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Neurogenin3 triggers beta-cell differentiation of retinoic acid-derived endoderm cells.

ABSTRACT: Neurogenin3 is a member of the basic helix-loop-helix ('bHLH') family of transcription factors. It plays a crucial role in the commitment of embryonic endoderm into the pancreatic differentiation programme. This factor is considered to act upstream of a cascade of other transcription factors, leading to the fully differentiated endocrine phenotype. Direct observation of the sequential activation of these factors starting from Neurogenin3 had never been demonstrated. By using retinoic acid-derived-endoderm F9 cells as a model, the present study indicates that the ectopic expression of Neurogenin3 is able to start the differentiation pathway of endocrine pancreas. Neurogenin3 triggers the expression of several pancreatic transcription factors following a well defined temporal activation sequence. By reverse transcriptase PCR, immunohistochemistry and RIA, it is shown that stable transfected cells are able to form embryod bodies that produce insulin in response to glucose stimulation. This is the first report of a differentiation event induced by the ectopic expression of a transcription factor in embryonic pluripotent stem cells.

SUBMITTER: Vetere A

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1223320 | biostudies-other | 2003 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other

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Project description:BackgroundRetinoic acid (RA) and fibroblast growth factor 4 (FGF4) signaling control endoderm patterning and pancreas induction/expansion. Based on these findings, RA and FGFs, excluding FGF4, have frequently been used in differentiation protocols to direct differentiation of hESCs into endodermal and pancreatic cell types. In vivo, these signaling pathways act in a temporal and concentration-dependent manner. However, in vitro, the underlying basis for the time of addition of growth and differentiation factors (GDFs), including RA and FGFs, as well as the concentration is lacking. Thus, in order to develop robust and reliable differentiation protocols of ESCs into mature pancreatic cell types, including insulin-producing beta cells, it will be important to mechanistically understand each specification step. This includes differentiation of mesendoderm/definitive endoderm into foregut endoderm--the origin of pancreatic endoderm.Methodology/principal findingsHere, we provide data on the individual and combinatorial role of RA and FGF4 in directing differentiation of ActivinA (AA)-induced hESCs into PDX1-expressing cells. FGF4's ability to affect endoderm patterning and specification in vitro has so far not been tested. By testing out the optimal concentration and timing of addition of FGF4 and RA, we present a robust differentiation protocol that on average generates 32% PDX1(+) cells. Furthermore, we show that RA is required for converting AA-induced hESCs into PDX1(+) cells, and that part of the underlying mechanism involves FGF receptor signaling. Finally, further characterization of the PDX1(+) cells suggests that they represent foregut endoderm not yet committed to pancreatic, posterior stomach, or duodenal endoderm.Conclusion/significanceIn conclusion, we show that RA and FGF4 jointly direct differentiation of PDX1(+) foregut endoderm in a robust and efficient manner. RA signaling mediated by the early induction of RARbeta through AA/Wnt3a is required for PDX1 expression. Part of RA's activity is mediated by FGF signaling.

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Neurogenin3 triggers beta-cell differentiation of retinoic acid-derived endoderm cells.

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