HDAC4基因甲基化对hMSCs向汗腺样细胞诱导转分化的影响

目的：探讨在诱导人骨髓间充质干细胞（hMSCs）转分化为汗腺样细胞过程中,组蛋白去乙酰化酶4（HDAC4）甲基化的改变及其对诱导转分化过程的影响。方法：选取人骨髓间充质干细胞系体外培养、扩增后,取第三代hMSCs与热休克处理的汗腺细胞进行Transwell+诱导因子的共培养。收集诱导后实验组的汗腺样细胞和同期对照组的hMSCs,采用甲基化特异性PCR（MSP）和飞行质谱（Mass Array）法检测HDAC4基因启动子区CpG岛甲基化状态的变化,随后采用甲基化抑制剂5-氮杂-2'-脱氧胞苷（5-aza-CdR,10 μmol/L）处理实验组hMSCs,对照组为同期培养的hMSCs,RT-PCR测定两组细胞HDAC4基因和癌胚抗原（CEA）基因的mRNA表达量。结果：诱导前hMSCs中HDAC4基因整体甲基化水平较高,探针cg2463009处CpG位点甲基化程度为0.901,诱导转分化后汗腺样细胞中HDAC4基因整体甲基化水平下降37%,甲基化程度为0.531;探针cg14823429处CpG位点甲基化程度由诱导前的0.687下降到0.386。5-aza-CdR处理48 h后,实验组HDAC4基因mRNA表达水平上调,与诱导转分化相关的CEA mRNA同期表达量也增强,与对照组相比差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。结论：HDAC4基因的甲基化参与了hMSCs转分化为汗腺样细胞过程的调控。     

Circadian Clock Genes Modulate Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation,Migration and Cell Cycle

Many of the components that regulate the circadian clock have been identified in organisms and humans. The influence of circadian rhythm (CR) on the regulation of stem cells biology began to be evaluated. However, little is known on the role of CR on human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSCs) properties. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of CR on the differentiation capacities of bone marrow hMSCs, as well as the regulation of cell cycle and migration capabilities. To that, we used both a chemical approach with a GSK-3β specific inhibitor (2’E,3’Z-6-bromoindirubin-3’-oxime, BIO) and a knockdown of CLOCK and PER2, two of the main genes involved in CR regulation. In these experimental conditions, a dramatic inhibition of adipocyte differentiation was observed, while osteoblastic differentiation capacities were not modified. In addition, cell migration was decreased in PER2^-/- cells. Lastly, downregulation of circadian clock genes induced a modification of the hMSCs cell cycle phase distribution, which was shown to be related to a change of the cyclin expression profile. Taken together, these data showed that CR plays a role in the regulation of hMSCs differentiation and division, and likely represent key factor in maintaining hMSCs properties.     

Expression of Betapapillomavirus Oncogenes Increases the Number of Keratinocytes with Stem Cell-Like Properties

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) of genus Betapapillomavirus (betaPV) are associated with nonmelanoma skin cancer development in epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV) and immunosuppressed patients. Epidemiological and molecular studies suggest a carcinogenic activity of betaPV during early stages of cancer development. Since viral oncoproteins delay and perturb keratinocyte differentiation, they may have the capacity to either retain or confer a “stem cell-like” state on oncogene-expressing cells. The aim of this study was to determine (i) whether betaPV alters the expression of cell surface markers, such as CD44 and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), that have been associated with epithelial stemness, and (ii) whether this confers functional stem cell-like properties to human cutaneous keratinocytes. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis revealed an increase in the number of cells with high CD44 and EpCAM expression in keratinocyte cultures expressing HPV type 8 (HPV8) oncogenes E2, E6, and E7. Particularly through E7 expression, a distinct increase in clonogenicity and in the formation and size of tumor spheres was observed, accompanied by reduction of the epithelial differentiation marker Calgranulin B. These stem cell-like properties could be attributed to the pool of CD44^high EpCAM^high cells, which was increased within the E7 cultures of HPV5, -8, and -20. Enhanced EpCAM levels were present in organotypic skin cultures of primary keratinocytes expressing E7 of the oncogenic HPV types HPV5, -8, and -16 and in clinical samples from EV patients. In conclusion, our data show that betaPV may increase the number of stem cell-like cells present during early carcinogenesis and thus enable the persistence and accumulation of DNA damage necessary to generate malignant stem cells.     

Effects of Methylation Status of CpG Sites within the HPV16 Long Control Region on HPV16-Positive Head and Neck Cancer Cells

ObjectiveTo map comprehensively the methylation status of the CpG sites within the HPV16 long control region (LCR) in HPV-positive cancer cells, and to explore further the effects of methylation status of HPV16 LCR on cell bioactivity and E6 and E7 expression. In addition, to analyze the methylation status of the LCR in HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) patients.ResultsHypermethylation status of the LCR in UM-SCC47 (79.8%) and CaSki cells (90.0%) and unmethylation status of the LCR in SiHa cells (0%) were observed. Upon demethylation, the cells with different methylation levels responded differently during growth, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest, as well as in terms of their E6 and E7 expression. In HPV16-positive OPSCC patients, the methylation rates were 9.5% in the entire LCR region, 13.9% in the 5′-LCR, 6.0% in the E6 enhancer, and 9.5% in the p97 promoter, and hypermethylation of p97 promoter was found in a subset of cases (20.0%, 2/10).ConclusionsOur study revealed two different methylation levels of the LCR in HPV16-positive cancer cells and OPSCC patients, which may represent different carcinogenesis mechanisms of HPV-positive cancers cells. Demethylating the meCpGs in HPV16 LCR might be a potential target for a subgroup of HPV16-positive patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.     

From spindle to spherical: Is spherical shape a potential predictor of human mesenchymal stem cells with increased differentiation capability?

Because human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) can proliferate indefinitely in an undifferentiated state and differentiate into various cell types, hMSCs are expected to be useful for cell replacement therapy. But the clinic application is limited by its differentiation efficiency of hMSCs. It has been proved that cells can be geometrically switched between gene programs for growth, apoptosis and differentiation. Previous studies showed that hMSCs started showing round when exposed to modeled microgravity (MMG), while their differentiation capability seemed enhanced simultaneously. Thus, this article briefly reviews such studies, and hypothesizes that “spherical shape” could be a potential predictor of hMSCs with potentiated differentiation capability.     

Clonal mesenchymal stem cells derived from human bone marrow can differentiate into hepatocyte‐like cells in injured livers of SCID mice

There is increasing evidence that human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) can be a valuable, transplantable source of hepatocytes. Most of the hMSCs preparations used in these studies were likely heterogeneous cell populations, isolated by adherence to plastic surfaces or by density gradient centrifugation. Therefore, the participation of other unknown trace cell populations cannot be rigorously discounted. Here we report the isolation and establishment of a cloned human MSC line (chMSC) from human bone marrow primary culture, through which we confirmed the hepatic differentiation capability of authentic hMSCs. chMSCs expressed markers of mesenchymal cells, but not markers of hematopoietic stem cells. In vitro, chMSCs can differentiate into either mesenchymal cells or cells exhibiting hepatocyte‐like phenotypes. When transplanted intrasplentically into carbon tetrachloride‐injured livers of SCID mice, EGFP‐tagged chMSCs engrafted into the host liver parenchyma, exhibited typical hepatocyte morphology, form a three‐dimensional architecture, and differentiate into hepatocyte‐like cells expressing human albumin and α‐1‐anti‐trypsin. By confocal microscopy, ultrafine intercellular nanotubular structures were visible between adjacent transplanted and host hepatocytes. We postulate that these structures may assist in the phenotype conversion of chMSCs, possibly by exchange of cytoplasmic components between native hepatocytes and transplanted cells. Thus, a clonal pure population of hMSCs, which can be expanded in culture, may have potential as a cellular source for substitution damaged cells in hepatic injury. J. Cell. Biochem. 108: 693–704, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

The effects of culture on genomic imprinting profiles in human embryonic and fetal mesenchymal stem cells

Human embryonic stem (hES) cells and fetal mesenchymal stem cells (fMSC) offer great potential for regenerative therapy strategies. It is therefore important to characterize the properties of these cells in vitro. One major way the environment impacts on cellular physiology is through changes to epigenetic mechanisms. Genes subject to epigenetic regulation via genomic imprinting have been characterized extensively. The integrity of imprinted gene expression therefore provides a measurable index for epigenetic stability. Allelic expression of 26 imprinted genes and DNA methylation at associated differentially methylated regions (DMRs) was measured in fMSC and hES cell lines. Both cell types exhibited monoallelic expression of 13 imprinted genes, biallelic expression of six imprinted genes, and there were seven genes that differed in allelic expression between cell lines. fMSC s exhibited the differential DNA methylation patterns associated with imprinted expression. This was unexpected given that gene expression of several imprinted genes was biallelic. However, in hES cells, differential methylation was perturbed. These atypical methylation patterns did not correlate with allelic expression. Our results suggest that regardless of stem cell origin, in vitro culture affects the integrity of imprinted gene expression in human cells. We identify biallelic and variably expressed genes that may inform on overall epigenetic stability. As differential methylation did not correlate with imprinted expression changes we propose that other epigenetic effectors are adversely influenced by the in vitro environment. Since DMR integrity was maintained in fMSC but not hES cells, we postulate that specific hES cell derivation and culturing practices result in changes in methylation at DMRs.Key words: genomic imprinting, embryonic stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, differentiation, methylation, epigenetic stability     

Suppression in vivo of human papillomavirus type 18 E6-E7 gene expression in nontumorigenic HeLa X fibroblast hybrid cells.

The E6 and E7 genes of the cancer-associated human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 (HPV16) and 18 (HPV18) can induce cell immortalization in vitro in normal human keratinocytes. This, however, is not associated with tumorigenicity in vivo. On the other hand, tumorigenicity of HPV18-positive HeLa cervical carcinoma cells can be suppressed by fusion of HeLa cells with normal human keratinocytes or fibroblasts. We have addressed the question of whether suppression of tumorigenicity in HeLa x fibroblast hybrid cells might be due to a reduced ability of these cells to express the HPV18 E6-E7 genes in vivo. Nontumorigenic hybrid cells and tumorigenic hybrid segregants were transplanted as organotypical cultures or injected subcutaneously into immunocompromised mice and were analyzed for HPV18 E6-E7 gene expression by RNA-RNA in situ hybridization. The tumorigenic hybrid cells showed a continuous and invasive growth that was associated with high levels of HPV18 E6-E7 mRNAs at all time points examined. In contrast, the nontumorigenic hybrid cells stopped cell proliferation approximately 3 days after transplantation. At this time they expressed the E6-E7 genes at low levels, whereas at day 2 high expression levels were observed. However, the mRNA levels of the cytoskeletal genes beta-actin and vimentin remained high for at least 14 days, demonstrating that inhibition of growth and of HPV18 E6-E7 gene expression was not due to cell death. These results suggest that growth inhibition of the nontumorigenic HeLa x fibroblast hybrid cells in vivo might be caused by suppression of HPV18 E6-E7 gene expression and are compatible with the idea of an intracellular surveillance mechanism for HPV gene expression existing in nontumorigenic cells.     

The E6 and E7 genes of human papillomavirus type 6 have weak immortalizing activity in human epithelial cells.

Previous studies have shown that the E7 gene of human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 or 18 alone was sufficient for immortalization of human foreskin epithelial cells (HFE) and that the efficiency was increased in cooperation with the respective E6 gene, whereas the HPV6 E6 or E7 gene was not active in HFE. To detect weak immortalizing activities of the HPV6 genes, cells were infected with recombinant retroviruses containing HPV genes, alone and in homologous and heterologous combinations. The HPV6 genes, alone or together (HPV6 E6 plus HPV6 E7), were not able to immortalize cells. However the HPV6 E6 gene, in concert with HPV16 E7, increased the frequency of immortalization threefold over that obtained with HPV16 E7 alone. Interestingly, 6 of 20 clones containing the HPV16 E6 gene and the HPV6 E7 gene were immortalized, whereas neither gene alone was sufficient. Thus, the HPV6 E6 and E7 genes have weak immortalizing activities which can be detected in cooperation with the more active transforming genes of HPV16. Acute expression of the HPV6 and HPV16 E6 and E7 genes revealed that only HPV16 E7 was able to stimulate the proliferation of cells in organotypic culture, resulting in increased expression of the proliferative cell nuclear antigen and the formation of a disorganized epithelial layer. Additionally, combinations of genes that immortalized HFE cells (HPV16 E6 plus HPV16 E7, HPV16 E6 plus HPV6 E7, and HPV6 E6 plus HPV16 E7) also stimulated proliferation.