Project description:Here we report the derivation of human haploid ESCs from parthenogenetic haploid embryos. We used RNA-seq to compare the gene expression levels among human parthenogenetic haploid ESCs (hPGES), normal human ESCs (H9) and human forskin fibroblasts and identified that these cells express conventional ESCs pluripotent markers and most maternally imprinted genes were down-regulated.
Project description:We generate histone modification profiles and DNA methylation profiles of mouse haploid embryonic stem cells. By comparison to mouse diploid ESCs and MEFs, we found the similar chromatin landscapes between haESCs and mESCs, which reveal the self-renew ability and pluripotency in haESCs. Besides, haESCs specific chromatin landscapes show its sperm-like functions.
Project description: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.
Project description:The genomic DNA sample of AG-haESCs were compared to the C57BL/6J male mouse kidney by comparative genomic hybridization. The data confirmed that the haploid cells sustained genome integrity. The analysis was performed on a NimbleGen Mouse CGH 3x720K Whole-Genome Tiling Array to analyse the copy number variations in AG-haESCs, and the genomic DNA of C57BL/6J male mouse kidney was used as control, which had the same background with haploid ESCs.
Project description:Mammalian haploid embryonic stem cells (haESCs) provide new possibilities for large-scale genetic screens because they bear only one copy of each chromosome. However, haESCs are prone to spontaneous diploidization through unknown mechanisms. Here, we report that a small molecule combination could restrain mouse haESCs from diploidization by impeding exit from naïve pluripotency and by shortening the S-G2/M phases. Combined with 2i and PD166285, our chemical cocktail could maintain haESCs in the haploid state for at least five weeks without fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) enrichment of haploid cells. Taken together, we established an effective chemical approach for long-term maintenance of haESCs, and highlighted that proper cell cycle progression was critical for the maintenance of haploid state.
Project description:The molecular mechanism controlling the zygotic genome activation (ZGA) in mammals remains poorly understood. The 2C-like cells spontaneously emerging from cultures of mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) share some key transcriptional and epigenetic programs with 2-cell stage embryos. By studying the transition of ESCs into 2C-like cells, we identified Dppa2/4 as important regulators controlling zygotic transcriptional program through directly upregulating the expression of Dux. In addition, we found that DPPA2 protein is sumoylated and its activity is negatively regulated by Sumo E3 ligase PIAS4. PIAS4 is downregulated during zygotic genome activation process and during transitioning of ESCs into 2C-like cells. Depleting Pias4 or overexpressing Dppa2/4 is sufficient to upregulateactivate 2C-like transcriptional program, while depleting Dppa2/4 or forced expression of PIAS4 or Sumo2-Dppa2 inhibits 2C-like transcriptional program. Furthermore, ectopic expression of Pias4 or Sumo2-Dppa2 impairs early mouse embryo development. In summary, our study identifies key molecular rivals consisting of transcription factors and a Sumo2 E3 ligase that regulate the transition of ESCs into 2C-like cells and zygotic transcriptional program upstream of Dux.
Project description:The genomic DNA sample of hPGES were compared to UCSC Human genome19 by CNV data. The data confirmed that the human parthenogenetic haploid ESCs sustained normal genome integrity
Project description:Whole chromosome losses resulting in near-haploid karyotypes are found in a rare subgroup of treatment-refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia. To systematically dissect the unique physiology and uncover susceptibilities that can be exploited in near-haploid leukemia, we leveraged single-cell transcriptomics and computational inference of cell cycle stages to pinpoint key differences between near-haploid and diploid leukemia cells. Combining cell cycle stage-specific differential expression with gene essentiality metrics obtained from a genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knockout screen, we identified the homologous recombination pathway component RAD51B as an essential gene in near-haploid leukemia. DNA damage analyses revealed significantly increased sensitivity of RAD51-mediated repair to RAD51B loss in the G2/M stage of near-haploid cells, suggesting a unique role of RAD51B in the homologous recombination pathway. We observed elevated G2/M checkpoint signaling as well as a RAD51B signature expression program in response to chemotherapy in a xenograft model of human near-haploid B-ALL, as well as overexpression of RAD51B and its associated programs in a large panel of near-haploid B-ALL patients. These data highlight a unique genetic dependency on DNA repair machinery in near-haploid leukemia and demarcate RAD51B as a promising candidate for targeted therapy in this treatment-resistant disease.