Lamin A/C is expressed in pluripotent mouse embryonic stem cells

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Epigenetics

Background:

• Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) exhibit pluripotency characterized by open chromatin and irregular nuclear morphology.
• Previous hypotheses suggested that the absence of Lamin A/C is responsible for these ESC features.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the expression and localization of Lamin A/C in mouse embryonic stem cells.
• To re-evaluate existing models of pluripotency and nuclear dynamics in ESCs based on Lamin A/C expression.

Main Methods:

• Quantitative PCR (q-PCR) and deep RNA sequencing to detect Lamin A/C transcripts.
• Immunoblotting with multiple antibodies to validate Lamin A/C protein expression in ESC lines.
• Immunofluorescence labeling to determine Lamin A/C localization within ESC nuclei and blastocysts.

Main Results:

• Mouse ESCs express detectable levels of Lamin A/C at both RNA and protein levels.
• Full-length transcripts for both Lamin A and Lamin C isoforms were identified.
• Lamin A/C was localized to the nuclear periphery in Oct4/Nanog-positive ESCs and the inner cell mass of blastocysts.

Conclusions:

• Embryonic stem cells express low, but significant, amounts of Lamin A/C.
• Models positing the complete absence of Lamin A/C in ESCs require revision.
• The presence of Lamin A/C may play a role in maintaining ESC pluripotency and nuclear characteristics.