Cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans as novel markers of human neural stem cell fate determination

Multipotent neural stem cells (NSCs) provide a model to investigate neurogenesis and develop mechanisms of cell transplantation. In order to define improved markers of stemness and lineage specificity, we examined self-renewal and multi-lineage markers during long-term expansion and under neuronal and astrocyte differentiating conditions in human ESC-derived NSCs (hNSC H9 cells). In addition, with proteoglycans ubiquitous to the neural niche, we also examined heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) and their regulatory enzymes. Our results demonstrate that hNSC H9 cells maintain self-renewal and multipotent capacity during extended culture and express HS biosynthesis enzymes and several HSPG core protein syndecans (SDCs) and glypicans (GPCs) at a high level. In addition, hNSC H9 cells exhibit high neuronal and a restricted glial differentiative potential with lineage differentiation significantly increasing expression of many HS biosynthesis enzymes. Furthermore, neuronal differentiation of the cells upregulated SDC4, GPC1, GPC2, GPC3 and GPC6 expression with increased GPC4 expression observed under astrocyte culture conditions. Finally, downregulation of selected HSPG core proteins altered hNSC H9 cell lineage potential. These findings demonstrate an involvement for HSPGs in mediating hNSC maintenance and lineage commitment and their potential use as novel markers of hNSC and neural cell lineage specification.

Selective immunoneutralization of luteinizing hormone results in the apoptotic cell death of pachytene spermatocytes and spermatids in the rat testis

The selective withdrawal of pituitary gonadotropins through specific antibodies is known to cause disruption of spermatogenesis. The cellular mechanism responsible for the degenerative changes under isolated effect of luteinizing hormone (LH) deprivation is not clear. Using antibodies specific to LH we have investigated the effect of immunoneutralization of LH on apoptotic cell death in the testicular cells of the immature and the adult rats. Specific neutralization of LH resulted in apoptotic cell death of germ cells, both in the immature and the adult rats. The germ cells from control animals showed predominantly high molecular weight DNA, while the antiserum treated group showed DNA cleavage into low molecular weight DNA ladder characteristic of apoptosis. This pattern could be observed within 24 h of a/s administration and the effect could be reversed by testosterone. The germ cells were purified by centrifugal elutriation and the vulnerability of germ cell types to undergo apoptosis under LH deprivation was investigated. The round spermatids and the pachytene spermatocytes were found to be the most sensitive germ cells to lack of LH and underwent apoptosis. Interestingly, spermatogonial cells were found to be the least sensitive germ cells to the lack of LH in terms of apoptotic cell death. Results show that LH, in addition to being involved in the germ cell differentiation, is also involved in cell survival and prevent degeneration of germ cells during spermatogenesis. Apoptotic DNA fragmentation may serve as a useful marker for the study of hormonal regulation of spermatogenesis and the specific neutralization of gonadotropic hormones can be a reliable model for the study of the molecular mechanism of apoptosis.

Aza-induced cardiomyocyte differentiation of P19 EC-cells by epigenetic co-regulation and ERK signaling

Stem cells in cell based therapy for cardiac injury is being potentially considered. However, genetic regulatory networks involved in cardiac differentiation are not clearly understood. Among stem cell differentiation models, mouse P19 embryonic carcinoma (EC) cells, are employed for studying (epi)genetic regulation of cardiomyocyte differentiation. Here, we comprehensively assessed cardiogenic differentiation potential of 5-azacytidine (Aza) on P19 EC-cells, associated gene expression profiles and the changes in DNA methylation, histone acetylation and activated-ERK signaling status during differentiation. Initial exposure of Aza to cultured EC-cells leads to an efficient (55%) differentiation to cardiomyocyte-rich embryoid bodies with a threefold (16.8%) increase in the cTnI(+) cardiomyocytes. Expression levels of cardiac-specific gene markers i.e., Isl-1, BMP-2, GATA-4, and alpha-MHC were up-regulated following Aza induction, accompanied by differential changes in their methylation status particularly that of BMP-2 and alpha-MHC. Additionally, increases in the levels of acetylated-H3 and pERK were observed during Aza-induced cardiac differentiation. These studies demonstrate that Aza is a potent cardiac inducer when treated during the initial phase of differentiation of mouse P19 EC-cells and its effect is brought about epigenetically and co-ordinatedly by hypo-methylation and histone acetylation-mediated hyper-expression of cardiogenesis-associated genes and involving activation of ERK signaling.

Electrically driven intracellular and extracellular nanomanipulators evoke neurogenic/cardiomyogenic differentiation in human mesenchymal stem cells

Nanomechanical intervention through electroactuation is an effective strategy to guide stem cell differentiation for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. In the present study, we elucidate that physical forces exerted by electroactuated gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have a strong influence in regulating the lineage commitment of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). A novel platform that combines intracellular and extracellular GNPs as nano-manipulators was designed to trigger neurogenic/cardiomyogenic differentiation in hMSCs, in electric field stimulated culture condition. In order to mimic the native microenvironment of nerve and cardiac tissues, hMSCs were treated with physiologically relevant direct current electric field (DC EF) or pulsed electric field (PEF) stimuli, respectively. When exposed to regular intermittent cycles of DC EF stimuli, majority of the GNP actuated hMSCs acquired longer filopodial extensions with multiple branch-points possessing neural-like architecture. Such morphological changes were consistent with higher mRNA expression level for neural-specific markers. On the other hand, PEF elicited cardiomyogenic differentiation, which is commensurate with the tubelike morphological alterations along with the upregulation of cardiac specific markers. The observed effect was significantly promoted even by intracellular actuation and was found to be substrate independent. Further, we have substantiated the participation of oxidative signaling, G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and intracellular calcium Ca2+] elevation as the key upstream regulators dictating GNP assisted hMSC differentiation. Thus, by adopting dual stimulation protocols, we could successfully divert the DC EF exposed cells to differentiate predominantly into neural-like cells and PEF treated cells into cardiomyogenic-like cells, via nanoactuation of GNPs. Such a novel multifaceted approach can be exploited to combat tissue loss following brain injury or heart failure. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

First human hNT neurons patterned on parylene-C/silicon dioxide substrates: Combining an accessible cell line and robust patterning technology for the study of the pathological adult human brain

In this communication, we describe a new method which has enabled the first patterning of human neurons (derived from the human teratocarcinoma cell line (hNT)) on parylene-C/silicon dioxide substrates. We reveal the details of the nanofabrication processes, cell differentiation and culturing protocols necessary to successfully pattern hNT neurons which are each key aspects of this new method. The benefits in patterning human neurons on silicon chip using an accessible cell line and robust patterning technology are of widespread value. Thus, using a combined technology such as this will facilitate the detailed study of the pathological human brain at both the single cell and network level. © 2010 Elsevier B.V.

Detection of Atomic Scale Changes in the Free Volume Void Size of Three-Dimensional Colorectal Cancer Cell Culture Using Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy

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NMDA modulates oligodendrocyte differentiation of subventricular zone cells through PKC activation

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RARRES3 suppresses breast cancer lung metastasis by regulating adhesion and differentiation

In estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer patients, metastatic relapse usually occurs in the lung and is responsible for the fatal outcome of the disease. Thus, a better understanding of the biology of metastasis is needed. In particular, biomarkers to identify patients that are at risk of lung metastasis could open the avenue for new therapeutic opportunities. Here we characterize the biological activity of RARRES3, a new metastasis suppressor gene whose reduced expression in the primary breast tumors identifies a subgroup of patients more likely to develop lung metastasis. We show that RARRES3 downregulation engages metastasis-initiating capabilities by facilitating adhesion of the tumor cells to the lung parenchyma. In addition, impaired tumor cell differentiation due to the loss of RARRES3 phospholipase A1/A2 activity also contributes to lung metastasis. Our results establish RARRES3 downregulation as a potential biomarker to identify patients at high risk of lung metastasis who might benefit from a differentiation treatment in the adjuvant programme.

Sphingomyelinase D/Ceramide 1-Phosphate in Cell Survival and Inflammation

Sphingolipids are major constituents of biological membranes of eukaryotic cells. Many studies have shown that sphingomyelin (SM) is a major phospholipid in cell bilayers and is mainly localized to the plasma membrane of cells, where it serves both as a building block for cell architecture and as a precursor of bioactive sphingolipids. In particular, upregulation of (C-type) sphingomyelinases will produce ceramide, which regulates many physiological functions including apoptosis, senescence, or cell differentiation. Interestingly, the venom of some arthropodes including spiders of the genus Loxosceles, or the toxins of some bacteria such as Corynebacterium tuberculosis, or Vibrio damsela possess high levels of D-type sphingomyelinase (SMase D). This enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of SM to yield ceramide 1-phosphate (C1P), which promotes cell growth and survival and is a potent pro-inflammatory agent in different cell types. In particular, C1P stimulates cytosolic phospholipase A2 leading to arachidonic acid release and the subsequent formation of eicosanoids, actions that are all associated to the promotion of inflammation. In addition, C1P potently stimulates macrophage migration, which has also been associated to inflammatory responses. Interestingly, this action required the interaction of C1P with a specific plasma membrane receptor, whereas accumulation of intracellular C1P failed to stimulate chemotaxis. The C1P receptor is coupled to Gi proteins and activates of the PI3K/Akt and MEK/ERK1-2 pathways upon ligation with C1P. The proposed review will address novel aspects on the control of inflammatory responses by C1P and will highlight the molecular mechanisms whereby C1P exerts these actions.

Knocking-Down Cyclin A(2) by siRNA Suppresses Apoptosis and Switches Differentiation Pathways in K562 Cells upon Administration with Doxorubicin

Cyclin A(2) is critical for the initiation of DNA replication, transcription and cell cycle regulation. Cumulative evidences indicate that the deregulation of cyclin A(2) is tightly linked to the chromosomal instability, neoplastic transformation and tumor proliferation. Here we report that treatment of chronic myelogenous leukaemia K562 cells with doxorubicin results in an accumulation of cyclin A(2) and follows by induction of apoptotic cell death. To investigate the potential preclinical relevance, K562 cells were transiently transfected with the siRNA targeting cyclin A(2) by functionalized single wall carbon nanotubes. Knocking down the expression of cyclin A(2) in K562 cells suppressed doxorubicin-induced growth arrest and cell apoptosis. Upon administration with doxorubicin, K562 cells with reduced cyclin A(2) showed a significant decrease in erythroid differentiation, and a small fraction of cells were differentiated along megakaryocytic and monocyte-macrophage pathways. The results demonstrate the pro-apoptotic role of cyclin A(2) and suggest that cyclin A(2) is a key regulator of cell differentiation.

Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 plays an important role in regulating pharyngeal skeleton and inner ear formation and differentiation

Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein (IGFBP)-3 is the major insulin-like growth factor (IGF) carrier protein in the bloodstream. IGFBP-3 prolongs the half-life of circulating IGFs and prevents their potential hypo-glycemic effect. IGFBP-3 is also expressed in many peripheral tissues in fetal and adult stages. In vitro, IGFBP-3 can inhibit or potentiate IGF actions and even possesses IGF-independent activities, suggesting that local IGFBP-3 may also have paracrine/autocrine function(s). The in vivo function of IGFBP-3, however, is unclear. In this study, we elucidate the developmental role of IGFBP-3 using the zebrafish model. IGFBP-3 mRNA expression is first detected in the migrating cranial neural crest cells and subsequently in pharyngeal arches in zebrafish embryos. IGFBP-3 mRNA is also persistently expressed in the developing inner ears. To determine the role of IGFBP-3 in these tissues, we ablated the IGFBP-3 gene product using morpholino-modified antisense oligonucleotides (MOs). The IGFBP-3 knocked down embryos had delayed pharyngeal skeleton morphogenesis and greatly reduced pharyngeal cartilage differentiation. Knockdown of IGFBP-3 also significantly decreased inner ear size and disrupted hair cell differentiation and semicircular canal formation. Furthermore, reintroduction of a MO-resistant form of IGFBP-3 "rescued" the MO-induced defects. These findings suggest that IGFBP-3 plays an important role in regulating pharyngeal cartilage and inner car development and growth in zebrafish.

Haematopoietic lineage cell-specific protein 1 (HS1) promotes actin-related protein (Arp) 2/3 complex-mediated actin polymerization

HS1 (haematopoietic lineage cell-specific gene protein 1), a prominent substrate of intracellular protein tyrosine kinases in haematopoietic cells, is implicated in the immune response to extracellular stimuli and in cell differentiation induced by cytokines. Although HS1 contains a 37-amino acid tandem repeat motif and a C-terminal Src homology 3 domain and is closely related to the cortical-actin-associated protein cortactin, it lacks the fourth repeat that has been shown to be essential for cortactin binding to filamentous actin (F-actin). In this study, we examined the possible role of HS1 in the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. Immunofluorescent staining demonstrated that HS1 co-localizes in the cytoplasm of cells with actin-related protein (Arp) 2/3 complex, the primary component of the cellular machinery responsible for de novo actin assembly. Furthermore, recombinant HS1 binds directly to Arp2/3 complex with an equilibrium dissociation constant (K-d) of 880 nM. Although HS1 is a modest F-actin-binding protein with a Kd of 400 nM, it increases the rate of the actin assembly mediated by Arp2/3 complex, and promotes the formation of branched actin filaments induced by Arp2/3 complex and a constitutively activated peptide of N-WASP (neural Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein). Our data suggest that HS1, like cortactin, plays an important role in the modulation of actin assembly.

Role of KLF4 in regulation of myocardin induced SMC differentiation in human smooth muscle stem progenitor cells (hSMSPC)

The differentiation of stem cells into multiple lineages has been explored in vascular regenerative medicine. However, in the case of smooth muscle cells (SMC), issues exist concerning inefficient rates of differentiation. In stem cells, multiple repressors potentially downregulate myocardin, the potent SRF coactivator induced SMC transcription including Krüppel like zinc finger transcription factor-4 (KLF4). This thesis aimed to explore the role of KLF4 in the regulation of myocardin gene expression in human smooth muscle stem/progenitor cells (hSMSPC), a novel circulating stem cell identified in our laboratory which expresses low levels of myocardin and higher levels of KLF4. hSMSPC cells cultured in SmGM2 1% FBS with TGF-β1 (5 ng/ml “differentiation media”) show limited SMC cell differentiation potential. Furthermore, myocardin transduced hSMSPC cells cultured in differentiation media induced myofilamentous SMC like cells with expression of SM markers. Five potential KLF4 binding sites were identified in silico within 3.9Kb upstream of the translational start site of the human myocardin promoter. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays verified that endogenous KLF4 binds the human myocardin promoter at -3702bp with Respect to the translation start site (-1). Transduction of lentiviral vectors encoding either myocardin cDNA (LV_myocardin) or KLF4 targeting shRNA (LV_shKLF4 B) induced human myocardin promoter activity in hSMSPCs. Silencing of KLF4 expression in differentiation media induced smooth muscle like morphology by day 5 in culture and increased overtime with expression of SMC markers in hSMSPCs. Implantation of silastic tubes into the rat peritoneal cavity induces formation of a tissue capsule structure which may be used as vascular grafts. Rat SMSPCs integrate into, strengthen and enhance the SMC component of such tubular capsules. These data demonstrate that KLF4 directly represses myocardin gene expression in hSMSPCs, which when differentiated, provide a potential source of SMCs in the development of autologous vascular grafts in regenerative medicine.

CD20 deficiency in humans results in impaired T cell-independent antibody responses.

CD20 was the first B cell differentiation antigen identified, and CD20-specific mAbs are commonly used for the treatment of B cell malignancies and autoantibody-mediated autoimmune diseases. Despite this the role of CD20 in human B cell physiology has remained elusive. We describe here a juvenile patient with CD20 deficiency due to a homozygous mutation in a splice junction of the CD20 gene (also known as MS4A1) that results in "cryptic" splicing and nonfunctional mRNA species. Analysis of this patient has led us to conclude that CD20 has a central role in the generation of T cell-independent (TI) antibody responses. Key evidence to support this conclusion was provided by the observation that although antigen-independent B cells developed normally in the absence of CD20 expression, antibody formation, particularly after vaccination with TI antigens, was strongly impaired in the patient. Consistent with this, TI antipolysaccharide B cell responses were severely impeded in CD20-deficient mice. Our study therefore identifies what we believe to be a novel type of humoral immunodeficiency caused by CD20 deficiency and characterized by normal development of antigen-independent B cells, along with a reduced capacity to mount proper antibody responses.

Diet-induced obesity alters the differentiation potential of stem cells isolated from bone marrow, adipose tissue and infrapatellar fat pad: the effects of free fatty acids.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a major risk factor for several musculoskeletal conditions that are characterized by an imbalance of tissue remodeling. Adult stem cells are closely associated with the remodeling and potential repair of several mesodermally derived tissues such as fat, bone and cartilage. We hypothesized that obesity would alter the frequency, proliferation, multipotency and immunophenotype of adult stem cells from a variety of tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), subcutaneous adipose-derived stem cells (sqASCs) and infrapatellar fat pad-derived stem cells (IFP cells) were isolated from lean and high-fat diet-induced obese mice, and their cellular properties were examined. To test the hypothesis that changes in stem cell properties were due to the increased systemic levels of free fatty acids (FFAs), we further investigated the effects of FFAs on lean stem cells in vitro. RESULTS: Obese mice showed a trend toward increased prevalence of MSCs and sqASCs in the stromal tissues. While no significant differences in cell proliferation were observed in vitro, the differentiation potential of all types of stem cells was altered by obesity. MSCs from obese mice demonstrated decreased adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic potential. Obese sqASCs and IFP cells showed increased adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation, but decreased chondrogenic ability. Obese MSCs also showed decreased CD105 and increased platelet-derived growth factor receptor α expression, consistent with decreased chondrogenic potential. FFA treatment of lean stem cells significantly altered their multipotency but did not completely recapitulate the properties of obese stem cells. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the hypothesis that obesity alters the properties of adult stem cells in a manner that depends on the cell source. These effects may be regulated in part by increased levels of FFAs, but may involve other obesity-associated cytokines. These findings contribute to our understanding of mesenchymal tissue remodeling with obesity, as well as the development of autologous stem cell therapies for obese patients.