技术资料

Self-renewable human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) serve as a potential unlimited ex vivo source of human cardiomyocytes (CMs) for cell-based disease modeling and therapies. Although recent advances in directed differentiation protocols have enabled more efficient derivation of hPSC-derived CMs with an efficiency of ∼50%-80% CMs and a final yield of ∼1-20 CMs per starting undifferentiated hPSC,these protocols are often not readily transferrable across lines without first optimizing multiple parameters. Further,the resultant populations are undefined for chamber specificity or heterogeneous containing mixtures of atrial,ventricular (V),and pacemaker derivatives. Here we report a highly cost-effective and reproducibly efficient system for deriving hPSC-ventricular cardiomyocytes (VCMs) from all five human embryonic stem cell (HES2,H7,and H9) and human induced PSC (hiPSC) (reprogrammed from human adult peripheral blood CD34(+) cells using nonintegrating episomal vectors) lines tested. Cardiogenic embryoid bodies could be formed by the sequential addition of BMP4,Rho kinase inhibitor,activin-A,and IWR-1. Spontaneously contracting clusters appeared as early as day 8. At day 16,up to 95% of cells were cTnT(+). Of which,93%,94%,100%,92%,and 92% of cardiac derivatives from HES2,H7,H9,and two iPSC lines,respectively,were VCMs as gauged by signature ventricular action potential and ionic currents (INa(+)/ICa,L(+)/IKr(+)/IKATP(+)); Ca(2+) transients showed positive chronotropic responses to $\$-adrenergic stimulation. Our simple,cost-effective protocol required the least amounts of reagents and time compared with others. While the purity and percentage of PSC-VCMs were comparable to a recently published protocol,the present yield and efficiency with a final output of up to 70 hPSC-VCMs per hPSC was up to 5-fold higher and without the need of performing line-specific optimization. These differences were discussed. The results may lead to mass production of hPSC-VCMs in bioreactors. View Publication

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) models are often used to investigate BBB function and screen brain-penetrating therapeutics,but it has been difficult to construct a human model that possesses an optimal BBB phenotype and is readily scalable. To address this challenge,we developed a human in vitro BBB model comprising brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs),pericytes,astrocytes and neurons derived from renewable cell sources. First,retinoic acid (RA) was used to substantially enhance BBB phenotypes in human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived BMECs,particularly through adherens junction,tight junction,and multidrug resistance protein regulation. RA-treated hPSC-derived BMECs were subsequently co-cultured with primary human brain pericytes and human astrocytes and neurons derived from human neural progenitor cells (NPCs) to yield a fully human BBB model that possessed significant tightness as measured by transendothelial electrical resistance (˜5,000 $\$(2)). Overall,this scalable human BBB model may enable a wide range of neuroscience studies. View Publication

Reprogramming somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) eliminates many epigenetic modifications that characterize differentiated cells. In this study,we tested whether functional differences between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and non-COPD fibroblasts could be reduced utilizing this approach. Primary fibroblasts from non-COPD and COPD patients were reprogrammed to iPSCs. Reprogrammed iPSCs were positive for oct3/4,nanog,and sox2,formed embryoid bodies in vitro,and induced teratomas in nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient mice. Reprogrammed iPSCs were then differentiated into fibroblasts (non-COPD-i and COPD-i) and were assessed either functionally by chemotaxis and gel contraction or for gene expression by microarrays and compared with their corresponding primary fibroblasts. Primary COPD fibroblasts contracted three-dimensional collagen gels and migrated toward fibronectin less robustly than non-COPD fibroblasts. In contrast,redifferentiated fibroblasts from iPSCs derived from the non-COPD and COPD fibroblasts were similar in response in both functional assays. Microarray analysis identified 1,881 genes that were differentially expressed between primary COPD and non-COPD fibroblasts,with 605 genes differing by more than twofold. After redifferentiation,112 genes were differentially expressed between COPD-i and non-COPD-i with only three genes by more than twofold. Similar findings were observed with microRNA (miRNA) expression: 56 miRNAs were differentially expressed between non-COPD and COPD primary cells; after redifferentiation,only 3 miRNAs were differentially expressed between non-COPD-i and COPD-i fibroblasts. Interestingly,of the 605 genes that were differentially expressed between COPD and non-COPD fibroblasts,293 genes were changed toward control after redifferentiation. In conclusion,functional and epigenetic alterations of COPD fibroblasts can be reprogrammed through formation of iPSCs. View Publication

Many different culture systems have been developed for expanding human pluripotent stem cells (hESCs and hiPSCs). In general,4-10 ng/ml of bFGF is supplemented in culture media in feeder-dependent systems regardless of feeder cell types,whereas in feeder-free systems,up to 100 ng/ml of bFGF is required for maintaining long-term culture on various substrates. The amount of bFGF required in native hESCs growth niche is unclear. Here we report using inactivated adipose-derived human mesenchymal stem cells as feeder cells to examine long-term parallel cultures of two hESCs lines (H1 and H9) and one hiPSCs line (DF19-9-7T) in media supplemented with 0,0.4 or 4 ng/ml of bFGF for up to 23 passages,as well as parallel cultures of H9 and DF19 in media supplemented with 4,20 or 100 ng/ml bFGF for up to 13 passages for comparison. Across all cell lines tested,bFGF supplement demonstrated inhibitory effect over growth expansion,single cell colonization and recovery from freezing in a dosage dependent manner. In addition,bFGF exerted differential effects on different cell lines,inducing H1 and DF19 differentiation at 4 ng/ml or higher,while permitting long-term culture of H9 at the same concentrations with no apparent dosage effect. Pluripotency was confirmed for all cell lines cultured in 0,0.4 or 4 ng/ml bFGF excluding H1-4 ng,as well as H9 cultured in 4,20 and 100 ng/ml bFGF. However,DF19 demonstrated similar karyotypic abnormality in both 0 and 4 ng/ml bFGF media while H1 and H9 were karyotypically normal in 0 ng/ml bFGF after long-term culture. Our results indicate that exogenous bFGF exerts dosage and cell line dependent effect on human pluripotent stem cells cultured on mesenchymal stem cells,and implies optimal use of bFGF in hESCs/hiPSCs culture should be based on specific cell line and its culture system. View Publication

The key regulators of endothelial differentiation that is induced by shear stress are mostly unclear. Human atonal homolog 6 (Hath6 or ATOH8) is an endothelial-selective and shear-stress-responsive transcription factor. In this study,we sought to elucidate the role of Hath6 in the endothelial specification of embryonic stem cells. In a stepwise human embryonic stem cell to endothelial cell (hESC-EC) induction system,Hath6 mRNA was upregulated synchronously with endothelial determination. Subsequently,gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies of Hath6 were performed using the hESC-EC induction model and endothelial cell lines. The overexpression of Hath6,which mimics shear stress treatment,resulted in an increased CD45(-)CD31(+)KDR(+) population,a higher tubular-structure-formation capacity and increased endothelial-specific gene expression. By contrast,the knockdown of Hath6 mRNA markedly decreased endothelial differentiation. Hath6 also facilitated the maturation of endothelial cells in terms of endothelial gene expression,tubular-structure formation and cell migration. We further demonstrated that the gene encoding eNOS is a direct target of Hath6 through a reporter system assay and western blot analysis,and that the inhibition of eNOS diminishes hESC-EC differentiation. These results suggest that eNOS plays a key role in linking Hath6 to the endothelial phenotype. Further in situ hybridization studies in zebrafish and mouse embryos indicated that homologs of Hath6 are involved in vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. This study provides the first confirmation of the positive impact of Hath6 on human embryonic endothelial differentiation and function. Moreover,we present a potential signaling pathway through which shear stress stimulates endothelial differentiation. View Publication

Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) differentiation typically yields heterogeneous populations. Knowledge of signals controlling embryonic lineage bifurcations could efficiently yield desired cell types through exclusion of alternate fates. Therefore,we revisited signals driving induction and anterior-posterior patterning of definitive endoderm to generate a coherent roadmap for endoderm differentiation. With striking temporal dynamics,BMP and Wnt initially specified anterior primitive streak (progenitor to endoderm),yet,24 hr later,suppressed endoderm and induced mesoderm. At lineage bifurcations,cross-repressive signals separated mutually exclusive fates; TGF-?? and BMP/MAPK respectively induced pancreas versus liver from endoderm by suppressing the alternate lineage. We systematically blockaded alternate fates throughout multiple consecutive bifurcations,thereby efficiently differentiating multiple hPSC lines exclusively into endoderm and its derivatives. Comprehensive transcriptional and chromatin mapping of highly pure endodermal populations revealed that endodermal enhancers existed in a surprising diversity of pre-enhancer" states before activation� View Publication

Background Proteoglycans are found on the cell surface and in the extracellular matrix,and serve as prime sites for interaction with signaling molecules. Proteoglycans help regulate pathways that control stem cell fate,and therefore represent an excellent tool to manipulate these pathways. Despite their importance,there is a dearth of data linking glycosaminoglycan structure within proteoglycans with stem cell differentiation. Methods Human embryonic stem cell line WA09 (H9) was differentiated into early mesoderm and endoderm lineages,and the glycosaminoglycanomic changes accompanying these transitions were studied using transcript analysis,immunoblotting,immunofluorescence and disaccharide analysis. Results Pluripotent H9 cell lumican had no glycosaminoglycan chains whereas in splanchnic mesoderm lumican was glycosaminoglycanated. H9 cells have primarily non-sulfated heparan sulfate chains. On differentiation towards splanchnic mesoderm and hepatic lineages N-sulfo group content increases. Differences in transcript expression of NDST1,HS6ST2 and HS6ST3,three heparan sulfate biosynthetic enzymes,within splanchnic mesoderm cells compared to H9 cells correlate to changes in glycosaminoglycan structure. Conclusions Differentiation of embryonic stem cells markedly changes the proteoglycanome. General significance The glycosaminoglycan biosynthetic pathway is complex and highly regulated,and therefore,understanding the details of this pathway should enable better control with the aim of directing stem cell differentiation. ?? 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. View Publication

BACKGROUND: A few reports suggested that low levels of Wnt signaling might drive cell reprogramming,but these studies could not establish a clear relationship between Wnt signaling and self-renewal networks. There are ongoing debates as to whether and how the Wnt/β-catenin signaling is involved in the control of pluripotency gene networks. Additionally,whether physiological β-catenin signaling generates stem-like cells through interactions with other pathways is as yet unclear. The nasopharyngeal carcinoma HONE1 cells have low expression of β-catenin and wild-type expression of p53,which provided a possibility to study regulatory mechanism of stemness networks induced by physiological levels of Wnt signaling in these cells.backslashnbackslashnRESULTS: Introduction of increased β-catenin signaling,haploid expression of β-catenin under control by its natural regulators in transferred chromosome 3,resulted in activation of Wnt/β-catenin networks and dedifferentiation in HONE1 hybrid cell lines,but not in esophageal carcinoma SLMT1 hybrid cells that had high levels of endogenous β-catenin expression. HONE1 hybrid cells displayed stem cell-like properties,including enhancement of CD24(+) and CD44(+) populations and generation of spheres that were not observed in parental HONE1 cells. Signaling cascades were detected in HONE1 hybrid cells,including activation of p53- and RB1-mediated tumor suppressor pathways,up-regulation of Nanog-,Oct4-,Sox2-,and Klf4-mediated pluripotency networks,and altered E-cadherin expression in both in vitro and in vivo assays. qPCR array analyses further revealed interactions of physiological Wnt/β-catenin signaling with other pathways such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition,TGF-β,Activin,BMPR,FGFR2,and LIFR- and IL6ST-mediated cell self-renewal networks. Using β-catenin shRNA inhibitory assays,a dominant role for β-catenin in these cellular network activities was observed. The expression of cell surface markers such as CD9,CD24,CD44,CD90,and CD133 in generated spheres was progressively up-regulated compared to HONE1 hybrid cells. Thirty-four up-regulated components of the Wnt pathway were identified in these spheres.backslashnbackslashnCONCLUSIONS: Wnt/β-catenin signaling regulates self-renewal networks and plays a central role in the control of pluripotency genes,tumor suppressive pathways and expression of cancer stem cell markers. This current study provides a novel platform to investigate the interaction of physiological Wnt/β-catenin signaling with stemness transition networks. View Publication

Stem cell differentiation is regulated by complex repertoires of signaling ligands which often use multivalent interactions,where multiple ligands tethered to one entity interact with multiple cellular receptors to yield oligomeric complexes. One such ligand is Sonic hedgehog (Shh),whose posttranslational lipid modifications and assembly into multimers enhance its biological potency,potentially through receptor clustering. Investigations of Shh typically utilize recombinant,monomeric protein,and thus the impact of multivalency on ligand potency is unexplored. Among its many activities,Shh is required for ventralization of the midbrain and forebrain and is therefore critical for the development of midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) and forebrain gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) inhibitory neurons. We have designed multivalent biomaterials presenting Shh in defined spatial arrangements and investigated the role of Shh valency in ventral specification of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) into these therapeutically relevant cell types. Multivalent Shh conjugates with optimal valencies,compared to the monomeric Shh,increased the percentages of neurons belonging to mDA or forebrain GABAergic fates from 33% to 60% or 52% to 86%,respectively. Thus,multivalent Shh bioconjugates can enhance neuronal lineage commitment of pluripotent stem cells and thereby facilitate efficient derivation of neurons that could be used to treat Parkinson's and epilepsy patients. View Publication

We present an integrated platform comprised of a biomimetic substrate and physiologically aligned human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (CMs) with optical detection and algorithms to monitor subtle changes in cardiac properties under various conditions. In the native heart,anisotropic tissue structures facilitate important concerted mechanical contraction and electrical propagation. To recapitulate the architecture necessary for a physiologically accurate heart response,we have developed a simple way to create large areas of aligned CMs with improved functional properties using shrink-wrap film. Combined with simple bright field imaging,obviating the need for fluorescent labels or beads,we quantify and analyze key cardiac contractile parameters. To evaluate the performance capabilities of this platform,the effects of two drugs,E-4031 and isoprenaline,were examined. Cardiac cells supplemented with E-4031 exhibited an increase in contractile duration exclusively due to prolonged relaxation peak. Notably,cells aligned on the biomimetic platform responded detectably down to a dosage of 3nm E-4031,which is lower than the IC50 in the hERG channel assay. Cells supplemented with isoprenaline exhibited increased contractile frequency and acceleration. Interestingly,cells grown on the biomimetic substrate were more responsive to isoprenaline than those grown on the two control surfaces,suggesting topography may help induce more mature ion channel development. This simple and low-cost platform could thus be a powerful tool for longitudinal assays as well as an effective tool for drug screening and basic cardiac research. ?? 2013 Elsevier Ltd. View Publication

Biochemical factors can help reprogram somatic cells into pluripotent stem cells,yet the role of biophysical factors during reprogramming is unknown. Here,we show that biophysical cues,in the form of parallel microgrooves on the surface of cell-adhesive substrates,can replace the effects of small-molecule epigenetic modifiers and significantly improve reprogramming efficiency. The mechanism relies on the mechanomodulation of the cells' epigenetic state. Specifically,decreased histone deacetylase activity and upregulation of the expression of WD repeat domain 5 (WDR5)—a subunit of H3 methyltranferase—by microgrooved surfaces lead to increased histone H3 acetylation and methylation. We also show that microtopography promotes a mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition in adult fibroblasts. Nanofibrous scaffolds with aligned fibre orientation produce effects similar to those produced by microgrooves,suggesting that changes in cell morphology may be responsible for modulation of the epigenetic state. These findings have important implications in cell biology and in the optimization of biomaterials for cell-engineering applications. View Publication

A significant clinical need exists to differentiate human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into cardiomyocytes,enabling tissue modeling for in vitro discovery of new drugs or cell-based therapies for heart repair in vivo. Chemical and mechanical microenvironmental factors are known to impact the efficiency of stem cell differentiation,but cardiac differentiation protocols in hPSCs are typically performed on rigid tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) surfaces,which do not present a physiological mechanical setting. To investigate the temporal effects of mechanics on cardiac differentiation,we cultured human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and their derivatives on polyacrylamide hydrogel substrates with a physiologically relevant range of stiffnesses. In directed differentiation and embryoid body culture systems,differentiation of hESCs to cardiac troponin T-expressing (cTnT+) cardiomyocytes peaked on hydrogels of intermediate stiffness. Brachyury expression also peaked on intermediate stiffness hydrogels at day 1 of directed differentiation,suggesting that stiffness impacted the initial differentiation trajectory of hESCs to mesendoderm. To investigate the impact of substrate mechanics during cardiac specification of mesodermal progenitors,we initiated directed cardiomyocyte differentiation on TCPS and transferred cells to hydrogels at the Nkx2.5/Isl1+ cardiac progenitor cell stage. No differences in cardiomyocyte purity with stiffness were observed on day 15. These experiments indicate that differentiation of hESCs is sensitive to substrate mechanics at early stages of mesodermal induction,and proper application of substrate mechanics can increase the propensity of hESCs to differentiate to cardiomyocytes. textcopyright 2013 Acta Materialia Inc. View Publication