Unravelling the Molecular Regulation of Mesendodermal Differentiation in Human Embryonic Stem Cells

North Carolina State University, Raleigh NC

Investigators

Abstract

This NSF award from the Biotechnology, Biochemical and Biomass Engineering program supports work to study the molecular events underlying the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) towards the mesendodermal lineages using an approach that integrates conventional hypothesis-driven engineering analyses and quantitative proteomics. Signaling mediated by the TGF-beta and Wnt ligands, through the Smad2/3 and beta catenin proteins respectively, plays an important role in regulating hESC fate. In particular, Smad2/3 and beta-catenin activity is essential for maintaining the pluripotent hESC state as well as during differentiation to mesendodermal lineages (precursors of clinically relevant cell types such as heart, blood). However, the exact mechanisms through which hESCs interpret Smad2/3 and beta-catenin signals to remain undifferentiated or initiate differentiation remain largely unknown. The investigators hypothesize that though Smad2/3 and beta-catenin signaling is important to maintain the pluripotent state, the activity of Smads and beta-catenin is restricted through multiple mechanisms in undifferentiated hESCs. Further, mesendodermal differentiation of hESCs is associated with inactivation of mechanisms that restrict Smad2/3 and beta-catenin in undifferentiated hESCs and a concomitant increase in Smad2/3 and beta catenin activity. This hypothesis will be tested using a combination of conventional biochemical analyses, targeted quantitative mass spectrometry and measurements of global protein expression and protein phosphorylation in undifferentiated hESCs as well as cells differentiating to the mesendodermal lineage. The proposed experiments will provide quantitative insight into the biochemical networks that maintain the pluripotent state of hESCs and trigger mesendodermal differentiation. Pluripotent cells can revolutionize regenerative medicine and provide a means to produce functional cell types for drug evaluation. However, clinical application of pluripotent cells is still in its infancy, largely due to the lack of efficient processes to differentiate them to desired cell types. A quantitative understanding of the molecular pathways influencing hESC fate, obtained through analyses such as those proposed in this project, will greatly help in designing efficient processes for differentiation of hESCs to clinically relevant cell types. The investigators will also integrate their research with science and engineering education at multiple levels, from K-12 to graduate education. A one-hour lecture that seeks to communicate the complex issues involved in hESC science and technology will be presented at high school camps. The concepts and findings of the proposed research will also enrich two graduate courses that have been developed by, and are currently being taught, by the PI and co-PI. In addition to these courses, undergraduate students will be involved in research. Participation of women and minority students will be encouraged through presentations to student groups on campus.