Isolation and Analysis of Hematopoietic Stem Cells from the Placenta

Summary

We have identified the placenta as a major hematopoietic organ during development. We found that hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are both generated and expanded in the placenta in unique microenvironmental niches. Here, we describe experimental techniques required for isolation and visualization of HSCs in the mouse placenta.

Abstract

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) have the ability to self-renew and generate all cell types of the blood lineages throughout the lifetime of an individual. All HSCs emerge during embryonic development, after which their pool size is maintained by self-renewing cell divisions. Identifying the anatomical origin of HSCs and the critical developmental events regulating the process of HSC development has been complicated as many anatomical sites participate during fetal hematopoiesis. Recently, we identified the placenta as a major hematopoietic organ where HSCs are generated and expanded in unique microenvironmental niches (Gekas, et al 2005, Rhodes, et al 2008). Consequently, the placenta is an important source of HSCs during their emergence and initial expansion.

In this article, we show dissection techniques for the isolation of murine placenta from E10.5 and E12.5 embryos, corresponding to the developmental stages of initiation of HSCs and the peak in the size of the HSC pool in the placenta, respectively. In addition, we present an optimized protocol for enzymatic and mechanical dissociation of placental tissue into single-cell suspension for use in flow cytometry or functional assays. We have found that use of collagenase for single-cell suspension of placenta gives sufficient yields of HSCs. An important factor affecting HSC yield from the placenta is the degree of mechanical dissociation prior to, and duration of, enzymatic treatment.

We also provide a protocol for the preparation of fixed-frozen placental tissue sections for the visualization of developing HSCs by immunohistochemistry in their precise cellular niches. As hematopoietic specific antigens are not preserved during preparation of paraffin embedded sections, we routinely use fixed frozen sections for localizing placental HSCs and progenitors.

Protocol

1. Embryo removal and placental dissection To begin, embryos must first be isolated from pregnant dams. Animals are euthanized according to approved procedures – in our case we are going to use a lethal dose of the anaesthetic isoflurane First, spray the belly with ethanol and make a small incision with a pair of scissors. Tear away the skin with both hands to uncover the abdomen and cut open the peritoneum. With forceps, pick up the uterine horns and collect them usi…

Discussion

The experimental procedures described in this protocol will allow for isolation and visualization of placental tissue and hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. For a comprehensive summary on expected cellular yield and number of HSCs in placenta and other fetal hematopoietic organs throughout fetal development we refer to Gekas, et al. 2005. For localization of developing HSCs and other hematopoietic cells in the placenta we refer to Rhodes, et al. 2008.

Materials

Materials List:
100mM Glucose
10mM NaN3
15-ml conical tubes (BD)
16-G, 18-G, 20-G, 22-G and 25-G needles (BD)
30% Sucrose Solution
35mm Petri Dishes (BD)
4% Paraformaldehyde
50- m cell filters (Celltrics)
5-ml syringes (BD)
Alkaline Phosphatase Substrate Kit I (Vector Red, Vector)
Alkaline Phosphatase Substrate Kit III (Vector Blue, Vector)
Antibiotic (Penicillin/Streptomycin, P/S) solution
Collagenase type I (Sigma)
Cryomold Disposable Vinyl Specimen Molds (10mm x 10mm x 5 mm, Tissue-Tek)
Cytokeratin Primary Antibody (DakoCytomation)
Dissection forceps, stainless steel or titanium, number 5 or 55
Drierite
Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS)
Fisherbrand Plastic Microscope Slide Mailer (Fisher)
Glucose Oxidase 1000u/ml
Levamisole (Vector)
Mounting media, Aqueous-based Mounting Medium (VectamountTM AQ)
Normal Horse Serum (Vector)
Optimal Cutting Temperature (O.C.T., Tissue-Tek)
Peroxidase Substrate Kit DAB (Vector)
Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS) with Calcium/Magnesium (w Ca2+/Mg2+)
Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS) without Calcium/Magnesium (w/o Ca2+/Mg2+)
Plastic Slide Box (holds 100 slides)
Plastic Tubing (Nalgene 180 PVC Non-toxic Autoclavable)
Polypropylene Round-Bottom Test Tube, 5 ml (12×75 mm, BD Falcon)
Proteinase K 20mg/ml Solution (Amresco)
Research Products International Corp Super Pap Pen HT* Slide Markers (2,5 mm, Fisher)
Tissue-culture treated U-shaped (round-bottom) 96-well or 24-well plates (BD Falcon)
Tween20, SigmaUltra (Sigma)
Tyramide Amplification Kit (Invitrogen)
Vectastain ABC Alkaline Phosphatase Standard Kit (Vector)
Vectastain ABC Standard Elite Kit (Vector)