Transformation from committed progenitor to leukaemia stem cell initiated by MLL-AF9

Leukaemias and other cancers possess a rare population of cells capable of the limitless self-renewal necessary for cancer initiation and maintenance. Eradication of these cancer stem cells is probably a critical part of any successful anti-cancer therapy, and may explain why conventional cancer therapies are often effective in reducing tumour burden, but are only rarely curative. Given that both normal and cancer stem cells are capable of self-renewal, the extent to which cancer stem cells resemble normal tissue stem cells is a critical issue if targeted therapies are to be developed. However, it remains unclear whether cancer stem cells must be phenotypically similar to normal tissue stem cells or whether they can retain the identity of committed progenitors. Here we show that leukaemia stem cells (LSC) can maintain the global identity of the progenitor from which they arose while activating a limited stem-cell- or self-renewal-associated programme. We isolated LSC from leukaemias initiated in committed granulocyte macrophage progenitors through introduction of the MLL-AF9 fusion protein encoded by the t(9;11)(p22;q23). The LSC were capable of transferring leukaemia to secondary recipient mice when only four cells were transferred, and possessed an immunophenotype and global gene expression profile very similar to that of normal granulocyte macrophage progenitors. However, a subset of genes highly expressed in normal haematopoietic stem cells was re-activated in LSC. LSC can thus be generated from committed progenitors without widespread reprogramming of gene expression, and a leukaemia self-renewal-associated signature is activated in the process. Our findings define progression from normal progenitor to cancer stem cell, and suggest that targeting a self-renewal programme expressed in an abnormal context may be possible.     

含硅基团有机锂引发剂制备星型溶聚丁苯橡胶

三甲基氯硅烷与双端活性锂引发剂反应,制得了一种含硅基团有机锂引发剂,用该引发剂引发丁二烯和苯乙烯聚合,用四氯化锡偶联,得到端基为含硅基团的星型丁苯橡胶,并对上述合成反应工艺条件进行了初步研究。结果表明,四氯化锡的用量和加入方式以及端基转换均对偶联效率有影响,四氯化锡与活性分子链的物质的量比为0.2625,且在转换端基的条件下分2次加入时,所得星型丁苯橡胶的偶联效率最高为85.93%。     

Differentiation of a bipotential glial progenitor cell in a single cell microculture

Although it is known that most cells of the vertebrate central nervous system (CNS) are derived from the neuroepithelial cells of the neural tube, the factors determining whether an individual neuroepithelial cell develops into a particular type of neurone or glial cell remain unknown. A promising model for studying this problem is the bipotential glial progenitor cell in the developing rat optic nerve; this cell differentiates into a particular type of astrocyte (a type-2 astrocyte) if cultured in 10% fetal calf serum (FCS) and into an oligodendrocyte if cultured in serum-free medium. As the oligodendrocyte-type-2 astrocyte (0-2A) progenitor cell can differentiate along either glial pathway in neurone-free cultures, living axons clearly are not required for its differentiation, at least in vitro. However, the studies on 0-2A progenitor cells were carried out in bulk cultures of optic nerve, and so it was possible that other cell-cell interactions were required for differentiation in culture. We show here that 0-2A progenitor cells can differentiate into type-2 astrocytes or oligodendrocytes when grown as isolated cells in microculture, indicating that differentiation along either glial pathway in vitro does not require signals from other CNS cells, apart from the signals provided by components of the culture medium. We also show that single 0-2A progenitor cells can differentiate along either pathway without dividing, supporting our previous studies using 3H-thymidine and suggesting that DNA replication is not required for these cells to choose between the two differentiation programmes.     

Thymus medulla consisting of epithelial islets each derived from a single progenitor.

The thymus is organized into medullary and cortical zones that support distinct stages of T-cell development. The formation of medulla and cortex compartments is thought to occur through invagination of an endodermal epithelial sheet into an ectodermal one at the third pharyngeal pouch and cleft, respectively. Epithelial stem/progenitor cells have been proposed to be involved in thymus development, but evidence for their existence has been elusive. We have constructed chimaeric mice by injecting embryonic stem (ES) cells into blastocysts using ES cells and blastocysts differing in their major histocompatibility complex (MHC) type. Here we show that the MHC class-II-positive medullary epithelium in these chimaeras is composed of cell clusters, most of which derive from either embryonic stem cell or blastocyst, but not mixed, origin. Thus, the medulla comprises individual epithelial 'islets' each arising from a single progenitor. One thymic lobe has about 300 medullary areas that originate from as few as 900 progenitors. Islet formation can be recapitulated after implantation of 'reaggregated fetal thymic organs' into mice, which shows that medullary 'stem' cells retain their potential until at least day 16.5 in fetal development. Thus, medulla-cortex compartmentalization is established by formation of medullary islets from single progenitors.     

Plasticity of functional epithelial polarity

The fundamental characteristics that allow vectorial transport across an epithelial cell are the differential sorting and insertion of transport proteins either in the apical or the basolateral plasma membrane, and the preferential association of endocytosis and exocytosis with one or the other pole of the cell. Asymmetrical cellular structure and function, being manifestations of terminal differentiation, might be expected to be predetermined and invariant. Here we show that the polarity of transepithelial H+ transport, endocytosis and exocytosis in kidney can be reversed by environmental stimuli. The HCO3- secreting cell in the cortical collecting tubule is found to be an intercalated cell possessing a Cl-/HCO3- exchanger in the apical membrane and proton pumps in endocytic vesicles that fuse with the basolateral membrane; the H+-secreting cell in the medullary collecting tubule has these transport functions on the opposite membranes. Further, the HCO3- -secreting cell can be induced to change its functional polarity to that of the H+-secreting cell by acid-loading the animal.     

同时分离和培养兔外周血平滑肌祖细胞和内皮祖细胞

同时分离和培养兔外周血平滑肌祖细胞(SPC)和内皮祖细胞(EPC),为组织工程膀胱的构建和血管化提供种子细胞.分离新西兰兔外周血中的单个核细胞,分别进行SPC和EPC的分离和培养;同时,培养兔膀胱平滑肌细胞(BSMC)作为对照.细胞爬片,观察细胞摄取Dil-AcLDL和结合FITC-UEA-1的能力;间接免疫荧光染色观察平滑肌肌动蛋白(SMA)、结蛋白(Desmin)、KDR、eNOS和vWF的表达情况;进行细胞增殖实验,观察PDGF-BB,VEGF对SPC和EPC的增殖作用.结果发现,培养1周后出现SPC克隆和EPC克隆,SPC呈梭形,长短不一;EPC形态均一,呈典型的鹅卵石形;培养的BSMC形态均一,为长梭形,呈峰谷样形态.利用克隆环分离SPC和EPC克隆,继续培养可得到高纯度的SPC和EPC.SPC不摄取Dil-AcLDL,不结合FITC-UEA-1;SPC表达SMA、Desmin和KDR,不表达eNOS和vWF.EPC同时摄取Dil-AcLDL和结合FITC-UEA-1;EPC表达eNOS、vWF和KDR,不表达SMA和Desmin.BSMC仅表达SMA和Desmin.PDGF-BB仅能促进SPC增殖...     

Positive selection of T-lymphocytes induced by intrathymic injection of a thymic epithelial cell line.

T lymphocytes recognize antigens as peptide fragments associated with molecules encoded by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and expressed on the surface of antigen-presenting cells. In the thymus, T cells bearing alpha beta receptors that react with the MHC molecules expressed by radioresistant stromal elements are positively selected for maturation. In (A x B-->A) bone marrow chimaeras, T cells restricted to the MHC-A haplotype are positively selected, whereas MHC-B-reactive thymocytes are not. We investigated whether the introduction of particular thymic stromal elements bearing MHC-B molecules could alter the fate of B-reactive T cells in these (A x B-->A) chimaeras. Thymic epithelial cell (TEC) lines expressing H-2b were introduced by intrathymic injection into (H-2b/s-->H2s) bone marrow chimaeras and we measured their ability to generate H-2b-restricted cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs). We report here that one TEC line, 427.1, was able positively to select CTLs specific for influenza and vesicular stomatitis virus antigens in association with class I H-2b molecules. In addition, line 427.1 can process cytoplasmic proteins for presentation to H-2Kb- and H-2Db-restricted CTLs. Thus, a TEC line capable of normal class I MHC antigen processing and presentation in vitro can induce positive selection after intrathymic injection.     

Scatter factor is a fibroblast-derived modulator of epithelial cell mobility

Various factors are known to regulate cell growth and differentiation, but less is known of agents which affect movement and positioning, particularly in epithelial-mesenchymal interactions. Cultured human embryo fibroblasts release a protein with a relative molecular mass (Mr) of approximately 50,000 (50K) that affects epithelial cells by causing a disruption of junctions, an increase in local motility and a scattering of contiguous sheets of cells. To investigate specificity, a range of cells has been examined for the ability to produce the factor and for sensitivity to its action. Most freshly isolated normal epithelia and epithelia from cell lines of normal tissue, but not epithelia from tumour cell lines or fibroblasts, were sensitive to scatter factor. In contrast, production of the factor, as identified by activity and by chromatography, was restricted to embryonic fibroblasts and certain variants of 3T3 and BHK21 cells and their transformed derivatives. We conclude that the scatter factor is a paracrine effector of epithelial-mesenchymal interaction, which affects the intercellular connections and mobility of normal epithelial cells. The factor might be involved in epithelial migration, such as occurs in embryogenesis or wound healing.     

Generation of a functional mammary gland from a single stem cell

The existence of mammary stem cells (MaSCs) has been postulated from evidence that the mammary gland can be regenerated by transplantation of epithelial fragments in mice. Interest in MaSCs has been further stimulated by their potential role in breast tumorigenesis. However, the identity and purification of MaSCs has proved elusive owing to the lack of defined markers. We isolated discrete populations of mouse mammary cells on the basis of cell-surface markers and identified a subpopulation (Lin-CD29hiCD24+) that is highly enriched for MaSCs by transplantation. Here we show that a single cell, marked with a LacZ transgene, can reconstitute a complete mammary gland in vivo. The transplanted cell contributed to both the luminal and myoepithelial lineages and generated functional lobuloalveolar units during pregnancy. The self-renewing capacity of these cells was demonstrated by serial transplantation of clonal outgrowths. In support of a potential role for MaSCs in breast cancer, the stem-cell-enriched subpopulation was expanded in premalignant mammary tissue from MMTV-wnt-1 mice and contained a higher number of MaSCs. Our data establish that single cells within the Lin-CD29hiCD24+ population are multipotent and self-renewing, properties that define them as MaSCs.     

A single type of progenitor cell maintains normal epidermis

According to the current model of adult epidermal homeostasis, skin tissue is maintained by two discrete populations of progenitor cells: self-renewing stem cells; and their progeny, known as transit amplifying cells, which differentiate after several rounds of cell division. By making use of inducible genetic labelling, we have tracked the fate of a representative sample of progenitor cells in mouse tail epidermis at single-cell resolution in vivo at time intervals up to one year. Here we show that clone-size distributions are consistent with a new model of homeostasis involving only one type of progenitor cell. These cells are found to undergo both symmetric and asymmetric division at rates that ensure epidermal homeostasis. The results raise important questions about the potential role of stem cells on tissue maintenance in vivo.     

The amniote primitive streak is defined by epithelial cell intercalation before gastrulation

During gastrulation, a single epithelial cell layer, the ectoderm, generates two others: the mesoderm and the endoderm. In amniotes (birds and mammals), mesendoderm formation occurs through an axial midline structure, the primitive streak, the formation of which is preceded by massive 'polonaise' movements of ectoderm cells. The mechanisms controlling these processes are unknown. Here, using multi-photon time-lapse microscopy of chick (Gallus gallus) embryos, we reveal a medio-lateral cell intercalation confined to the ectodermal subdomain where the streak will later form. This intercalation event differs from the convergent extension movements of the mesoderm described in fish and amphibians (anamniotes): it occurs before gastrulation and within a tight columnar epithelium. Fibroblast growth factor from the extraembryonic endoderm (hypoblast, a cell layer unique to amniotes) directs the expression of Wnt planar-cell-polarity pathway components to the intercalation domain. Disruption of this Wnt pathway causes the mesendoderm to form peripherally, as in anamniotes. We propose that the amniote primitive streak evolved from the ancestral blastopore by acquisition of an additional medio-lateral intercalation event, preceding gastrulation and acting independently of mesendoderm formation to position the primitive streak at the midline.     

N,N-二甲基苯胺-苄基氯-醋酸引发甲基丙烯酸甲酯的聚合动力学

N,N-二甲基苯胺(DMA)-苄基氯(BC)-醋酸(HAc)体系,可引发甲基丙烯酸甲酯(MMA)的自由基聚合。聚合速率式为:R_P=K[MMA][DMA]~(1/2)[BC]~(1/2)[HAc]°。HAc起催化作用,明显地降低了体系的活化能E_a。测得E_a=36.8kJ/mol。在相同的反应条件下,该体系的聚合速率较DMA-BC-MMA体系快一个数量级。聚合物的分子量与引发剂浓度的1/2次方成反比,且随反应温度的升高而降低。氧对聚合具有明显而复杂的影响。讨论了该引发体系的引发机理。     

UV光引发丙烯酰胺反相微乳液聚合研究

采用光引发聚合技术，选取合适的光引发剂进行丙烯酰胺（AM）反相微乳液聚合。用UV光引发AM／水／白油／（Span80＋OP-10）体系聚合，所得聚合物粘均相对分子质量可达10^6.考察了光引发剂类型及质量分数、单体质量分数、乳化剂质量分数和聚合时间等对聚合反应的影响，得到了光引发合成聚合物的较优工艺条件。通过红外光谱法鉴定出所得聚合物为聚丙烯酰胺（PAM）。     

2-巯基苯并噻唑为引发剂的氮氧稳定自由基聚合

采用2-巯基苯并噻唑(2-Mercaptobenzothiazole)(MBT)为引发剂，在2，2，6，6-四甲基哌啶氮氧自由基(TEMPO)存在下，研究了苯乙烯的氮氧稳定自由基聚合．考察了TEMPO与MBT的浓度比值对聚合反应的影响，发现随着比值的增大，聚合速率明显下降，分子量也有所降低，当比值大于1时，分子量分布可以保持在1．30以下．另外，成功的扩链实验和对聚合物的^1H NMR分析也证实了聚合是按照稳定自由基聚合机理进行的．     

Rejuvenation of aged progenitor cells by exposure to a young systemic environment

The decline of tissue regenerative potential is a hallmark of ageing and may be due to age-related changes in tissue-specific stem cells. A decline in skeletal muscle stem cell (satellite cell) activity due to a loss of Notch signalling results in impaired regeneration of aged muscle. The decline in hepatic progenitor cell proliferation owing to the formation of a complex involving cEBP-alpha and the chromatin remodelling factor brahma (Brm) inhibits the regenerative capacity of aged liver. To examine the influence of systemic factors on aged progenitor cells from these tissues, we established parabiotic pairings (that is, a shared circulatory system) between young and old mice (heterochronic parabioses), exposing old mice to factors present in young serum. Notably, heterochronic parabiosis restored the activation of Notch signalling as well as the proliferation and regenerative capacity of aged satellite cells. The exposure of satellite cells from old mice to young serum enhanced the expression of the Notch ligand (Delta), increased Notch activation, and enhanced proliferation in vitro. Furthermore, heterochronic parabiosis increased aged hepatocyte proliferation and restored the cEBP-alpha complex to levels seen in young animals. These results suggest that the age-related decline of progenitor cell activity can be modulated by systemic factors that change with age.