Metabolomics,Unknown,Transcriptomics,Genomics,Proteomics

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Transcriptional and Epigenetic Dynamics During Specification of Human Embryonic Stem Cells

ABSTRACT: Differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) provides a unique opportunity to study the epigenetic mechanisms that facilitate cellular transitions in a human context. To that end, we performed comprehensive transcriptional and epigenetic profiling of early populations derived through directed differentiation of hESCs representing each of the three embryonic germ layers. Integration of whole genome bisulfite sequencing, chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing and RNA-Sequencing reveals unique events associated with specification towards each lineage. While we observe expected dynamics such as loss of DNA methylation and gain of H3K4me1 at distal putative regulatory elements, we frequently found a germ layer specific switch to H3K27me3 at sites of high DNA methylation in the undifferentiated state. By carefully dissecting these initial events, we may be able to devise more faithful differentiation strategies and gain novel insights in to the robust rewiring of regulatory programs during cellular transitions. 10 Samples in total, 5 in replicate. To better understand the interplay of epigenetic dynamics and transcription factor binding upon in vitro specification of human embryonic stem cells we profiled OCT4, SOX2 and NANOG in hESC and the endoderm master regulatory factor FOXA2 in in vitro derived endoderm cells (dEN). To gain further insights into the relation of DNA methylation and TF binding, we carried out ChIP-bisulfite sequencing for FOXA2 in dEN. Lastly, we were interested in the fate of genes bound by FOXA2 in dEN upon further differentiation and therefore differentiated dEN further towards a hepatocyte like state and performed RNA-Seq.

ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens

SUBMITTER: Michael Ziller

PROVIDER: E-GEOD-46130 | biostudies-arrayexpress |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-arrayexpress

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Project description:Multiple sclerosis involves an aberrant autoimmune response and progressive failure of remyelination in the central nervous system. Prevention of neural degeneration and subsequent disability requires remyelination through the generation of new oligodendrocytes, but current treatments exclusively target the immune system. Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells are stem cells in the central nervous system and the principal source of myelinating oligodendrocytes. These cells are abundant in demyelinated regions of patients with multiple sclerosis, yet fail to differentiate, thereby representing a cellular target for pharmacological intervention. To discover therapeutic compounds for enhancing myelination from endogenous oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, we screened a library of bioactive small molecules on mouse pluripotent epiblast stem-cell-derived oligodendrocyte progenitor cells. Here we show seven drugs function at nanomolar doses selectively to enhance the generation of mature oligodendrocytes from progenitor cells in vitro. Two drugs, miconazole and clobetasol, are effective in promoting precocious myelination in organotypic cerebellar slice cultures, and in vivo in early postnatal mouse pups. Systemic delivery of each of the two drugs significantly increases the number of new oligodendrocytes and enhances remyelination in a lysolecithin-induced mouse model of focal demyelination. Administering each of the two drugs at the peak of disease in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mouse model of chronic progressive multiple sclerosis results in striking reversal of disease severity. Immune response assays show that miconazole functions directly as a remyelinating drug with no effect on the immune system, whereas clobetasol is a potent immunosuppressant as well as a remyelinating agent. Mechanistic studies show that miconazole and clobetasol function in oligodendrocyte progenitor cells through mitogen-activated protein kinase and glucocorticoid receptor signalling, respectively. Furthermore, both drugs enhance the generation of human oligodendrocytes from human oligodendrocyte progenitor cells in vitro. Collectively, our results provide a rationale for testing miconazole and clobetasol, or structurally modified derivatives, to enhance remyelination in patients. RNA sequencing of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells treated with vehicle, miconazole or clobetasol for 0, 2, 6, or 12 hours. Cells were plated 1.5 hours prior to addition of drug.

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Transcriptional and Epigenetic Dynamics During Specification of Human Embryonic Stem Cells

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