Stem cells have the capacity to self-renew and to generate differentiated cells. Both adult and embryonic stem cells hold great potential for regenerative medicine, and gene therapy. Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) have been the most extensively studied and serve as a prototype model to define the general biological properties of stem cells. During embryogenesis, hematopoiesis is highly coordinated with angiogenesis. Recent studies have suggested that hematopoietic and endothelial precursors originate from a common ancestor, the hemangioblast. The key molecular players determining the fate of the hemangioblast are not fully elucidated. Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), receiving and interpreting extracellular signals, play an important role in cell proliferation and differentiation. Endothelial cell receptor tyrosine kinase EphB4 (HTK) and its ligand, ephrinB2, are critical for angiogenesis. Loss of either EphB4 or ephrinB2 cause fatal abnormalities of capillary formation in null mice. We originally identified EphB4 from human bone marrow CD34+ cells. Our recent studies indicated that forced expression of EphB4 influence the function and phenotype of primitive human hematopoietic cells, enforcing preferential megakaryocytic and erythroid differentiation. This proposal seeks to further assess the role of EphB4 signaling in hematopoietic stem cells and the possibility that the EphB4 may be a common molecule bridging angiogenesis and hematopoiesis. In vitro assays of embryonic stem (ES) cells and in vivo experiments, including knockout mice and bone marrow transplantation, will be conducted to assess the differentiation potential of either genetically deficient or activated EphB4. Our preliminary data from in vitro differentiation of genetically engineered ES cells show that EphB4 signaling plays an important role in hemangioblasts and the early development of hematopoietic and endothelial cells. These studies identify EphB4 as one of the molecular modulators of hemangioblast formation. If successful, the results of this proposal will provide insight into the molecular mechanisms governing hemangioblasts and their differentiation along vascular and hematopoietic lineages. Manipulation of the signals that control hematopoiesis and vasculogenesis offer a broad spectrum of therapeutic potential for hematologic, oncologic and cardiovascular diseases. This Mentored Research Scientist Development Award will substantially advance the candidate's goal of developing an independent basic research program in an academic institution while contributing new training in stem cell biology and angiogenesis.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Research Scientist Development Award - Research & Training (K01)
Project #
3K01DK064696-04S1
Application #
7251691
Study Section
Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases B Subcommittee (DDK)
Program Officer
Bishop, Terry Rogers
Project Start
2003-09-10
Project End
2008-06-30
Budget Start
2005-10-01
Budget End
2006-06-30
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2006
Total Cost
$1,000
Indirect Cost
Name
Maine Medical Center
Department
Type
DUNS #
071732663
City
Portland
State
ME
Country
United States
Zip Code
04102
Bai, Hao; Gao, Yongxing; Arzigian, Melanie et al. (2010) BMP4 regulates vascular progenitor development in human embryonic stem cells through a Smad-dependent pathway. J Cell Biochem 109:363-74
Chen, Kang; Wu, Liqun; Wang, Zack Z (2008) Extrinsic regulation of cardiomyocyte differentiation of embryonic stem cells. J Cell Biochem 104:119-28
Zhang, Haojian; Wang, Zack Z (2008) Mechanisms that mediate stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. J Cell Biochem 103:709-18
Bai, H; Wang, Z Z (2008) Directing human embryonic stem cells to generate vascular progenitor cells. Gene Ther 15:89-95
Wang, Zack Z; Au, Patrick; Chen, Tong et al. (2007) Endothelial cells derived from human embryonic stem cells form durable blood vessels in vivo. Nat Biotechnol 25:317-8
Chen, Tong; Bai, Hao; Shao, Ying et al. (2007) Stromal cell-derived factor-1/CXCR4 signaling modifies the capillary-like organization of human embryonic stem cell-derived endothelium in vitro. Stem Cells 25:392-401