MiR-200c and GATA binding protein 4 regulate human embryonic stem cell renewal and differentiation

Hsiao Ning Huang, Shao Yin Chen, Shiaw Min Hwang, Ching Chia Yu, Ming Wei Su, Wei Mai, Hsei Wei Wang, Wei Chung Cheng, Scott C. Schuyler, Nianhan Ma, Frank Leigh Lu, Jean Lu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

46 Scopus citations

Abstract

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are functionally unique for their self-renewal ability and pluripotency, but the molecular mechanisms giving rise to these properties are not fully understood. hESCs can differentiate into embryoid bodies (EBs) containing ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. In the miR-200 family, miR-200c was especially enriched in undifferentiated hESCs and significantly downregulated in EBs. The knockdown of the miR-200c in hESCs downregulated Nanog expression, upregulated GATA binding protein 4 (GATA4) expression, and induced hESC apoptosis. The knockdown of GATA4 rescued hESC apoptosis induced by downregulation of miR-200c. miR-200c directly targeted the 3'-untranslated region of GATA4. Interestingly, the downregulation of GATA4 significantly inhibited EB formation in hESCs. Overexpression of miR-200c inhibited EB formation and repressed the expression of ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm markers, which could partially be rescued by ectopic expression of GATA4. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and activin A/nodal can sustain hESC renewal in the absence of feeder layer. Inhibition of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β[U+F029])/activin A/nodal signaling by SB431542 treatment downregulated the expression of miR-200c. Overexpression of miR-200c partially rescued the expression of Nanog/phospho-Smad2 that was downregulated by SB431542 treatment. Our observations have uncovered novel functions of miR-200c and GATA4 in regulating hESC renewal and differentiation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)338-353
Number of pages16
JournalStem Cell Research
Volume12
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2014

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'MiR-200c and GATA binding protein 4 regulate human embryonic stem cell renewal and differentiation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this