Human induced pluripotent stem cells (BIONi010-C) generate tight cell monolayers with blood-brain barrier traits and functional expression of large neutral amino acid transporter 1 (SLC7A5).

The barrier properties of the brain capillary endothelium, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) restricts uptake of most small and all large molecule drug compounds to the CNS. There is a need for predictive human in vitro models of the BBB to enable studies of brain drug delivery. Here, we investigated whether human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) line (BIONi010-C) could be differentiated to brain capillary endothelial- like cells (BCEC) and evaluated their potential use in drug delivery studies. BIONi010-C hIPSCs were differentiated according to established protocols. BCEC monolayers displayed transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) values of 5,829±354 Ω∙cm2, a Papp,mannitol of 1.09±0.15 ∙ 10-6 cm∙s-1 and a Papp,diazepam of 85.7 ± 5.9 ∙ 10-6 cm ∙s-1. The Pdiazepam/Pmannitol ratio of ~80, indicated a large dynamic passive permeability range. Monolayers maintained their integrity after medium exchange. Claudin-5, Occludin, Zonulae Occludens 1 and VE-Cadherin were expressed at the cell-cell contact zones. Efflux transporters were present at the mRNA level, but functional efflux of substrates was not detected. Transferrin-receptor (TFR), Low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) and Basigin receptors were expressed at the mRNA-level. The presence and localization of TFR and LRP1 were verified at the protein level. A wide range of BBB-expressed solute carriers (SLC's) were detected at the mRNA level. The presence and localization of SLC transporters GLUT1 and LAT1 was verified at the protein level. Functional studies revealed transport of the LAT1 substrate [3H]-L-Leucine and the LRP1 substrate angiopep-2. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that BIONi010-C-derived BCEC monolayers exhibited, BBB properties including barrier tightness and integrity, a high dynamic range, expression of some of the BBB receptor and transporter expression, as well as functional transport of LAT1 and LRP1 substrates. This suggests that BIONi010-C-derived BCEC monolayers may be useful for studying the roles of LAT-1 and LRP1 in brain drug delivery.

Birth of a cloned calf derived from a vitrified hand-made cloned embryo.

The hand-made cloning (HMC) technique describes a simplified nuclear transfer process without the need for micromanipulators. The technique involves manual bisection of zona-free oocytes, selection of cytoplasts by Hoechst staining and fusion of a single somatic cell and two cytoplasts. In this proof-of-principle experiment, the objective was to examine the developmental competence of HMC embryos following embryo transfer. Modifications to the original method include not selecting of matured oocytes and simultaneous fusion of cytoplasts and karyoplast. Blastocyst rates for embryos cultured in the glass oviduct system as singles (10.5%; 24/228) or in pairs (16.1%; 36/224) did not differ significantly. Fresh and vitrified-thawed blastocysts were transferred to 16 synchronised recipients (three to four embryos per recipient). Ultrasound examination on Days 35-45 showed an initial pregnancy rate of 43.8% (7/16) and a pregnancy rate >8 months of 12.5% (2/16). A male cloned calf (42 kg) derived from a vitrified HMC blastocyst was delivered by Caesarean section on Day 271. The birth and ongoing survival (15 months, 243 kg) of a healthy and apparently normal calf, combining both HMC and vitrification technologies, provides a 'proof of principle' of the technology and a promising alternative to traditional nuclear-transfer techniques.

Directed differentiation of porcine epiblast-derived neural progenitor cells into neurons and glia.

Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) are promising candidates for cell-based therapy of neurodegenerative diseases; however, safety concerns must be addressed through transplantation studies in large animal models, such as the pig. The aim of this study was to derive NPCs from porcine blastocysts and evaluate their in-vitro differentiation potential. Epiblasts were manually isolated from expanded hatched blastocysts and cultured on MEF feeder cells. Outgrowth colonies were passaged to MS5 cells and rosettes were further passaged to Matrigel-coated dishes containing bFGF and EGF. Three NPC lines were established which showed expression of SOX2, NESTIN and VIMENTIN. One line was characterised in more detail, retaining a normal karyotype and proliferating for more than three months in culture. Following differentiation, TUJI was significantly up-regulated in protocol 2 (RA and SHH; 58% positive cells) as were NF and TH. In contrast, MBP was significantly up-regulated in protocol 3 (FGF8 and SHH; 63% positive cells), whereas, GFAP was significantly up-regulated in protocols 1-4 (33%, 25%, 43% and 22%). The present study provides the first report of a porcine blastocyst-derived NPC line capable of differentiating into both neurons and glia, which may be of paramount importance for future transplantation studies in large animal models of neurodegenerative diseases.

Gene expression analysis of single preimplantation bovine embryos and the consequence for developmental potential.

Preimplantation embryo development typically involves sequential morphological events connecting embryonic cleavage, morula compaction and blastocyst formation, and occurs in parallel with transcriptional regulation, specifically, the maternal to embryonic transition. The underlying homeostatic and metabolic mechanisms governing embryo development are influenced by both genetic and epigenetic factors that respond to environmental stimuli and may impact development during later gestational and fetal growth. There is a renewed interest in the identification and characterization of developmentally important genes during embryonic and fetal development. Perturbations in gene expression, resulting from environmental conditions, can have serious consequences on further embryonic development, homeostasis and disease pathogenesis. The bovine embryo is, however, capable of tolerating and adapting to a wide range of conditions, although little is known of the molecular fingerprint required for oocyte maturation, fertilization and development to term. The genomic revolution united with promising new technologies offer greater opportunity to elucidate the mechanisms behind this well-orchestrated biological process. This paper reviews the current literature on gene expression in the bovine embryo with reference to environmental interference and the development of new technologies to observe this biological process. Defining the difference in molecular signalling between in vivo and in vitro systems will undoubtedly improve the safety and efficiency of assisted reproductive technologies. The future challenge is to devise culture conditions that mimic the changing environment required by developing embryos to allow the correct temporal and spatial expression of a cohort of developmental genes in a manner similar to that seen in

Developmental competence of human in vitro aged oocytes as host cells for nuclear transfer.

BACKGROUND: Improving human nuclear transfer (NT) efficiencies is paramount for the development of patient-specific stem cell lines, although the opportunities remain limited owing to difficulties in obtaining fresh mature oocytes. METHODS: Therefore, the developmental competence of aged, failed-to-fertilize human oocytes as an alternate cytoplasmic source for NT was assessed and compared with use of fresh, ovulation-induced oocytes. To further characterize the developmental potential of aged oocytes, parthenogenetic activation, immunocytochemical analysis of essential microtubule proteins involved in meiotic and mitotic division, and RT-PCR in single oocytes (n = 6) was performed to determine expression of oocyte-specific genes [oocyte-specific histone 1 (H1FOO), growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9), bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15), zygote arrest 1 (ZAR1)] and microtubule markers [nuclear mitotic arrest (NuMA), minus-end directed motor protein HSET and the microtubule kinesin motor protein EG5]. RESULTS: For NT, enucleation and fusion rates of aged oocytes were significantly lower compared with fresh oocytes (P < 0.05). Cleavage rates and subsequent development were poor. In addition, parthenote cleavage was low. Immunocytochemical analysis revealed that many oocytes displayed aberrant expression of NuMA and EG5, had disrupted meiotic spindles and tetrapolar spindles. One of the six oocytes misexpressed GDF9, BMP15 and ZAR1. Two oocytes expressed EG5 messenger RNA (mRNA), and HSET and NuMA were not detectable. RT-PCR of mRNA for oocyte specific genes and microtubule markers in single aged oocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, aneuploidy and spindle defects may contribute to poor parthenogenetic development and developmental outcomes following NT.

Ontogeny and expression of chicken A blood group antigens.

Expression of chicken red blood cell (RBC) surface antigens was studied by using a monoclonal antibody (ISU-cA) specific for chicken A blood group antigens. Erythrocytes were examined from embryos of 3-18 days of incubation and from chicks at hatch up to 21 weeks of age. Specific antigens were detected on embryonic RBC surfaces by immunofluorescence as early as 3 days of incubation. Antigenic expression was examined by both haemagglutination and immunofluorescence and found to increase with age from embryos to mature birds. The antigen concentration on the cell surface was found to be affected by genotype; heterozygotes had an intermediate level of antigen between that of the two parental genotypes. These data confirm the co-dominance that is observed with most blood group antigens. Flow cytometric analysis allowed confirmation that the entire erythrocyte population gradually increased in antigenic expression over time, rather than having an antigen-negative subpopulation being replaced by a positive subpopulation.

Comparison of gene transcription in cloned bovine embryos produced by different nuclear transfer techniques.

The efficiency of animal production using cloning technology is still relatively low and research to determine a more efficient nuclear transfer procedure is ongoing. One approach which may be informative in assessing the viability of nuclear transfer embryos is the analysis of embryonic gene expression. Using RT-PCR techniques we have previously detected the aberrant expression of FGF4, FGFr2 and IL6 in a significant proportion of bovine granulosa cell-derived nuclear transfer embryos, which correlated with a limited developmental potential in vivo. In order to analyse the effect of different donor cell nuclei on embryonic gene expression we have now analysed the expression of these genes in nuclear transfer embryos reconstructed with fetal epithelial cell nuclei. In addition, we have compared the expression of these genes in bovine nuclear transfer embryos produced by cell fusion or direct injection with variations in the timing of oocyte activation. In all nuclear transfer embryos analysed, FGFr2 and IL6 transcripts were detected at a similar rate to that in IVF embryos. However, the absence of FGF4 transcripts was again evident in a large proportion of nuclear transfer embryos and most significantly in those embryos whose development was activated almost immediately following the transfer of the donor nucleus. The results demonstrate the effects that different donor cell lines and different nuclear transfer procedures may have on the expression of developmentally important genes in nuclear transfer embryos.

Ovarian size in postmenopausal women.

Ovarian volumes have been determined by pelvic ultrasonography in 2246 apparently healthy postmenopausal women of whom 2221 were included in the statistical analysis. Factors associated with gonadal size have been identified, and reference ranges for derived indices have been determined for use (in association with criteria for abnormal morphology) in a screening programme for ovarian carcinoma. The right ovary was present in 98.9% of subjects and the left in 99.1%. The mean (SD; range) of right and left ovarian volumes were 3.58 (1.40; 1.00-14.01) and 3.57 (1.37; 0.88-10.9) ml respectively. Significant predictors of ovarian volume were years since the menopause, weight, parity, age at menopause, a history of hormone replacement therapy, and previously diagnosed breast cancer. Abnormal ovarian volumes were assessed from a score equal to the (observed mean log volume (MLV) minus the predicted MLV)/0.327. A simplified nomogram has been prepared for routine clinical use. The relative abnormality of one ovary was assessed from a ratio score equal to loge (larger ovarian volume/smaller ovarian volume)/0.211 compared with the 99th centile for the Gaussian distribution.