Biology subjects

Rajesh, D.

Publications and source records attributed to Rajesh, D..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Generation, Characterization and Comparison of Ovine Induced Pluripotent and Embryonic-Disc Stem Cells

Pluripotent stem cells derived from livestock species represent valuable systems for studying early mammalian development and for establishing renewable, well-defined cell sources; however, direct comparative characterization of distinct pluripotent stem cell platforms in sheep remains limited. In this study, we established and evaluated two ovine pluripotent stem cell types: reprogrammed induced pluripotent stem cells (siPSCs) and embryonic disc-derived stem cells (sEDSCs). Both siPSCs and sEDSCs exhibited core features of pluripotency, including compact colony morphology, alkaline phosphatase activity, expression of key pluripotency-associated markers, and maintenance of a normal ovine karyotype. Flow cytometry and quantitative RT-PCR analyses revealed broadly overlapping yet distinguishable pluripotency marker expression profiles between the two cell types. Functional pluripotency was confirmed by embryoid body formation and in vitro differentiation into derivatives of all three germ layers. To further assess lineage-specific differentiation competence and compare functional outputs relevant to mesodermal differentiation, both pluripotent stem cell types were directed towards the adipogenic lineage. While siPSCs and sEDSCs were each capable of adipogenic differentiation, differences in differentiation efficiency and marker expression were observed. Together, these findings demonstrate that ovine siPSCs and sEDSCs share core pluripotency characteristics while retaining distinct molecular and functional properties, providing a robust comparative framework for studies of ovine pluripotency, lineage specification, and stem cell biology.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2026

High density culture of bovine embryonic stem cell derived mesenchymal cells on edible scaffolds for structured cultivated meat

Developing structured cultivated meat requires integrated solutions that combine scalable cell sources with edible, foodgrade materials capable of supporting highdensity growth and differentiation. Here, we evaluate bovine mesenchymal stem cells derived from embryonic stem cells (ESCderived iMSCs) as a scalable adipogenic cell source and develop an integrated workflow combining these cells with edible plantbased scaffolds for structured biomass generation. Cell identity and functionality were assessed using transcriptomic, morphological, gene expression, flow cytometric, and adipogenic differentiation analyses, in both adherent and suspension culture systems. In parallel, lentil, pea, and soy-based scaffold formulations were screened for cell attachment, proliferation, and biomass accumulation. Soybased scaffolds supported uniform cell distribution and robust growth and outperformed lentil-based scaffolds. Under dynamic culture conditions, bovine iMSCs cultured on soy-based scaffolds achieved highdensity growth, showing biomass accumulation (cell wet weight/scaffold wet weight) reached an average cell wet weight to scaffold wet weight ratio of 15% within three days. Cultures demonstrated active glucose metabolism and retained adipogenic differentiation capacity, confirmed by lipid accumulation and positive oil red O staining. These findings demonstrate an integrated cell-scaffold platform for rapid threedimensional biomass generation. This approach supports the development of a cell culture strategy for structured cultivated meat by combining defined cell sources with foodgrade scaffold technologies to improve scalability, structure, and nutritional relevance. HighlightsO_LIBovine ESC-derived iMSCs enable scalable adipogenic cell production C_LIO_LIEdible soy-based scaffolds support 3D attachment and biomass accumulation C_LIO_LIDynamic culture achieved [~]15% cell wet weight fraction within 3 days C_LIO_LIiMSCs retained adipogenic differentiation capacity on edible scaffolds C_LIO_LIIntegrated cell-scaffold culture supports structured cultivated meat prototypes C_LI

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2026

Derivation and characterization of an embryonic-derived muscle progenitor cell line from Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

Unlike mammals, teleost fish exhibit lifelong skeletal muscle growth, characterized by continued fiber hypertrophy and the formation of new muscle fibers maintained by a persistent progenitor cell population. However, the limited availability of stable muscle progenitor cell lines from commercially important species such as Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) constrains mechanistic studies and emerging applications in cellular aquaculture. Here, we report the establishment and characterization of a novel embryonic-derived salmon muscle progenitor cell line, termed SsEC. These cells were derived from late embryonic stages and exhibited a spindle-shaped morphology, robust proliferative capacity, and sustained expansion beyond 30 passages under defined culture conditions. SsECs demonstrated a distinct extracellular matrix preference, with vitronectin supporting long-term maintenance and expansion. Molecular characterization confirmed stable expression of canonical myogenic markers, including myf5 and myod1, while transcriptomic profiling revealed enrichment of genes associated with muscle development and sarcomere organization relative to a non-myogenic salmon cell line. Directed differentiation to muscle, using a two-step protocol, induced efficient formation of multinucleated myotubes expressing myosin heavy chain and sarcomeric -actinin, with upregulation of key differentiation markers such as myog and Tnnt3a. Together, these findings establish SsECs as a robust in vitro model cell line for studying salmon muscle development and provide a novel platform for applications in aquaculture research and cellular seafood production.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2025

SIRT2 attenuates stress-induced skeletal muscle atrophy by inhibiting glucocorticoid receptor signaling

Skeletal muscle atrophy occurs in several diseases and is associated with chronic stress. Studies indicate that glucocorticoid receptor signalling is the major signalling pathway that mediates stress-induced muscle degeneration. Although the glucocorticoid signalling pathway is relatively well characterized, there is a need to identify modulators of this pathway that may be useful for drug targeting to ameliorate muscle atrophy. SIRT2 is a mammalian Sirtuin isoform known to mediate the longevity benefits of calorie restriction and exercise. Currently, the role of SIRT2 in regulating stress-induced skeletal muscle atrophy is unclear. Our study found that SIRT2 is a critical regulator of muscle homeostasis and is required to protect against stress-induced muscle atrophy. Interestingly, SIRT2 levels are reduced during glucocorticoid-induced muscle atrophy in mice. SIRT2 depletion exacerbates glucocorticoid-induced reduction in myotube diameter and atrophy gene expression. In contrast, SIRT2 overexpression ameliorates myotube atrophy in primary myotubes. Our findings indicate that SIRT2 knockout mice are susceptible to glucocorticoid-induced muscle atrophy, while muscle-specific SIRT2-transgenic mice exhibit improved muscle function and are protected from glucocorticoid-induced atrophy. Mechanistically, SIRT2 binds to the glucocorticoid receptor to negatively regulate its activity, possibly via deacetylation of critical residues in its DNA-binding domain. Our findings suggest that SIRT2 activation may protect against glucocorticoid-induced skeletal muscle atrophy and serve as a potential therapeutic target for treating muscle atrophy.

pathology↗