Differentiated nuclei can be reprogrammed/remodelled to totipotency after their transfer to enucleated metaphase II (MII) oocytes. The process of reprogramming/remodelling is, however, only partially characterized. It has been shown that the oocyte nucleus (germinal vesicle - GV) components are essential for a successful remodelling of the transferred nucleus by providing the materials for pseudo-nucleus formation. However, the nucleus is a complex structure and exactly what nuclear components are required for a successful nucleus remodelling and reprogramming is unknown. Till date, the only nuclear sub-structure experimentally demonstrated to be essential is the oocyte nucleolus (nucleolus-like body, NLB). In this study, we investigated what other GV components might be necessary for the formation of normal-sized pseudo-pronuclei (PNs). Our results showed that the removal of the GV nuclear envelope with attached chromatin and chromatin-bound factors does not substantially influence the size of the remodelled nuclei in reconstructed cells and that their nuclear envelopes seem to have normal parameters. Rather than the insoluble nuclear lamina, the GV content, which is dissolved in the cytoplasm with the onset of oocyte maturation, influences the characteristics and size of transferred nuclei.
- MeSH
- Cell Nucleolus metabolism MeSH
- Cell Nucleus metabolism MeSH
- Chromatin metabolism MeSH
- Cytoplasm metabolism MeSH
- Nuclear Lamina metabolism MeSH
- Nuclear Envelope metabolism MeSH
- RNA, Messenger metabolism MeSH
- Mice MeSH
- Oocytes cytology metabolism MeSH
- Oogenesis MeSH
- Ovarian Follicle metabolism MeSH
- Cellular Reprogramming * MeSH
- Nuclear Transfer Techniques * MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Mice MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
It is now more than nine years since Dolly, the world's first somatic cell cloned mammal was born, and the success of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is still disappointingly low. Only about 3-5% of reconstructed embryos develop to term, and it is also evident that even if some clones are born, they are not necessarily fully developed and healthy. Embryonic and neonatal abnormalities of cloned offspring are probably a result of incorrect or incomplete reprogramming of the transferred donor cell nuclei. Such an incomplete reprogramming reflects the extremely low efficiency of SCNT. The key role in the process of reprogramming has been attributed to the enucleated oocyte-cytoplast into which the somatic cell nucleus is transferred. In our chapter, we will discuss the methodological approaches used for the preparation of cytoplasts and their possible reprogramming activities.
- MeSH
- Cell Differentiation genetics MeSH
- Cell Nucleus genetics MeSH
- Cytoplasmic Structures metabolism MeSH
- Embryonic Development genetics MeSH
- Financing, Organized MeSH
- Histones genetics MeSH
- Cloning, Organism methods trends MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Oocytes metabolism MeSH
- Chromatin Assembly and Disassembly genetics MeSH
- Nuclear Transfer Techniques standards trends MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Animals MeSH
Aim: Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are inefficiently derived from somatic cells by overexpression of defined transcription factors. Overexpression of H2A histone variant macroH2A1.1, but not macroH2A1.2, leads to increased iPSC reprogramming by unclear mechanisms. Materials & methods: Cleavage under targets and tagmentation (CUT&Tag) allows robust epigenomic profiling of a low cell number. We performed an integrative CUT&Tag-RNA-Seq analysis of macroH2A1-dependent orchestration of iPSCs reprogramming using human endothelial cells. Results: We demonstrate wider genome occupancy, predicted transcription factors binding, and gene expression regulated by macroH2A1.1 during reprogramming, compared to macroH2A1.2. MacroH2A1.1, previously associated with neurodegenerative pathologies, specifically activated ectoderm/neural processes. Conclusion: CUT&Tag and RNA-Seq data integration is a powerful tool to investigate the epigenetic mechanisms occurring during cell reprogramming.
- MeSH
- Endothelial Cells metabolism MeSH
- Histones * metabolism MeSH
- Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells * metabolism MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Cellular Reprogramming genetics MeSH
- RNA-Seq MeSH
- Transcription Factors genetics MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
Oct4-mediated reprogramming has recently become a novel tool for the generation of various cell types from differentiated somatic cells. Although molecular mechanisms underlying this process are unknown, it is well documented that cells over-expressing Oct4 undergo transition from differentiated state into plastic state. This transition is associated with the acquisition of stem cells properties leading to epigenetically "open" state that is permissive to cell fate switch upon external stimuli. In order to contribute to our understanding of molecular mechanisms driving this process, we characterised human fibroblasts over-expressing Oct4 and performed comprehensive small-RNAseq analysis. Our analyses revealed new interesting aspects of Oct4-mediated cell plasticity induction. Cells over-expressing Oct4 lose their cell identity demonstrated by down-regulation of fibroblast-specific genes and up-regulation of epithelial genes. Interestingly, this process is associated with microRNA expression profile that is similar to microRNA profiles typically found in pluripotent stem cells. We also provide extensive network of microRNA families and clusters allowing us to precisely determine the miRNAome associated with the acquisition of Oct4-induced transient plastic state. Our data expands current knowledge of microRNA and their implications in cell fate alterations and contributing to understanding molecular mechanisms underlying it.
- MeSH
- Cell Line MeSH
- Embryo, Mammalian * MeSH
- Fibroblasts cytology metabolism MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- MicroRNAs * biosynthesis genetics MeSH
- Octamer Transcription Factor-3 * biosynthesis genetics MeSH
- Gene Expression Regulation * MeSH
- Cellular Reprogramming Techniques * MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
Reprogramming to pluripotency is associated with DNA damage and requires the functions of the BRCA1 tumor suppressor. Here, we leverage separation-of-function mutations in BRCA1/2 as well as the physical and/or genetic interactions between BRCA1 and its associated repair proteins to ascertain the relevance of homology-directed repair (HDR), stalled fork protection (SFP), and replication gap suppression (RGS) in somatic cell reprogramming. Surprisingly, loss of SFP and RGS is inconsequential for the transition to pluripotency. In contrast, cells deficient in HDR, but proficient in SFP and RGS, reprogram with reduced efficiency. Conversely, the restoration of HDR function through inactivation of 53bp1 rescues reprogramming in Brca1-deficient cells, and 53bp1 loss leads to elevated HDR and enhanced reprogramming in mouse and human cells. These results demonstrate that somatic cell reprogramming is especially dependent on repair of replication-associated double-strand breaks (DSBs) by the HDR activity of BRCA1 and BRCA2 and can be improved in the absence of 53BP1.
- MeSH
- Tumor Suppressor p53-Binding Protein 1 * metabolism genetics MeSH
- DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded * MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Mice MeSH
- DNA Repair * MeSH
- Cellular Reprogramming * MeSH
- BRCA1 Protein * metabolism genetics MeSH
- Recombinational DNA Repair MeSH
- DNA Replication MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Mice MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
- Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural MeSH
The recent paper, published by Mitalipov's group in Cell (Tachibana et al., 2013 ), reporting the production of human somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryonic stem cells (ESCs), opens again the debate if, in the era of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), the production of these cells is indeed necessary and, if so, whether they are different from ESCs produced from spare embryos and iPSCs. It is our opinion that these questions are very difficult to answer because it is still unclear whether and how normal ESCs differ from iPSCs.
- MeSH
- Embryonic Stem Cells cytology MeSH
- Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells cytology MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Nuclear Transfer Techniques * MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
The foundations of cell reprogramming were laid by Yamanaka and co-workers, who showed that somatic cells can be reprogrammed into pluripotent cells (induced pluripotency). Since this discovery, the field of regenerative medicine has seen advancements. For example, because they can differentiate into multiple cell types, pluripotent stem cells are considered vital components in regenerative medicine aimed at the functional restoration of damaged tissue. Despite years of research, both replacement and restoration of failed organs/ tissues have remained elusive scientific feats. However, with the inception of cell engineering and nuclear reprogramming, useful solutions have been identified to counter the need for compatible and sustainable organs. By combining the science underlying genetic engineering and nuclear reprogramming with regenerative medicine, scientists have engineered cells to make gene and stem cell therapies applicable and effective. These approaches have enabled the targeting of various pathways to reprogramme cells, i.e., make them behave in beneficial ways in a patient-specific manner. Technological advancements have clearly supported the concept and realization of regenerative medicine. Genetic engineering is used for tissue engineering and nuclear reprogramming and has led to advances in regenerative medicine. Targeted therapies and replacement of traumatized , damaged, or aged organs can be realized through genetic engineering. Furthermore, the success of these therapies has been validated through thousands of clinical trials. Scientists are currently evaluating induced tissue-specific stem cells (iTSCs), which may lead to tumour-free applications of pluripotency induction. In this review, we present state-of-the-art genetic engineering that has been used in regenerative medicine. We also focus on ways that genetic engineering and nuclear reprogramming have transformed regenerative medicine and have become unique therapeutic niches.
- MeSH
- Genetic Engineering MeSH
- Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells metabolism cytology MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Cellular Reprogramming * MeSH
- Regenerative Medicine * MeSH
- Tissue Engineering MeSH
- Developmental Biology MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Review MeSH
Significance: The architecture of the mitochondrial network and cristae critically impact cell differentiation and identity. Cells undergoing metabolic reprogramming to aerobic glycolysis (Warburg effect), such as immune cells, stem cells, and cancer cells, go through controlled modifications in mitochondrial architecture, which is critical for achieving the resulting cellular phenotype. Recent Advances: Recent studies in immunometabolism have shown that the manipulation of mitochondrial network dynamics and cristae shape directly affects T cell phenotype and macrophage polarization through altering energy metabolism. Similar manipulations also alter the specific metabolic phenotypes that accompany somatic reprogramming, stem cell differentiation, and cancer cells. The modulation of oxidative phosphorylation activity, accompanied by changes in metabolite signaling, reactive oxygen species generation, and adenosine triphosphate levels, is the shared underlying mechanism. Critical Issues: The plasticity of mitochondrial architecture is particularly vital for metabolic reprogramming. Consequently, failure to adapt the appropriate mitochondrial morphology often compromises the differentiation and identity of the cell. Immune, stem, and tumor cells exhibit striking similarities in their coordination of mitochondrial morphology with metabolic pathways. However, although many general unifying principles can be observed, their validity is not absolute, and the mechanistic links thus need to be further explored. Future Directions: Better knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved and their relationships to both mitochondrial network and cristae morphology will not only further deepen our understanding of energy metabolism but may also contribute to improved therapeutic manipulation of cell viability, differentiation, proliferation, and identity in many different cell types. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 39, 684-707.
It is now approximately 25 years since the sheep Dolly, the first cloned mammal where the somatic cell nucleus from an adult donor was used for transfer, was born. So far, somatic cell nucleus transfer, where G1-phase nuclei are transferred into cytoplasts obtained by enucleation of mature metaphase II (MII) oocytes followed by the activation of the reconstructed cells, is the most efficient approach to reprogram/remodel the differentiated nucleus. In general, in an enucleated oocyte (cytoplast), the nuclear envelope (NE, membrane) of an injected somatic cell nucleus breaks down and chromosomes condense. This condensation phase is followed, after subsequent activation, by chromatin decondensation and formation of a pseudo-pronucleus (i) whose morphology should resemble the natural postfertilization pronuclei (PNs). Thus, the volume of the transferred nuclei increases considerably by incorporating the content released from the germinal vesicles (GVs). In parallel, the transferred nucleus genes must be reset and function similarly as the relevant genes in normal embryo reprogramming. This, among others, covers the relevant epigenetic modifications and the appropriate organization of chromatin in pseudo-pronuclei. While reprogramming in SCNT is often discussed, the remodeling of transferred nuclei is much less studied, particularly in the context of the developmental potential of SCNT embryos. It is now evident that correct reprogramming mirrors appropriate remodeling. At the same time, it is widely accepted that the process of rebuilding the nucleus following SCNT is instrumental to the overall success of this procedure. Thus, in our contribution, we will mostly focus on the remodeling of transferred nuclei. In particular, we discuss the oocyte organelles that are essential for the development of SCNT embryos.
- MeSH
- Cell Nucleus metabolism MeSH
- Chromatin metabolism MeSH
- Oocytes MeSH
- Sheep genetics MeSH
- Mammals genetics MeSH
- Nuclear Transfer Techniques * veterinary MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Zygote * metabolism MeSH
- Check Tag
- Animals MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
In our study, we have examined the pattern of global histone modification changes in somatic cell nuclei after their transfer into mouse oocytes at different stages of maturation or after their parthenogenetic activation. While germinal vesicle (GV) staged immature oocytes are strongly labeled with anti-acetylated histone H3 and H4 antibodies, the signal is absent in both metaphase I and metaphase II oocytes (MI, MII). In contrast, the oocytes of all maturation stages show a presence of trimethylated H3/K4 in their chromatin. When somatic cells were fused to intact or enucleated GV oocytes, both the GV and the somatic cell nucleus showed a very strong signal for all the antibodies used. On the other hand, when somatic cells nuclei that are AcH3 and AcH4 positive before fusion are introduced into either intact or enucleated MI or MII oocytes, their acetylation signal decreased rapidly and was totally absent after a prolonged culture. This was not the case when anti-trimethyl H3/K4 antibody was used. The somatic cell chromatin showed only a slight decrease in the intensity of labeling after its transfer into MI or MII oocytes. This decrease was, however, evident only after a prolonged culture. These results suggest not only a relatively higher stability of the methylation modification but also some difference between the oocyte and somatic chromatin. The ability to deacetylate the chromatin of transferred somatic nuclei disappears rapidly after the oocyte activation. Our results indicate that at least some reprogramming activity appears in the oocyte cytoplasm almost immediately after GV breakdown (GVBD), and that this activity rapidly disappears after the oocyte activation. Copyright 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
- MeSH
- Fertilization in Vitro MeSH
- Financing, Organized MeSH
- Histone Acetyltransferases metabolism MeSH
- Histone-Lysine N-Methyltransferase metabolism MeSH
- Histones metabolism MeSH
- Hybrid Cells metabolism MeSH
- Methylation MeSH
- Mice MeSH
- Oocytes metabolism MeSH
- Oogenesis physiology MeSH
- Protein Methyltransferases MeSH
- Nuclear Transfer Techniques MeSH
- Animals MeSH
- Check Tag
- Mice MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Animals MeSH
