LIF and FGF cooperatively support stemness of rabbit embryonic stem cells derived from parthenogenetically activated embryos

Cell Reprogram. 2011 Jun;13(3):241-55. doi: 10.1089/cell.2010.0097. Epub 2011 May 7.

Abstract

We investigated the individual and combined effects of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and basic fibroblast growth factor 2 (bFGF2) on the derivation and maintenance of rabbit embryonic stem cell lines isolated from parthenogenetic activated embryos (p-rES). First, we demonstrated that p-rES cell lines can be prevented from differentiation via LIF (STAT3) and bFGF2 (MEK-ERK1/2 and PI3K-AKT) signaling on MEF feeders. High levels of ERK1/2 and AKT activities were crucial for maintaining p-rES cells in an undifferentiated state. Although the p-rES cells under the influence of LIF (500, 1000, and 2000 U/mL) or bFGF2 (5, 10, and 20 ng/mL) alone showed enhanced expression in the pluripotency markers, the highest levels of marker expressions coincided with the simultaneous presence of LIF (1000 U/mL) and bFGF2 (10 ng/mL). The phosphorylation status of LIF and bFGF2 downstream signaling molecules including STAT3, ERK, and AKT was also intensively involved in the maintenance of p-rES cell proliferation and self-renewal. Induced dephosphorylation of STAT3, ERK1/2, and AKT by specific inhibitors caused remarkable losses of self-renewal capacity of p-rES cells. We conclude that bFGF2 and LIF by itself are self-sufficient in maintaining the state of undifferentiation and self-renewal of rabbit p-ES cells, yet are most effective when acting concomitantly.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkaline Phosphatase / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Embryo, Mammalian / cytology*
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / cytology
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / drug effects*
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / physiology
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / pharmacology*
  • Leukemia Inhibitory Factor / pharmacology*
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3 / physiology
  • Models, Animal
  • Parthenogenesis / physiology*
  • Pluripotent Stem Cells / cytology
  • Pluripotent Stem Cells / drug effects*
  • Pluripotent Stem Cells / physiology
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt / physiology
  • Rabbits
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor / physiology
  • Signal Transduction / physiology

Substances

  • Leukemia Inhibitory Factor
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3
  • Alkaline Phosphatase