Hallmarks of totipotent and pluripotent stem cell states

Abstract

Though totipotency and pluripotency are transient during early embryogenesis, they establish the foundation for the development of all mammals. Studying these in vivo has been challenging due to limited access and ethical constraints, particularly in humans. Recent progress has led to diverse culture adaptations of epiblast cells in vitro in the form of totipotent and pluripotent stem cells, which not only deepen our understanding of embryonic development but also serve as invaluable resources for animal reproduction and regenerative medicine. This review delves into the hallmarks of totipotent and pluripotent stem cells, shedding light on their key molecular and functional features.

Keywords: formative pluripotency; intermediate pluripotency; naive pluripotency; pluripotency; pluripotent stem cells; primed pluripotency; totipotency; totipotent stem cells.

Figure 1.. Hallmarks of totipotent and pluripotent stem cells.

A list of key molecular and functional hallmarks used to define and/or distinguish different totipotent and pluripotent stem cell states.

Figure 2.. Growth conditions for mouse and human pluripotent stem cells.

Culture components, such as growth factors, cytokines, and/or chemicals, included in each growth condition for mouse and human PSCs are indicated using blue color boxes. The related signaling pathways are noted on the left.

Figure 3.. Molecular and functional hallmarks of dynamic pluripotent stem cells.

Left, A summary that highlights the selected molecular and functional characteristics useful for distinguishing mouse and human PSCs in various states of pluripotency. Right, the hallmarks each type of PSC meets are highlighted with color-coded boxes.

Figure 4.. Summary of in vitro cultured totipotent stem cells.

(A) Developmental Timeline of In vitro Totipotent Stem Cell Cultures. The reference to 'similar to (embryo stage)' relates specifically to similarities at the transcriptomic level. (B) Heatmap showing the comparative expression of representative totipotent genes across different cell types. (C) PCA analysis of transcriptomes of TBLC, TLSC, TPSC, EPSC^,,, ciTotiSC, 2CLC and their corresponding mESCs, as well as mouse pre-implantation embryos based on the global transcriptome. Stars represent TBLC data, triangles represent TLSC data, solid squares represent TPSC data, hollow squares represent EPSC data, rounded rectangles represent 2CLC data, and hexagons represent ciTotiSC data.