技术资料

Reprogramming of somatic cells into patient-specific pluripotent analogues of human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) emerges as a prospective therapeutic angle in molecular medicine and a tool for basic stem cell biology. However,the combination of relative inefficiency and high variability of non-defined culture conditions precluded the use of this technique in a clinical setting and impeded comparability between laboratories. To overcome these obstacles,we sequentially devised a reprogramming protocol using one lentiviral-based polycistronic reprogramming construct,optimized for high co-expression of OCT4,SOX2,KLF4 and MYC in conjunction with small molecule inhibitors of non-permissive signaling cascades,such as transforming growth factor $\$(SB431542),MEK/ERK (PD0325901) and Rho-kinase signaling (Thiazovivin),in a defined extracellular environment. Based on human fetal liver fibroblasts we could efficiently derive induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) within 14 days. We attained efficiencies of up to 10.97±1.71% resulting in 79.5- fold increase compared to non-defined reprogramming using four singular vectors. We show that the overall increase of efficiency and temporal kinetics is a combinatorial effect of improved lentiviral vector design,signaling inhibition and definition of extracellular matrix (Matrigel®) and culture medium (mTESR®1). Using this protocol,we could derive iPSCs from patient fibroblasts,which were impermissive to classical reprogramming efforts,and from a patient suffering from familial platelet disorder. Thus,our defined protocol for highly efficient reprogramming to generate patient-specific iPSCs,reflects a big step towards therapeutic and broad scientific application of iPSCs,even in previously unfeasible settings. View Publication

Human pluripotent stem cells are a powerful tool for modeling brain development and disease. The human cortex is composed of two major neuronal populations: projection neurons and local interneurons. Cortical interneurons comprise a diverse class of cell types expressing the neurotransmitter GABA. Dysfunction of cortical interneurons has been implicated in neuropsychiatric diseases,including schizophrenia,autism,and epilepsy. Here,we demonstrate the highly efficient derivation of human cortical interneurons in an NKX2.1::GFP human embryonic stem cell reporter line. Manipulating the timing of SHH activation yields three distinct GFP+ populations with specific transcriptional profiles,neurotransmitter phenotypes,and migratory behaviors. Further differentiation in a murine cortical environment yields parvalbumin- and somatostatin-expressing neurons that exhibit synaptic inputs and electrophysiological properties of cortical interneurons. Our study defines the signals sufficient for modeling human ventral forebrain development in vitro and lays the foundation for studying cortical interneuron involvement in human disease pathology. View Publication

Label-retaining cancer cells (LRCCs) represent a novel population of stem-like cancer cells exhibiting slow cycling,chemoresistance and tumor-initiating capacities; however,their properties remain unclear,and approaches to eradicate LRCCs remain elusive. Here,we report that colon cancer cells with high fluorescent intensity,referred to as LRCCs,have the greatest cancer stem cell (CSC)-like capacities and that they preferentially express CSC markers and stemness-related genes. Moreover,we found that Lgr5,which has been reported to be a marker of rapid cycling CSCs,is almost negatively expressed in LRCCs but that its expression is gradually increased in the differentiation process of LRCCs. Interestingly,we found that LRCCs are especially sensitive to the pro-apoptotic effect of IFN-γ treatment both in vitro and in vivo because LRCCs possess higher IFN-γR levels compared with non-LRCCs,which results in the upregulation of the apoptosis pathway after IFN-γ treatment. Furthermore,we found that IFN-γ shows synergistic effects with the conventional anticancer drug Oxaliplatin to eliminate both LRCCs and non-LRCCs. In conclusion,this is the first study to suggest that LRCCs,as a distinct tumor-initiating population,can be selectively eradicated by IFN-γ,which may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for colon cancer treatment. View Publication

Developing novel therapies that suppress self-renewal of leukemia stem cells may reduce the likelihood of relapses and extend long-term survival of patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). AML1-ETO (AE) is an oncogene that plays an important role in inducing self-renewal of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs),leading to the development of leukemia stem cells. Previously,using a zebrafish model of AE and a whole-organism chemical suppressor screen,we have discovered that AE induces specific hematopoietic phenotypes in embryonic zebrafish through a cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and β-catenin-dependent pathway. Here,we show that AE also induces expression of the Cox-2 gene and activates β-catenin in mouse bone marrow cells. Inhibition of COX suppresses β-catenin activation and serial replating of AE(+) mouse HSPCs. Genetic knockdown of β-catenin also abrogates the clonogenic growth of AE(+) mouse HSPCs and human leukemia cells. In addition,treatment with nimesulide,a COX-2 selective inhibitor,dramatically suppresses xenograft tumor formation and inhibits in vivo progression of human leukemia cells. In summary,our data indicate an important role of a COX/β-catenin-dependent signaling pathway in tumor initiation,growth,and self-renewal,and in providing the rationale for testing potential benefits from common COX inhibitors as a part of AML treatments. View Publication

Growth factor signaling pathways are tightly regulated by phosphorylation and include many important kinase targets of interest for drug discovery. Small molecule inhibitors of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) receptor kinase ALK2 (ACVR1) are needed urgently to treat the progressively debilitating musculoskeletal disease fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP). Dorsomorphin analogues,first identified in zebrafish,remain the only BMP inhibitor chemotype reported to date. By screening an assay panel of 250 recombinant human kinases we identified a highly selective 2-aminopyridine-based inhibitor K02288 with in vitro activity against ALK2 at low nanomolar concentrations similar to the current lead compound LDN-193189. K02288 specifically inhibited the BMP-induced Smad pathway without affecting TGF-β signaling and induced dorsalization of zebrafish embryos. Comparison of the crystal structures of ALK2 with K02288 and LDN-193189 revealed additional contacts in the K02288 complex affording improved shape complementarity and identified the exposed phenol group for further optimization of pharmacokinetics. The discovery of a new chemical series provides an independent pharmacological tool to investigate BMP signaling and offers multiple opportunities for pre-clinical development. View Publication

Human embryonic stem cells and mouse epiblast stem cells represent a primed pluripotent stem cell state that requires TGF-β/activin signaling. TGF-β and/or activin are commonly thought to regulate transcription through both Smad2 and Smad3. However,the different contributions of these two Smads to primed pluripotency and the downstream events that they may regulate remain poorly understood. We addressed the individual roles of Smad2 and Smad3 in the maintenance of primed pluripotency. We found that Smad2,but not Smad3,is required to maintain the undifferentiated pluripotent state. We defined a Smad2 regulatory circuit in human embryonic stem cells and mouse epiblast stem cells,in which Smad2 acts through binding to regulatory promoter sequences to activate Nanog expression while in parallel repressing autocrine bone morphogenetic protein signaling. Increased autocrine bone morphogenetic protein signaling caused by Smad2 down-regulation leads to cell differentiation toward the trophectoderm,mesoderm,and germ cell lineages. Additionally,induction of Cdx2 expression,as a result of decreased Smad2 expression,leads to repression of Oct4 expression,which,together with the decreased Nanog expression,accelerates the loss of pluripotency. These findings reveal that Smad2 is a unique integrator of transcription and signaling events and is essential for the maintenance of the mouse and human primed pluripotent stem cell state. View Publication

Tumor heterogeneity of high-grade glioma (HGG) is recognized by four clinically relevant subtypes based on core gene signatures. However,molecular signaling in glioma stem cells (GSCs) in individual HGG subtypes is poorly characterized. Here we identified and characterized two mutually exclusive GSC subtypes with distinct dysregulated signaling pathways. Analysis of mRNA profiles distinguished proneural (PN) from mesenchymal (Mes) GSCs and revealed a pronounced correlation with the corresponding PN or Mes HGGs. Mes GSCs displayed more aggressive phenotypes in vitro and as intracranial xenografts in mice. Further,Mes GSCs were markedly resistant to radiation compared with PN GSCs. The glycolytic pathway,comprising aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) family genes and in particular ALDH1A3,were enriched in Mes GSCs. Glycolytic activity and ALDH activity were significantly elevated in Mes GSCs but not in PN GSCs. Expression of ALDH1A3 was also increased in clinical HGG compared with low-grade glioma or normal brain tissue. Moreover,inhibition of ALDH1A3 attenuated the growth of Mes but not PN GSCs. Last,radiation treatment of PN GSCs up-regulated Mes-associated markers and down-regulated PN-associated markers,whereas inhibition of ALDH1A3 attenuated an irradiation-induced gain of Mes identity in PN GSCs. Taken together,our data suggest that two subtypes of GSCs,harboring distinct metabolic signaling pathways,represent intertumoral glioma heterogeneity and highlight previously unidentified roles of ALDH1A3-associated signaling that promotes aberrant proliferation of Mes HGGs and GSCs. Inhibition of ALDH1A3-mediated pathways therefore might provide a promising therapeutic approach for a subset of HGGs with the Mes signature. View Publication

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Recent evidence indicates that tumors contain a subpopulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) that are responsible for tumor maintenance and spread. CSCs have recently been linked to the occurrence of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Neurotrophins (NTs) are growth factors that regulate the biology of embryonic stem cells and cancer cells,but still little is known about the role NTs in the progression of lung cancer. In this work,we investigated the role of the NTs and their receptors using as a study system primary cell cultures derived from malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) of patients with adenocarcinoma of the lung. We assessed the expression of NTs and their receptors in MPE-derived adherent cultures vs. spheroids enriched in CSC markers. We observed in spheroids a selectively enhanced expression of TrkB,both at the mRNA and protein levels. Both K252a,a known inhibitor of Trk activity,and a siRNA against TrkB strongly affected spheroid morphology,induced anoikis and decreased spheroid forming efficiency. Treatment with neurotrophins reversed the inhibitory effect of K252a. Importantly,TrkB inhibition caused loss of vimentin expression as well as that of a set of transcription factors known to be linked to EMT. These ex vivo results nicely correlated with an inverse relationship between TrkB and E-cadherin expression measured by immunohistochemistry in a panel of lung adenocarcinoma samples. We conclude that TrkB is involved in full acquisition of EMT in lung cancer,and that its inhibition results in a less aggressive phenotype. View Publication

Everolimus is a potent,oral inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) that has been investigated in multiple clinical development programs since 1996. A unique collaboration between academic and pharmaceutical experts fostered research that progressed rapidly,with simultaneous indication findings across numerous tumor types. Initially developed for the prophylaxis of organ transplant rejection,everolimus has demonstrated efficacy and safety for the treatment of patients with various types of cancer (renal cell carcinoma,neuroendocrine tumors of pancreatic origin,and breast cancer) and for adult and pediatric patients with tuberous sclerosis complex. The FDA approval of everolimus for these diseases has addressed several unmet medical needs and is widely accepted by the medical community where treatment options may be limited. An extensive clinical development program is ongoing to establish the role of everolimus as monotherapy,or in combination with other agents,in the treatment of a broad spectrum of malignancies. View Publication

The generation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) requires the collection of donor tissue,but clinical circumstances in which the interests of patients have highest priority may compromise the quality and availability of cells that are eventually used for reprogramming. Here we compared (i) skin biopsies stored in standard physiological salt solution for up to two weeks (ii) blood outgrowth endothelial cells (BOECs) isolated from fresh peripheral blood and (iii) children's milk teeth lost during normal replacement for their ability to form somatic cell cultures suitable for reprogramming to hiPSCs. We derived all hiPSC lines using the same reprogramming method (a conditional (FLPe) polycistronic lentivirus) and under similar conditions (same batch of virus,fetal calf serum and feeder cells). Skin fibroblasts could be reprogrammed robustly even after long-term biopsy storage. Generation of hiPSCs from juvenile dental pulp cells gave similar high efficiencies,but that of BOECs was lower. In terms of invasiveness of biopsy sampling,biopsy storage and reprogramming efficiencies skin fibroblasts appeared best for the generation of hiPSCs,but where non-invasive procedures are required (e.g. for children and minors) dental pulp cells from milk teeth represent a valuable alternative. View Publication

A satisfactory in vitro model of vocal fold mucosa does not exist,thus precluding a systematic,controlled study of vocal fold biology and biomechanics. We sought to create a valid,reproducible three-dimensional (3D) in vitro model of human origin of vocal fold mucosa of human origin. We hypothesized that coculture of human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived simple epithelial cells with primary vocal fold fibroblasts under appropriate conditions would elicit morphogenesis of progenitor cells into vocal fold epithelial-like cells and creation of a basement membrane. Using an in vitro prospective study design,hESCs were differentiated into cells that coexpressed the simple epithelial cell marker,keratin 18 (K18),and the transcription factor,p63. These simple epithelial cells were cocultured with primary vocal fold fibroblasts seeded in a collagen gel scaffold. The cells were cultured for 3 weeks in a keratinocyte medium at an air–liquid interface. After that time,the engineered mucosa demonstrated a stratified,squamous epithelium and a continuous basement membrane recapitulating the key morphologic and phenotypic characteristics of native vocal fold mucosa. hESC-derived epithelial cells exhibited positive staining for vocal fold stratified,squamous epithelial markers,keratin 13 (K13) and 14 (K14),as well as tight junctions,adherens junctions,gap junctions,and desmosomes. Despite the presence of components critical for epithelial structural integrity,the epithelium demonstrated greater permeability than native tissue indicating compromised functional integrity. While further work is warranted to improve functional barrier integrity,this study demonstrates that hESC-derived epithelial progenitor cells can be engineered to create a replicable 3D in vitro model of vocal fold mucosa featuring a multilayered,terminally differentiated epithelium. View Publication

Mammalian somatic cells can be directly reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by introducing defined sets of transcription factors. Somatic cell reprogramming involves epigenomic reconfiguration,conferring iPSCs with characteristics similar to embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Human ESCs (hESCs) contain 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC),which is generated through the oxidation of 5-methylcytosine by the TET enzyme family. Here we show that 5hmC levels increase significantly during reprogramming to human iPSCs mainly owing to TET1 activation,and this hydroxymethylation change is critical for optimal epigenetic reprogramming,but does not compromise primed pluripotency. Compared with hESCs,we find that iPSCs tend to form large-scale (100 kb–1.3 Mb) aberrant reprogramming hotspots in subtelomeric regions,most of which exhibit incomplete hydroxymethylation on CG sites. Strikingly,these 5hmC aberrant hotspots largely coincide (∼ 80%) with aberrant iPSC–ESC non-CG methylation regions. Our results suggest that TET1-mediated 5hmC modification could contribute to the epigenetic variation of iPSCs and iPSC–hESC differences. View Publication