This application seeks to investigate the mechanisms underlying cellular reprogramming, i.e. the conversion of adult cells into pluripotent stem cells. We will utilize transcription factor-mediated reprogramming into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as a tool to pursue three major Aims.
In Aim 1, we will (i) test whether iPSCs derived from fibroblasts, hematopoietic and myogenic cells are transcriptionally, epigenetically and functionally distinct, (ii) study the mechanism for the increased reprogramming efficiency of progenitors, and (iii) determine if iPSC formation introduces genetic mutations into cells. Addressing the epigenetic and genetic integrity of iPSCs will be crucial for any potential therapeutic applications of this technology and may identify the most suitable cell type for generating patient-specific iPSCs.
In Aim 2, we will (i) map the transcriptional and epigenetic changes in intermediate cell populations undergoing reprogramming, (ii) test if reprogramming differentiated cells into pluripotent cells recapitulates stages of normal development, and (iii) perform a gain and loss-of-function screen, respectively, to identify novel regulators of reprogramming.
This aim will identify new molecules important during reprogramming, whose manipulation may facilitate the efficient and safe generation of patient-specific iPSCs.
In Aim 3, we will investigate the functionality of iPSCs compared with ESCs using in vitro and in vivo assays. Specifically, we will (i) assess whether neural stem cells and fibroblasts derived from iPSCs and ESCs show similar growth and differentiation characteristics in vitro, (ii) test if iPSC-derived hematopoietic stem cells are as potent as ESC-derived hematopoietic stem cells upon serial bone marrow transplantation, and (iii) produce and age entirely ESC and iPSC-derived mice to test if iPSC-derived animals age prematurely or develop cancer.
This aim will assess the safety and long-term consequences of iPSCs-derived mature cells in vivo, a prerequisite for using iPSC technology in human cell therapy.

Public Health Relevance

The goal of our lab is to dissect the mechanisms of cellular reprogramming by using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as a tool. In this proposal, we will (i) study the role of the somatic cell-of-origin during cellular reprogramming into iPSCs, (ii) map the transcriptional and epigenetic events that occur in intermediate cells undergoing reprogramming, and (iii) compare the developmental and differentiation potentials of iPSCs and embryonic stem cells. Collectively, these experiments will give insight into the mechanisms of transcription-factor-mediated reprogramming and provide crucial information on the efficacy and safety of iPSC production for studying and potentially treating diseases.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01HD058013-04
Application #
8466843
Study Section
Development - 2 Study Section (DEV2)
Program Officer
Ravindranath, Neelakanta
Project Start
2010-09-29
Project End
2015-05-31
Budget Start
2013-06-01
Budget End
2014-05-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2013
Total Cost
$299,668
Indirect Cost
$110,627
Name
Massachusetts General Hospital
Department
Type
DUNS #
073130411
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02199
Schwarz, Benjamin A; Cetinbas, Murat; Clement, Kendell et al. (2018) Prospective Isolation of Poised iPSC Intermediates Reveals Principles of Cellular Reprogramming. Cell Stem Cell 23:289-305.e5
Di Stefano, Bruno; Ueda, Mai; Sabri, Shan et al. (2018) Reduced MEK inhibition preserves genomic stability in naive human embryonic stem cells. Nat Methods 15:732-740
Bar-Nur, Ori; Gerli, Mattia F M; Di Stefano, Bruno et al. (2018) Direct Reprogramming of Mouse Fibroblasts into Functional Skeletal Muscle Progenitors. Stem Cell Reports 10:1505-1521
Brumbaugh, Justin; Di Stefano, Bruno; Wang, Xiuye et al. (2018) Nudt21 Controls Cell Fate by Connecting Alternative Polyadenylation to Chromatin Signaling. Cell 172:629-631
Brumbaugh, Justin; Di Stefano, Bruno; Wang, Xiuye et al. (2018) Nudt21 Controls Cell Fate by Connecting Alternative Polyadenylation to Chromatin Signaling. Cell 172:106-120.e21
Cheloufi, Sihem; Hochedlinger, Konrad (2017) Emerging roles of the histone chaperone CAF-1 in cellular plasticity. Curr Opin Genet Dev 46:83-94
Choi, Jiho; Clement, Kendell; Huebner, Aaron J et al. (2017) DUSP9 Modulates DNA Hypomethylation in Female Mouse Pluripotent Stem Cells. Cell Stem Cell 20:706-719.e7
Choi, Jiho; Huebner, Aaron J; Clement, Kendell et al. (2017) Prolonged Mek1/2 suppression impairs the developmental potential of embryonic stem cells. Nature 548:219-223
Borkent, Marti; Bennett, Brian D; Lackford, Brad et al. (2016) A Serial shRNA Screen for Roadblocks to Reprogramming Identifies the Protein Modifier SUMO2. Stem Cell Reports 6:704-716
Miyoshi, Norikatsu; Stel, Jente M; Shioda, Keiko et al. (2016) Erasure of DNA methylation, genomic imprints, and epimutations in a primordial germ-cell model derived from mouse pluripotent stem cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 113:9545-50

Showing the most recent 10 out of 38 publications