The tumorigenicity of diploid and aneuploid human pluripotent stem cells

Human embryonic stem cells (HESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (HiPSCs) offer an immense potential as a source of cells for regenerative medicine. However, the ability of undifferentiated HESCs to produce tumors in vivo presents a major obstacle for the translation of this potential into clinical reality. Therefore, characterizing the nature of HESC-derived tumors, especially their malignant potential, is extremely important in order to evaluate the risk involved in their clinical use. Here we review recent observations on the tumorigenicity of human pluripotent stem cells. We argue that diploid, early passage, HESCs produce benign teratomas without undergoing genetic modifications. Conversely, HESCs that acquired genetic or epigenetic changes upon adaptation to in vitro culture can produce malignant teratocarcinomas. We discuss the molecular mechanisms of HESC tumorigenicity and suggest approaches to prevent tumor formation from these cells. We also discuss the differences in the tumorigenicity between mouse embryonic stem cells (MESCs) and HESCs, and suggest methodologies that may help to identify cellular markers for culture adapted HESCs.     

Differences between karyotypically normal and abnormal human embryonic stem cells

Objectives: To compare different biological characteristics of human embryonic stem cells (HESCs) between those with normal and those with abnormal karyotype. Materials and methods: Culture‐adapted HESCs (chHES‐3) with abnormal karyotype were compared with karyotypically normal cells, with regard to pluripotency and differentiation capacity, ultrastructure, growth characteristics, gene expression profiles and signalling pathways. Results: We found a new abnormal karyotype of HESCs. We observed that chHES‐3 cells with normal and abnormal karyotypes shared similarities in expression markers of pluripotency; however, karyotypically abnormal chHES‐3 cells had a tendency for differentiation towards ectoderm lineages and were easily maintained in suboptimal culturing conditions. Abnormal chHES‐3 cells displayed relatively mature cell organelles compared to normal cells, and karyotypically abnormal chHES‐3 cells had increased survival and population growth. Genes related to cell proliferation and apoptosis were up‐regulated, but genes associated with genetic instability (p53, Rb, BRCA1) were down‐regulated in the karyotypically abnormal cells. Conclusion: Karyotypically abnormal chHES‐3 cells had a more developed capacity for proliferation, resistance to apoptosis and less genetic stability compared to normal chHES‐3 cells and may be an excellent model for studying and characterizing initial stages that determine transition of embryonic stem cells into cancer stem cells.     

Adaptation to culture of human embryonic stem cells and oncogenesis in vivo

The application of human embryonic stem cells (HESCs) to provide differentiated cells for regenerative medicine will require the continuous maintenance of the undifferentiated stem cells for long periods in culture. However, chromosomal stability during extended passaging cannot be guaranteed, as recent cytogenetic studies of HESCs have shown karyotypic aberrations. The observed karyotypic aberrations probably reflect the progressive adaptation of self-renewing cells to their culture conditions. Genetic change that increases the capacity of cells to proliferate has obvious parallels with malignant transformation, and we propose that the changes observed in HESCs in culture reflect tumorigenic events that occur in vivo, particularly in testicular germ cell tumors. Further supporting a link between culture adaptation and malignancy, we have observed the formation of a chromosomal homogeneous staining region in one HESC line, a genetic feature almost a hallmark of cancer cells. Identifying the genes critical for culture adaptation may thus reveal key players for both stem cell maintenance in vitro and germ cell tumorigenesis in vivo.     

Studying Early Lethality of 45,XO (Turner's Syndrome) Embryos Using Human Embryonic Stem Cells

Turner''s syndrome (caused by monosomy of chromosome X) is one of the most common chromosomal abnormalities in females. Although 3% of all pregnancies start with XO embryos, 99% of these pregnancies terminate spontaneously during the first trimester. The common genetic explanation for the early lethality of monosomy X embryos, as well as the phenotype of surviving individuals is haploinsufficiency of pseudoautosomal genes on the X chromosome. Another possible mechanism is null expression of imprinted genes on the X chromosome due to the loss of the expressed allele. In contrast to humans, XO mice are viable, and fertile. Thus, neither cells from patients nor mouse models can be used in order to study the cause of early lethality in XO embryos. Human embryonic stem cells (HESCs) can differentiate in culture into cells from the three embryonic germ layers as well as into extraembryonic cells. These cells have been shown to have great value in modeling human developmental genetic disorders. In order to study the reasons for the early lethality of 45,XO embryos we have isolated HESCs that have spontaneously lost one of their sex chromosomes. To examine the possibility that imprinted genes on the X chromosome play a role in the phenotype of XO embryos, we have identified genes that were no longer expressed in the mutant cells. None of these genes showed a monoallelic expression in XX cells, implying that imprinting is not playing a major role in the phenotype of XO embryos. To suggest an explanation for the embryonic lethality caused by monosomy X, we have differentiated the XO HESCs in vitro an in vivo. DNA microarray analysis of the differentiated cells enabled us to compare the expression of tissue specific genes in XO and XX cells. The tissue that showed the most significant differences between the clones was the placenta. Many placental genes are expressed at much higher levels in XX cells in compare to XO cells. Thus, we suggest that abnormal placental differentiation as a result of haploinsufficiency of X-linked pseudoautosomal genes causes the early lethality in XO human embryos.     

单细胞测序分析人类胚胎干细胞神经分化的分子机制

目的 探讨人类胚胎干细胞(ESCs)分化为神经细胞的关键性靶基因及分子机制,为临床靶向治疗神经康复患者提供分子理论依据.方法 基于GEO数据平台芯片,采用单细胞测序方法(scRNA-seq),利用R语言从多分子维度(单细胞差异基因、蛋白互作网络和基因通路等)分析人类ESCs分化过程中的关键Marker基因并利用质控和数...     

Epigenetic memory and preferential lineage-specific differentiation in induced pluripotent stem cells derived from human pancreatic islet beta cells

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (HiPSCs) appear to be highly similar to human embryonic stem cells (HESCs). Using two genetic lineage-tracing systems, we demonstrate the generation of iPSC lines from human pancreatic islet beta cells. These reprogrammed cells acquired markers of pluripotent cells and differentiated into the three embryonic germ layers. However, the beta cell-derived iPSCs (BiPSCs) maintained open chromatin structure at key beta-cell genes, together with?a unique DNA methylation signature that distinguishes them from other PSCs. BiPSCs also demonstrated an increased ability to differentiate into insulin-producing cells both in?vitro and in?vivo, compared with ESCs and isogenic non-beta iPSCs. Our results suggest that the epigenetic memory may predispose?BiPSCs to differentiate more readily into insulin producing cells. These findings demonstrate that HiPSC phenotype may be influenced by their cells of origin, and suggest that their skewed differentiation potential may be advantageous for cell replacement therapy.     

Embryonic stem cells and retinal repair

In this review we examine the potential of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) for use in the treatment of retinal diseases involving photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). We outline the ontogenesis of target retinal cell types (RPE, rods and cones) and discuss how an understanding of developmental processes can inform our manipulation of ESCs in vitro. Due to their potential for cellular therapy, special emphasis is placed upon the derivation and culture of human embryonic stem cells (HESCs) and their differentiation towards a retinal phenotype. In terms of achieving this goal, we suggest that much of the success to date reflects permissive in vitro environments provided by established protocols for HESC derivation, propagation and neural differentiation. In addition, we summarise key factors that may be important for enhancing efficiency of retinal cell-type derivation from HESCs. The retina is an amenable component of the central nervous system (CNS) and as such, diseases of this structure provide a realistic target for the application of HESC-derived cellular therapy to the CNS. In order to further this goal, the second component of our review focuses on the cellular and molecular cues within retinal environments that may influence the survival and behaviour of transplanted cells. Our analysis considers both the potential barriers to transplant integration in the retina itself together with the remodelling in host visual centres that is known to accompany retinal dystrophy.     

Dynamics of gene expression during bone matrix formation in osteogenic cultures derived from human embryonic stem cells in vitro

Characterization of directed differentiation protocols is a prerequisite for understanding embryonic stem cell behavior, as they represent an important source for cell-based regenerative therapies. Studies have investigated the osteogenic potential of human embryonic stem cells (HESCs), building upon those using pre-osteoblastic cells, however no consensus exists as to whether differentiating HESCs behave in a similar manner to the traditionally used osteoblastic progenitors. Thus, the aim of the current investigation was to define the gene expression pattern of osteoblastic differentiating HESCs, treated with ascorbic acid phosphate, β-glycerophosphate and dexamethasone over a 25 day period. Characterization of the gene expression dynamics revealed a phasic pattern of bone-associated protein synthesis. Collagen type I and osteopontin were initially expressed in proliferating immature cells, whereas osterix was up-regulated at the end of active cellular proliferation. Subsequently, mineralization-associated proteins, bone sialoprotein and osteocalcin were detected. In light of this dynamic expression pattern, we concluded that two distinguishable phases occurred during osteogenic HESC differentiation; first, cellular proliferation and secretion of a pre-maturational matrix, and second the appearance of osteoprogenitors with characteristic extracellular matrix synthesis. Establishment of this model provided the foundation of a time-frame for the additional supplementation with growth factors, BMP2 and VEGF. BMP2 induced the expression of principle osteogenic factors, such as osterix, bone sialoprotein and osteocalcin, whereas VEGF had the converse effect on the gene expression pattern.     

A protocol describing the use of a recombinant protein-based, animal product-free medium (APEL) for human embryonic stem cell differentiation as spin embryoid bodies

In order to promote the uniform and reproducible differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (HESCs) in response to exogenously added growth factors, we have developed a method (spin embryoid bodies (EBs)) that uses a recombinant protein-based, animal product-free medium in which HESCs are aggregated by centrifugation to form EBs. In this protocol we describe the formulation of this medium, denoted APEL (Albumin Polyvinylalcohol Essential Lipids), and its use in spin EB differentiation of HESCs. We also describe a more economical variant, BPEL (Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) Polyvinylalchohol Essential Lipids), in which BSA replaces the recombinant human albumin. The integration of a medium that includes only defined and recombinant components with a defined number of cells to initiate EB formation results in a generally applicable, robust platform for growth factor-directed HESC differentiation.     

Dynamic changes in mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant enzymes during the spontaneous differentiation of human embryonic stem cells

Embryonic cells before implantation are exposed to a hypoxic condition and dependent on anaerobic metabolism. Human embryonic stem cells (HESCs) derived from pre-implantation blastocyst also grow well in hypoxic conditions. Expecting that the differentiating HESCs might mimic anaerobic-to-aerobic metabolic transition of the early human life, we examined the mitochondria-related changes in these cells. We observed that mitochondrial mass and mitochondrial DNA content were increased with differentiation, which was accompanied by the increase of the amount of ATP (4-fold) and its by-product reactive oxygen species (2.5-fold). The expression of various antioxidant enzymes including mitochondrial and cytoplasmic superoxide dismutases, catalase, and peroxiredoxins showed a dramatic change during the early differentiation. In conclusion, HESC differentiation was followed by dynamic changes in mitochondrial mass, ATP and ROS production, and antioxidant enzyme expressions. Therefore, the HESCs would serve as a good model to examine the mitochondrial biology during the early human differentiation.     

A method for genetic modification of human embryonic stem cells using electroporation

The ability to genetically modify human embryonic stem cells (HESCs) will be critical for their widespread use as a tool for understanding fundamental aspects of human biology and pathology and for their development as a platform for pharmaceutical discovery. Here, we describe a method for the genetic modification of HESCs using electroporation, the preferred method for introduction of DNA into cells in which the desired outcome is gene targeting. This report provides methods for cell amplification, electroporation, colony selection and screening. The protocol we describe has been tested on four different HESC lines, and takes approximately 4 weeks from electroporation to PCR screening of G418-resistant clones.