Comparative analysis of nuclear transfer embryo-derived mouse embryonic stem cells. Part I: cellular characterization

Cell Reprogram. 2012 Feb;14(1):56-67. doi: 10.1089/cell.2011.0056. Epub 2011 Dec 28.

Abstract

Embryonic stem cells derived from nuclear transfer embryos (ntESCs) are particularly valuable for regenerative medicine, as they are a patient-specific and histocompatible cell source for the treatment of varying diseases. However, currently, little is known about their cellular and molecular profile. In the present study, in a mouse model different donor cell-derived ntESCs from various genetic backgrounds were compared with reference ESCs and analyzed comprehensively at the cellular level. A number of pluripotency marker genes were compared by flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry analysis. Significant differences at the protein level were observed for POU5F1, SOX2, FGF4, NANOG, and SSEA-1. However, such differences had no effect on in vitro cell differentiation and cell fate: derivatives of the three germ layers were detected in all ntESC lines. The neural and cardiac in vitro differentiation revealed minor differences between the cell lines, both at the mRNA and protein level. Karyotype analyses and cell growth studies did not reveal any significant variations. Despite some differences observed, the present study revealed that ntESC lines had similar differentiation competences compared to other ESCs. The results indicate that the observed differences may be related to the genotype rather than to the nuclear transfer technology.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation*
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Proliferation*
  • Embryo, Mammalian / cytology*
  • Embryo, Mammalian / metabolism
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 4 / genetics
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 4 / metabolism
  • Homeodomain Proteins / genetics
  • Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Karyotype
  • Lewis X Antigen / genetics
  • Lewis X Antigen / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Models, Animal
  • Nanog Homeobox Protein
  • Nuclear Transfer Techniques*
  • Octamer Transcription Factor-3 / genetics
  • Octamer Transcription Factor-3 / metabolism
  • Pluripotent Stem Cells / cytology
  • Pluripotent Stem Cells / metabolism
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism*
  • SOXB1 Transcription Factors / genetics
  • SOXB1 Transcription Factors / metabolism

Substances

  • Fgf4 protein, mouse
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 4
  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • Lewis X Antigen
  • Nanog Homeobox Protein
  • Nanog protein, mouse
  • Octamer Transcription Factor-3
  • Pou5f1 protein, mouse
  • RNA, Messenger
  • SOXB1 Transcription Factors
  • Sox2 protein, mouse