cells, does not provide neuroprotection for terminally differentiated cells and shows, for the first time, that exposure of CBD during neuronal differentiation could sensitize immature cells to future challenges with neurotoxins.

A High Proliferation Rate is Critical for Reproducible and Standardized Embryoid Body Formation from Laminin-521-Based Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Cultures.

PubMed

Dziedzicka, Dominika; Markouli, Christina; Barbé, Lise; Spits, Claudia; Sermon, Karen; Geens, Mieke

2016-12-01

When aiming for homogenous embryoid body (EB) differentiation, the use of equal-sized EBs is required to avoid a size-induced differentiation bias. In this study we developed an efficient and standardized EB formation protocol for human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC) cultured in a laminin-521-based xeno-free system. As the cell proliferation rate of the cells growing on laminin-521 strongly affected the efficiency of aggregate formation, we found that recently passaged cells, as well as the addition of ROCK inhibitor, were essential for reproducible EB formation from hPSC single-cell suspensions. EBs could be obtained in a variety of differentiation media, in 96-well round-bottom plates and in hanging drops. Gene expression studies on differentially sized EBs from three individual human embryonic stem cell lines demonstrated that the medium used for differentiation influenced the differentiation outcome to a much greater extent than the number of cells used for the initial EB formation. Our findings give a new insight into factors that influence the EB formation and differentiation process. This optimized method allows us to easily manipulate EB formation and provide an excellent starting point for downstream EB-based differentiation protocols.

Yolk Sac Mesenchymal Progenitor Cells from New World Mice (Necromys lasiurus) with Multipotent Differential Potential

PubMed Central

Favaron, Phelipe Oliveira; Mess, Andrea; Will, Sônia Elisabete; Maiorka, Paulo César; de Oliveira, Moacir Franco; Miglino, Maria Angelica

2014-01-01

Fetal membranes are abundant, ethically acceptable and readily accessible sources of stem cells. In particular, the yolk sac is a source of cell lineages that do not express MHCs and are mainly free from immunological incompatibles when transferred to a recipient. Although data are available especially for hematopoietic stem cells in mice and human, whereas other cell types and species are dramatically underrepresented. Here we studied the nature and differentiation potential of yolk sac derived mesenchymal stem cells from a New World mouse, Necromys lasiurus. Explants from mid-gestation were cultured in DMEM-High glucose medium with 10% defined fetal bovine serum. The cells were characterized by standard methods including immunophenotyping by fluorescence and flow cytometry, growth and differentiation potential and tumorigenicity assays. The first adherent cells were observed after 7 days of cell culture and included small, elongated fibroblast-like cells (92.13%) and large, round epithelial-like cells with centrally located nuclei (6.5%). Only the fibroblast-like cells survived the first passages. They were positive to markers for mesenchymal stem cells (Stro-1, CD90, CD105, CD73) and pluripotency (Oct3/4, Nanog) as well as precursors of hematopoietic stem cells (CD117). In differentiation assays, they were classified as a multipotent lineage, because they differentiated into osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic lineages and, finally, they did not develop tumors. In conclusion, mesenchymal progenitor cells with multipotent differentiation potential and sufficient growth and proliferation abilities were able to be obtained from Necromys yolk sacs, therefore, we inferred that these cells may be promising for a wide range of applications in regenerative medicine. PMID:24918429

Effects of inorganic lead on the differentiation and growth of cultured hippocampal and neuroblastoma cells.

PubMed

Audesirk, T; Audesirk, G; Ferguson, C; Shugarts, D

1991-01-01

Lead exposure has devastating effects on the developing nervous system, and has been implicated in variety of behavioral and cognitive deficits as well as neural morphological abnormalities. Since lead impacts many calcium-dependent processes, one likely mechanism of lead toxicity is its disruption of calcium dependent processes, among which is neuronal differentiation. We investigated the effects of inorganic lead on survival and several parameters of differentiation of cultured neurons. Three different cell types were used: Rat hippocampal neurons (a primary CNS cell type), B50 rat neuroblastoma cells (a transformed CNS-derived cell line), and N1E-115 mouse neuroblastoma cells (a transformed peripherally-derived cell line). Lead concentrations ranged from low nM to 1 mM. Lead effects differed considerably among the three cell types, with B50 cells least affected. Lead effects were generally multimodal, with fewest effects observed at intermediate concentrations. Lead inhibited neurite initiation in hippocampal neurons, but stimulated initiation in N1E-115 cells. In those cells that differentiated, lead increased dendrite numbers in hippocampal neurons and neurite numbers in N1E-115 cells. Lead exposure increased both the length and the degree of branching of axons in hippocampal neurons and the length of neurites in N1E-115 cells. We hypothesize that lead impacts multiple regulatory processes that influence neuron survival and differentiation, and that its effects show differing dose-dependencies. The differing responses of the different cell types to lead suggests that differentiation may be regulated in different ways by the three types of cells. Alternatively, or additionally, the cell types may differ in their ability to compensate for, sequester, or expel lead.

Establishment of a cell model of X-linked sideroblastic anemia using genome editing.

PubMed

Kaneko, Kiriko; Kubota, Yoshiko; Nomura, Kazumi; Hayashimoto, Haruka; Chida, Taisei; Yoshino, Naoto; Wayama, Marina; Ogasawara, Katsutoshi; Nakamura, Yukio; Tooyama, Ikuo; Furuyama, Kazumichi

2018-06-13

ALAS2 gene mutations cause X-linked sideroblastic anemia. The presence of ring sideroblasts in a patient's bone marrow is the hallmark of sideroblastic anemia, but the precise mechanisms underlying sideroblast formation are largely unknown. Using a genome editing system, a mutation was introduced in the erythroid-specific enhancer of the ALAS2 gene in HUDEP2 cells, which were derived from human umbilical stem cells and can produce erythrocytes. The established cell line, termed HA2low, expressed less ALAS2 mRNA than did wild-type cells, even after erythroid differentiation. Although the mRNA expression of α-globin, β-globin, and the mitochondrial iron importer mitoferrin-1 was induced similarly in wild-type and HA2low cells, hemoglobinization of differentiated cells was limited in HA2low cells compared to wild-type cells. Importantly, Prussian blue staining revealed that approximately one-third of differentiated HA2low cells exhibited intracellular iron deposition, and these cells looked like ring sideroblasts. Electron microscopy confirmed that the mitochondria in HA2low cells contained high-density deposits that might contain iron. Ring sideroblastic cells appeared among HA2low cells only after differentiation, while the induced expression of mitochondrial ferritin was observed in both cell types during differentiation. These results suggest that the induction of mitochondrial ferritin expression might be essential for, but not the primary cause of, ring sideroblast formation. Our results also suggest that the insufficient supply of protoporphyrin IX due to ALAS2 deficiency, in combination with increased iron import into mitochondria during erythroid differentiation, results in the formation of ring sideroblasts. Furthermore, HA2low cells are a useful tool for characterizing ring sideroblasts in vitro. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Transplantation of reprogrammed embryonic stem cells improves visual function in a mouse model for retinitis pigmentosa.

PubMed

Wang, Nan-Kai; Tosi, Joaquin; Kasanuki, Jennifer Mie; Chou, Chai Lin; Kong, Jian; Parmalee, Nancy; Wert, Katherine J; Allikmets, Rando; Lai, Chi-Chun; Chien, Chung-Liang; Nagasaki, Takayuki; Lin, Chyuan-Sheng; Tsang, Stephen H

2010-04-27

To study whether C57BL/6J-Tyr/J (C2J) mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells can differentiate into retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in vitro and then restore retinal function in a model for retinitis pigmentosa: Rpe65/Rpe65 C57BL6 mice. Yellow fluorescent protein (YFP)-labeled C2J ES cells were induced to differentiate into RPE-like structures on PA6 feeders. RPE-specific markers are expressed from differentiated cells in vitro. After differentiation, ES cell-derived RPE-like cells were transplanted into the subretinal space of postnatal day 5 Rpe65/Rpe65 mice. Live imaging of YFP-labeled C2J ES cells demonstrated survival of the graft. Electroretinograms (ERGs) were performed on transplanted mice to evaluate the functional outcome of transplantation. RPE-like cells derived from ES cells sequentially express multiple RPE-specific markers. After transplantation, YFP-labeled cells can be tracked with live imaging for as long as 7 months. Although more than half of the mice were complicated with retinal detachments or tumor development, one fourth of the mice showed increased electroretinogram responses in the transplanted eyes. Rpe65/Rpe65 mice transplanted with RPE-like cells showed significant visual recovery during a 7-month period, whereas those injected with saline, PA6 feeders, or undifferentiated ES cells showed no rescue. ES cells can differentiate, morphologically, and functionally, into RPE-like cells. Based on these findings, differentiated ES cells have the potential for the development of new therapeutic approaches for RPE-specific diseases such as certain forms of retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration. Nevertheless, stringent control of retinal detachment and teratoma development will be necessary before initiation of treatment trials.

Differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells from dissociated monolayer and feeder-free cultured pluripotent stem cells.

PubMed

Yamashita, Tomoko; Miyamoto, Yuki; Bando, Yoshio; Ono, Takashi; Kobayashi, Sakurako; Doi, Ayano; Araki, Toshihiro; Kato, Yosuke; Shirakawa, Takayuki; Suzuki, Yutaka; Yamauchi, Junji; Yoshida, Shigetaka; Sato, Naoya

2017-01-01

Oligodendrocytes myelinate axons and form myelin sheaths in the central nervous system. The development of therapies for demyelinating diseases, including multiple sclerosis and leukodystrophies, is a challenge because the pathogenic mechanisms of disease remain poorly understood. Primate pluripotent stem cell-derived oligodendrocytes are expected to help elucidate the molecular pathogenesis of these diseases. Oligodendrocytes have been successfully differentiated from human pluripotent stem cells. However, it is challenging to prepare large amounts of oligodendrocytes over a short amount of time because of manipulation difficulties under conventional primate pluripotent stem cell culture methods. We developed a proprietary dissociated monolayer and feeder-free culture system to handle pluripotent stem cell cultures. Because the dissociated monolayer and feeder-free culture system improves the quality and growth of primate pluripotent stem cells, these cells could potentially be differentiated into any desired functional cells and consistently cultured in large-scale conditions. In the current study, oligodendrocyte progenitor cells and mature oligodendrocytes were generated within three months from monkey embryonic stem cells. The embryonic stem cell-derived oligodendrocytes exhibited in vitro myelinogenic potency with rat dorsal root ganglion neurons. Additionally, the transplanted oligodendrocyte progenitor cells differentiated into myelin basic protein-positive mature oligodendrocytes in the mouse corpus callosum. This preparative method was used for human induced pluripotent stem cells, which were also successfully differentiated into oligodendrocyte progenitor cells and mature oligodendrocytes that were capable of myelinating rat dorsal root ganglion neurons. Moreover, it was possible to freeze, thaw, and successfully re-culture the differentiating cells. These results showed that embryonic stem cells and human induced pluripotent stem cells maintained in a dissociated monolayer and feeder-free culture system have the potential to generate oligodendrocyte progenitor cells and mature oligodendrocytes in vitro and in vivo. This culture method could be applied to prepare large amounts of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells and mature oligodendrocytes in a relatively short amount of time.

In vitro cementoblast-like differentiation of postmigratory neural crest-derived p75{sup +} stem cells with dental follicle cell conditioned medium

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wen, Xiujie; Liu, Luchuan; Deng, Manjing

Cranial neural crest-derived cells (CNCCs) play important role in epithelial–mesenchymal interactions during tooth morphogenesis. However, the heterogeneity of CNCCs and their tendency to spontaneously differentiate along smooth muscle or osteoblast lineages in vitro limit further understanding of their biological properties. We studied the differentiation properties of isolated rat embryonic postmigratory CNCCs, expressing p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR). These p75NTR positive (p75{sup +}) CNCCs, isolated using fluorescence activated cell sorter, exhibited fibroblast-like morphology and characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells. Incubation of p75{sup +} CNCCs in dental follicle cell conditioned medium (DFCCM) combined with dentin non-collagenous proteins (dNCPs), altered their morphological features tomore » cementoblast-like appearance. These cells also showed low proliferative activity, high ALP activity and significantly increased calcified nodule formation. Markers related to mineralization or specific to cementoblast lineage were highly expressed in dNCPs/DFCCM-treated p75{sup +} cells, suggesting their differentiation along cementoblast-like lineage. p75{sup +} stem cells selected from postmigratory CNCCs represent a pure stem cell population and could be used as a stem cell model for in vitro studies due to their intrinsic ability to differentiate to neuronal cells and transform from neuroectoderm to ectomesenchyme. They can provide a potential stem cell resource for tooth engineering studies and help to further investigate mechanisms of epithelial–mesenchymal interactions in tooth morphogenesis. - Highlights: • Cranial neural crest-derived cells (CNCCs) take part in tooth morphogenesis. • positive (p75{sup +}) CNCCs are fibroblast-like and resemble mesenchymal stem cells. • p75{sup +} CNCCs in dental follicle cell medium (DFCCM/dNCP) appear like cementoblasts. • DFCCM/dNCP-treated p75{sup +} cells express cementoblast specific mineralization markers. • p75{sup +} cells are pure stem cells and able to differentiate to neuronal cells.« less

Disruption of Testis Cords by Cyclopamine or Forskolin Reveals Independent Cellular Pathways in Testis Organogenesis

PubMed Central

Yao, Humphrey Hung-Chang; Capel, Blanche

2014-01-01

Most studies to date indicate that the formation of testis cords is critical for proper Sertoli cell differentiation, inhibition of germ cell meiosis, and regulation of Leydig cell differentiation. However, the connections between these events are poorly understood. The objective of this study was to dissect the molecular and cellular relationships between these events in testis formation. We took advantage of the different effects of two hedgehog signaling inhibitors, cyclopamine and forskolin, on gonad explant cultures. Both hedgehog inhibitors phenocopied the disruptive effect of Dhh−/− on formation of testis cords without influencing Sertoli cell differentiation. However, they exhibited different effects on other cellular events during testis development. Treatment with cyclopamine did not affect inhibition of germ cell meiosis and mesonephric cell migration but caused defects in Leydig cell differentiation. In contrast, forskolin treatment induced germ cell meiosis, inhibited mesonephric cell migration, and had no effect on Leydig cell differentiation. By carefully contrasting the different effects of these two hedgehog inhibitors, we demonstrate that although formation of testis cords and development of other cell types normally take place in a tightly regulated sequence, each of these events can occur independent of the others. PMID:12051821

Jab1 regulates Schwann cell proliferation and axonal sorting through p27

PubMed Central

Porrello, Emanuela; Rivellini, Cristina; Dina, Giorgia; Triolo, Daniela; Del Carro, Ubaldo; Ungaro, Daniela; Panattoni, Martina; Feltri, Maria Laura; Wrabetz, Lawrence; Pardi, Ruggero; Quattrini, Angelo

2014-01-01

Axonal sorting is a crucial event in nerve formation and requires proper Schwann cell proliferation, differentiation, and contact with axons. Any defect in axonal sorting results in dysmyelinating peripheral neuropathies. Evidence from mouse models shows that axonal sorting is regulated by laminin211– and, possibly, neuregulin 1 (Nrg1)–derived signals. However, how these signals are integrated in Schwann cells is largely unknown. We now report that the nuclear Jun activation domain–binding protein 1 (Jab1) may transduce laminin211 signals to regulate Schwann cell number and differentiation during axonal sorting. Mice with inactivation of Jab1 in Schwann cells develop a dysmyelinating neuropathy with axonal sorting defects. Loss of Jab1 increases p27 levels in Schwann cells, which causes defective cell cycle progression and aberrant differentiation. Genetic down-regulation of p27 levels in Jab1-null mice restores Schwann cell number, differentiation, and axonal sorting and rescues the dysmyelinating neuropathy. Thus, Jab1 constitutes a regulatory molecule that integrates laminin211 signals in Schwann cells to govern cell cycle, cell number, and differentiation. Finally, Jab1 may constitute a key molecule in the pathogenesis of dysmyelinating neuropathies. PMID:24344238

Production of stable GFP-expressing neural cells from P19 embryonal carcinoma stem cells.

PubMed

Shirzad, Hedayatollah; Esmaeili, Fariba; Bakhshalizadeh, Shabnam; Ebrahimie, Marzieh; Ebrahimie, Esmaeil

2017-04-01

Murine P19 embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells are convenient to differentiate into all germ layer derivatives. One of the advantages of P19 cells is that the exogenous DNA can be easily inserted into them. Here, at the first part of this study, we generated stable GFP-expressing P19 cells (P19-GFP + ). FACS and western-blot analysis confirmed stable expression of GFP in the cells. We previously demonstrated the efficient induction of neuronal differentiation from mouse ES and EC cells by application of a neuroprotective drug, selegiline In the second part of this study selegiline was used to induce differentiation of P19-GFP + into stable GFP-expressing neuron-like cells. Cresyl violet staining confirmed neuronal morphology of the differentiated cells. Furthermore, real-time PCR and immunoflourescence approved the expression of neuron specific markers. P19-GFP + cells were able to survive, migrate and integrated into host tissues when transplanted to developing chick embryo CNS. The obtained live GFP-expressing cells can be used as an abundant source of developmentally pluripotent material for transplantation studies, investigating the cellular and molecular aspects of early differentiation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Bufalin inhibits the differentiation and proliferation of human osteosarcoma cell line hMG63-derived cancer stem cells.

PubMed

Chang, Yuewen; Zhao, Yongfang; Zhan, Hongsheng; Wei, Xiaoen; Liu, Tianjin; Zheng, Bo

2014-02-01

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play an important role in drug resistance of tumor and are responsible for high recurrence rates. Agents that can suppress the proliferation and differentiation of CSCs would provide new opportunity to fight against tumor recurrence. In this study, we developed a new strategy to enrich CSCs in human osteosarcoma cell line hMG63. Using these CSCs as model, we tested the effect of bufalin, a traditional Chinese medicine, on the proliferation and differentiation of CSCs. hMG63 cells were cultured in poly-HEMA-treated dish and cancer stem cell-specific medium. In this nonadhesive culture system, hMG63 formed spheres, which were then collected and injected into the immunodeficient mice. Cisplatin was administered every 3 days for five times. The enriched xenograft tumors were cultured in cancer stem cell-specific medium again to form tumor spheres. Expression of cancer stem cell markers of these cells was measured by flow cytometry. These cells were then treated with bufalin, and the proliferation and differentiation ability were indicated by the expression level of molecular markers and the formation of sphere again in vitro. We obtained a low CD133+/CD44 cell population with high-level stem cell marker. When treated with bufalin, the sphere could not get attached to the flask and failed to differentiate, which was indicated by the stable expression of stem cell marker CD133 and OCT-4 in the condition permissive to differentiation. Treatment of bufalin also suppressed the single cells isolated from the sphere to form sphere again in the nonadhesive culture system, and a decreased expression of proliferation marker Ki67 was also detected in these cells. Sphere-formed and chemoresistant colon xenograft tumors in immunodeficient mice could enrich cancer stem cell population. Bufalin could inhibit proliferation and differentiation of CSCs.

Paracrine Pathways in Uterine Leiomyoma Stem Cells Involve Insulinlike Growth Factor 2 and Insulin Receptor A.

PubMed

Moravek, Molly B; Yin, Ping; Coon, John S; Ono, Masanori; Druschitz, Stacy A; Malpani, Saurabh S; Dyson, Matthew T; Rademaker, Alfred W; Robins, Jared C; Wei, Jian-Jun; Kim, J Julie; Bulun, Serdar E

2017-05-01

Uterine leiomyomas (fibroids) are the most common benign tumors in women. Recently, three populations of leiomyoma cells were discovered on the basis of CD34 and CD49b expression, but molecular differences between these populations remain unknown. To define differential gene expression and signaling pathways in leiomyoma cell populations. Cells from human leiomyoma tissue were sorted by flow cytometry into three populations: CD34+/CD49b+, CD34+/CD49b-, and CD34-/CD49b-. Microarray gene expression profiling and pathway analysis were performed. To investigate the insulinlike growth factor (IGF) pathway, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting, and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation studies were performed in cells isolated from fresh leiomyoma. Research laboratory. Eight African American women. None. Gene expression patterns, cell proliferation, and differentiation. A total of 1164 genes were differentially expressed in the three leiomyoma cell populations, suggesting a hierarchical differentiation order whereby CD34+/CD49b+ stem cells differentiate to CD34+/CD49b- intermediary cells, which then terminally differentiate to CD34-/CD49b- cells. Pathway analysis revealed differential expression of several IGF signaling pathway genes. IGF2 was overexpressed in CD34+/CD49b- vs CD34-/CD49b- cells (83-fold; P < 0.05). Insulin receptor A (IR-A) expression was higher and IGF1 receptor lower in CD34+/CD49b+ vs CD34-/CD49b- cells (15-fold and 0.35-fold, respectively; P < 0.05). IGF2 significantly increased cell number (1.4-fold; P < 0.001), proliferation indices, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation. ERK inhibition decreased IGF2-stimulated cell proliferation. IGF2 and IR-A are important for leiomyoma stem cell proliferation and may represent paracrine signaling between leiomyoma cell types. Therapies targeting the IGF pathway should be investigated for both treatment and prevention of leiomyomas. Copyright © 2017 by the Endocrine Society

Transplantation of cells from eye-like structures differentiated from embryonic stem cells in vitro and in vivo regeneration of retinal ganglion-like cells.

PubMed

Aoki, Hitomi; Hara, Akira; Niwa, Masayuki; Motohashi, Tsutomu; Suzuki, Takashi; Kunisada, Takahiro

2008-02-01

An embryonic stem (ES) cell-derived eye-like structure, made up of neural retinal lineage cells, retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, and lens cells was constructed in our laboratory. We have shown that cells from these eye-like structures can be integrated into the developing optic vesicle of chicks. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the cells from these eye-like structures can differentiate into retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) when transplanted into the vitreous of an injured adult mouse retina. ES cells were induced to differentiate into eye-like structures in vitro for 6 or 11 days. Recipient mouse eyes were injected with NMDA to injure the RGCs prior to the transplantation. Sham-treated eyes received the same amount of carrier vehicle. Cells were extracted from the eye-like structures and transplanted into the vitreous of damaged and control eyes. The host eyes were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively by immunohistochemistry 10 days or 8 weeks after transplantation. Cells from the ES cell-derived eye-like structures were integrated into the RGC layer, and differentiated into neurons when transplanted into control (non-NMDA-treated) adult eyes. However, they rarely expressed RGC markers. When they were transplanted into NMDA-treated eyes, the cells spread on the surface of the retina and covered a relatively large area of the host RGC layer that had been injured by the NMDA. The cells from the ES cell-derived eye cells frequently differentiated into cells expressing RGC-specific markers, and formed a new RGC layer. In addition, a small number of these ES cell-derived cells were observed to extend axon-like processes toward the optic disc of the host. However, visually evoked responses could not be recorded from the visual cortex. These findings suggest that ES cell-derived eye-like structures contain cells that can differentiate into RG-like cells and regenerate a new RGC layer. These cells also appeared to be integrated into the retina and extend axon-like processes toward the optic nerve head.

A 3D Cellular Automaton for Cell Differentiation in a Solid Tumor with Plasticity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Margarit, David H.; Romanelli, Lilia; Fendrik, Alejandro J.

A model with spherical symmetry is proposed. We analyze the appropriate parameters of cell differentiation for different kinds of cells (Cancer Stem Cells (CSC) and Differentiated Cells (DC)). The plasticity (capacity to return from a DC to its previous state of CSC) is taken into account. Following this hypothesis, the dissemination of CSCs to another organ is analyzed. The location of the cells in the tumor and the plasticity range for possible metastasis is discussed.

DR-nm23 expression affects neuroblastoma cell differentiation, integrin expression, and adhesion characteristics.

PubMed

Amendola, R; Martinez, R; Negroni, A; Venturelli, D; Tanno, B; Calabretta, B; Raschellà, G

2001-01-01

Nm23 gene family has been associated with metastasis suppression and differentiation. We studied DR-nm23 during neuroblastoma cells differentiation. DR-nm23 expression increased after retinoic acid induction of differentiation in human cell lines SK-N-SH and LAN-5. In several cell lines, overexpression of DR-nm23 was associated with more differentiated phenotypes. SK-N-SH cells increased vimentin expression, increased deposition of collagen type IV, modulated integrin expression, and underwent growth arrest; the murine neuroblastoma cell line N1E-115 showed neurite outgrowth and a striking enhancement of beta1 integrin expression. Up-regulation of beta1 integrin was specifically responsible for the increase in the adhesion to collagen type I-coated plates. Finally, cells overexpressing DR-nm23 were unable to growth in soft agar. In conclusion, DR-nm23 expression is directly involved in differentiation of neuroblastoma cells, and its ability to affects the adhesion to extracellular substrates and to inhibit growth in soft agar suggests an involvement in the metastatic potential of neuroblastoma.

Network-based expression analyses and experimental validations revealed high co-expression between Yap1 and stem cell markers compared to differentiated cells.

PubMed

Dehghanian, Fariba; Hojati, Zohreh; Esmaeili, Fariba; Masoudi-Nejad, Ali

2018-05-21

The Hippo signaling pathway is identified as a potential regulatory pathway which plays critical roles in differentiation and stem cell self-renewal. Yap1 is a primary transcriptional effector of this pathway. The importance of Yap1 in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and differentiation procedure remains a challenging question, since two different observations have been reported. To answer this question we used co-expression network and differential co-expression analyses followed by experimental validations. Our results indicate that Yap1 is highly co-expressed with stem cell markers in ESCs but not in differentiated cells (DCs). The significant Yap1 down-regulation and also translocation of Yap1 into the cytoplasm during P19 differentiation was also detected. Moreover, our results suggest the E2f7, Lin28a and Dppa4 genes as possible regulatory nuclear factors of Hippo pathway in stem cells. The present findings are actively consistent with studies that suggested Yap1 as an essential factor for stem cell self-renewal. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The APC/C Coordinates Retinal Differentiation with G1 Arrest through the Nek2-Dependent Modulation of Wingless Signaling.

PubMed

Martins, Torcato; Meghini, Francesco; Florio, Francesca; Kimata, Yuu

2017-01-09

The cell cycle is coordinated with differentiation during animal development. Here we report a cell-cycle-independent developmental role for a master cell-cycle regulator, the anaphase-promoting complex or cyclosome (APC/C), in the regulation of cell fate through modulation of Wingless (Wg) signaling. The APC/C controls both cell-cycle progression and postmitotic processes through ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis. Through an RNAi screen in the developing Drosophila eye, we found that partial APC/C inactivation severely inhibits retinal differentiation independently of cell-cycle defects. The differentiation inhibition coincides with hyperactivation of Wg signaling caused by the accumulation of a Wg modulator, Drosophila Nek2 (dNek2). The APC/C degrades dNek2 upon synchronous G1 arrest prior to differentiation, which allows retinal differentiation through local suppression of Wg signaling. We also provide evidence that decapentaplegic signaling may posttranslationally regulate this APC/C function. Thus, the APC/C coordinates cell-fate determination with the cell cycle through the modulation of developmental signaling pathways. Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

DNA replication fading as proliferating cells advance in their commitment to terminal differentiation.

PubMed

Estefanía, Monturus Ma; Ganier, Olivier; Hernández, Pablo; Schvartzman, Jorge B; Mechali, Marcel; Krimer, Dora B

2012-01-01

Terminal differentiation is the process by which cycling cells stop proliferating to start new specific functions. It involves dramatic changes in chromatin organization as well as gene expression. In the present report we used cell flow cytometry and genome wide DNA combing to investigate DNA replication during murine erythroleukemia-induced terminal cell differentiation. The results obtained indicated that the rate of replication fork movement slows down and the inter-origin distance becomes shorter during the precommitment and commitment periods before cells stop proliferating and accumulate in G1. We propose this is a general feature caused by the progressive heterochromatinization that characterizes terminal cell differentiation.

Osteogenically differentiated mesenchymal stem cells and ceramics for bone tissue engineering.

PubMed

Ohgushi, Hajime

2014-02-01

In the human body, cells having self-renewal and multi-differentiation capabilities reside in many tissues and are called adult stem cells. In bone marrow tissue, two types of stem cells are well known: hematopoietic stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Though the number of MSCs in bone marrow tissue is very low, it can be increased by in vitro culture of the marrow, and culture-expanded MSCs are available for various tissue regeneration. The culture-expanded MSCs can further differentiate into osteogenic cells such as bone forming osteoblasts by culturing the MSCs in an osteogenic medium. This paper discusses osteogenically differentiated MSCs derived from the bone marrow of patients. Importantly, the differentiation can be achieved on ceramic surfaces which demonstrate mineralized bone matrix formation as well as appearance of osteogenic cells. The cell/matrix/ceramic constructs could show immediate in vivo bone formation and are available for bone reconstruction surgery. Currently, MSCs are clinically available for the regeneration of various tissues due to their high proliferation/differentiation capabilities. However, the capabilities are still limited and thus technologies to improve or recover the inherent capabilities of MSCs are needed.

Transdifferentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells into pancreatic cell lineage.

PubMed

Lee, Jeong Seok; An, Seong Yeong; Kwon, Il Keun; Heo, Jung Sun

2014-10-01

Human periodontal ligament-derived stem cells (PDLSCs) demonstrate self-renewal capacity and multilineage differentiation potential. In this study, we investigated the transdifferentiation potential of human PDLSCs into pancreatic islet cells. To form three-dimensional (3D) clusters, PDLSCs were cultured in Matrigel with media containing differentiation-inducing agents. We found that after 6 days in culture, PDLSCs underwent morphological changes resembling pancreatic islet-like cell clusters (ICCs). The morphological characteristics of PDLSC-derived ICCs were further assessed using scanning electron microscopy analysis. Using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis, we found that pluripotency genes were downregulated, whereas early endoderm and pancreatic differentiation genes were upregulated, in PDLSC-derived ICCs compared with undifferentiated PDLSCs. Furthermore, we found that PDLSC-derived ICCs were capable of secreting insulin in response to high concentrations of glucose, validating their functional differentiation into islet cells. Finally, we also performed dithizone staining, as well as immunofluorescence assays and fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis for pancreatic differentiation markers, to confirm the differentiation status of PDLSC-derived ICCs. These results demonstrate that PDLSCs can transdifferentiate into functional pancreatic islet-like cells and provide a novel, alternative cell population for pancreatic repair. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.