We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
GLOBE SCIENTIFIC, LLC

Download Mobile App




Gene Set Isolated in Transformation of Skin Cells into Embryonic Tissues

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 13 May 2019
A team of developmental biologists identified a set of five genes that is capable of transforming skin cells into pluripotent stem cells and then into all three of the cell types that comprise the early embryo: the embryo itself, the placenta, and the extra-embryonic tissues, such as the umbilical cord.

Totipotency represents the type of cell with the greatest differentiation potential, being able to differentiate into any embryonic cell, as well as extraembryonic cells. More...
In contrast, pluripotent cells can only differentiate into embryonic cells. Following fertilization, totipotent cells undergo asymmetric cell divisions, resulting in three distinct cell types in the late pre-implantation blastocyst: epiblast (Epi), primitive endoderm (PrE), and trophectoderm (TE).

In the current study, investigators at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (Israel) sought to understand whether these three cell types could be induced from fibroblasts by one combination of transcription factors.

Starting with mouse skin cells, the investigators utilized a sophisticated fluorescent "knockin" reporter system to identify a combination of five transcription factors, Gata3, Eomes, Tfap2c, Myc, and Esrrb, that could reprogram fibroblasts into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), induced trophoblast stem cells (iTSCs), and induced extraembryonic endoderm stem cells (iXENs), concomitantly.

In-depth transcriptomic, chromatin, and epigenetic analyses provide insights into the molecular mechanisms that powered the reprogramming process toward the three cell types. Results published in the April 25, 2019, online edition of the journal Cell Stem Cell showed that the interplay between Esrrb and Eomes during the reprogramming process determined cell fate, where high levels of Esrrb induced a XEN-like state that drove pluripotency and high levels of Eomes drove trophectodermal fate.

Trophoblasts are cells forming the outer layer of a blastocyst, which provide nutrients to the embryo and develop into a large part of the placenta. They are formed during the first stage of pregnancy and are the first cells to differentiate from the fertilized egg. This layer of trophoblasts is also collectively referred to as "the trophoblast" or, after gastrulation, the trophectoderm, as it is then contiguous with the ectoderm of the embryo.

Related Links:
Hebrew University of Jerusalem


New
Gold Member
Blood Gas Analyzer
Stat Profile pHOx
Serological Pipet Controller
PIPETBOY GENIUS
New
Automated Microscope
dIFine
New
Integrated Biochemical & Immunological System
Biolumi CX8
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: A simple blood test could replace surgical biopsies for early detecion of heart transplant rejection (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Blood Test Detects Organ Rejection in Heart Transplant Patients

Following a heart transplant, patients are required to undergo surgical biopsies so that physicians can assess the possibility of organ rejection. Rejection happens when the recipient’s immune system identifies... Read more

Pathology

view channel
These images illustrate how precision oncology Organ Chips recapitulate individual patients’ responses to chemotherapy (Photo courtesy of Wyss Institute at Harvard University)

Cancer Chip Accurately Predicts Patient-Specific Chemotherapy Response

Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), one of the two primary types of esophageal cancer, ranks as the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and currently lacks effective targeted therapies.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.