Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery, creating mouse stem cells that can develop into a fully grown mouse using a gene older than animal life. This achievement uses genetic tools from a tiny single-celled organism called a choanoflagellate.
These organisms are distant relatives of animals, sharing a common ancestor that existed long before animals appeared on Earth. The discovery offers new insights into the shared history of animals and these ancient microorganisms.
Dr. Alex de Mendoza from Queen Mary University of London led the research alongside scientists from The University of Hong Kong. They used a gene from choanoflagellates to create stem cells capable of forming a complete mouse.
Choanoflagellates, the closest living relatives of animals, carry genes similar to those found in mammals. These genes, known as Sox and POU, are essential for stem cells to develop into any type of cell.
Scientists previously thought these genes only existed in animals. This finding changes that understanding, revealing that the roots of these genes go back much further in evolutionary history.
“By successfully creating a mouse using molecular tools derived from our single-celled relatives, we’re witnessing an extraordinary continuity of function across nearly a billion years of evolution,” said de Mendoza.
“The study implies that key genes involved in stem cell formation might have originated far earlier than the stem cells themselves, perhaps helping pave the way for the multicellular life we see today,” de Mendoza added.
From single-celled genes to chimeric mice
In 2012, Shinya Yamanaka’s Nobel-winning discovery showed that specialized cells could be turned into stem cells by activating four key genes, including Sox2 and Oct4. Building on this foundation, researchers have now pushed the boundaries further.
In a study led by de Mendoza and conducted in collaboration with Dr. Ralf Jauch’s lab at The University of Hong Kong, the team replaced the Sox2 gene in mouse cells with a gene from choanoflagellates, a single-celled organism. This reprogrammed the cells into a stem cell-like state.
By replacing the mouse Sox2 gene with its choanoflagellate equivalent, scientists created chimeric mice, confirming the ancient gene’s functionality in animal development. https://t.co/YXIOwWDO1W
— Philip Neil Chuppa (@philchuppa) November 18, 2024
To test their function, the reprogrammed cells were injected into a developing mouse embryo. The resulting mouse, known as a chimeric mouse, showed traits from both the donor embryo and the lab-modified stem cells.
Physical features such as black fur patches and dark eyes confirmed that these ancient genes could integrate with the animal’s development, proving their importance.
The study also explored the origins of Sox and POU proteins. These proteins, which bind to DNA and regulate other genes, were likely used by unicellular organisms for basic cellular tasks.
Dr. de Mendoza explained that while choanoflagellates lack stem cells, they possess these genes. Over time, multicellular animals may have adapted these ancient tools to build complex bodies and form stem cells.
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