A novel cell-surface marker found on human embryonic hepatoblasts and a subpopulation of hepatic biliary epithelial cells

The nature of the cells that contribute to the repopulation of the liver after hepatic necrosis or cirrhosis remains uncertain, in part because we lack specific markers to facilitate identification and prospective isolation of progenitor cells. The monoclonal antibody GCTM-5 reacts with a minority subpopulation of cells in spontaneously differentiating cultures of pluripotent human embryonal carcinoma or embryonic stem cells. The epitope recognized by GCTM-5 is found on a 50-kDa protein present on the surface of these cells. In tissue sections of first-trimester human embryos, GCTM-5 specifically stained hepatoblasts and no other cell type examined. In normal pediatric or adult liver, GCTM-5 reacted with a minority population of luminal bile duct cells. In diseased livers, the numbers of GCTM-5-positive cells were increased compared with normal liver; antibody staining was restricted to a subpopulation of ductular reactive cells, and among this subpopulation we observed GCTM-5-positive cells that did not express cytokeratin 19 or N-CAM, classical makers of ductular reactive cells. Live GCTM-5-positive cells could be isolated from diseased livers by immunomagnetic sorting. These results suggest that GCTM-5 will be a useful reagent for defining cell lineage relationships between putative progenitor populations in embryonic liver and in the biliary epithelium during tissue repair.     

An antigen reacting with das-1 monoclonal antibody is ontogenically regulated in diverse organs including liver and indicates sharing of developmental mechanisms among cell lineages.

The monoclonal antibody designated mAb Das-1, which was generated against a colon epithelial protein, reacts with the normal biliary epithelium and keratinocytes, which are among targets of tissue injury in ulcerative colitis. Moreover, mAb Das-1 reacts with abnormal cells in Barrett's esophagus and chronic cystitis profunda, as well as so-called 'oval cells' in the adult liver, which are considered oncogenic progenitor cells. To establish ontogenic regulation of mAb Das-1 reactivity, we studied 7- to 24-week-old human fetuses by immunohistochemistry. In liver, mAb Das-1 reactivity was further correlated with glycogen, dipeptidyl peptidase IV, glucose-6-phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase expression. mAb Das-1 reacted with cells in organs arising from the pharyngeal cleft (thymus), primitive gut (oral cavity, pharynx, lung, esophagus, stomach, biliary tree, pancreas, liver, colon), ureteric bud (renal tubules, collecting duct), mesonephros (kidney, testis), mesoderm (muscle) and elsewhere (skin, adrenal cortex). In distinction from the adult liver, mAb Das-1 staining was more pronounced in hepatoblasts compared with biliary cells. In adult tissues, however, mAb Das-1 reactivity was restricted to the colon, biliary epithelium, keratinocytes, and ciliary body. These data indicated that the mAb Das-1 recognized epitopes in fetal cells of diverse ectodermal, mesodermal and endodermal origin, compatible with sharing of lineage mechanisms in tissues. Reactivation of mAb Das-1 staining in epithelial precancerous conditions, including carcinomas arising in these organs, is compatible with oncofetal regulation of the antigen, which will facilitate analysis of cell subpopulations during organ development, regeneration and oncogenesis.     

Expression patterns of epiplakin1 in pancreas, pancreatic cancer and regenerating pancreas

Epiplakin1 (Eppk1) is a plakin family gene with its function remains largely unknown, although the plakin genes are known to function in interconnecting cytoskeletal filaments and anchoring them at plasma membrane-associated adhesive junction. Here we analyzed the expression patterns of Eppk1 in the developing and adult pancreas in the mice. In the embryonic pancreas, Eppk1+/Pdx1+ and Eppk1+/Sox9+ pancreatic progenitor cells were observed in early pancreatic epithelium. Since Pdx1 expression overlapped with that of Sox9 at this stage, these multipotent progenitor cells are Eppk1+/Pdx1+/Sox9+ cells. Then Eppk1 expression becomes confined to Ngn3+ or Sox9+ endocrine progenitor cells, and p48+ exocrine progenitor cells, and then restricted to the duct cells and a cells at birth. In the adult pancreas, Eppk1 is expressed in centroacinar cells (CACs) and in duct cells. Eppk1 is observed in pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN), previously identified as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) precursor lesions. In addition, the expansion of Eppk1-positive cells occurs in a caerulein-induced acute pancreatitis, an acinar cell regeneration model. Furthermore, in the partial pancreatectomy (Px) regeneration model using mice, Eppk1 is expressed in "ducts in foci", a tubular structure transiently induced. These results suggest that Eppk1 serves as a useful marker for detecting pancreatic progenitor cells in developing and regenerating pancreas.     

Pancreatic development and stem cell-based regenerative medicine

After the gut endoderm is formed, subsequent permissive induction signals from the notochord allows the pancreas to emerge and growout from a specific site of the embryonic gut epithelium. The first pancreas-specific gene, pdx1, is expressed around this stage. Interaction between pancreatic epithelium and the surrounding mesenchyme allows the pancreas bud to further grow and differentiate to form ductal, exocrine or endocrine lineages. Several lines of evidence from gene knockout mice and cell lineage studies suggest that a common pancreas stem cell first gives rise to exocrine and endocrine progenitor cells. The endocrine progenitor then give rise to four different endocrine cells: alpha, beta, delta, and PP cells, although it is not known how and when these cells arise. We have focused our studies on the understanding of endodermal induction and organogenesis of the pancreas. We specifically aimed at the isolation of pancreatic stem cells and the development of functional pancreatic endocrine beta cells in culture. For this aim, we used ES cells as a model system. Here, I review the literature on the development and regeneration of the pancreas. Some recent results on growing pancreatic cells from ES (embryonic stem) cells.     

Ontogenesis of Hepatic and Pancreatic Stem Cells

In the embryo, the liver and pancreas exhibit a close developmental relationship. Both tissues arise from neighbouring regions of the developing endoderm. As well as this close developmental relationship, the liver and pancreas can, under certain circumstances, regenerate functional components. Understanding the normal development of the two tissue types and the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms governing normal development and regeneration is critical to the production of novel therapies for treating liver disease and pancreatic disorders such as diabetes and pancreatitis. Herein we discuss the development of the liver and pancreas from progenitor cells in the embryo and the existence of potential stem cells in the adult tissues.     

Expansion of mesenchymal stem cells from human pancreatic ductal epithelium

Fibroblast-like cells emerging from cultured human pancreatic endocrine and exocrine tissue have been reported. Although a thorough phenotypic characterization of these cells has not yet been carried out, these cells have been hypothesized to be contaminating fibroblasts, mesenchyme and/or possibly beta-cell progenitors. In this study, we expanded fibroblast-like cells from adult human exocrine pancreas following islet isolation and characterized these cells as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) based on their cell surface antigen expression and ability to differentiate into mesoderm. Analysis by flow cytometry demonstrated that pancreatic MSCs express cell surface antigens used to define MSCs isolated from bone marrow such as CD13, CD29, CD44, CD49b, CD54, CD90 and CD105. In addition, utilizing protocols used to differentiate MSCs isolated from other somatic tissues, we successfully differentiated pancreatic MSCs into: (1) osteocytes that stained positive for alkaline phosphatase, collagen, mineralization (calcification) and expressed osteocalcin, (2) adipocytes that contained lipid inclusions and expressed fatty acid binding protein 4 and (3) chondrocytes that expressed aggrecan. We also demonstrated that pancreatic MSCs are multipotent and capable of deriving cells of endodermal origin. Pancreatic MSCs were differentiated into hepatocytes that stained positive for human serum albumin and expressed endoderm and liver-specific genes such as GATA 4 and tyrosine aminotransferase. In addition, preliminary protocols used to differentiate these cells into insulin-producing cells resulted in the expression of genes necessary for islet and beta-cell development such as Pax4 and neurogenin 3. Therefore, multipotent MSCs residing within the adult exocrine pancreas could represent a progenitor cell, which when further manipulated could result in the production of functional islet beta-cells.     

Epitopic heterogeneity of the CD36 antigen expressed by normal and neoplastic endothelial cells. An immunohistochemical study with a novel monoclonal antibody 8C9.

Phenotypic and functional heterogeneity of endothelial cells (ECs) is being recognized with increasing frequency. Here we report a novel murine monoclonal antibody (MoAb), named 8C9, that detects a unique epitope on the leukocyte differentiation antigen CD36 (platelet glycoprotein IV or IIIb) expressed by both normal and neoplastic ECs. In immunohistochemical and flow-cytometric studies, 8C9-immunoreactivity was detected on capillary ECs, adipocytes, monocytes, platelets and a human monocytoid cell line U-937, which are known to express the CD36 antigen. Blocking experiments using U-937 cells and studies on cryostat sections revealed that a murine MoAb OKM5, which detects the CD36 antigen, blocked the binding of 8C9 to its antigen. Immunoblot analysis showed that 8C9 bound to a 97-kDa membrane protein expressed by U-937 cells treated with phorbol ester. These results indicate that 8C9 detects the CD36 antigen. However, the findings that some OKM5-positive normal ECs in the liver, spleen and lymph nodes as well as neoplastic ECs in a cutaneous angiosarcoma did not react with 8C9, together with the fact that the CD36 antigen does not form a complex or associate with other proteins, suggest epitopic heterogeneity of the CD36 antigen expressed by these tissues.     

Hex expression suggests a role in the development and function of organs derived from foregut endoderm.

Hex is a divergent homeobox gene expressed as early as E4.5 in the mouse and in a pattern that suggests a role in anterior-posterior patterning. Later in embryogenesis, Hex is expressed in the developing thyroid, lung, and liver. We now show Hex expression during thymus, gallbladder, and pancreas development and in the adult thyroid, lung, and liver. At E10.0, Hex is expressed in the 3rd pharyngeal pouch, from which the thymus originates, the endodermal cells of liver that are invading the septum transversum, the thyroid, the dorsal pancreatic bud, and gallbladder primoridum. At E13.5, expression is maintained at high levels in the thyroid, liver, epithelial cells lining the pancreatic and extrahepatic biliary ducts and is present in both the epithelial and mesenchymal cells of the lung. Expression in the thymus at this age is less than in the other organs. In the E16.5 embryo, expression persists in the thyroid, pancreatic, and bile duct epithelium, lung, and liver, with thymic expression dropping to barely detectable levels. By E18.5, expression in the thyroid and bile ducts remains high, whereas lung expression is markedly decreased. At this age, expression in the pancreas and thymus is no longer present. Finally, we show the cell types in the adult thyroid, lung, and liver that express Hex in the mature animal. Our results provide more detail on the potential role of Hex in the development of several organs derived from foregut endoderm and in the maintenance of function of several of these organs in the mature animal.     

Hepatocellular expression of a novel glycoprotein with sialylated difucosyl Lex activity in the active inflammatory lesions of chronic liver disease.

Hepatic expression of sialylated difucosyl Lex antigen (SDLex, NeuAc alpha 2-3Gal beta 1-4(Fuc alpha 1-3)GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4(Fuc alpha 1-3)GlcNAc beta 1-) was studied with monoclonal antibody FH6, which defines this structure. Hepatocytes in the severe form of chronic active hepatitis and liver cirrhosis strongly expressed SDLex. The antigen was only weakly and focally detected in chronic persistent hepatitis. The mild form of chronic active hepatitis showed intermediate expression. SDLex expressed along the liver cell membranes displayed a honeycomb pattern when extensively expressed in the severe form of chronic active hepatitis or in liver cirrhosis. Cytoplasmic expression was faint and focal. Preferential tissue distribution was at the periphery of the hepatic lobules where the distruction of the limiting plate was present. The antigen was also expressed in sinusoidal lining cells and polymorphonuclear cells but not in the biliary epithelia. Hepatocytes expressing SDLex did not express related carbohydrate antigens, ie, Type 2 chain N-acetyllactosamine, Lex, and sialylated Lea. On subcellular fractionation, the microsome fraction contained the majority of the antigen activity. SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis revealed one major SDLex-active glycoprotein with an apparent molecular weight of 110 kilodaltons. This glycoprotein was different from SDLex-active glycoproteins found in the sera of cancer patients. No ganglioside showed FH6 reactivity. These results indicate that liver cells in active inflammatory lesion expressed a novel glycoprotein carrying SDLex antigen in honeycomblike membrane-associated pattern.     

Type 4 chain H expression by bile ductules and hepatocytes in cirrhosis

The monoclonal antibody MBr1 defines the blood group H determinant with beta 1----3N-acetylgalactosamine linkage (Fuc alpha 1----2Gal beta 1----3GalNAc----R) carried by type 3 or 4 backbone. The distribution of the antigen detected by this antibody was studied immunohistochemically in liver tissues. Although bile ducts with a diameter of more than about 100 microns normally expressed the MBr1-reactive antigen supranuclearly, smaller bile ducts and bile ductules did not express the antigen. In cirrhotic liver, proliferated bile ductules extensively expressed the MBr1-reactive antigen. In spite of the absence in normal liver cells, the antigen was expressed membranously in some cirrhotic liver cells. Under subcellular fractionation, MBr1 reactivity was almost exclusively recovered in the microsomal fraction. By HPTLC immunostaining, the major MBr1-reactive antigen was shown to be carried by type 4 chain H glycolipid (globo-H, Fuc alpha 1----2Gal beta 1----3GalNAc beta 1----3Gal alpha 1----4Gal beta 1----4Glc beta 1----1Cer). MBr1 reactive glycoprotein was not found. In conclusion, although type 4 chain H glycolipid is not expressed by normal bile ductules and liver cells, it is actively synthesized and expressed by proliferated bile ductules and some of the liver cells in cirrhosis in the absence of any neoplastic change.     

A tumor-associated antigen in carcinoma of the pancreas defined by monoclonal antibody B72.3

A retrospective analysis of 25 primary adenocarcinomas of the pancreas, 16 metastatic pancreatic tumors, 8 cases of chronic pancreatitis, and 3 adult normal pancreas was performed to ascertain the reactivity of monoclonal antibody (MAb) B72.3 to malignant and nonneoplastic pancreatic lesions. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of pancreas were evaluated by immunohistochemical techniques (avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex [ABC] method). Twenty-one of 25 malignant primary tumors were reactive, and all 16 metastatic sites expressed the B72.3 antigen. In contrast, all cases of pancreatitis and normal pancreas were either weakly reactive or nonreactive. Ten malignant and two benign pancreatic fine-needle aspirates provided results similar to those seen with fixed tissues. Because MAb B72.3 has selective reactivity for primary and metastatic pancreatic cancer, it may be of value as a diagnostic adjunct in cytologic examination or for radioimmunodetection of regional and/or distant metastases of adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.     

A mucin-like glycoprotein identified by MAG (mouse ascites Golgi) antibodies. Menstrual cycle-dependent localization in human endometrium.

Human endometrial glands synthesize and secrete a high molecular weight mucin-like glycoprotein in a menstrual cycle-dependent fashion. A novel moiety within this Golgi-associated glycoprotein is strongly reactive with IgG antibodies in numerous murine ascites, and has been termed MAG (mouse ascites Golgi). Immunohistochemical staining of 201 endometrial biopsies revealed the following patterns: MAG first appeared in the Golgi on cycle day 5, peaked on day 15, was present on the surface of the luminal epithelium between days 17 and 19, and was no longer detectable after day 19. MAG was also present in cervical, prostate, seminal vesicle, and lacrimal glands, pancreatic acinar cells, gall bladder and bile duct epithelium, and certain cells of the salivary and sweat glands. Interestingly, only tissues from blood group A individuals exhibited this staining. As a common link among all these cell types is the expression of mucins, we speculated that the MAG epitope could be a mucin-associated blood group A-related epitope. This hypothesis was tested by absorption experiments with a variety of glycoconjugates and erythrocytes and by immunoblots of MAG-rich material. The absorption studies demonstrated that only type III porcine mucin (< 1% sialic acid) and blood type A or AB erythrocytes were able to absorb the anti-MAG antibody. Inasmuch as N-acetyl-galactosamine alone, the terminal blood group A carbohydrate, did not block MAG antibody binding, the MAG epitope appears to involve N-acetylgalactosamine plus other determinants. Immunoblots of endometrial extracts and saliva from blood type A individuals revealed MAG-reactive material with a molecular weight > 200 kd under reducing conditions. Because the MAG epitope appears on the endometrial surface during the purported implantation window, we speculate that mucin-like epitopes could play a role in the earliest apposition phases of conceptus-endometrial interaction.     

A novel stepwise differentiation of functional pancreatic exocrine cells from embryonic stem cells

Cultivation of functional pancreatic cells isolated from adult mammalian pancreas remains difficult. We developed a differentiation protocol that gradually induced the formation of mouse pancreatic exocrine cells from embryonic stem cells (ESCs). This process mimicked in vivo pancreatic development by directing cells through definitive endoderm (DE), gut tube endoderm, and pancreatic progenitor cells to differentiated cells that expressed pancreatic exocrine enzymes. Mouse ESCs were cultured in hanging drops to form embryoid bodies. Treatment of embryoid bodies with activin A induced the formation of DE cells that expressed marker mRNAs Goosecoid and Mixl1 and that were double-positive with Foxa2 and Sox17 proteins. Subsequent treatment of the DE cells by retinoic acid induced the formation of gut tube endoderm cells that expressed the specific marker Hnf1b. Expression of Goosecoid and Mixl1 was downregulated during this period. Fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7) promoted differentiation of PDX1-expressing pancreatic progenitor cells that also expressed Foxa2 mRNA, an endodermal marker, suggesting derivation from the DE cells. Exocrine cell differentiation was induced with FGF7, glucagon-like peptide-1, and nicotinamide. The differentiated cells expressed mature pancreatic exocrine cell mRNAs, such as Amylase, Elastase, and Carboxypeptidase A. Additionally, they produced pancreatic elastase, amylase, carboxypeptidase A, and chymotrypsin proteins that were identified in cytoplasmic granules by immunocytochemistry. Active amylase was released into the medium. Moreover, FGF7 was associated with differentiation of pancreatic exocrine cells. The findings reported here offer a novel and effective process to develop pancreatic exocrine cells from ESCs.     

Mutually exclusive signaling signatures define the hepatic and pancreatic progenitor cell lineage divergence

Understanding how distinct cell types arise from multipotent progenitor cells is a major quest in stem cell biology. The liver and pancreas share many aspects of their early development and possibly originate from a common progenitor. However, how liver and pancreas cells diverge from a common endoderm progenitor population and adopt specific fates remains elusive. Using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), we defined the molecular identity of liver and pancreas progenitors that were isolated from the mouse embryo at two time points, spanning the period when the lineage decision is made. The integration of temporal and spatial gene expression profiles unveiled mutually exclusive signaling signatures in hepatic and pancreatic progenitors. Importantly, we identified the noncanonical Wnt pathway as a potential developmental regulator of this fate decision and capable of inducing the pancreas program in endoderm and liver cells. Our study offers an unprecedented view of gene expression programs in liver and pancreas progenitors and forms the basis for formulating lineage-reprogramming strategies to convert adult hepatic cells into pancreatic cells.     

Immunohistochemical localization of the epidermal growth factor receptor in normal human tissues

A monoclonal antibody recognizing an epitope of the external domain of the human epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor was used to localize this protein in selected normal human tissues. Two patterns of reactivity were recognized: strong linear or granular cell surface staining, and granular cytoplasmic staining. In one tissue, the endometrium, a change in the reaction pattern associated with changes in hormonal stimulation was observed. In some tissues such as epididymis and skin, the antibody showed surface reactivity with cells considered to represent part of the proliferating cell compartment, whereas in liver, pancreas, and prostate, all cells were reactive with the antibody, though the predominant reactivity was localized in the cytoplasm. The differential distribution of the epidermal growth factor receptor to specific cell types and cellular compartments may signify adaptations that permit growth factor responsiveness in a milieu of available ligand.     

Phenotypic identity of gastric mucous neck cells and mucous cells of cardiac,pyloric, and Brunner's glands.

AIM--To investigate the tissue specificity of a novel monoclonal antibody raised to a tissue fraction of normal human liver and which identified certain cells of gastric and duodenal mucosa. METHODS--A total of 155 samples of various tissues obtained from 100 surgical specimens were fixed in cold ethanol-paraformaldehyde, embedded in paraffin wax, and 3 microns sections were studied by immunohistochemical and lectin staining procedures. RESULTS--Immunohistochemical staining showed a major tissue specific component which was strongly expressed by mucous neck cells of the body of the stomach, glands of the cardia and pyloric antrum, and by Brunner''s glands. Staining for antigen in the periductal glands of normal major biliary and pancreatic ducts was variable and relatively weaker. It was not detected elsewhere in normal intestine or in the other normal tissues tested. Barrett''s mucosa of gastric cardia type, and pyloric gland metaplasia in the gall bladder and small bowel affected with Crohn''s disease stained for the antigen. The tissue distribution of the antigen was identical with that of a glycoprotein, demonstrated by an induced affinity for concanavalin A following treatment of tissue sections with periodic acid. The antigen was not sensitive to sialidase. CONCLUSIONS--The tissue component identified (designated here as antigen D10) seems to be characteristic of certain differentiated epithelial cells derived from that part of foregut giving rise to stomach, duodenum, and biliary and pancreatic ducts. The antibody will be of use in investigating pathological processes involving tissue differentiation at these sites, and in the oesophagus and intestines.     

Mouse cytolytic T cells reactive with rat islet tumour RIN 5AH-B cells

Insulin dependent (type 1) diabetes mellitus is considered to be an autoimmune disease characterized by a specific destruction of the insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells. We have explored the possibilities of raising T cells specific for putative pancreatic beta-cell autoantigens using a xenogeneic system. Mouse T cells were induced against the rat insulinoma cells RIN 5AH-B (RIN) and tested for their specific reactivity. No MHC class II-restricted beta-cell-specific helper T-cell reactivity could be detected within the bulk cultures as measured by proliferation, but a remarkably high cytotoxicity against the RIN cells was observed. The target antigen on the cell surface recognized by the generated cytotoxic T cells was shown to be the rat class I major histocompatibility antigen RT1g, and not a beta-cell or tumour cell-specific antigen associated with RIN cell MHC molecules. Our results demonstrate that it is feasible to evoke a xenogeneic T-cell response against the RIN cells. However, the mouse T cells recognize a dominant epitope present on the expressed rat class I major histocompatibility antigen RT1Ag and not a beta-cell-specific antigen. Hence, we conclude that it appears most unlikely that beta-cell-specific T cells can be raised in the xenogeneic system.     

Monoclonal antibody to a human pancreatic carcinoma cell line recognizes gastrointestinal neoplasms.

A monoclonal antibody designated RWP1.1 was produced against a human pancreatic carcinoma cell line RWP1. This antibody was shown to recognize an epitope of carcinoembryonic antigen. The reactivity of the antibody was evaluated on formalin-fixed normal tissues, 86 malignant neoplasms, 10 colonic polyps, and 6 cases of chronic pancreatitis using the peroxidase anti-peroxidase technique. RWP1.1 did not react with normal tissues apart from weak staining of fetal pancreatic ducts. This antibody preferentially reacted with primary and metastatic adenocarcinomas of the colon, stomach, pancreas, and colonic polyps but not with most adenocarcinomas from other sites nor with other types of tumors or cases of chronic pancreatitis. It also reacted with colon adenocarcinomas on frozen sections. The restricted specificity of this antibody could be used in differentiating gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas from other types of tumors including adenocarcinomas from other sites and most pancreatic adenocarcinomas from chronic pancreatitis.