Embryoid body formation from embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells: Benefits of bioreactors

Embryonic stem (ES) cells have the ability to differentiate into all germ layers, holding great promise not only for a model of early embryonic development but also for a robust cell source for cell-replacement therapies and for drug screening. Embryoid body (EB) formation from ES cells is a common method for producing different cell lineages for further applications. However, conventional techniques such as hanging drop or static suspension culture are either inherently incapable of large scale production or exhibit limited control over cell aggregation during EB formation and subsequent EB aggregation. For standardized mass EB production, a well defined scale-up platform is necessary. Recently, novel scenario methods of EB formation in hydrodynamic conditions created by bioreactor culture systems using stirred suspension systems (spinner flasks), rotating cell culture system and rotary orbital culture have allowed large-scale EB formation. Their use allows for continuous monitoring and control of the physical and chemical environment which is difficult to achieve by traditional methods. This review summarizes the current state of production of EBs derived from pluripotent cells in various culture systems. Furthermore, an overview of high quality EB formation strategies coupled with systems for in vitro differentiation into various cell types to be applied in cell replacement therapy is provided in this review. Recently, new insights in induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell technology showed that differentiation and lineage commitment are not irreversible processes and this has opened new avenues in stem cell research. These cells are equivalent to ES cells in terms of both self-renewal and differentiation capacity. Hence, culture systems for expansion and differentiation of iPS cells can also apply methodologies developed with ES cells, although direct evidence of their use for iPS cells is still limited.     

Cluster characterization of mouse embryonic stem cell-derived pluripotent embryoid bodies in four distinct developmental stages

The formation of embryoid bodies (EBs) is the principal step in the differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells. In this study, the morphological characteristics and gene expression patterns of EBs related to the sequential stages of embryonic development were well defined in four distinct developmental groups over 112 days of culture: early-stage EBs groups (1–7 days of differentiation), mid-stage EBs groups (9–15 days of differentiation), maturing EBs groups (17–45 days of differentiation) and matured EBs groups (50 days of differentiation). We first determined definite histological location of apoptosis within EBs and the sequential expression of molecular markers representing stem cells (Oct4, SSEA-1, Sox-2 and AKP), germ cells (Fragilis, Dazl, c-kit, StellaR, Mvh and Stra8), ectoderm (Neurod, Nestin and Neurofilament), mesoderm (Gata-1, Flk-1 and Hbb) and endoderm (AFP and Transthyretin). Our results revealed that developing EBs possess either pluripotent stem cell or germ cell states and that three-dimensional aggregates of EBs initiate mES cell differentiation during prolonged culture in vitro. Therefore, we suggest that this EB system to some extent recapitulates the early developmental processes occurring in vivo.     

慢病毒介导的绿色荧光蛋白报告基因对人多能干细胞的生物风险评估研究

摘要 目的：探讨慢病毒介导的绿色荧光蛋白（GFP）标记人诱导多能干细胞（hiPSC）是否影响其细胞生物学特性,为多角度评价生物学风险提供实验基础。方法：慢病毒感染hiPSC后24小时,通过抗性基因表达筛选成功标记GFP的hiPSC。利用流式细胞分析法（FACS）检测GFP阳性的细胞比例。通过碱性磷酸酶染色检验干细胞的多能性,并通过免疫荧光染色检测多能性标记基因OCT4,NANOG,SOX2,SSEA4的表达情况。体外拟胚体分化实验检测GFP标记的hiPSC分化为不同胚层细胞的能力。结果：慢病毒感染不仅可以成功hiPSC标记上GFP,而且抗性基因表达筛选使GFP阳性细胞比例从37.5%提高到97.4%。AP染色和多能性标记基因的免疫染色证明标记后的细胞能维持多能性。体外分化实验显示感染后hiPSC可以形成拟胚体并实现三个胚层细胞共存。结论：慢病毒能够高效的标记hiPSC,并且不影响其多能性和拟胚体形成能力,可以用于后续的分化和细胞示踪研究。     

Activin A and Wnt-dependent specification of human definitive endoderm cells

Activin/Nodal and Wnt signaling are known to play important roles in the regional specification of endoderm. Here we have investigated the effect of the length of stimulation with Activin A plus Wnt3a on the development of hepatic and pancreatic progenitors from the definitive endoderm (DE) cells derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC). We show that DE-cells derived from hPSC with 3 days high Activin A and Wnt3a treatment were able to differentiate further into both tested endodermal lineages. When prolonging the DE-induction protocol from 3 to 5 or 7 days, almost pure DE-marker positive cell populations were obtained. However, these cells had an impaired pancreatic differentiation capacity, while they still developed into hepatocyte-like cells. Further propagation of the DE-cells in the presence of Wnt3a and Activin A led to the complete loss of differentiation capacity into hepatic or pancreatic lineages. When Wnt3a was removed after 24 h from the initiation of the differentiation, the cells were able to differentiate into PDX1+/NKX6.1+ pancreatic progenitors even with longer DE induction time while efficiency of hepatic differentiation was lower. Our results suggest that both the length and the timing of Wnt3a treatment during DE induction are crucial for the final differentiation outcome. Although it is possible to derive apparently pure DE cells with prolonged Activin A/Wnt-stimulation, their progenitor capacity is restricted to a limited time window.     

人诱导多能干细胞与人胚胎干细胞分化过程中Oct4/Nanog基因表达的比较

目的：比较通过慢病毒方法获得的人诱导多能性干细胞（iPSCs）与人胚胎干细胞（hESCs）分化过程中全能性基因Oct4、Nanog的表达变化。方法：收集分化不同时间点的拟胚体（EBs）,检测三胚层分化基因以及全能性基因Oct4/Nanog的表达,并通过畸胎瘤组织切片的荧光染色分析Oct4的表达。结果：iPSCs获得的EB中内外三胚层分化基因表达的出现明显晚于hESCs来源的EB。不同于hESCs,iPSCs悬浮培养获得的EBs在体外培养18天未见内源性Oct4、Nanog基因表达的下调。未分化的iPSCs注射严重联合免疫缺陷（SCID）小鼠培养10周后获得的畸胎瘤中仍存在Oct4阳性的细胞,但iPS-#2中明显少于iPS-#5。结论：通过慢病毒方法获得的iPSCs虽然具有向三胚层分化的能力,但在分化过程中仍维持较高水平的全能性基因Oct4、Nanog的表达。     

人诱导多能干细胞与人胚胎干细胞分化过程中Oct4/Nanog 基因表达的比较

目的:比较通过慢病毒方法获得的人诱导多能性干细胞(iPSCs)与人胚胎干细胞(hESCs)分化过程中全能性基因Oct4、Nanog的表达变化。方法:收集分化不同时间点的拟胚体(EBs),检测三胚层分化基因以及全能性基因Oct4/Nanog的表达,并通过畸胎瘤组织切片的荧光染色分析Oct4的表达。结果:iPSCs获得的EB中内外三胚层分化基因表达的出现明显晚于hESCs来源的EB。不同于hESCs,iPSCs悬浮培养获得的EBs在体外培养18天未见内源性Oct4、Nanog基因表达的下调。未分化的iPSCs注射严重联合免疫缺陷(SCID)小鼠培养10周后获得的畸胎瘤中仍存在Oct4阳性的细胞,但iPS-#2中明显少于iPS-#5。结论:通过慢病毒方法获得的iPSCs虽然具有向三胚层分化的能力,但在分化过程中仍维持较高水平的全能性基因Oct4、Nanog的表达。     

Temporal changes in the carbohydrates expressed on BG01 human embryonic stem cells during differentiation as embryoid bodies

Cell surface carbohydrates present on BG01 human embryonic stem cells after 28 days of differentiation were examined using two classes of carbohydrate binding proteins: lectins and antibodies specific for carbohydrate epitopes. Specificity of lectin staining was verified using carbohydrate ligands to block lectin interaction, glycohydrolases to cleave specific sugar residues that are receptors for these proteins, and periodate oxidation to destroy susceptible sugar residues. Specific antibodies were used to identify various tissue types and germ layers present in the 12- and 28-day differentiating embryoid bodies. Results from 12 and 28-day differentiated embryoid bodies were compared to determine changes over time. A slight increase in the sialylation of α-GalNAc was seen between 12 and 28 days of differentiation due to the presence of sialyl Tn and/or other sialylated α-GalNAc residues. Increases were also observed in GalNAc, the T antigen (Gal β1,3 GalNAc), and difucosylated LacNAc residues during this time interval. Additionally, some distinct differences in the pattern of lectin staining between 12 and 28 days were observed. Not unexpectedly, the presence of most differentiated cell-types increased during this time period with the exception of neural progenitors, which decreased. Undifferentiated cells, which were prevalent in the 12-day EBs, were undetectable after 28 days. We conclude that several changes in glycosylation occurred during the differentiation of embryonic stem cells, and that these changes may play a role in embryonic development. Lectin abbreviations can be found in Table 1.     

Neurogenic effect of vascular endothelial growth factor during germ layer formation of human embryonic stem cells

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a potent mitogen for vascular endothelial cells, has been suggested as a modulator that is involved in neurogenesis as well as angiogenesis. Here, we directly examined the effect of VEGF on neuroectodermal differentiation using human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). VEGF treatment upregulated the expression of neuroectodermal genes (Sox1 and Nestin) during germ layer formation in embryoid bodies (EBs) and efficiently increased the number of neural rosettes expressing both Pax6 and Nestin. The neural progenitors generated from VEGF-treated EBs further differentiated into cells that showed a similar pattern of gene expression observed in the development of dopaminergic neurons upon terminal differentiation. These results support the neurogenic effect of VEGF on hESC differentiation.     

Non-invasive label-free monitoring the cardiac differentiation of human embryonic stem cells in-vitro by Raman spectroscopy

Background

Online label-free monitoring of in-vitro differentiation of stem cells remains a major challenge in stem cell research. In this paper we report the use of Raman micro-spectroscopy (RMS) to measure time- and spatially-resolved molecular changes in intact embryoid bodies (EBs) during in-vitro cardiogenic differentiation.

Methods

EBs formed by aggregation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) were cultured in defined medium to induce differentiation towards cardiac phenotype and maintained in purpose-built micro-bioreactors on the Raman microscope for 5 days (between days 5 and 9 of differentiation) and spatially-resolved spectra were recorded at 24 h intervals.

Results

The Raman spectra showed that the onset of spontaneous beating of EBs at day 7 coincided with an increase in the intensity of the Raman bands at 1340 cm^− 1, 1083 cm^− 1, 937 cm^− 1, 858 cm^− 1, 577 cm^− 1 and 482 cm^− 1. The spectral maps corresponding to these bands had a high positive correlation with the expression of the cardiac-specific α-actinin obtained by immuno-fluorescence imaging of the same EBs. The spectral markers obtained here are also in agreement with previous studies performed on individual live hESC-derived CMs.

Conclusions

The intensity profile of these Raman bands can be used for label-free in-situ monitoring of EBs to estimate the efficacy of cardiogenic differentiation.

General significance

As the acquisition of the time-course Raman spectra did not affect the viability or the differentiation potential of the hESCs, this study demonstrates the feasibility of using RMS for on-line non-invasive continuous monitoring of such processes inside bioreactor culture systems.     

桥式PCR，一种简易连接DNA标签序列的方法

MAST方法采用人工文库的DNA标签序列鉴定mRNA的可接近位点。大量的标签序列通过扩增和克隆测序达到阐明mRNA结合位点图。设计了单一引物的PCR,其引物在标签序列两端结合搭桥,在扩增中DNA标签序列在搭桥引物的作用下进行连接,连接的标签序列再克隆和测序。十几条这样的连接产物包含了上千条标签序列。该PCR方法简单、高效以用于高通量的方式对标签序列测序。     

搅拌式生物反应器培养促进拟胚体的形成及其向心肌细胞分化

目的：摸索搅拌式生物反应器培养小鼠胚胎干细胞（mESC）的最佳条件,建立一种批量制备拟胚体（EB）的方法。方法：研究mESC不同接种密度及生物反应器初始搅拌速度对EB形成的数量和质量的影响,以细菌培养皿中形成的EB为对照,用抗坏血酸诱导其向心肌细胞分化,比较两种培养体系对EB心肌细胞分化潜能的影响,通过免疫荧光染色及RT PCR对ESC来源的心肌细胞进行鉴定。结果：当mESC接种密度为1×105~3×105个/ml,搅拌速度设定为15~30r/min时,搅拌式生物反应器能高效制备出大量相对均一的EB,EB中几乎没有坏死细胞。与细菌培养皿制备的EB相比,生物反应器培养的EB向心肌细胞分化的效率更高,并表达心肌特异性基因。结论：搅拌式生物反应器培养促进EB的形成及其向心肌细胞分化,是一种更为理想的EB培养系统。     

极小胚胎样干细胞的生物学特性

近年来,研究者从小鼠骨髓和其他组织脏器中分离并纯化了一类数量极其稀少的极小胚胎样干细胞（very small embryonic—like stem cells,VSELs）。VSELs不仅表达多能干细胞的表面分子标记,并能向3个胚层方向分化。有学者推测,VSELs可能是在哺乳动物组织／器官的发育早期迁移并定居下来的,且能在特定情况下向组织特异的单潜能干细胞方向分化。据此,VSELs可能在成体组织的更新和损伤组织的再生修复过程中发挥重要作用。     

胚胎干细胞起源的探讨

目前胚胎干细胞(ESCs)建系的取材来源包括桑椹胚的卵裂球、囊胚的内细胞团(ICM)、上胚层细胞和原始生殖细胞(PGCs),甚至从新生鼠睾丸细胞也分离得到类ES样细胞系。这就提出了一个问题,什么是ESCs最接近的体内细胞来源。传统观念常常把ESCs等同于ICM细胞,也有学者认为ESCs更象上胚层细胞,而在已知的分子标记基因方面,ESCs所具有的特征更接近体内早期生殖细胞。不清楚ESCs最接近的体内细胞来源,可能是制约许多品系小鼠和大多哺乳类动物建系成功率提高的原因之一。ESCs系与EG细胞系的分离条件不同表明,加强对ESCs多能性维持基因调控研究具有重要意义。本文从ESCs的经典概念及其发展,早期胚胎细胞和生殖细胞发育规律,早期胚胎细胞、早期生殖细胞和ESCs的关系等方面进行综合分析,认为ESCs可能有多种接近的体内细胞来源。进一步应通过对ESCs建系不同的取材细胞和不同品系的ESCs间进行比较研究,以便弄清ESCs的来源和转化机制,为提高不同物种ESCs建系效率提供理论支持。     

In vitro differentiation of murine embryonic stem cells into keratinocyte-like cells

Embryonic stem (ES) cells are omnipotent; they can differentiate into every cell type of the body. The development of culture conditions that allow their differentiation has made it conceivable to produce large numbers of cells with lineage-specific characteristics in vitro. Here, we describe a method by which murine ES cells can be differentiated into cells with characteristics of epidermal keratinocytes. Keratinocyte-like cells were isolated from embryoid bodies and grown in culture. Potential applications of this method are the in vitro differentiation of cells of interest from ES cells of mice with lethal phenotypes during embryonic development and the production of genetically modified epidermal keratinocytes that could be used as temporary wound dressing or as carriers of genes of interest in gene therapeutic treatments.     

人胚胎干细胞传代培养及细胞化学染色特性

目的 体外建立人胚胎干细胞传代培养方法,研究人胚胎干细胞细胞化学染色特性.方法 以小鼠胚胎成纤维细胞作为饲养层传代培养人胚胎干细胞,检测人胚胎干细胞、自发分化克隆及拟胚体的细胞化学染色特性.结果 人胚胎干细胞在小鼠胚胎成纤维细胞饲养层上传30代以上其形态保持不变;人胚胎十细胞碱性磷酸酶、过碘酸-雪夫反应、α-醋酸萘酚酯酶染色阳性,自发分化克隆细胞阳性程度明显减弱;人胚胎干细胞形成的拟胚体碱性磷酸酶染色弱阳性,过碘酸-雪夫反应、α-醋酸萘酚酯酶染色阳性.结论 小鼠胚胎成纤维细胞能支持人胚胎干细胞传代培养,细胞化学染色结果能初步鉴别人胚胎干细胞未分化特性.