Differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells to brain microvascular endothelial cell-like cells suitable to study immune cell interactions.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Nishihara H
PROVIDER: S-EPMC8188617 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells to brain microvascular endothelial cell-like cells suitable to study immune cell interactions.
Nishihara Hideaki H Gastfriend Benjamin D BD Kasap Pelin P Palecek Sean P SP Shusta Eric V EV Engelhardt Britta B
STAR protocols 20210602 2
We describe the extended endothelial cell culture method (EECM) for the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into brain microvascular endothelial cell (BMEC)-like cells. EECM-BMEC-like cells resemble primary human BMECs in morphology, molecular junctional architecture, and diffusion barrier characteristics. A mature immune phenotype with proper endothelial adhesion molecule expression makes this model distinct from any other hPSC-derived <i>in vitro</i> blood-brain barrier (BB ...[more]
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Project description:BackgroundIn vitro blood-brain barrier (BBB) models using human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell-derived brain microvascular endothelial-like cells (iBMELCs) have been developed to predict the BBB permeability of drug candidates. For the differentiation of iBMELCs, Matrigel, which is a gelatinous protein mixture, is often used as a coating substrate. However, the components of Matrigel can vary among lots, as it is obtained from mouse sarcoma cells with the use of special technics and also contains various basement membranes. Therefore, fully defined substrates as substitutes for Matrigel are needed for a stable supply of iBMELCs with less variation among lots.MethodsiBMELCs were differentiated from human iPS cells on several matrices. The barrier integrity of iBMELCs was evaluated based on transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) values and permeability of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran 4 kDa (FD4) and Lucifer yellow (LY). Characterization of iBMELCs was conducted by RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence analysis. Functions of efflux transporters were defined by intracellular accumulation of the substrates in the wells of multiwell plates.ResultsiBMELCs differentiated on laminin 221 fragment (LN221F-iBMELCs) had higher TEER values and lower permeability of LY and FD4 as compared with iBMELCs differentiated on Matrigel (Matrigel-iBMELCs). Besides, the gene and protein expression levels of brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMEC)-related markers were similar between LN221F-iBMELCs and Matrigel-iBMELCs. Moreover, both Matrigel- and LN221F-iBMELCs had functions of P-glycoprotein and breast cancer resistance protein, which are essential efflux transporters for barrier functions of the BBB.ConclusionThe fully defined substrate LN221F presents as an optimal coating matrix for differentiation of iBMELCs. The LN221F-iBMELCs had more robust barrier function for a longer period than Matrigel-iBMELCs with characteristics of BMECs. This finding will contribute the establishment of an iBMELC supply system for pharmacokinetic and pathological models of the BBB.
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Project description:Glucose transport from the blood into the brain is tightly regulated by brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMEC), which also use glucose as their primary energy source. To study how BMEC glucose transport contributes to cerebral glucose hypometabolism in diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, it is essential to understand how these cells metabolize glucose. Human primary BMEC (hpBMEC) can be used for BMEC metabolism studies; however, they have poor barrier function and may not recapitulate in vivo BMEC function. iPSC-derived BMEC-like cells (hiBMEC) are readily available and have good barrier function but may have an underlying epithelial signature. In this study, we examined differences between hpBMEC and hiBMEC glucose metabolism using a combination of dynamic metabolic measurements, metabolic mass spectrometry, RNA sequencing, and Western blots. hiBMEC had decreased glycolytic flux relative to hpBMEC, and the overall metabolomes and metabolic enzyme levels were different between the two cell types. However, hpBMEC and hiBMEC had similar glucose metabolism, including nearly identical glucose labeled fractions of glycolytic and TCA cycle metabolites. Treatment with astrocyte conditioned media and high glucose increased glycolysis in both hpBMEC and hiBMEC, though hpBMEC decreased glycolysis in response to fluvastatin while hiBMEC did not. Together, these results suggest that hiBMEC can be used to model cerebral vascular glucose metabolism, which expands their use beyond barrier models.
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Project description:The generation of endothelial cells (ECs) from human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) has been a promising approach for treating cardiovascular diseases for several years. Human PSCs, particularly induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), are an attractive source of ECs for cell therapy. Although there is a diversity of methods for endothelial cell differentiation using biochemical factors, such as small molecules and cytokines, the efficiency of EC production varies depending on the type and dose of biochemical factors. Moreover, the protocols in which most EC differentiation studies have been performed were in very unphysiological conditions that do not reflect the microenvironment of native tissue. The microenvironment surrounding stem cells exerts variable biochemical and biomechanical stimuli that can affect stem cell differentiation and behavior. The stiffness and components of the extracellular microenvironment are critical inducers of stem cell behavior and fate specification by sensing the extracellular matrix (ECM) cues, adjusting the cytoskeleton tension, and delivering external signals to the nucleus. Differentiation of stem cells into ECs using a cocktail of biochemical factors has been performed for decades. However, the effects of mechanical stimuli on endothelial cell differentiation remain poorly understood. This review provides an overview of the methods used to differentiate ECs from stem cells by chemical and mechanical stimuli. We also propose the possibility of a novel EC differentiation strategy using a synthetic and natural extracellular matrix.
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Project description:Blood-brain barrier (BBB) models are important tools for studying CNS drug delivery, brain development, and brain disease. In vitro BBB models have been obtained from animals and immortalized cell lines; however, brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) derived from them have several limitations. Furthermore, obtaining mature brain microvascular endothelial-like cells (BME-like cells) from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) with desirable properties for establishing BBB models has been challenging. Here, we developed an efficient method for differentiating hPSCs into BMECs that are amenable to the development and application of human BBB models. The established conditions provided an environment similar to that occurring during BBB differentiation in the presence of the co-differentiating neural cell population by the modulation of TGF-β and SHH signaling. The developed BME-like cells showed well-organized tight junctions, appropriate expression of nutrient transporters, and polarized efflux transporter activity. In addition, BME-like cells responded to astrocytes, acquiring substantial barrier properties as measured by transendothelial electrical resistance. Moreover, the BME-like cells exhibited an immune quiescent property of BBB endothelial cells by decreasing the expression of adhesion molecules. Therefore, our novel cellular platform could be useful for drug screening and the development of brain-permeable pharmaceuticals.
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Project description:Aims/hypothesisEndothelial cells (ECs) play an essential role in pancreatic organogenesis. We hypothesise that effective in vitro interactions between human microvascular endothelial cells (HMECs) and human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) results in the generation of functional pancreatic beta cells.MethodsEmbryoid bodies (EBs) derived from hPSCs were cultured alone (controls) or with ECs in collagen gels. Subsequently, cells were analysed for pancreatic beta cell markers, and then isolated and expanded. Insulin secretion in response to glucose was evaluated in vitro by static and dynamic (perifusion) assays, and in vivo by EB transplantation into immunodeficient mice.ResultsCo-cultured EBs had a higher expression of mature beta cells markers and enhanced insulin secretion in vitro, compared with controls. In mice, transplanted EBs had higher levels of human C-peptide secretion with a significant reduction in hyperglycaemia after the selective destruction of native pancreatic beta cells. In addition, there was significant in vitro upregulation of bone morphogenetic proteins 2 and 4 (BMP-2, 4) in co-cultured cells, compared with controls.Conclusions/interpretationECs provide essential signalling in vitro, such as activation of the BMP pathway, for derivation of functional insulin-producing beta cells from hPSCs.
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Project description:BackgroundEndothelial cells (ECs) are essential regulators of the vasculature, lining arteries, veins, and capillary beds. While all ECs share a number of structural and molecular features, heterogeneity exists depending on their resident tissue. ECs lining the choriocapillaris in the human eye are lost early in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common and devastating form of vision loss. In order to study the mechanisms leading to choroidal endothelial cell (CEC) loss and to develop reagents for repairing the choroid, a reproducible in vitro model, which closely mimic CECs, is needed. While a number of protocols have been published to direct induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into ECs, the goal of this study was to develop methods to differentiate iPSCs into ECs resembling those found in the human choriocapillaris specifically.MethodsWe transduced human iPSCs with a CDH5p-GFP-ZEO lentiviral vector and selected for transduced iPSCs using blasticidin. We generated embryoid bodies (EBs) from expanded iPSC colonies and transitioned from mTESR™1 to EC media. One day post-EB formation, we induced mesoderm fate commitment via addition of BMP-4, activin A, and FGF-2. On day 5, EBs were adhered to Matrigel-coated plates in EC media containing vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) to promote CEC differentiation. On day 14, we selected for CECs using either zeocin resistance or anti-CD31 MACS beads. We expanded CECs post-selection and performed immunocytochemical analysis of CD31, carbonic anhydrase IV (CA4), and RGCC; tube formation assays; and transmission electron microscopy to access vascular function.ResultsWe report a detailed protocol whereby we direct iPSC differentiation toward mesoderm and utilize CTGF to specify CECs. The CDH5p-GFP-ZEO lentiviral vector facilitated the selection of iPSC-derived ECs that label with antibodies directed against CD31, CA4, and RGCC; form vascular tubes in vitro; and migrate into empty choroidal vessels. CECs selected using either antibiotic selection or CD31 MACS beads showed similar characteristics, thereby making this protocol easily reproducible with or without lentiviral vectors.ConclusionECs generated following this protocol exhibit functional and biochemical characteristics of CECs. This protocol will be useful for developing in vitro models toward understanding the mechanisms of CEC loss early in AMD.
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Project description:BackgroundCorneal transplantation is the most effective clinical treatment for irreversible corneal endothelial decompensation. However, while visual rehabilitation can be achieved by corneal transplantation, transplant rejection, poor postoperative visual acuity, and lack of suitable donor tissue are currently the greatest obstacles to corneal transplantation. As a result, endothelial cell-based therapy has emerged as an alternative to corneal transplantation treatment. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) were induced to differentiate into human corneal endothelial cell (hCEC)-like cells in our study, which aimed to provide an experimental basis for studying the clinical translation and application of induced PSC (iPSC) to corneal endothelial cell (CEC) differentiation.MethodsA two-step method to convert hiPSCs into hCEC-like cells was applied in the study. First, the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and Wnt signaling pathways were regulated by adding SB4315542 and CHIR99021, and hiPSCs were induced to differentiate into neural crest cells (NCCs) by a chemically defined and serum-free in vitro induction method. Subsequently, NCCs were induced to differentiate into hCEC-like cells by adding B27, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB, and XAV939 (Wnt pathway inhibitor) to CEC culture medium.ResultsIPSCs were directionally differentiated into NCCs. During the process of differentiation, iPSCs gradually lost the monoclonal morphology of PSCs. Moreover, β-catenin and SRY-related HMG-box gene 10 (SOX10) proteins were immunohistochemically expressed on the 7th day of differentiation. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) results demonstrated that the cells expressed SOX9, SOX10, nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR), human natural killer-1 (HNK-1), and β-catenin, indicating that they were successfully directionally differentiated from iPSCs to NCCs. After 5-7 days of differentiation, the cells demonstrated a hexagonal morphology of monolayer tight junctions. Immunofluorescence results demonstrated that the cells expressed CEC indicator zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) protein. QRT-PCR results demonstrated that the cells expressed collagen type IV alpha 1 (COL4A1), COL8A2, COL8A1, and ZO-1, which indicated that they were successfully directionally differentiated from NCC to CEC.ConclusionsOur study successfully provided a simple and efficient method with clear chemical composition and serum-free media to directionally differentiate hiPSCs into hCEC-like cells, thereby advancing the results of previous studies on directional transformation into epithelial cells.
| S-EPMC9096426 | biostudies-literature