Diss. (sammanfattning) Stockholm : Karolinska institutet, 2006. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

University of Macau / Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences

Cellular quiescence, a reversible state of cell-cycle exit, and developmental potential, the ability to differentiate into appropriate cell types, are properties essential for normal development and stem cell function (reviewed in (Cheung and Rando, 2013; Fiore et al., 2018; Mihaylova et al., 2014). Understanding the mechanisms by which cells maintain quiescence has important implications for developmental biology, as this reversible state of cell-cycle exit is a key attribute of stem cells, as well as for cancer biology, as quiescence plays a key role in tumor dormancy and metastasis. Environmental conditions are key in regulating whether stem cells maintain quiescence or exit to resume divisions and developmentally progress. I aim to investigate how the properties of quiescence and developmental potential are retained over long periods of time and how they are appropriately regulated by external environmental inputs. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is an excellent model for investigating both of these questions because it is capable of entering and maintaining a developmentally arrested state for an unusually long time compared to the normal lifetime of the worm, and because the decision to enter this arrest is regulated entirely by external environmental inputs (Cassada and Russell, 1975). Upon encountering conditions unfavorable for growth, C. elegans enters an alternative, developmentally arrested state called dauer diapause in which precursor cells remain quiescent for months – a period many times the lifespan of a worm grown under favorable conditions (Cassada and Russell, 1975). Maintaining precursors in this arrested state is important in order for the worms to develop normally once conditions improve and requires components of the conserved Insulin/Insulin-like (IIS) signaling pathway (Karp and Greenwald 2013 and this work); of note, the IIS pathway also regulates mammalian quiescence (Eijkelenboom and Burgering, 2013). Canonical regulation of dauer diapause includes IIS, TGFß, and dafachronic acid (DA)/nuclear hormone receptor (NHR) signaling (reviewed in (Murphy and Hu, 2013a)). Here, I investigate how DAF-18, the sole C. elegans ortholog of the tumor suppressor PTEN (Phosphatase and tensin homolog) (Gil et al., 1999; Mihaylova et al., 1999; Ogg and Ruvkun, 1998; Rouault et al., 1999), maintains quiescence in dauer through regulation of these conserved signaling pathways using the C. elegans gonad as a model. The gonad is composed of somatic cells and the germline. Both the somatic gonad and germline develop post-embryonically from precursor cells present when dauer arrest occurs, and these precursor cells remain quiescent for the duration of dauer diapause (Cassada and Russell, 1975; Hong et al., 1998; Narbonne and Roy, 2006). After exit from dauer, division and differentiation resume. DAF-18/PTEN is required for germline quiescence during dauer diapause (Narbonne and Roy, 2006), and my results implicate DAF-18/PTEN in the control of quiescence of the somatic tissues as well, including the somatic gonad. In this role, DAF-18/PTEN activity in the somatic gonad non-autonomously coordinates both germline stem cell (GSC) and somatic gonad blast (SGB) quiescence. I have demonstrated this somatic gonad focus through mosaic analysis, tissue-specific rescue, and tissue-specific excision mosaics. We propose that DAF-18/PTEN mediates production of a signal promoting quiescence from the somatic gonad to the SGBs and GSCs and that this signal does not absolutely require or solely target the IIS, TGFß, or DA/NHR signaling pathways normally implicated in regulation of dauer diapause.

During development, multipotent stem cells establish tissue-specific programmes of gene expression that underlie a process of differentiation into specialized cell types. It was shown in the study that changes in the nuclear architecture during terminal keratinocyte differentiation show correlation with the dynamics of the transcriptional and metabolic activity. In particular, terminal differentiation is accompanied by the decrease of nuclear volume, elongation of its shape, reduction of the number and fusion of nucleoli, increase in the number of centromeric clusters and a dramatic decrease of the transcriptional activity. Global changes in the nuclear architecture of epidermal keratinocytes are associated with marked remodelling of the higher-order chromatin structure of the epidermal differentiating complex (EDC). EDC is positioned peripherally in the epidermal nuclei at E11.5 when its genes show low expression levels and relocates towards the nuclear interior at E16.5 when EDC genes are markedly upregulated. P63 transcription factor serving as a master regulator of epidermal development is involved in the control of EDC relocation in epidermal progenitor cells. The epidermis of E16.5 p63KO exhibits significantly more peripheral positioning of the EDC loci, compared to wild-type. The genome organizer Satb1 serving as a direct p63 target controls higher order chromatin folding of the central part of EDC and Satb1 knockout mice show alterations of epidermal development and expression of the EDC encoded genes. Thus, this study shows that the programme of epidermal development and terminal differentiation is regulated by p63 and other factors and include marked remodelling of three-dimensional nuclear organization and positioning of tissue specific gene loci. In addition to the direct involvement of p63 in controlling the expression of tissue-specific genes, p63 via regulation of the chromatin remodelling factors such as Satb1 promotes establishing specific conformation of the EDC locus required for efficient expression of terminal differentiation-associated genes.

During development, multipotent stem cells establish tissue-specific programmes of gene expression that underlie a process of differentiation into specialized cell types. It was shown in the study that changes in the nuclear architecture during terminal keratinocyte differentiation show correlation with the dynamics of the transcriptional and metabolic activity. In particular, terminal differentiation is accompanied by the decrease of nuclear volume, elongation of its shape, reduction of the number and fusion of nucleoli, increase in the number of centromeric clusters and a dramatic decrease of the transcriptional activity. Global changes in the nuclear architecture of epidermal keratinocytes are associated with marked remodelling of the higher-order chromatin structure of the epidermal differentiating complex (EDC). EDC is positioned peripherally in the epidermal nuclei at E11.5 when its genes show low expression levels and relocates towards the nuclear interior at E16.5 when EDC genes are markedly upregulated. P63 transcription factor serving as a master regulator of epidermal development is involved in the control of EDC relocation in epidermal progenitor cells. The epidermis of E16.5 p63KO exhibits significantly more peripheral positioning of the EDC loci, compared to wild-type. The genome organizer Satb1 serving as a direct p63 target controls higher order chromatin folding of the central part of EDC and Satb1 knockout mice show alterations of epidermal development and expression of the EDC encoded genes. Thus, this study shows that the programme of epidermal development and terminal differentiation is regulated by p63 and other factors and include marked remodelling of three-dimensional nuclear organization and positioning of tissue specific gene loci. In addition to the direct involvement of p63 in controlling the expression of tissue-specific genes, p63 via regulation of the chromatin remodelling factors such as Satb1 promotes establishing specific conformation of the EDC locus required for efficient expression of terminal differentiation-associated genes.

During differentiation stem cells are exposed to a range of microenvironmental chemical and physical cues. In this study, human multipotent progenitor cells (hMLPCs) were differentiated from umbilical cord into oligodendrocytes and astrocytes. Chemical cues were represented by a novel defined differentiation medium containing the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (NE). In traditional 2 dimensional (2D) conditions, the hMLPCs differentiated into oligodendrocyte precursors, but did not progress further. However, in a constructed 3 dimensional (3D) environment, the hMLPCs differentiated into committed oligodendrocytes that expressed MBP. When co-cultured with rat embryonic hippocampal neurons (EHNs), hMLPCs developed in astrocytes or oligodendrocytes, based on presence of growth factors in the differentiation medium. In co-culture, physical cues provided by axons were essential for complete differentiation of both astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. This study presents a novel method of obtaining glia from human MLPCs that could eliminate many of the difficulties associated with their differentiation from embryonic stem cells. In addition, it reveals the complex interplay between physical cues and biomolecules on stem cell differentiation.

INTRODUÇÃO: As células-tronco mesenquimais (CTM) são células adultas multipotentes capazes de se diferenciarem em várias linhagens celulares. Estudos com CTM derivadas do cordão umbilical humano (CUh), mais especificamente da Geleia de Wharton (GW), tem demonstrado um grande potencial para a terapia de reposição celular e regeneração tecidual. O papel dos genes de resistência a múltiplas (MDR) drogas, tais como ABCB1 e LRP é bem conhecido nos processos de regulação, fisiologia e defesa. Entretanto, nenhum estudo demonstrou ainda a presença desses genes nas CTM da GW do CUh. Assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar a expressão de Pg-p e LRP em CTM derivadas da GW. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: CTMs da GW isoladas de CUh (n = 20) foram caracterizadas quanto ao seu estado indiferenciado por: citometria de fluxo; expressão de genes Oct-4 e Nanog por RT-PCR e capacidade de diferenciação adipogênica e osteogênica in vitro. Foi analisado ainda a expressão dos genes ABCB1 e LRP por RT-PCR em tempo real de células indiferenciadas. A resistência a doxorrubicina (DOX) foi determinada através do ensaio de MTT nessas mesmas amostras. RESULTADOS: As CTM da GW do CUh apresentaram positividade para marcadores de superfície presentes nas CTM, tais como, CD29, CD44, CD90 e CD105. Os genes de indiferenciação celular Oct-4 e Nanog foram expressos em todas as amostras, que também foram capazes de se diferenciar em adipócitos e osteócitos, comprovando assim que essas células são CTM. Com relação à Pg-p, o gene ABCB1 não amplificou em 18 amostras sendo que somente 2 apresentaram baixa expressão gênica. O gene LRP amplificou de forma intensa em todas as amostras analisadas. CONCLUSÃO: Concluímos que as CTM derivadas da GW do CUh apresentam um elevado nível de expressão de LRP, sugerindo que este gene pode estar envolvido no processo de regulação das células-tronco mesenquimais, bem como na fisiologia e defesa celular / INTRODUCTION: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent adult cells that can differentiate into various cell lineages. Studies with MSC derived from human umbilical cord (hUC), more specifically from Wharton jelly (WJ), have shown great potential for cellular replacement therapy and tissue regeneration. The role of multidrug resistance genes, such as ABCB1 and LRP is well known in the regulation, physiology and cellular defense. However, the presence of these genes in the MSC of the WJ from hUC was not demonstrated yet. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of Pg-p and LRP in MSCs derived from WJ. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MSC from WJ were isolated from hUC (n = 20) and were characterized by: flow cytometry; Oct-4 and Nanog gene expression by RT-PCR and adipogenic and osteogenic in vitro differentiation capability of these cells. It was also analyzed gene expression of ABCB1 and LRP by real time RT-PCR of undifferentiated cells. Doxorubicin (DOX) resistance was determined by MTT assay in all the samples. RESULTS: MSC WJ from hUC was positive for MSC surface markers, such as CD29, CD44, CD90 and CD105. The undifferentiated cell genes Oct-4 and Nanog were expressed in all samples, which were also capable to differentiate into adipocytes and osteocytes, proving that these cells are MSC. Concerning to Pgp, the ABCB1 gene, 18 samples didn\'t show any amplification product (no expression) while 2 showed little gene expression. The LRP gene amplified intensely in all samples. CONCLUSION: We conclude that MSC derived from the WJ hUC have a high level of LRP expression, suggesting that this gene may be involved in the regulation of mesenchymal stem cells as well as in physiology and cellular defense

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Oklahoma. / Bibliography: leaves 137-158.

INTRODUÇÃO: As células-tronco mesenquimais (CTM) são células adultas multipotentes capazes de se diferenciarem em várias linhagens celulares. Estudos com CTM derivadas do cordão umbilical humano (CUh), mais especificamente da Geleia de Wharton (GW), tem demonstrado um grande potencial para a terapia de reposição celular e regeneração tecidual. O papel dos genes de resistência a múltiplas (MDR) drogas, tais como ABCB1 e LRP é bem conhecido nos processos de regulação, fisiologia e defesa. Entretanto, nenhum estudo demonstrou ainda a presença desses genes nas CTM da GW do CUh. Assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar a expressão de Pg-p e LRP em CTM derivadas da GW. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: CTMs da GW isoladas de CUh (n = 20) foram caracterizadas quanto ao seu estado indiferenciado por: citometria de fluxo; expressão de genes Oct-4 e Nanog por RT-PCR e capacidade de diferenciação adipogênica e osteogênica in vitro. Foi analisado ainda a expressão dos genes ABCB1 e LRP por RT-PCR em tempo real de células indiferenciadas. A resistência a doxorrubicina (DOX) foi determinada através do ensaio de MTT nessas mesmas amostras. RESULTADOS: As CTM da GW do CUh apresentaram positividade para marcadores de superfície presentes nas CTM, tais como, CD29, CD44, CD90 e CD105. Os genes de indiferenciação celular Oct-4 e Nanog foram expressos em todas as amostras, que também foram capazes de se diferenciar em adipócitos e osteócitos, comprovando assim que essas células são CTM. Com relação à Pg-p, o gene ABCB1 não amplificou em 18 amostras sendo que somente 2 apresentaram baixa expressão gênica. O gene LRP amplificou de forma intensa em todas as amostras analisadas. CONCLUSÃO: Concluímos que as CTM derivadas da GW do CUh apresentam um elevado nível de expressão de LRP, sugerindo que este gene pode estar envolvido no processo de regulação das células-tronco mesenquimais, bem como na fisiologia e defesa celular / INTRODUCTION: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent adult cells that can differentiate into various cell lineages. Studies with MSC derived from human umbilical cord (hUC), more specifically from Wharton jelly (WJ), have shown great potential for cellular replacement therapy and tissue regeneration. The role of multidrug resistance genes, such as ABCB1 and LRP is well known in the regulation, physiology and cellular defense. However, the presence of these genes in the MSC of the WJ from hUC was not demonstrated yet. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of Pg-p and LRP in MSCs derived from WJ. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MSC from WJ were isolated from hUC (n = 20) and were characterized by: flow cytometry; Oct-4 and Nanog gene expression by RT-PCR and adipogenic and osteogenic in vitro differentiation capability of these cells. It was also analyzed gene expression of ABCB1 and LRP by real time RT-PCR of undifferentiated cells. Doxorubicin (DOX) resistance was determined by MTT assay in all the samples. RESULTS: MSC WJ from hUC was positive for MSC surface markers, such as CD29, CD44, CD90 and CD105. The undifferentiated cell genes Oct-4 and Nanog were expressed in all samples, which were also capable to differentiate into adipocytes and osteocytes, proving that these cells are MSC. Concerning to Pgp, the ABCB1 gene, 18 samples didn\'t show any amplification product (no expression) while 2 showed little gene expression. The LRP gene amplified intensely in all samples. CONCLUSION: We conclude that MSC derived from the WJ hUC have a high level of LRP expression, suggesting that this gene may be involved in the regulation of mesenchymal stem cells as well as in physiology and cellular defense

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / In order to develop effective cures for diseases and decipher disease pathology, the need exists to cultivate a better understanding of human development. Existing studies employ the use of animal models to study and model human development and disease phenotypes but the evolutionary differences between humans and other species slightly limit the applicability of such animal models to effectively recapitulate human development. With the development of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), including Human induced Pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and Human Embryonic Stem cells (hESCs), human development can now be mirrored and recapitulated in vitro. These stem cells are pluripotent, that is, they possess the potential to generate any cell type of the body including muscle cells, nerve cells or blood cells. One of the major focuses of this study is to use hiPSCs to better understand and model human retinogenesis. The retina develops within the first three months of human development, hence rendering it inaccessible to investigation via traditional methods. However, with the advent of hiPSCs, retinal cells can be generated in a culture dish and the mechanisms underlying the specification of a retinal fate can be determined. Additionally, in order to use hiPSCs for successful cell replacement therapy, non-xenogeneic conditions need to be employed to allow for fruitful transplantation tests. Hence, another emphasis of this study has been to direct hiPSCs to generate retinal cells under non-xenogeneic conditions to facilitate their use for future translation purposes.