Biology subjects

Peters, D. T.

Publications and source records attributed to Peters, D. T..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2024

Engineering bacterial protein polymers to support human pluripotent stem cell growth and differentiation in culture.

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are of significant value due to their wide ranging potential, removing the need for embryonic material. To successfully culture, expand and differentiate these cells, it is crucial to maintain a precise biological environment, including an appropriate attachment substrate. Commonly used attachment substrates include recombinant extracellular matrix (ECM) components like vitronectin, as well as animal-derived ECM mixes such as GelTrex and Matrigel. However, there is growing interest in exploring alternative approaches to support bioactivity of cells. One approach that is gaining traction is the use of the Caf1 protein of Yersinia pestis. This protein is appealing primarily due to its stability, modularity, and ease of production. In this study, we have developed novel variants of Caf1 that effectively support the growth and differentiation of iPSCs, performing at least as well as GelTrex. Our findings highlight the potential of Caf1 laminin and vitronectin mimics as viable alternatives for supporting iPSC growth and differentiation. The successful development of these Caf1 variants opens new avenues for the field, paving the way for better defined, more cost-effective and readily available attachment substrates in iPSC research and applications.

bioengineering↗

bioRxiv2023

Transcriptome analysis of the mouse fetal and adult rete ovarii and surrounding tissues

The rete ovarii (RO) is an epithelial structure that arises during fetal development in close proximity to the ovary and persists throughout adulthood in mice. However, the functional significance of the RO remains elusive, and it has been absent from recent discussions of female reproductive anatomy. The RO comprises three distinct regions: the intraovarian rete (IOR) within the ovary, the extraovarian rete (EOR) in the periovarian tissue, and the connecting rete (CR) linking the EOR and IOR. We hypothesize that the RO plays a pivotal role in maintaining ovarian homeostasis and responding to physiological changes. To uncover the nature and function of RO cells, we conducted transcriptome analysis, encompassing bulk, single-cell, and nucleus-level sequencing of both fetal and adult RO tissues using the Pax8-rtTA; Tre- H2B-GFP mouse line, where all RO regions express nuclear GFP. This study presents three datasets, which highlight RO-specific gene expression signatures and reveal differences in gene expression across the three RO regions during development and in adulthood. The integration and rigorous validation of these datasets will advance our understanding of the ROs roles in ovarian development, female maturation, and adult female fertility. Short narrativeThis study employs comprehensive bulk, single cell and single nucleus transcriptome analysis to uncover gene expression signatures of the fetal and adult rete ovarii (RO).

developmental biology↗

bioRxiv2023

Pro-inflammatory macrophages impair skeletal muscle regeneration in ischemic-damaged limbs by inducing precocious differentiation of satellite cells

Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), representing the end-stage of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), is associated with a one-year limb amputation rate of [~]15-20% and significant mortality. A key characteristic of CLTI is the failure of the innate regenerative capacity of skeletal muscle, though the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, single-cell transcriptome analysis of ischemic and non-ischemic muscle from the same CLTI patients demonstrated that ischemic-damaged tissue is enriched with pro-inflammatory macrophages. Comparable results were also observed in a murine CLTI model. Importantly, integrated analyses of both human and murine data revealed premature differentiation of muscle satellite cells (MuSCs) in damaged tissue and indications of defects in intercellular signaling communication between MuSCs and their inflammatory niche. Collectively, our research provides the first single-cell transcriptome atlases of skeletal muscle from CLTI patients and murine models, emphasizing the crucial role of macrophages and inflammation in regulating muscle regeneration in CLTI through interactions with MuSCs.

genomics↗