A recent study published in Nature Biotechnology has found that the process by which stem cells differentiate into specific cell types is closely connected to structures within cells known as P-bodies. The research was conducted by scientists at Baylor College of Medicine, the University of Colorado Boulder, and other collaborating institutions.
The team examined P-bodies during various stages of development across multiple vertebrate species. They discovered that these cellular structures play a key role in determining cell fate by selectively storing certain RNA molecules.
“Our work shows that P-bodies sequester RNAs encoding key cell fate-related proteins to prevent their translation. These RNAs are often characteristic of a preceding developmental stage, and in some cases, releasing these RNAs is sufficient to drive cell identity to that earlier developmental stage. Leveraging this regulatory mechanism permits the generation of clinically relevant cell types that are otherwise difficult to obtain,” said Dr. Justin Brumbaugh, assistant professor of molecular, cellular and developmental biology at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Dr. Bruno Di Stefano, co-corresponding author and assistant professor at Baylor’s Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, highlighted potential clinical applications: “By manipulating P-body assembly, we can direct pluripotent stem cells toward clinically relevant cell types, such as primordial germ cells and totipotent-like cells. Primordial germ cells are the precursors of sperm and eggs, providing a valuable model for studying infertility and germline biology. Totipotent-like cells open new avenues for regenerative medicine and for understanding the earliest stages of embryonic development.”
The researchers also observed that microRNAs—a type of noncoding RNA—may influence which RNAs are stored in P-bodies. According to Di Stefano, adjusting microRNA activity could make it possible to develop RNA-based therapies aimed at controlling how RNAs are stored in these structures and thus guide decisions about cell identity.
Further details about this research can be found in Nature Biotechnology, including information on all contributing authors and funding sources.
