Researches from different fields around the world are searching for both new sources of biomaterials and potential hepatocytes in order to supply drug tests, cell therapies, and cell transplantation as alternative therapeutic support to liver diseases and injuries. Placenta may be eligible as a new model in tissue engineering due to its rich extracellular matrix (ECM) and availability after birth. Placental scaffolds were produced by decellularization with 0.01, 0.1 and 1% SDS, and 1% Triton X-100 which were valued by means of structure and composition. Afterwards, placental scaffolds were co-cultured with mouse embryonic fibroblasts in a tridimensional (3D) rotating system. Placental scaffolds presented a well-preserved acellular ECM containing 9.42 ± 5.2 ng dsDNA per mg of ECM. Weak collagen I of the natives clearly appears in decellularized ECM while the collagen III, once well observed in native placenta, it was absent on scaffolds. This interesting observation may have been due to the solubilization SDS-induced of the collagen III fibrils during decellularization. Fibronectin was well-observed in placental scaffolds whereas laminin and collagen IV were strongly stained. Recellularized with fibroblasts by a 3D culture system, placental scaffolds showed potential for repopulation, with cells adhered throughout its acellular ECM. Placental scaffolds were then newly recellularized, aiming now for differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells into hepatic cells. In a protocol of 23 days, it was simulated major events of liver embryonic development by adding growth factors. As result, a high index of cells adhered, proliferated and migrated throughout outer and inner scaffolds ECM surface. Absence of Oct4 and Nanog showed that Activin A and Wnt3a (d0-6) induced primitive endoderm fate, and negative label for Foxa2 and Sox17 representing BMP4 and FGF2 (d6-10) differentiation-induced generating definitive endoderm cells. Also, FGF1, FGF4 and FG8b (d10-14) induced hepatoblast phenotype cells, that were observed positive for AFP and CK7 markers. Finally, HGF and FS-288 (d14-23) induced to hepatocyte-like cells, positive for CK18 and Alb markers. The hepatocyte-like cells functional aspects were observed by glycogen storage. Though a heterogeneous cell hepatic lineage was confirmed, mouse placental scaffolds shown a useful model to support recellularization with simultaneous differentiation into hepatic fate simulating phases of embryonic development. / Pesquisas de diferentes campos ao redor do Mundo estão em busca de novas fontes tanto de biomateriais, quanto de potenciais hepatócitos, a fim de suprir testes de drogas, terapias celulares e transplante de células, como suporte terapêutico alternativo para doenças e lesões hepáticas. Placentas podem ser elegíveis como um novo modelo em Engenharia Tecidual em decorrência de sua rica matriz extracelular (ECM), e disponibilidade após o nascimento. Os scaffolds placentários foram produzidos por decelularização com SDS 0,01, 0,1 e 1% e Triton X-100 1%, os quais foram avaliados por meio da estrutura e composição. Posteriormente, os scaffolds placentários foram co-cultivados com fibroblastos embrionários de camundongos em um sistema rotativo tridimensional (3D). Os scaffolds placentários apresentaram uma MEC acelular bem conservada, contendo 9,42 ± 5,2 ng/dsDNA/mg/MEC. O fraco colágeno I nos nativos aparece claramente na MEC descelularizada, enquanto o colágeno III bem visível na placenta nativa estava ausente nos scaffolds. Esta observação interessante pode decorrido da solubilização das fibrilas de colágeno III, induzida pelo SDS durante a decelularização. A fibronectina foi bem observada nos scaffolds placentários, enquanto a laminina e o colágeno IV estiveram fortemente marcados. Recelularizados com fibroblastos por um sistema de cultura 3D, os scaffolds placentários mostraram potencial para repovoamento, com células aderidas ao longo de sua MEC acelular. Os scaffolds placentários foram então novamente recelularizados, visando agora a diferenciação de células tronco-embrionárias de camundongos em células hepáticas. Em um protocolo de 23 dias, foram simulados os grandes eventos do desenvolvimento embrionário do fígado, pela adição de fatores de crescimento. Como resultado, um alto índice de células aderiu, proliferou e migrou através das superfícies externa e interna dos scaffolds. A ausência de Oct4 e Nanog demostraram que o Activin A e o Wnt3a (d0-6) induziram o destino endoderma primitivo, e a marcação negativa para Foxa2 e Sox17 representaram a geração de células endodermais definitivas pela diferenciação induzida por BMP4 e FGF2 (d6-10). Ainda, FGF1, FGF4 e FG8b (d10-14) induziram células do fenótipo hepatoblasto, que foram observadas positivas para os marcadores AFP e CK7. Finalmente, HGF e FS-288 (d14-23) induziram as células hepatocyte-like, positivas para os marcadores CK18 e Alb. The hepatocyte-like cells functional aspects were observed by glycogen storage. Though a heterogeneous cell hepatic lineage was confirmed, mouse placental scaffolds shown a useful model to support recellularization with simultaneous differentiation into hepatic fate simulating phases of embryonic development. Os aspectos funcionais das células hepatocyte-like foi observada pelo armazenamento de glicogênio. Embora uma linhagem hepática formada por células heterogêneas tenha sido confirmada, os scaffolds placentários de camundongos se mostraram um modelo útil para sustentar a recelularização com simultânea diferenciação em destino hepático, simulando fases do desenvolvimento embrionário.

Les cellules souches pluripotentes sont capables de donner naissance à tous les types cellulaires constituant un organisme, ce qui leur confère un fort intérêt thérapeutique. A partir de l’embryon de souris on peut en dériver deux types : les cellules souches embryonnaires (ES) au stade blastocyste et les cellules souches d’épiblaste (EpiSC) au stade œuf cylindre. Ces deux types de cellules partagent leurs propriétés pluripotentes mais se distinguent par de nombreux aspects comme leurs conditions de culture et les gènes qu’elles expriment. Nous avons montré que la reprogrammation par clonage par transfert de noyau permet d’obtenir des EpiSC présentant un méthylome et un transcriptome similaires à ceux des EpiSC issues d’embryons après fécondation. Nous avons également caractérisé le profil de méthylation de l’ADN des EpiSC, et montré une tendance à l’hyperméthylation des promoteurs des EpiSC par-rapport aux cellules ES et à l’épiblaste. De plus, l’absence de méthylation empêche la conversion des cellules ES en EpiSC. Les EpiSC semblent donc dépendre fortement de la méthylation de l’ADN pour réguler l’expression de leurs gènes, ce qui les distingue des cellules ES. / Pluripotent stem cells are of great therapeutic interest because of their capability to give rise to all the cells composing an organism. We can derive two types of these stem cells from the mouse embryo: embryonic stem cells (ESCs) from the blastocyst and epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs) from the egg cylinder stage. These two cell types share their pluripotent properties but are distinct on several features, like their culture conditions and gene expression. We showed that reprogramming using cloning by nuclear transfer allows the obtention of EpiSCs with a methylome and a transcriptome similar to those of EpiSCs derived from embryo after fertilisation. We also characterised the DNA methylation pattern of EpiSCs and showed their tendency to present a hypermethylation at their promoters compared to ESCs and epiblast. We also observed that the absence of DNA methylation blocks the conversion of ESCs into EpiSCs. As a conclusion, it seems that EpiSCs are strongly dependant of DNA methylation to regulate gene expression, which distinguishes them from ESCs.

Genesis of life begins with the fusion of female and male haploid gametes through a process of fertilization leading to the formation of a diploid cell, the zygote. This undergoes successive cleavage divisions forming 2-, 4- and 8- cell embryos and their individual cells (blastomeres) are totipotent. As development proceeds, there is a gradual restriction in their totipotency, resulting in the generation of two distinct cell lineages i.e., the differentiated trophectoderm (TE) cells and the undifferentiated, inner cell mass (ICM) during blastocyst morphogenesis (Rossant and Tam 2009). During the course of development, the ICM cells can give rise to all cell types of an organism and can also provide embryonic stem (ES)-cells when cultured in vitro (Evan and Kaufman 1981). ES-cells are pluripotent cells, having the ability to self-renew indefinitely and differentiate into all the three primary germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm) derived-cell types. ES-cells are an excellent developmental model system to understand basic mechanisms of self-renewal, cell differentiation and function of various genes in vitro and in vivo (Capecchi 2001). Importantly, their cell derivatives could potentially be used for experimental cell-based therapy for a number of diseases. Although, human ES-cell lines have been successfully derived and differentiated to various cell types (Thomson et al., 1998; Odorico et al., 2001), their cell-therapeutic potential is far from being tested, in view of the lack of our understanding of lineage-specific differentiation, homing and structural-functional integration of differentiated cell types in the host environment. To understand these mechanisms, it is desirable to have fluorescently-marked ES-cells and their differentiated cell-types, which could facilitate experimental cell transplantation studies. In this regard, our laboratory has earlier generated enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-expressing FVB/N transgenic ‘green’ mouse, under the control of ubiquitous chicken -actin promoter (Devgan et al., 2003). This transgenic mouse has been an excellent source of intrinsically green fluorescent cell types. We have been attempting to derive ES-cell line from this transgenic mouse. Because the derivation of ES-cell line is genetic strain-dependent, with some strains being relatively permissible for ES-cell derivation while others are quite resistant (non permissive), it has been extremely difficult to derive ES-cell line from the FVB/N mouse strain. There is a need to evolve experimental strategies to derive ES-cell line from FVB/N mouse, a strain extensively used for transgenesis. Thus, the aims of the study described in the thesis are to: (1) develop an experimental system to derive EGFP-expressing fluorescently-marked ES-cell line from a non-permissive FVB/N mouse strain; (2) characterize the established ES-cell line; (3) achieve differentiation of various cell types from EGFP-expressing ES-cell line and (4) understand role of FGF signaling in cardiac differentiation from the established ES-cell line. In order to have an appropriate and relevant literature background, the 1st chapter in this thesis describes a comprehensive up-to-date review of literature, pertaining to the early mammalian development and differentiation of blastocyst, followed by origin and properties of ES-cells. Various ES-cell derivation strategies from genetically permissive and non-permissive mouse strains are described and also the ES-cell differentiation potential to various progenitors and differentiated cell types. Subsequently, details on molecular basis of cardiac differentiation and the therapeutic potential of ES-cell derived differentiated cell types to treat disease(s) are described. This chapter is followed by three data chapters (II-IV). Chapter-II describes the issues related to non-permissiveness of FVB/N strain for ES-cell derivation and strategies to overcome this hurdle. This is followed by detailed results pertaining to generation of homozygous EGFP-expressing transgenic mice and development of a two-pronged ES-cell derivation approach to successfully establish a permanent ES-cell line (named ‘GS-2’ ES-cell line) from the EGFP-transgenic ‘green’ mouse. This chapter also provides results pertaining to detailed characterization of the ‘GS-2’ ES-cell line which includes colony morphology, expansion efficiency, alkaline phosphatase staining, expression analysis of pluripotent markers by RT-PCR and immunostaining approaches and karyotyping. Following this, the outcome of results and significance in the context of reported information are discussed in detail. Having successfully derived the ‘GS-2’ ES-cell line, it is necessary to thoroughly assess the differentiation competence of the ‘GS-2’ ES-cell line. Therefore, the Chapter-III describes detailed assessment of the in vitro and in vivo differentiation potential of the ‘GS-2’ ES-cell line. For in vitro differentiation, results pertaining to ES-cell derived embryoid body (EB) formation and their differentiation to ectodermal, mesodermal and endodermal cell types, expressing nestin, BMP-4 and α-fetoprotein, respectively, are described. Besides, the robustness of adaptability of ‘GS-2’ ES-cells to various culture conditions for their maintenance and differentiation are described. Also shown in the chapter is the relatively greater propensity of this cell line to cardiac differentiation. For in vivo differentiation, the ‘GS-2’ ES-cell derived teratoma formation in nude mice and its detailed histological analysis showing three germ layer cell types and their derivatives are described. Last part of the data described in this chapter, pertains to generation of chimeric blastocysts by aggregation method. Because the ‘GS-2’ ES-cell line exhibited a robust differentiation potential, including an efficient cardiomyocyte differentiation, it is of interest to enhance the efficiency of cardiomyocyte differentiation by exogenous addition of one of the key growth factors i.e., FGF8b since this has been implicated to be critical for cardiogenesis in non-mammalian verterbrate species. Therefore, Chapter-IV is focused on assessing the ability of ‘GS-2’ ES-cell line for its cardiomyocyte differentiation property with particular emphasis on the FGF-induced cardiac differentiation. Results pertaining to the expressions of various FGF ligands and their receptors during differentiation of ES-cells are described. Besides, increases in the cardiac efficiency, following FGF8b treatment and the associated up-regulation of cardiac-specific markers such as GATA-4, ISL-1 and α-MHC are shown. At the end of data chapters, separate sections are devoted for ‘Summary and Conclusion’ and for ‘Bibliography’.

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Thèse numérisée par la Division de la gestion de documents et des archives de l'Université de Montréal

Embryonic stem (ES) cells offer a valuable source for generating insulin-producing cells. However, current differentiation protocols often result in heterogeneous cell populations of various developmental stages. Here we show the activin A-induced differentiation of mouse ES cells carrying a homologous dsRed-IRES-puromycin knock-in within the Sox17 locus into the endoderm lineage. Sox17-expressing cells were selected by fluorescence-assisted cell sorting (FACS) and characterized at the transcript and protein level. Treatment of ES cells with high concentrations of activin A for 10 days resulted in up to 19% Sox17-positive cells selected by FACS. Isolated Sox17-positive cells were characterized by defini- tive endoderm-specific Sox17/Cxcr4/Foxa2 transcripts, but lacked pluripotency-associated Oct4 mRNA and protein. The Sox17-expressing cells showed downregulation of extraembryonic endoderm (Sox7, Afp, Sdf1)-, mesoderm (Foxf1, Meox1)- and ectoderm (Pax6, NeuroD6)-specific transcripts. The presence of Hnf4α, Hes1 and Pdx1 mRNA demonstrated the expression of primitive gut/foregut cell-specific markers. Ngn3, Nkx6.1 and Nkx2.2 transcripts in Sox17-positive cells were determined as properties of pancreatic endocrine progenitors. Immunocytochemistry of activin A-induced Sox17-positive embryoid bodies revealed coexpression of Cxcr4 and Foxa2. Moreover, the histochemical demonstration of E-cadherin-, Cxcr4-, Sox9-, Hnf1β- and Ngn3-positive epithelial-like structures underlined the potential of Sox17-positive cells to further differentiate into the pancreatic lineage. By reducing the heterogeneity of the ES cell progeny, Sox17-expressing cells are a suitable model to evaluate the effects of growth and differentiation factors and of culture conditions to delineate the differentiation process for the generation of pancreatic cells in vitro. / Dieser Beitrag ist mit Zustimmung des Rechteinhabers aufgrund einer (DFG-geförderten) Allianz- bzw. Nationallizenz frei zugänglich.

Gene transfer techniques such as retroviral transduction have many applications such as cell marking, cell reprogramming, and therapeutics. Transgene expression, however, is often variable and maintaining long-term expression is problematic in progenitor cell types. To better control transgene expression, research has focused on the optimized use of cis-regulatory elements, such as promoters, enhancers and insulators. In addition to controlling gene expression, these regulatory elements modulate the nuclear organization of the transgene. The integration site also exerts significant effects on steady state and temporal transgene expression via the neighbouring chromatin environment. The first part of this thesis describes the co-operation of modified β-globin intronic elements in providing high-level expression and favorable nuclear localization. I demonstrate that these elements are compatible with efficient lentivirus transduction for globin gene therapy purposes. In the second chapter, I examine high-expressing EGFP retroviral transgenes and show that such steady state expression may exhibit rapid transcriptional fluctuations, which is modulated by different transcriptional dynamics at different integration sites. Finally, in the last chapter, I evaluate the use of a 3’D4Z4 insulator element in maintaining long-term EGFP transgene expression in ES cells, and discover integration-site specific temporal dynamics in retroviral vector expression. Overall, my results demonstrate that using multiple regulatory elements and insulating these elements from different types of genomic loci optimize transgene expression and dynamics in progenitor cells.

Gene transfer techniques such as retroviral transduction have many applications such as cell marking, cell reprogramming, and therapeutics. Transgene expression, however, is often variable and maintaining long-term expression is problematic in progenitor cell types. To better control transgene expression, research has focused on the optimized use of cis-regulatory elements, such as promoters, enhancers and insulators. In addition to controlling gene expression, these regulatory elements modulate the nuclear organization of the transgene. The integration site also exerts significant effects on steady state and temporal transgene expression via the neighbouring chromatin environment. The first part of this thesis describes the co-operation of modified β-globin intronic elements in providing high-level expression and favorable nuclear localization. I demonstrate that these elements are compatible with efficient lentivirus transduction for globin gene therapy purposes. In the second chapter, I examine high-expressing EGFP retroviral transgenes and show that such steady state expression may exhibit rapid transcriptional fluctuations, which is modulated by different transcriptional dynamics at different integration sites. Finally, in the last chapter, I evaluate the use of a 3’D4Z4 insulator element in maintaining long-term EGFP transgene expression in ES cells, and discover integration-site specific temporal dynamics in retroviral vector expression. Overall, my results demonstrate that using multiple regulatory elements and insulating these elements from different types of genomic loci optimize transgene expression and dynamics in progenitor cells.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2007. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 117-139).