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Cooperative genetic networks drive embryonic stem cell transition from naïve to formative pluripotency

ABSTRACT: In the mammalian embryo, epiblast cells must exit the naïve state and acquire formative pluripotency. This cell state transition is recapitulated by mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs), which undergo pluripotency progression in defined conditions in vitro. However, our understanding of the molecular cascades and gene networks involved in the exit from naïve pluripotency remains fragmentary. Here, we employed a combination of genetic screens in haploid ESCs, CRISPR/Cas9 gene disruption, large-scale transcriptomics and computational systems biology to delineate the regulatory circuits governing naïve state exit. Transcriptome profiles for 73 ESC lines deficient for regulators of the exit from naïve pluripotency predominantly manifest delays on the trajectory from naïve to formative epiblast. We find that gene networks operative in ESCs are also active during transition from pre- to post-implantation epiblast in utero. We identified 496 naïve state-associated genes tightly connected to the in vivo epiblast state transition and largely conserved in primate embryos. Integrated analysis of mutant transcriptomes revealed funnelling of multiple gene activities into discrete regulatory modules. Finally, we delineate how intersections with signalling pathways direct this pivotal mammalian cell state transition.

ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus

PROVIDER: GSE145653 | GEO | 2020/12/22

REPOSITORIES: GEO

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Project description:Pluripotency can be maintained in the naïve state through manipulation of ERK and WNT signalling (2i), shielding embryonic stem cells (ESCs) from inductive cues. Alternatively, inhibiting CDK8/19 (CDK8/19i), a repressor of the Mediator co-activator complex, directly stimulates super-enhancer activity, and was recently shown to stabilize cells in a functional state that resembles naïve pluripotency. Naïve ESCs exhibit important epigenetic, transcriptional and metabolic features. However, our understanding on how these regulatory layers are inter-connected to promote the naive state is in progress. To fill this gap, here we used mass spectrometry to describe the dynamic molecular events (i.e. phosphoproteome, proteome and metabolome) executed by 2i and CDK8/19i, as they transition cell identity into naïve pluripotency. We observed rapid proteomic reprogramming, revealing widespread commonalities, and some important differences, between these two approaches, suggesting a largely over-lapping mechanism. CDK8/19i acts directly on the control of the transcriptional machinery, which elicits a rapid and direct activation of key identity genes including those that maintain the naïve program. Additional molecular changes in 2i are achieved by phosphorylation of critical downstream effectors that reinforce the naïve transcriptional circuitry while repressing factors from the more-differentiated formative and primed states. Comparing transcriptomic and proteomic changes, we found that post-transcriptional de-repression is a major feature of naïve pluripotency conferred by both 2i and CDK8/19i, and this may support the enhanced mitochondrial capacity of naive cells. Furthermore, at the level of metabolome, while 2i- and CDK8/19i-treated cells share similar aspects in one-carbon metabolism and beta-oxidation, in other regards they are divergent, a feature which may explain their differences in DNA methylation. These datasets provide a valuable resource for exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying pluripotency and cell identity transitions.

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Cooperative genetic networks drive embryonic stem cell transition from naïve to formative pluripotency

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