Nonviral Reprogramming of Human Wharton's Jelly Cells Reveals Differences Between ATOH1 Homologues
Abstract
The transcription factor atonal homolog 1 (ATOH1) has multiple homologues that are functionally conserved across species and is responsible for the generation of sensory hair cells. To evaluate potential functional differences between homologues, human and mouse ATOH1 (HATH1 and MATH-1, respectively) were nonvirally delivered to human Wharton's jelly cells (hWJCs) for the first time. Delivery of HATH1 to hWJCs demonstrated superior expression of inner ear hair cell markers and characteristics than delivery of MATH-1. Inhibition of HES1 and HES5 signaling further increased the atonal effect. Transfection of hWJCs with HATH1 DNA, HES1 siRNA, and HES5 siRNA displayed positive identification of key hair cell and support cell markers found in the cochlea, as well as a variety of cell shapes, sizes, and features not native to hair cells, suggesting the need for further examination of other cell types induced by HATH1 expression. In the first side-by-side evaluation of HATH1 and MATH-1 in human cells, substantial differences were observed, suggesting that the two atonal homologues may not be interchangeable in human cells, and artificial expression of HATH1 in hWJCs requires further study. In the future, this line of research may lead...Continue Reading
References
Regeneration of stereocilia of hair cells by forced Atoh1 expression in the adult mammalian cochlea.
Citations
Methods Mentioned
Software Mentioned
Related Concepts
Related Feeds
Cell Fate Conversion By mRNA
mRNA-based technology is being studied as a potential technology that could be used to reprogram cell fate. This technique provides the potential to generate safe reprogrammed cells that can be used for clinical applications. Here is the latest research on cell fate conversion by mRNA.