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Wu B, Liu Y, Li H, Zhu L, Zeng L, Zhang Z, Peng W. Liver as a new target organ in Alzheimer's disease: insight from cholesterol metabolism and its role in amyloid-beta clearance. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:695-714. [PMID: 38886936 PMCID: PMC11433892 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.391305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease, the primary cause of dementia, is characterized by neuropathologies, such as amyloid plaques, synaptic and neuronal degeneration, and neurofibrillary tangles. Although amyloid plaques are the primary characteristic of Alzheimer's disease in the central nervous system and peripheral organs, targeting amyloid-beta clearance in the central nervous system has shown limited clinical efficacy in Alzheimer's disease treatment. Metabolic abnormalities are commonly observed in patients with Alzheimer's disease. The liver is the primary peripheral organ involved in amyloid-beta metabolism, playing a crucial role in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease. Notably, impaired cholesterol metabolism in the liver may exacerbate the development of Alzheimer's disease. In this review, we explore the underlying causes of Alzheimer's disease and elucidate the role of the liver in amyloid-beta clearance and cholesterol metabolism. Furthermore, we propose that restoring normal cholesterol metabolism in the liver could represent a promising therapeutic strategy for addressing Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei Wu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese & Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yuqing Liu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese & Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Hongli Li
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese & Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Lemei Zhu
- Academician Workstation, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Lingfeng Zeng
- Academician Workstation, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese & Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- Yangsheng College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
- Qinhuangdao Shanhaiguan Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province, China
| | - Weijun Peng
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese & Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorder, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
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2
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Rigo YR, Benvenutti R, Portela LV, Strogulski NR. Neurogenic potential of NG2 in neurotrauma: a systematic review. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:2673-2683. [PMID: 38595286 PMCID: PMC11168526 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Regenerative approaches towards neuronal loss following traumatic brain or spinal cord injury have long been considered a dogma in neuroscience and remain a cutting-edge area of research. This is reflected in a large disparity between the number of studies investigating primary and secondary injury as therapeutic targets in spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries. Significant advances in biotechnology may have the potential to reshape the current state-of-the-art and bring focus to primary injury neurotrauma research. Recent studies using neural-glial factor/antigen 2 (NG2) cells indicate that they may differentiate into neurons even in the developed brain. As these cells show great potential to play a regenerative role, studies have been conducted to test various manipulations in neurotrauma models aimed at eliciting a neurogenic response from them. In the present study, we systematically reviewed the experimental protocols and findings described in the scientific literature, which were peer-reviewed original research articles (1) describing preclinical experimental studies, (2) investigating NG2 cells, (3) associated with neurogenesis and neurotrauma, and (4) in vitro and/or in vivo, available in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science or SCOPUS, from 1998 to 2022. Here, we have reviewed a total of 1504 papers, and summarized findings that ultimately suggest that NG2 cells possess an inducible neurogenic potential in animal models and in vitro. We also discriminate findings of NG2 neurogenesis promoted by different pharmacological and genetic approaches over functional and biochemical outcomes of traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury models, and provide mounting evidence for the potential benefits of manipulated NG2 cell ex vivo transplantation in primary injury treatment. These findings indicate the feasibility of NG2 cell neurogenesis strategies and add new players in the development of therapeutic alternatives for neurotrauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri R. Rigo
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Radharani Benvenutti
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Luis V. Portela
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Nathan R. Strogulski
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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3
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Liu Y, Wei C, Yang Y, Zhu Z, Ren Y, Pi R. In situ chemical reprogramming of astrocytes into neurons: A new hope for the treatment of central neurodegenerative diseases? Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 982:176930. [PMID: 39179093 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Central neurodegenerative disorders (e.g. Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD)) are tightly associated with extensive neuron loss. Current therapeutic interventions merely mitigate the symptoms of these diseases, falling short of addressing the fundamental issue of neuron loss. Cell reprogramming, involving the transition of a cell from one gene expression profile to another, has made significant strides in the conversion between diverse somatic cell types. This advancement has been facilitated by gene editing techniques or the synergistic application of small molecules, enabling the conversion of glial cells into functional neurons. Despite this progress, the potential for in situ reprogramming of astrocytes in treating neurodegenerative disorders faces challenges such as immune rejection and genotoxicity. A novel avenue emerges through chemical reprogramming of astrocytes utilizing small molecules, circumventing genotoxic effects and unlocking substantial clinical utility. Recent studies have successfully demonstrated the in situ conversion of astrocytes into neurons using small molecules. Nonetheless, these findings have sparked debates, encompassing queries regarding the origin of newborn neurons, pivotal molecular targets, and alterations in metabolic pathways. This review succinctly delineates the background of astrocytes reprogramming, meticulously surveys the principal classes of small molecule combinations employed thus far, and examines the complex signaling pathways they activate. Finally, this article delves into the potential vistas awaiting exploration in the realm of astrocytes chemical reprogramming, heralding a promising future for advancing our understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Liu
- School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Cailv Wei
- School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Yang Yang
- School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Zeyu Zhu
- School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Yu Ren
- School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Rongbiao Pi
- School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China; International Joint Laboratory (SYSU-PolyU HK) of Novel Anti-Dementia Drugs of Guangdong, Shenzhen, 518107, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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4
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Liu MH, Xu YG, Bai XN, Lin JH, Xiang ZQ, Wang T, Xu L, Chen G. Efficient Dlx2-mediated astrocyte-to-neuron conversion and inhibition of neuroinflammation by NeuroD1. Dev Neurobiol 2024; 84:274-290. [PMID: 39034481 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
In vivo astrocyte-to-neuron (AtN) conversion induced by overexpression of neural transcriptional factors has great potential for neural regeneration and repair. Here, we demonstrate that a single neural transcriptional factor, Dlx2, converts mouse striatal astrocytes into neurons in a dose-dependent manner. Lineage-tracing studies in Aldh1l1-CreERT2 mice confirm that Dlx2 can convert striatal astrocytes into DARPP32+ and Ctip2+ medium spiny neurons (MSNs). Time-course studies reveal a gradual conversion from astrocytes to neurons in 1 month, with a distinct intermediate state in between astrocytes and neurons. Interestingly, when Dlx2-infected astrocytes start to lose astrocytic markers, the other local astrocytes proliferate to maintain astrocytic levels in the converted areas. Unexpectedly, although Dlx2 efficiently reprograms astrocytes into neurons in the gray matter striatum, it also induces partial reprogramming of astrocytes in the white matter corpus callosum. Such partial reprogramming of white matter astrocytes is associated with neuroinflammation, which can be suppressed by the addition of NeuroD1. Our results highlight the importance of investigating AtN conversion in both the gray matter and white matter to thoroughly evaluate therapeutic potentials. This study also unveils the critical role of anti-inflammation by NeuroD1 during AtN conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Hui Liu
- Guangdong-HongKong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yu-Ge Xu
- Guangdong-HongKong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Ni Bai
- Guangdong-HongKong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian-Hua Lin
- Guangdong-HongKong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zong-Qin Xiang
- Guangdong-HongKong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Guangdong-HongKong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liang Xu
- Guangdong-HongKong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gong Chen
- Guangdong-HongKong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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5
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Yuan M, Tang Y, Huang T, Ke L, Huang E. In situ direct reprogramming of astrocytes to neurons via polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 knockdown in a mouse model of ischemic stroke. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:2240-2248. [PMID: 38488558 PMCID: PMC11034579 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.390957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202410000-00025/figure1/v/2024-02-06T055622Z/r/image-tiff In situ direct reprogramming technology can directly convert endogenous glial cells into functional neurons in vivo for central nervous system repair. Polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 (PTB) knockdown has been shown to reprogram astrocytes to functional neurons in situ. In this study, we used AAV-PHP.eB-GFAP-shPTB to knockdown PTB in a mouse model of ischemic stroke induced by endothelin-1, and investigated the effects of GFAP-shPTB-mediated direct reprogramming to neurons. Our results showed that in the mouse model of ischemic stroke, PTB knockdown effectively reprogrammed GFAP-positive cells to neurons in ischemic foci, restored neural tissue structure, reduced inflammatory response, and improved behavioral function. These findings validate the effectiveness of in situ transdifferentiation of astrocytes, and suggest that the approach may be a promising strategy for stroke treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Yao Tang
- Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
- Scientific Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Tianwen Huang
- Department of Neurology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Lining Ke
- Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - En Huang
- Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
- Scientific Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
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6
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Hu X, Sun J, Wan M, Zhang B, Wang L, Zhong TP. Expression levels and stoichiometry of Hnf1β, Emx2, Pax8 and Hnf4 influence direct reprogramming of induced renal tubular epithelial cells. CELL REGENERATION (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 13:19. [PMID: 39347883 PMCID: PMC11442758 DOI: 10.1186/s13619-024-00202-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/18/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Generation of induced renal epithelial cells (iRECs) from fibroblasts offers great opportunities for renal disease modeling and kidney regeneration. However, the low reprogramming efficiency of the current approach to generate iRECs has hindered potential therapeutic application and regenerative approach. This could be in part attributed to heterogeneous and unbalanced expression of reprogramming factors (RFs) Hnf1β (H1), Emx2 (E), Pax8 (P), and Hnf4α (H4) in transduced fibroblasts. Here, we establish an advanced retroviral vector system that expresses H1, E, P, and H4 in high levels and distinct ratios from bicistronic transcripts separated by P2A. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) harboring Cdh16-Cre; mT/mG allele are utilized to conduct iREC reprogramming via directly monitoring single cell fate conversion. Three sets of bicistronic RF combinations including H1E/H4P, H1H4/EP, and H1P/H4E have been generated to induce iREC reprogramming. Each of the RF combinations gives rise to distinct H1, E, P, and H4 expression levels and different reprogramming efficiencies. The desired H1E/H4P combination that results in high expression levels of RFs with balanced stoichiometry. substantially enhances the efficiency and quality of iRECs compared with transduction of separate H1, E, P, and H4 lentiviruses. We find that H1E/H4P-induced iRECs exhibit the superior features of renal tubular epithelial cells, as evidenced by expressing renal tubular-specific genes, possessing endocytotic arrogation activity and assembling into tubules along decellularized kidney scaffolds. This study establishes H1E/H4P cassette as a valuable platform for future iREC studies and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueli Hu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Jianjian Sun
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510100, China
| | - Meng Wan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Bianhong Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Linhui Wang
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Tao P Zhong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
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7
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Liu P, Zhang T, Wu Y, Chen Q, Sun T, Jiang C. A Peptide-Drug Conjugate-Based Nanoplatform for Immunometabolic Activation and In Situ Nerve Regeneration in Advanced-Stage Alzheimer's Disease. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2408729. [PMID: 39324288 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202408729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2024] [Revised: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
The formidable protection of physiological barriers and unclear pathogenic mechanisms impede drug development for Alzheimer's disease (AD). As defenders of the central nervous system, immune-metabolism function, and stemness of glial cells remain dormant during degeneration, representing a significant challenge for simultaneously targeting and modulating. Here, a modular nanoplatform is presented composed of peptide-drug conjugates and an inflammation-responsive core. The nanoplatform is transported through the blood-brain barrier via transcytosis and disassembles in the oxidative stress microenvironment upon intravenous administration. The released drug-conjugated modules can specifically target and deliver hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) to microglia and astrocytes, respectively. The immune function of chronic tolerant microglia is activated by metabolic modulation, and reactive astrocytes trans-differentiate into functional neurons. In a transgenic mouse model, nanoplatform reduces levels of toxic proteins and inflammation while increasing neuronal density. This results in the amelioration of learning and memory decline. The modular nanoplatform provides design principles for multi-cellular targeting and combination nano-therapy for inflammation-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peixin Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Tongyu Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yuxing Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Qinjun Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Chen Jiang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Department of Digestive Diseases, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350212, China
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8
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Giacomoni J, Bruzelius A, Habekost M, Kajtez J, Ottosson DR, Fiorenzano A, Storm P, Parmar M. 3D model for human glia conversion into subtype-specific neurons, including dopamine neurons. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2024; 4:100845. [PMID: 39236715 PMCID: PMC11440053 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2024.100845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Two-dimensional neuronal cultures have a limited ability to recapitulate the in vivo environment of the brain. Here, we introduce a three-dimensional in vitro model for human glia-to-neuron conversion, surpassing the spatial and temporal constrains of two-dimensional cultures. Focused on direct conversion to induced dopamine neurons (iDANs) relevant to Parkinson disease, the model generates functionally mature iDANs in 2 weeks and allows long-term survival. As proof of concept, we use single-nucleus RNA sequencing and molecular lineage tracing during iDAN generation and find that all glial subtypes generate neurons and that conversion relies on the coordinated expression of three neural conversion factors. We also show the formation of mature and functional iDANs over time. The model facilitates molecular investigations of the conversion process to enhance understanding of conversion outcomes and offers a system for in vitro reprogramming studies aimed at advancing alternative therapeutic strategies in the diseased brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Giacomoni
- Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Lund Stem Cell Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Andreas Bruzelius
- Regenerative Neurophysiology, Lund Stem Cell Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Mette Habekost
- Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Lund Stem Cell Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Janko Kajtez
- Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Lund Stem Cell Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Daniella Rylander Ottosson
- Regenerative Neurophysiology, Lund Stem Cell Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Alessandro Fiorenzano
- Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Lund Stem Cell Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Petter Storm
- Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Lund Stem Cell Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Malin Parmar
- Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Lund Stem Cell Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden.
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9
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Feizi H, Hosseini MS, Seyedi-Sahebari S, Karimi H, Mosaddeghi-Heris R, Sadigh-Eteghad S, Sadeghi-Ghyassi F, Talebi M, Naseri A, Salehi-Pourmehr H, Roshangar L. A systematic review of clinical efficacy and safety of cell-based therapies in Alzheimer's disease. Dement Neuropsychol 2024; 18:e20240147. [PMID: 39258164 PMCID: PMC11386524 DOI: 10.1590/1980-5764-dn-2024-0147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
There is presently no disease-modifying therapy for Alzheimer's Disease (AD), which is the most prevalent cause of dementia. Objective This study aspires to estimate the efficacy and safety of cell-based treatments in AD. Methods Observing the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methods and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, a systematic search was accomplished in PubMed, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (Medline, via Ovid), Embase; Cochrane, and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature - CINAHL (via EBSCO) databases up to June 2023. The relevant clinical studies in which cell-based therapies were utilized to manage AD were included. The risk of bias was evaluated using the JBI checklists, based on the study designs. Results Out of 1,014 screened records, a total of five studies with 70 individuals (including 59 patients receiving stem cells and 11 placebo controls) were included. In all these studies, despite the discrepancy in the origin of stem cells, cell density, and transplant site, safety goals were obtained. The intracerebroventricular injection of adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (ADSVF) and umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs), the intravenous injection of Lomecel-B, and the bilateral hippocampi and right precuneus injection of UC-MSCs are not linked to any significant safety concerns, according to the five included studies. Studies also revealed improvements in biomarkers and clinical outcomes as a secondary outcome. Three studies had no control groups and there are concerns regarding the similarity of the groups in others. Also, there is considerable risk of bias regarding the outcome assessment scales. Conclusion Cell-based therapies are well tolerated by AD patients, which emphasizes the need for further, carefully planned randomized studies to reach evidence-based clinical recommendations in this respect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamidreza Feizi
- Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Student Research Committee, Tabriz, Iran. Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Student Research Committee Tabriz Iran
| | - Mohammad-Salar Hosseini
- Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Aging Research Institute, Research Center for Integrative Medicine in Aging, Tabriz, Iran. Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Aging Research Institute Research Center for Integrative Medicine in Aging Tabriz Iran
- Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Research Center for Evidence-Based Medicine, Iranian EBM Centre: JBI Centre of Excellence, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz, Iran. Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Research Center for Evidence-Based Medicine Iranian EBM Centre: JBI Centre of Excellence, Faculty of Medicine Tabriz Iran
| | - Sepideh Seyedi-Sahebari
- Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Student Research Committee, Tabriz, Iran. Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Student Research Committee Tabriz Iran
| | - Hanie Karimi
- Tehran University of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tehran, Iran. Tehran University of Medical Sciences School of Medicine Tabriz Iran
| | - Reza Mosaddeghi-Heris
- Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Neuroscience Research Center, Tabriz, Iran. Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Neuroscience Research Center Tabriz Iran
| | - Saeed Sadigh-Eteghad
- Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Neuroscience Research Center, Tabriz, Iran. Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Neuroscience Research Center Tabriz Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sadeghi-Ghyassi
- Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Research Center for Evidence-Based Medicine, Iranian EBM Centre: JBI Centre of Excellence, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz, Iran. Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Research Center for Evidence-Based Medicine Iranian EBM Centre: JBI Centre of Excellence, Faculty of Medicine Tabriz Iran
| | - Mahnaz Talebi
- Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Neuroscience Research Center, Tabriz, Iran. Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Neuroscience Research Center Tabriz Iran
| | - Amirreza Naseri
- Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Student Research Committee, Tabriz, Iran. Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Student Research Committee Tabriz Iran
- Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Research Center for Evidence-Based Medicine, Iranian EBM Centre: JBI Centre of Excellence, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz, Iran. Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Research Center for Evidence-Based Medicine Iranian EBM Centre: JBI Centre of Excellence, Faculty of Medicine Tabriz Iran
- Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz Valiasr Hospital, Clinical Research Development Unit, Tabriz, Iran. Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Valiasr Hospital Clinical Research Development Unit Tabriz Iran
| | - Hanieh Salehi-Pourmehr
- Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Research Center for Evidence-Based Medicine, Iranian EBM Centre: JBI Centre of Excellence, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz, Iran. Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Research Center for Evidence-Based Medicine Iranian EBM Centre: JBI Centre of Excellence, Faculty of Medicine Tabriz Iran
- Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Medical Philosophy and History Research Center, Tabriz, Iran. Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Medical Philosophy and History Research Center Tabriz Iran
| | - Leila Roshangar
- Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz, Iran. Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Stem Cell Research Center Tabriz Iran
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10
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Ascic E, Åkerström F, Sreekumar Nair M, Rosa A, Kurochkin I, Zimmermannova O, Catena X, Rotankova N, Veser C, Rudnik M, Ballocci T, Schärer T, Huang X, de Rosa Torres M, Renaud E, Velasco Santiago M, Met Ö, Askmyr D, Lindstedt M, Greiff L, Ligeon LA, Agarkova I, Svane IM, Pires CF, Rosa FF, Pereira CF. In vivo dendritic cell reprogramming for cancer immunotherapy. Science 2024:eadn9083. [PMID: 39236156 DOI: 10.1126/science.adn9083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy can lead to long-term survival for some cancer patients, yet generalized success has been hampered by insufficient antigen presentation and exclusion of immunogenic cells from the tumor microenvironment. Here, we developed an approach to reprogram tumor cells in vivo by adenoviral delivery of the transcription factors PU.1, IRF8, and BATF3, which enabled them to present antigens as type 1 conventional dendritic cells. Reprogrammed tumor cells remodeled their tumor microenvironment, recruited, and expanded polyclonal cytotoxic T cells, induced tumor regressions, and established long-term systemic immunity in multiple mouse melanoma models. In human tumor spheroids and xenografts, reprogramming to immunogenic dendritic-like cells progressed independently of immunosuppression, which usually limits immunotherapy. Our study paves the way for human clinical trials of in vivo immune cell reprogramming for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ervin Ascic
- Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund Stem Cell Centre, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine at Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Malavika Sreekumar Nair
- Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund Stem Cell Centre, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine at Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - André Rosa
- Asgard Therapeutics AB, Medicon Village, 223 81 Lund, Sweden
| | - Ilia Kurochkin
- Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund Stem Cell Centre, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine at Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Olga Zimmermannova
- Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund Stem Cell Centre, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine at Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Xavier Catena
- Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund Stem Cell Centre, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine at Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Asgard Therapeutics AB, Medicon Village, 223 81 Lund, Sweden
| | | | | | | | - Tommaso Ballocci
- Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund Stem Cell Centre, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine at Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Tiffany Schärer
- Asgard Therapeutics AB, Medicon Village, 223 81 Lund, Sweden
| | - Xiaoli Huang
- Asgard Therapeutics AB, Medicon Village, 223 81 Lund, Sweden
| | - Maria de Rosa Torres
- Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund Stem Cell Centre, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine at Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Emilie Renaud
- Asgard Therapeutics AB, Medicon Village, 223 81 Lund, Sweden
| | - Marta Velasco Santiago
- National Center of Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2730 Herlev, Denmark
| | - Özcan Met
- National Center of Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2730 Herlev, Denmark
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - David Askmyr
- Department of ORL, Head & Neck Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, 221 85 Lund, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Malin Lindstedt
- Department of Immunotechnology, Lund University, Medicon Village, 223 81 Lund, Sweden
| | - Lennart Greiff
- Department of ORL, Head & Neck Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, 221 85 Lund, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | | | | | - Inge Marie Svane
- National Center of Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2730 Herlev, Denmark
| | | | - Fábio F Rosa
- Asgard Therapeutics AB, Medicon Village, 223 81 Lund, Sweden
| | - Carlos-Filipe Pereira
- Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund Stem Cell Centre, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine at Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
- Asgard Therapeutics AB, Medicon Village, 223 81 Lund, Sweden
- Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Largo Marquês do Pombal, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
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11
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Fukui Y, Morihara R, Hu X, Nakano Y, Yunoki T, Takemoto M, Abe K, Yamashita T. Suppression of PTBP1 in hippocampal astrocytes promotes neurogenesis and ameliorates recognition memory in mice with cerebral ischemia. Sci Rep 2024; 14:20521. [PMID: 39227632 PMCID: PMC11372044 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-71212-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic potential of suppressing polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 (Ptbp1) messenger RNA by viral transduction in a post-stroke dementia mouse model has not yet been examined. In this study, 3 days after cerebral ischemia, we injected a viral vector cocktail containing adeno-associated virus (AAV)-pGFAP-mCherry and AAV-pGFAP-CasRx (control vector) or a cocktail of AAV-pGFAP-mCherry and AAV-pGFAP-CasRx-SgRNA-(Ptbp1) (1:5, 1.0 × 1011 viral genomes) into post-stroke mice via the tail vein. We observed new mCherry/NeuN double-positive neuron-like cells in the hippocampus 56 days after cerebral ischemia. A portion of mCherry/GFAP double-positive astrocyte-like glia could have been converted into new mCherry/NeuN double-positive neuron-like cells with morphological changes. The new neuronal cells integrated into the dentate gyrus and recognition memory was significantly ameliorated. These results demonstrated that the in vivo conversion of hippocampal astrocyte-like glia into functional new neurons by the suppression of Ptbp1 might be a therapeutic strategy for post-stroke dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Fukui
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 2-5-1 Shikatacho, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Ryuta Morihara
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 2-5-1 Shikatacho, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Xinran Hu
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 2-5-1 Shikatacho, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yumiko Nakano
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 2-5-1 Shikatacho, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Taijun Yunoki
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 2-5-1 Shikatacho, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Mami Takemoto
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 2-5-1 Shikatacho, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Koji Abe
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 2-5-1 Shikatacho, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Toru Yamashita
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 2-5-1 Shikatacho, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan.
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12
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Liu S, Xu X, Omari-Siaw E, Yu J, Deng W. Progress of reprogramming astrocytes into neuron. Mol Cell Neurosci 2024; 130:103947. [PMID: 38862082 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2024.103947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
As the main players in the central nervous system (CNS), neurons dominate most life activities. However, after accidental trauma or neurodegenerative diseases, neurons are unable to regenerate themselves. The loss of this important role can seriously affect the quality of life of patients, ranging from movement disorders to disability and even death. There is no suitable treatment to prevent or reverse this process. Therefore, the regeneration of neurons after loss has been a major clinical problem and the key to treatment. Replacing the lost neurons by transdifferentiation of other cells is the only viable approach. Although much progress has been made in stem cell therapy, ethical issues, immune rejection, and limited cell sources still hinder its clinical application. In recent years, somatic cell reprogramming technology has brought a new dawn. Among them, astrocytes, as endogenously abundant cells homologous to neurons, have good potential and application value for reprogramming into neurons, having been reprogrammed into neurons in vitro and in vivo in a variety of ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sitong Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; The International Institute on Natural Products and Stem Cells (iNPS), Zhenjiang, China; Key Lab for Drug Delivery & Tissue Regeneration, Zhenjiang, China; Jiangsu Provincial Research Center for Medicinal Function Development of New Food Resources, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Ximing Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; The International Institute on Natural Products and Stem Cells (iNPS), Zhenjiang, China; Key Lab for Drug Delivery & Tissue Regeneration, Zhenjiang, China; Jiangsu Provincial Research Center for Medicinal Function Development of New Food Resources, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Emmanuel Omari-Siaw
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Kumasi Technical University, PO Box 854, Kumasi, Ashanti, Ghana
| | - Jiangnan Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; The International Institute on Natural Products and Stem Cells (iNPS), Zhenjiang, China; Key Lab for Drug Delivery & Tissue Regeneration, Zhenjiang, China; Jiangsu Provincial Research Center for Medicinal Function Development of New Food Resources, Zhenjiang, China.
| | - Wenwen Deng
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; The International Institute on Natural Products and Stem Cells (iNPS), Zhenjiang, China; Key Lab for Drug Delivery & Tissue Regeneration, Zhenjiang, China; Jiangsu Provincial Research Center for Medicinal Function Development of New Food Resources, Zhenjiang, China.
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13
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Wang S, Wang X, Wang Y. The Progress and Promise of Lineage Reprogramming Strategies for Liver Regeneration. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024:101395. [PMID: 39218152 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2024.101395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The liver exhibits remarkable regenerative capacity. However, the limited ability of primary human hepatocytes to proliferate in vitro, combined with a compromised regenerative capacity induced by pathological conditions in vivo, presents significant obstacles to effective liver regeneration following liver injuries and diseases. Developing strategies to compensate for the loss of endogenous hepatocytes is crucial for overcoming these challenges, and this remains an active area of investigation. Lineage reprogramming, the process of directly converting one cell type into another bypassing the intermediate pluripotent state, has emerged as a promising method for generating specific cell types for therapeutic purposes in regenerative medicine. Here, we discuss the recent progress and emergent technologies in lineage reprogramming into hepatic cells, and their potential applications in enhancing liver regeneration or treating liver disease models. We also address controversies and challenges that confront this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyong Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of New Techniques of Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment, Senior Department of Tuberculosis, the Eighth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Xuan Wang
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, Clinical Translational Science Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yunfang Wang
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, Clinical Translational Science Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Beijing, China.
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14
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Brockie S, Zhou C, Fehlings MG. Resident immune responses to spinal cord injury: role of astrocytes and microglia. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1678-1685. [PMID: 38103231 PMCID: PMC10960308 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.389630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury can be traumatic or non-traumatic in origin, with the latter rising in incidence and prevalence with the aging demographics of our society. Moreover, as the global population ages, individuals with co-existent degenerative spinal pathology comprise a growing number of traumatic spinal cord injury cases, especially involving the cervical spinal cord. This makes recovery and treatment approaches particularly challenging as age and comorbidities may limit regenerative capacity. For these reasons, it is critical to better understand the complex milieu of spinal cord injury lesion pathobiology and the ensuing inflammatory response. This review discusses microglia-specific purinergic and cytokine signaling pathways, as well as microglial modulation of synaptic stability and plasticity after injury. Further, we evaluate the role of astrocytes in neurotransmission and calcium signaling, as well as their border-forming response to neural lesions. Both the inflammatory and reparative roles of these cells have eluded our complete understanding and remain key therapeutic targets due to their extensive structural and functional roles in the nervous system. Recent advances have shed light on the roles of glia in neurotransmission and reparative injury responses that will change how interventions are directed. Understanding key processes and existing knowledge gaps will allow future research to effectively target these cells and harness their regenerative potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Brockie
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cindy Zhou
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael G. Fehlings
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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15
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Xiang Z, He S, Chen R, Liu S, Liu M, Xu L, Zheng J, Jiang Z, Ma L, Sun Y, Qin Y, Chen Y, Li W, Wang X, Chen G, Lei W. Two-photon live imaging of direct glia-to-neuron conversion in the mouse cortex. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1781-1788. [PMID: 38103245 PMCID: PMC10960291 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.386401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202408000-00032/figure1/v/2023-12-16T180322Z/r/image-tiff Over the past decade, a growing number of studies have reported transcription factor-based in situ reprogramming that can directly convert endogenous glial cells into functional neurons as an alternative approach for neuroregeneration in the adult mammalian central nervous system. However, many questions remain regarding how a terminally differentiated glial cell can transform into a delicate neuron that forms part of the intricate brain circuitry. In addition, concerns have recently been raised around the absence of astrocyte-to-neuron conversion in astrocytic lineage-tracing mice. In this study, we employed repetitive two-photon imaging to continuously capture the in situ astrocyte-to-neuron conversion process following ectopic expression of the neural transcription factor NeuroD1 in both proliferating reactive astrocytes and lineage-traced astrocytes in the mouse cortex. Time-lapse imaging over several weeks revealed the step-by-step transition from a typical astrocyte with numerous short, tapered branches to a typical neuron with a few long neurites and dynamic growth cones that actively explored the local environment. In addition, these lineage-converting cells were able to migrate radially or tangentially to relocate to suitable positions. Furthermore, two-photon Ca2+ imaging and patch-clamp recordings confirmed that the newly generated neurons exhibited synchronous calcium signals, repetitive action potentials, and spontaneous synaptic responses, suggesting that they had made functional synaptic connections within local neural circuits. In conclusion, we directly visualized the step-by-step lineage conversion process from astrocytes to functional neurons in vivo and unambiguously demonstrated that adult mammalian brains are highly plastic with respect to their potential for neuroregeneration and neural circuit reconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongqin Xiang
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Laboratory for Neuroimmunology in Health and Diseases, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Shu He
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Rongjie Chen
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Shanggong Liu
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Minhui Liu
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Leuven, Flemish Region, Belgium
| | - Liang Xu
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jiajun Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zhouquan Jiang
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Long Ma
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yongpeng Qin
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wen Li
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiangyu Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Gong Chen
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wenliang Lei
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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16
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Li ST, Wan Y, Chen L, Ding Y. Advances in neuronal reprogramming for neurodegenerative diseases: Strategies, controversies, and opportunities. Exp Neurol 2024; 378:114817. [PMID: 38763354 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Neuronal death is often observed in central nervous system injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. The mammalian central nervous system manifests limited neuronal regeneration capabilities, and traditional cell therapies are limited in their potential applications due to finite cell sources and immune rejection. Neuronal reprogramming has emerged as a novel technology, in which non-neuronal cells (e.g. glial cells) are transdifferentiated into mature neurons. This process results in relatively minimal immune rejection. The present review discuss the latest progress in this cutting-edge field, including starter cell selection, innovative technical strategies and methods of neuronal reprogramming for neurodegenerative diseases, as well as the potential problems and controversies. The further development of neuronal reprogramming technology may pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Tong Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yue Wan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yan Ding
- Department of Histology and Embryology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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17
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Pavlinkova G, Smolik O. NEUROD1: transcriptional and epigenetic regulator of human and mouse neuronal and endocrine cell lineage programs. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1435546. [PMID: 39105169 PMCID: PMC11298428 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1435546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors belonging to the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family are key regulators of cell fate specification and differentiation during development. Their dysregulation is implicated not only in developmental abnormalities but also in various adult diseases and cancers. Recently, the abilities of bHLH factors have been exploited in reprogramming strategies for cell replacement therapy. One such factor is NEUROD1, which has been associated with the reprogramming of the epigenetic landscape and potentially possessing pioneer factor abilities, initiating neuronal developmental programs, and enforcing pancreatic endocrine differentiation. The review aims to consolidate current knowledge on NEUROD1's multifaceted roles and mechanistic pathways in human and mouse cell differentiation and reprogramming, exploring NEUROD1 roles in guiding the development and reprogramming of neuroendocrine cell lineages. The review focuses on NEUROD1's molecular mechanisms, its interactions with other transcription factors, its role as a pioneer factor in chromatin remodeling, and its potential in cell reprogramming. We also show a differential potential of NEUROD1 in differentiation of neurons and pancreatic endocrine cells, highlighting its therapeutic potential and the necessity for further research to fully understand and utilize its capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Pavlinkova
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathogenetics, Institute of Biotechnology Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czechia
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18
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Mseis-Jackson N, Sharma M, Li H. Controlling the Expression Level of the Neuronal Reprogramming Factors for a Successful Reprogramming Outcome. Cells 2024; 13:1223. [PMID: 39056804 PMCID: PMC11274869 DOI: 10.3390/cells13141223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuronal reprogramming is a promising approach for making major advancement in regenerative medicine. Distinct from the approach of induced pluripotent stem cells, neuronal reprogramming converts non-neuronal cells to neurons without going through a primitive stem cell stage. In vivo neuronal reprogramming brings this approach to a higher level by changing the cell fate of glial cells to neurons in neural tissue through overexpressing reprogramming factors. Despite the ongoing debate over the validation and interpretation of newly generated neurons, in vivo neuronal reprogramming is still a feasible approach and has the potential to become clinical treatment with further optimization and refinement. Here, we discuss the major neuronal reprogramming factors (mostly pro-neurogenic transcription factors during development), especially the significance of their expression levels during neurogenesis and the reprogramming process focusing on NeuroD1. In the developing central nervous system, these pro-neurogenic transcription factors usually elicit distinct spatiotemporal expression patterns that are critical to their function in generating mature neurons. We argue that these dynamic expression patterns may be similarly needed in the process of reprogramming adult cells into neurons and further into mature neurons with subtype identities. We also summarize the existing approaches and propose new ones that control gene expression levels for a successful reprogramming outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Mseis-Jackson
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
| | - Mehek Sharma
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science & Mathematics, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
| | - Hedong Li
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
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19
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Rotaru-Zăvăleanu AD, Dinescu VC, Aldea M, Gresita A. Hydrogel-Based Therapies for Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Stroke: A Comprehensive Review. Gels 2024; 10:476. [PMID: 39057499 PMCID: PMC11276304 DOI: 10.3390/gels10070476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Stroke remains the second leading cause of death and a major cause of disability worldwide, significantly impacting individuals, families, and healthcare systems. This neurological emergency can be triggered by ischemic events, including small vessel arteriolosclerosis, cardioembolism, and large artery atherothromboembolism, as well as hemorrhagic incidents resulting from macrovascular lesions, venous sinus thrombosis, or vascular malformations, leading to significant neuronal damage. The resultant motor impairment, cognitive dysfunction, and emotional disturbances underscore the urgent need for effective therapeutic interventions. Recent advancements in biomaterials, particularly hydrogels, offer promising new avenues for stroke management. Hydrogels, composed of three-dimensional networks of hydrophilic polymers, are notable for their ability to absorb and retain substantial amounts of water. Commonly used polymers in hydrogel formulations include natural polymers like alginate, chitosan, and collagen, as well as synthetic polymers such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and polyacrylamide. Their customizable characteristics-such as their porosity, swelling behavior, mechanical strength, and degradation rates-make hydrogels ideal for biomedical applications, including drug delivery, cell delivery, tissue engineering, and the controlled release of therapeutic agents. This review comprehensively explores hydrogel-based approaches to both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke therapy, elucidating the mechanisms by which hydrogels provide neuroprotection. It covers their application in drug delivery systems, their role in reducing inflammation and secondary injury, and their potential to support neurogenesis and angiogenesis. It also discusses current advancements in hydrogel technology and the significant challenges in translating these innovations from research into clinical practice. Additionally, it emphasizes the limited number of clinical trials utilizing hydrogel therapies for stroke and addresses the associated limitations and constraints, underscoring the need for further research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra-Daniela Rotaru-Zăvăleanu
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 2-4 Petru Rares Str., 200349 Craiova, Romania;
- Experimental Research Centre for Normal and Pathological Aging, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Venera Cristina Dinescu
- Department of Health Promotion and Occupational Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 2–4 Petru Rares Str., 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Madalina Aldea
- Psychiatry Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Andrei Gresita
- Experimental Research Centre for Normal and Pathological Aging, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY 115680, USA
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20
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Kim M, Oh S, Kim S, Kim IS, Kim J, Han J, Ahn JW, Chung S, Jang JH, Shin JE, Park KI. In vivo neural regeneration via AAV-NeuroD1 gene delivery to astrocytes in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. Inflamm Regen 2024; 44:33. [PMID: 39014391 PMCID: PMC11253351 DOI: 10.1186/s41232-024-00349-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIBI) is a significant contributor to neonatal mortality and long-term neurodevelopmental disability, characterized by massive neuronal loss and reactive astrogliosis. Current therapeutic approaches for neonatal HIBI have been limited to general supportive therapy because of the lack of methods to compensate for irreversible neuronal loss. This study aimed to establish a feasible regenerative therapy for neonatal HIBI utilizing in vivo direct neuronal reprogramming technology. METHODS Neonatal HIBI was induced in ICR mice at postnatal day 7 by permanent right common carotid artery occlusion and exposure to hypoxia with 8% oxygen and 92% nitrogen for 90 min. Three days after the injury, NeuroD1 was delivered to reactive astrocytes of the injury site using the astrocyte-tropic adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector AAVShH19. AAVShH19 was engineered with the Cre-FLEX system for long-term tracking of infected cells. RESULTS AAVShH19-mediated ectopic NeuroD1 expression effectively converted astrocytes into GABAergic neurons, and the converted cells exhibited electrophysiological properties and synaptic transmitters. Additionally, we found that NeuroD1-mediated in vivo direct neuronal reprogramming protected injured host neurons and altered the host environment, i.e., decreased the numbers of activated microglia, reactive astrocytes, and toxic A1-type astrocytes, and decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory factors. Furthermore, NeuroD1-treated mice exhibited significantly improved motor functions. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that NeuroD1-mediated in vivo direct neuronal reprogramming technology through AAV gene delivery can be a novel regenerative therapy for neonatal HIBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miri Kim
- Yonsei Biomedical Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pediatrics, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Seokmin Oh
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Songyeon Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Il-Sun Kim
- Yonsei Biomedical Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Joowon Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungho Han
- Department of Pediatrics, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Woong Ahn
- BnH Research. Co., Ltd. Goyang-Si, Gyeonggi-Do, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungsoo Chung
- Department of Physiology, Brain Korea 21 Plus Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hyung Jang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- GluGene Therapeutics Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Eun Shin
- Yonsei Biomedical Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Pediatrics, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kook In Park
- Yonsei Biomedical Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pediatrics, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
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21
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Portela-Lomba M, Simón D, Callejo-Móstoles M, de la Fuente G, Fernández de Sevilla D, García-Escudero V, Moreno-Flores MT, Sierra J. Generation of functional neurons from adult human mucosal olfactory ensheathing glia by direct lineage conversion. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:478. [PMID: 38961086 PMCID: PMC11222439 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06862-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
A recent approach to promote central nervous system (CNS) regeneration after injury or disease is direct conversion of somatic cells to neurons. This is achieved by transduction of viral vectors that express neurogenic transcription factors. In this work we propose adult human mucosal olfactory ensheathing glia (hmOEG) as a candidate for direct reprogramming to neurons due to its accessibility and to its well-characterized neuroregenerative capacity. After induction of hmOEG with the single neurogenic transcription factor NEUROD1, the cells under study exhibited morphological and immunolabeling neuronal features, fired action potentials and expressed glutamatergic and GABAergic markers. In addition, after engraftment of transduced hmOEG cells in the mouse hippocampus, these cells showed specific neuronal labeling. Thereby, if we add to the neuroregenerative capacity of hmOEG cultures the conversion to neurons of a fraction of their population through reprogramming techniques, the engraftment of hmOEG and hmOEG-induced neurons could be a procedure to enhance neural repair after central nervous system injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Portela-Lomba
- School of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Diana Simón
- School of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
| | - Marta Callejo-Móstoles
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gemma de la Fuente
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Fernández de Sevilla
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Vega García-Escudero
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Teresa Moreno-Flores
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Javier Sierra
- School of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain.
- School of Medicine, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain.
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22
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Liang S, Zhou J, Yu X, Lu S, Liu R. Neuronal conversion from glia to replenish the lost neurons. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1446-1453. [PMID: 38051886 PMCID: PMC10883502 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.386400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Neuronal injury, aging, and cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases such as cerebral infarction, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington's disease are characterized by significant neuronal loss. Unfortunately, the neurons of most mammals including humans do not possess the ability to self-regenerate. Replenishment of lost neurons becomes an appealing therapeutic strategy to reverse the disease phenotype. Transplantation of pluripotent neural stem cells can supplement the missing neurons in the brain, but it carries the risk of causing gene mutation, tumorigenesis, severe inflammation, and obstructive hydrocephalus induced by brain edema. Conversion of neural or non-neural lineage cells into functional neurons is a promising strategy for the diseases involving neuron loss, which may overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages of neural stem cell therapy. Thus far, many strategies to transform astrocytes, fibroblasts, microglia, Müller glia, NG2 cells, and other glial cells to mature and functional neurons, or for the conversion between neuronal subtypes have been developed through the regulation of transcription factors, polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 (PTBP1), and small chemical molecules or are based on a combination of several factors and the location in the central nervous system. However, some recent papers did not obtain expected results, and discrepancies exist. Therefore, in this review, we discuss the history of neuronal transdifferentiation, summarize the strategies for neuronal replenishment and conversion from glia, especially astrocytes, and point out that biosafety, new strategies, and the accurate origin of the truly converted neurons in vivo should be focused upon in future studies. It also arises the attention of replenishing the lost neurons from glia by gene therapies such as up-regulation of some transcription factors or down-regulation of PTBP1 or drug interference therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Liang
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Geriatric Rehabilitation, Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolin Yu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuai Lu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ruitian Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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23
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Wei J, Wang M, Li S, Han R, Xu W, Zhao A, Yu Q, Li H, Li M, Chi G. Reprogramming of astrocytes and glioma cells into neurons for central nervous system repair and glioblastoma therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 176:116806. [PMID: 38796971 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) damage is usually irreversible owing to the limited regenerative capability of neurons. Following CNS injury, astrocytes are reactively activated and are the key cells involved in post-injury repair mechanisms. Consequently, research on the reprogramming of reactive astrocytes into neurons could provide new directions for the restoration of neural function after CNS injury and in the promotion of recovery in various neurodegenerative diseases. This review aims to provide an overview of the means through which reactive astrocytes around lesions can be reprogrammed into neurons, to elucidate the intrinsic connection between the two cell types from a neurogenesis perspective, and to summarize what is known about the neurotranscription factors, small-molecule compounds and MicroRNA that play major roles in astrocyte reprogramming. As the malignant proliferation of astrocytes promotes the development of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), this review also examines the research advances on and the theoretical basis for the reprogramming of GBM cells into neurons and discusses the advantages of such approaches over traditional treatment modalities. This comprehensive review provides new insights into the field of GBM therapy and theoretical insights into the mechanisms of neurological recovery following neurological injury and in GBM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyuan Wei
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Miaomiao Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Shilin Li
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Rui Han
- Department of Neurovascular Surgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, 1xinmin Avenue, Changchun, Jilin Province 130021, China.
| | - Wenhong Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Anqi Zhao
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Qi Yu
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Haokun Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Meiying Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Guangfan Chi
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
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24
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Bielefeld P, Martirosyan A, Martín-Suárez S, Apresyan A, Meerhoff GF, Pestana F, Poovathingal S, Reijner N, Koning W, Clement RA, Van der Veen I, Toledo EM, Polzer O, Durá I, Hovhannisyan S, Nilges BS, Bogdoll A, Kashikar ND, Lucassen PJ, Belgard TG, Encinas JM, Holt MG, Fitzsimons CP. Traumatic brain injury promotes neurogenesis at the cost of astrogliogenesis in the adult hippocampus of male mice. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5222. [PMID: 38890340 PMCID: PMC11189490 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49299-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can result in long-lasting changes in hippocampal function. The changes induced by TBI on the hippocampus contribute to cognitive deficits. The adult hippocampus harbors neural stem cells (NSCs) that generate neurons (neurogenesis), and astrocytes (astrogliogenesis). While deregulation of hippocampal NSCs and neurogenesis have been observed after TBI, it is not known how TBI may affect hippocampal astrogliogenesis. Using a controlled cortical impact model of TBI in male mice, single cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics, we assessed how TBI affected hippocampal NSCs and the neuronal and astroglial lineages derived from them. We observe an increase in NSC-derived neuronal cells and a concomitant decrease in NSC-derived astrocytic cells, together with changes in gene expression and cell dysplasia within the dentate gyrus. Here, we show that TBI modifies NSC fate to promote neurogenesis at the cost of astrogliogenesis and identify specific cell populations as possible targets to counteract TBI-induced cellular changes in the adult hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Bielefeld
- Brain Plasticity Department, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A Martirosyan
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven-Department of Neurosciences, Leuven, Belgium
| | - S Martín-Suárez
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Sede Bldg, Campus, UPV/EHU, Barrio Sarriena S/N, Leioa, Spain
| | - A Apresyan
- Armenian Bioinformatics Institute, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - G F Meerhoff
- Brain Plasticity Department, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - F Pestana
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven-Department of Neurosciences, Leuven, Belgium
| | - S Poovathingal
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven-Department of Neurosciences, Leuven, Belgium
| | - N Reijner
- Brain Plasticity Department, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - W Koning
- Brain Plasticity Department, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R A Clement
- Brain Plasticity Department, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - I Van der Veen
- Brain Plasticity Department, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - E M Toledo
- Brain Plasticity Department, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - O Polzer
- Brain Plasticity Department, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - I Durá
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Sede Bldg, Campus, UPV/EHU, Barrio Sarriena S/N, Leioa, Spain
| | - S Hovhannisyan
- Department of Mathematics and Mechanics, Yerevan State University, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - B S Nilges
- Resolve Biosciences GmbH, Monheim am Rhein, Germany
- OMAPiX GmbH, Langenfeld (Rheinland), Langenfeld, Germany
| | - A Bogdoll
- Resolve Biosciences GmbH, Monheim am Rhein, Germany
| | - N D Kashikar
- Resolve Biosciences GmbH, Monheim am Rhein, Germany
- OMAPiX GmbH, Langenfeld (Rheinland), Langenfeld, Germany
| | - P J Lucassen
- Brain Plasticity Department, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - J M Encinas
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Sede Bldg, Campus, UPV/EHU, Barrio Sarriena S/N, Leioa, Spain
- Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Campus, UPV/EHU, Barrio Sarriena S/N, Leioa, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, The Basque Foundation for Science, Plaza Euskadi 5, Bilbao, Spain
| | - M G Holt
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium.
- KU Leuven-Department of Neurosciences, Leuven, Belgium.
- Instituto de Investigaçāo e Inovaçāo em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - C P Fitzsimons
- Brain Plasticity Department, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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25
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Fischer G, Bättig L, Stienen MN, Curt A, Fehlings MG, Hejrati N. Advancements in neuroregenerative and neuroprotective therapies for traumatic spinal cord injury. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1372920. [PMID: 38812974 PMCID: PMC11133582 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1372920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCIs) continue to be a major healthcare concern, with a rising prevalence worldwide. In response to this growing medical challenge, considerable scientific attention has been devoted to developing neuroprotective and neuroregenerative strategies aimed at improving the prognosis and quality of life for individuals with SCIs. This comprehensive review aims to provide an up-to-date and thorough overview of the latest neuroregenerative and neuroprotective therapies currently under investigation. These strategies encompass a multifaceted approach that include neuropharmacological interventions, cell-based therapies, and other promising strategies such as biomaterial scaffolds and neuro-modulation therapies. In addition, the review discusses the importance of acute clinical management, including the role of hemodynamic management as well as timing and technical aspects of surgery as key factors mitigating the secondary injury following SCI. In conclusion, this review underscores the ongoing scientific efforts to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life, focusing on upcoming strategies for the management of traumatic SCI. Each section provides a working knowledge of the fundamental preclinical and patient trials relevant to clinicians while underscoring the pathophysiologic rationale for the therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Fischer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, Medical School of St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
- Spine Center of Eastern Switzerland, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, Medical School of St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Linda Bättig
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, Medical School of St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
- Spine Center of Eastern Switzerland, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, Medical School of St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Martin N. Stienen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, Medical School of St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
- Spine Center of Eastern Switzerland, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, Medical School of St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Armin Curt
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, University Hospital Balgrist, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael G. Fehlings
- Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nader Hejrati
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, Medical School of St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
- Spine Center of Eastern Switzerland, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, Medical School of St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
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26
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Ducza L, Gaál B. The Neglected Sibling: NLRP2 Inflammasome in the Nervous System. Aging Dis 2024; 15:1006-1028. [PMID: 38722788 PMCID: PMC11081174 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0926-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
While classical NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing protein 1 (NLRP1) and NLRP3 inflammasomal proteins have been extensively investigated, the contribution of NLRP2 is still ill-defined in the nervous system. Given the putative significance of NLRP2 in orchestrating neuroinflammation, further inquiry is needed to gain a better understanding of its connectome, hence its specific targeting may hold a promising therapeutic implication. Therefore, bioinformatical approach for extracting information, specifically in the context of neuropathologies, is also undoubtedly preferred. To the best of our knowledge, there is no review study selectively targeting only NLRP2. Increasing, but still fragmentary evidence should encourage researchers to thoroughly investigate this inflammasome in various animal- and human models. Taken together, herein we aimed to review the current literature focusing on the role of NLRP2 inflammasome in the nervous system and more importantly, we provide an algorithm-based protein network of human NLRP2 for elucidating potentially valuable molecular partnerships that can be the beginning of a new discourse and future therapeutic considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- László Ducza
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Hungary, Hungary
| | - Botond Gaál
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Hungary, Hungary
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27
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Wang X, Li A, Fan H, Li Y, Yang N, Tang Y. Astrocyte-Derived Extracellular Vesicles for Ischemic Stroke: Therapeutic Potential and Prospective. Aging Dis 2024; 15:1227-1254. [PMID: 37728588 PMCID: PMC11081164 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0823-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in the world. Astrocytes are special glial cells within the central nervous system and play important roles in mediating neuroprotection and repair processes during stroke. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid bilayer particles released from cells that facilitate intercellular communication in stroke by delivering proteins, lipids, and RNA to target cells. Recently, accumulating evidence suggested that astrocyte-derived EVs (ADEVs) are actively involved in mediating numerous biological processes including neuroprotection and neurorepair in stroke and they are realized as an excellent therapeutic approach for treating stroke. In this review we systematically summarize the up-to-date research on ADEVs in stroke, and prospects for its potential as a novel therapeutic target for stroke. We also provide an overview of the effects and functions of ADEVs on stroke recovery, which may lead to developing clinically relevant therapies for stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianghui Wang
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China.
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Aihua Li
- Department of rehabilitation medicine, Jinan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Huaju Fan
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China.
| | - Yanyan Li
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China.
| | - Nana Yang
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China.
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yaohui Tang
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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28
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Popp JM, Rhodes K, Jangi R, Li M, Barr K, Tayeb K, Battle A, Gilad Y. Cell-type and dynamic state govern genetic regulation of gene expression in heterogeneous differentiating cultures. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.02.592174. [PMID: 38746382 PMCID: PMC11092595 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.02.592174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Identifying the molecular effects of human genetic variation across cellular contexts is crucial for understanding the mechanisms underlying disease-associated loci, yet many cell-types and developmental stages remain underexplored. Here we harnessed the potential of heterogeneous differentiating cultures ( HDCs ), an in vitro system in which pluripotent cells asynchronously differentiate into a broad spectrum of cell-types. We generated HDCs for 53 human donors and collected single-cell RNA-sequencing data from over 900,000 cells. We identified expression quantitative trait loci in 29 cell-types and characterized regulatory dynamics across diverse differentiation trajectories. This revealed novel regulatory variants for genes involved in key developmental and disease-related processes while replicating known effects from primary tissues, and dynamic regulatory effects associated with a range of complex traits.
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29
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Tan Z, Qin S, Liu H, Huang X, Pu Y, He C, Yuan Y, Su Z. Small molecules reprogram reactive astrocytes into neuronal cells in the injured adult spinal cord. J Adv Res 2024; 59:111-127. [PMID: 37380102 PMCID: PMC11081968 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ectopic expression of transcription factor-mediated in vivo neuronal reprogramming provides promising strategy to compensate for neuronal loss, while its further clinical application may be hindered by delivery and safety concerns. As a novel and attractive alternative, small molecules may offer a non-viral and non-integrative chemical approach for reprogramming cell fates. Recent definitive evidences have shown that small molecules can convert non-neuronal cells into neurons in vitro. However, whether small molecules alone can induce neuronal reprogramming in vivo remains largely unknown. OBJECTIVES To identify chemical compounds that can induce in vivo neuronal reprogramming in the adult spinal cord. METHODS Immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR and fate-mapping are performed to analyze the role of small molecules in reprogramming astrocytes into neuronal cells in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS By screening, we identify a chemical cocktail with only two chemical compounds that can directly and rapidly reprogram cultured astrocytes into neuronal cells. Importantly, this chemical cocktail can also successfully trigger neuronal reprogramming in the injured adult spinal cord without introducing exogenous genetic factors. These chemically induced cells showed typical neuronal morphologies and neuron-specific marker expression and could become mature and survive for more than 12 months. Lineage tracing indicated that the chemical compound-converted neuronal cells mainly originated from post-injury spinal reactive astrocytes. CONCLUSION Our proof-of-principle study demonstrates that in vivo glia-to-neuron conversion can be manipulated in a chemical compound-based manner. Albeit our current chemical cocktail has a lowreprogramming efficiency, it will bring in vivo cell fate reprogramming closer to clinical application in brain and spinal cord repair. Future studies should focus on further refining our chemical cocktail and reprogramming approach to boost the reprogramming efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijian Tan
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Shangyao Qin
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xiao Huang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yingyan Pu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Cheng He
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yimin Yuan
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Zhida Su
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
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Umeyama T, Matsuda T, Nakashima K. Lineage Reprogramming: Genetic, Chemical, and Physical Cues for Cell Fate Conversion with a Focus on Neuronal Direct Reprogramming and Pluripotency Reprogramming. Cells 2024; 13:707. [PMID: 38667322 PMCID: PMC11049106 DOI: 10.3390/cells13080707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Although lineage reprogramming from one cell type to another is becoming a breakthrough technology for cell-based therapy, several limitations remain to be overcome, including the low conversion efficiency and subtype specificity. To address these, many studies have been conducted using genetics, chemistry, physics, and cell biology to control transcriptional networks, signaling cascades, and epigenetic modifications during reprogramming. Here, we summarize recent advances in cellular reprogramming and discuss future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taichi Umeyama
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Taito Matsuda
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
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张 军, 李 明, 王 超, 徐 倩, 张 书, 朱 艳. [Repair effect of different doses of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells on white matter injury in neonatal rats]. ZHONGGUO DANG DAI ER KE ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY PEDIATRICS 2024; 26:394-402. [PMID: 38660904 PMCID: PMC11057307 DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2310081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare the repair effects of different doses of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) on white matter injury (WMI) in neonatal rats. METHODS Two-day-old Sprague-Dawley neonatal rats were randomly divided into five groups: sham operation group, WMI group, and hUC-MSCs groups (low dose, medium dose, and high dose), with 24 rats in each group. Twenty-four hours after successful establishment of the neonatal rat white matter injury model, the WMI group was injected with sterile PBS via the lateral ventricle, while the hUC-MSCs groups received injections of hUC-MSCs at different doses. At 14 and 21 days post-modeling, hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe pathological changes in the tissues around the lateral ventricles. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the quantitative expression of myelin basic protein (MBP) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) mRNA in the brain tissue. Immunohistochemistry was employed to observe the expression levels of GFAP and neuron-specific nuclear protein (NeuN) in the tissues around the lateral ventricles. TUNEL staining was used to observe cell apoptosis in the tissues around the lateral ventricles. At 21 days post-modeling, the Morris water maze test was used to observe the spatial learning and memory capabilities of the neonatal rats. RESULTS At 14 and 21 days post-modeling, numerous cells with nuclear shrinkage and rupture, as well as disordered arrangement of nerve fibers, were observed in the tissues around the lateral ventricles of the WMI group and the low dose group. Compared with the WMI group, the medium and high dose groups showed alleviated pathological changes; the arrangement of nerve fibers in the medium dose group was relatively more orderly compared with the high dose group. Compared with the WMI group, there was no significant difference in the expression levels of MBP and GFAP mRNA in the low dose group (P>0.05), while the expression levels of MBP mRNA increased and GFAP mRNA decreased in the medium and high dose groups. The expression level of MBP mRNA in the medium dose group was higher than that in the high dose group, and the expression level of GFAP mRNA in the medium dose group was lower than that in the high dose group (P<0.05). Compared with the WMI group, there was no significant difference in the protein expression of GFAP and NeuN in the low dose group (P>0.05), while the expression of NeuN protein increased and GFAP protein decreased in the medium and high dose groups. The expression of NeuN protein in the medium dose group was higher than that in the high dose group, and the expression of GFAP protein in the medium dose group was lower than that in the high dose group (P<0.05). Compared with the WMI group, there was no significant difference in the number of apoptotic cells in the low dose group (P>0.05), while the number of apoptotic cells in the medium and high dose groups was less than that in the WMI group, and the number of apoptotic cells in the medium dose group was less than that in the high dose group (P<0.05). Compared with the WMI group, there was no significant difference in the escape latency time in the low dose group (P>0.05); starting from the third day of the latency period, the escape latency time in the medium dose group was less than that in the WMI group (P<0.05). The medium and high dose groups crossed the platform more times than the WMI group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Low dose hUC-MSCs may yield unsatisfactory repair effects on WMI in neonatal rats, while medium and high doses of hUC-MSCs have significant repair effects, with the medium dose demonstrating superior efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - 明霞 李
- 新疆医科大学第一附属医院新生儿科,新疆乌鲁木齐830054
| | | | | | | | - 艳萍 朱
- 新疆医科大学第一附属医院新生儿科,新疆乌鲁木齐830054
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Zhao J, Liu S, Xiang X, Zhu X. Versatile strategies for adult neurogenesis: avenues to repair the injured brain. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:774-780. [PMID: 37843211 PMCID: PMC10664121 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.382224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain injuries due to trauma or stroke are major causes of adult death and disability. Unfortunately, few interventions are effective for post-injury repair of brain tissue. After a long debate on whether endogenous neurogenesis actually happens in the adult human brain, there is now substantial evidence to support its occurrence. Although neurogenesis is usually significantly stimulated by injury, the reparative potential of endogenous differentiation from neural stem/progenitor cells is usually insufficient. Alternatively, exogenous stem cell transplantation has shown promising results in animal models, but limitations such as poor long-term survival and inefficient neuronal differentiation make it still challenging for clinical use. Recently, a high focus was placed on glia-to-neuron conversion under single-factor regulation. Despite some inspiring results, the validity of this strategy is still controversial. In this review, we summarize historical findings and recent advances on neurogenesis strategies for neurorepair after brain injury. We also discuss their advantages and drawbacks, as to provide a comprehensive account of their potentials for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyi Zhao
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Siyu Liu
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xianyuan Xiang
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xinzhou Zhu
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
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Alizadeh SD, Jalalifar MR, Ghodsi Z, Sadeghi-Naini M, Malekzadeh H, Rahimi G, Mojtabavi K, Shool S, Eskandari Z, Masoomi R, Kiani S, Harrop J, Rahimi-Movaghar V. Reprogramming of astrocytes to neuronal-like cells in spinal cord injury: a systematic review. Spinal Cord 2024; 62:133-142. [PMID: 38448665 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-024-00969-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN A Systematic Review OBJECTIVES: To determine the therapeutic efficacy of in vivo reprogramming of astrocytes into neuronal-like cells in animal models of spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS PRISMA 2020 guidelines were utilized, and search engines Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase until June 2023 were used. Studies that examined the effects of converting astrocytes into neuron-like cells with any vector in all animal models were included, while conversion from other cells except for spinal astrocytes, chemical mechanisms to provide SCI models, brain injury population, and conversion without in-vivo experience were excluded. The risk of bias was calculated independently. RESULTS 5302 manuscripts were initially identified and after eligibility assessment, 43 studies were included for full-text analysis. After final analysis, 13 manuscripts were included. All were graded as high-quality assessments. The transduction factors Sox2, Oct4, Klf4, fibroblast growth factor 4 (Fgf4) antibody, neurogenic differentiation 1 (Neurod1), zinc finger protein 521 (Zfp521), ginsenoside Rg1, and small molecules (LDN193189, CHIR99021, and DAPT) could effectively reprogramme astrocytes into neuron-like cells. The process was enhanced by p21-p53, or Notch signaling knockout, valproic acid, or chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan inhibitors. The type of mature neurons was both excitatory and inhibitory. CONCLUSION Astrocyte reprogramming to neuronal-like cells in an animal model after SCI appears promising. The molecular and functional improvements after astrocyte reprogramming were demonstrated in vivo, and further investigation is required in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Danial Alizadeh
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Rasoul Jalalifar
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Zahra Ghodsi
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Sadeghi-Naini
- Department of neurosurgery, Lorestan University of medical sciences, Khoram-Abad, Iran
| | - Hamid Malekzadeh
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Golnoosh Rahimi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, ROYAN Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Cell Science Research Center, ROYAN Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kurosh Mojtabavi
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Neuroscience Department, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sina Shool
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Eskandari
- Department of Management, Faculty of Social Sciences and Economics, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rasoul Masoomi
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Kiani
- Department of Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, ROYAN Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Cell Science Research Center, ROYAN Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - James Harrop
- Department of Neurosurgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Vafa Rahimi-Movaghar
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
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Abstract
The recent emergence of reprogramming technologies to convert brain cell types or epigenetically alter neurons and neural progenitors in vivo and in situ hold significant promises in brain repair and neuronal aging reversal. However, given the significant epigenetic and transcriptomic changes to components of the existing neuronal cells and network, we question if these reprogramming technology might inadvertently alter or erase memory engrams, conceivably resulting in changes in narrative identity or personality. We suggest that the nature of these alterations might be less predictable compared to memory and personality changes known to be associated with diseases, drugs or brain stimulation therapies. While research in applying reprogramming technologies to neurological ailments and aging should continue, more targeted analyses should be put in place in animal experiments to gauge the severity and degree of memory alterations, and appropriate risk and benefit analyses should be conducted before these technologies move into human trials.
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35
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Cao P, Li J, Liu Z, Liang G. Current controversies in glia-to-neuron conversion therapy in neurodegenerative diseases. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:723-724. [PMID: 37843203 PMCID: PMC10664116 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.382251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Cao
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of the Northern Theater Command of Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jianan Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of the Northern Theater Command of Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Zhuxi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Guobiao Liang
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of the Northern Theater Command of Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
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36
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Liu J, Xin X, Sun J, Fan Y, Zhou X, Gong W, Yang M, Li Z, Wang Y, Yang Y, Gao C. Dual-targeting AAV9P1-mediated neuronal reprogramming in a mouse model of traumatic brain injury. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:629-635. [PMID: 37721294 PMCID: PMC10581548 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.380907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury results in neuronal loss and glial scar formation. Replenishing neurons and eliminating the consequences of glial scar formation are essential for treating traumatic brain injury. Neuronal reprogramming is a promising strategy to convert glial scars to neural tissue. However, previous studies have reported inconsistent results. In this study, an AAV9P1 vector incorporating an astrocyte-targeting P1 peptide and glial fibrillary acidic protein promoter was used to achieve dual-targeting of astrocytes and the glial scar while minimizing off-target effects. The results demonstrate that AAV9P1 provides high selectivity of astrocytes and reactive astrocytes. Moreover, neuronal reprogramming was induced by downregulating the polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 gene via systemic administration of AAV9P1 in a mouse model of traumatic brain injury. In summary, this approach provides an improved gene delivery vehicle to study neuronal programming and evidence of its applications for traumatic brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingzhou Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Jiejie Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Yueyue Fan
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Medical College, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xun Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Meiyan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Yuli Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Chunsheng Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
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Cho HE, Lee S, Seo JH, Kang SW, Choi WA, Cho SR. In Vivo Reprogramming Using Yamanaka Factors in the CNS: A Scoping Review. Cells 2024; 13:343. [PMID: 38391956 PMCID: PMC10886652 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system diseases, particularly neurodegenerative disorders, pose significant challenges in medicine. These conditions, characterized by progressive neuronal loss, have remained largely incurable, exacting a heavy toll on individuals and society. In recent years, in vivo reprogramming using Yamanaka factors has emerged as a promising approach for central nervous system regeneration. This technique involves introducing transcription factors, such as Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc, into adult cells to induce their conversion into neurons. This review summarizes the current state of in vivo reprogramming research in the central nervous system, focusing on the use of Yamanaka factors. In vivo reprogramming using Yamanaka factors has shown promising results in several animal models of central nervous system diseases. Studies have demonstrated that this approach can promote the generation of new neurons, improve functional outcomes, and reduce scar formation. However, there are still several challenges that need to be addressed before this approach can be translated into clinical practice. These challenges include optimizing the efficiency of reprogramming, understanding the cell of origin for each transcription factor, and developing methods for reprogramming in non-subventricular zone areas. Further research is needed to overcome the remaining challenges, but this approach has the potential to revolutionize the way we treat central nervous system disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Eol Cho
- Rehabilitation Institute of Neuromuscular Disease, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06229, Republic of Korea; (H.E.C.); (S.-W.K.)
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Seoul 06229, Republic of Korea
| | - Siwoo Lee
- Graduate Program of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jung Hwa Seo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea;
- Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Woong Kang
- Rehabilitation Institute of Neuromuscular Disease, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06229, Republic of Korea; (H.E.C.); (S.-W.K.)
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Seoul 06229, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Ah Choi
- Rehabilitation Institute of Neuromuscular Disease, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06229, Republic of Korea; (H.E.C.); (S.-W.K.)
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Seoul 06229, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Rae Cho
- Rehabilitation Institute of Neuromuscular Disease, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06229, Republic of Korea; (H.E.C.); (S.-W.K.)
- Graduate Program of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea;
- Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
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Sichani AS, Khoddam S, Shakeri S, Tavakkoli Z, Jafroodi AR, Dabbaghipour R, Sisakht M, Fallahi J. Partial Reprogramming as a Method for Regenerating Neural Tissues in Aged Organisms. Cell Reprogram 2024; 26:10-23. [PMID: 38381402 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2023.0123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging causes numerous age-related diseases, leading the human species to death. Nevertheless, rejuvenating strategies based on cell epigenetic modifications are a possible approach to counteract disease progression while getting old. Cell reprogramming of adult somatic cells toward pluripotency ought to be a promising tool for age-related diseases. However, researchers do not have control over this process as cells lose their fate, and cause potential cancerous cells or unexpected cell phenotypes. Direct and partial reprogramming were introduced in recent years with distinctive applications. Although direct reprogramming makes cells lose their identity, it has various applications in regeneration medicine. Temporary and regulated in vivo overexpression of Yamanaka factors has been shown in several experimental contexts to be achievable and is used to rejuvenate mice models. This regeneration can be accomplished by altering the epigenetic adult cell signature to the signature of a younger cell. The greatest advantage of partial reprogramming is that this method does not allow cells to lose their identity when they are resetting their epigenetic clock. It is a regimen of short-term Oct3/4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc expression in vivo that prevents full reprogramming to the pluripotent state and avoids both tumorigenesis and the presence of unwanted undifferentiated cells. We know that many neurological age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, dementia, and Parkinson's disease, are the main cause of death in the last decades of life. Therefore, scientists have a special tendency regarding neuroregeneration methods to increase human life expectancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Saber Sichani
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Somayeh Khoddam
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shayan Shakeri
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Tavakkoli
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Arad Ranji Jafroodi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Dabbaghipour
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Sisakht
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Jafar Fallahi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Hamano M, Nakamura T, Ito R, Shimada Y, Iwata M, Takeshita JI, Eguchi R, Yamanishi Y. DIRECTEUR: transcriptome-based prediction of small molecules that replace transcription factors for direct cell conversion. Bioinformatics 2024; 40:btae048. [PMID: 38273708 PMCID: PMC10868337 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btae048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Direct reprogramming (DR) is a process that directly converts somatic cells to target cells. Although DR via small molecules is safer than using transcription factors (TFs) in terms of avoidance of tumorigenic risk, the determination of DR-inducing small molecules is challenging. RESULTS Here we present a novel in silico method, DIRECTEUR, to predict small molecules that replace TFs for DR. We extracted DR-characteristic genes using transcriptome profiles of cells in which DR was induced by TFs, and performed a variant of simulated annealing to explore small molecule combinations with similar gene expression patterns with DR-inducing TFs. We applied DIRECTEUR to predicting combinations of small molecules that convert fibroblasts into neurons or cardiomyocytes, and were able to reproduce experimentally verified and functionally related molecules inducing the corresponding conversions. The proposed method is expected to be useful for practical applications in regenerative medicine. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION The code and data are available at the following link: https://github.com/HamanoLaboratory/DIRECTEUR.git.
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Affiliation(s)
- Momoko Hamano
- Department of Bioscience and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Iizuka, Fukuoka 820-8502, Japan
| | - Toru Nakamura
- Department of Bioscience and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Iizuka, Fukuoka 820-8502, Japan
| | - Ryoku Ito
- Department of Bioscience and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Iizuka, Fukuoka 820-8502, Japan
| | - Yuki Shimada
- Department of Bioscience and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Iizuka, Fukuoka 820-8502, Japan
| | - Michio Iwata
- Department of Bioscience and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Iizuka, Fukuoka 820-8502, Japan
| | - Jun-ichi Takeshita
- Research Institute of Science for Safety and Sustainability, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8569, Japan
| | - Ryohei Eguchi
- Department of Bioscience and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Iizuka, Fukuoka 820-8502, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Yamanishi
- Department of Bioscience and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Iizuka, Fukuoka 820-8502, Japan
- Department of Complex Systems Science, Graduate School of Informatics, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
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40
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Wu Y, Meng X, Cheng WY, Yan Z, Li K, Wang J, Jiang T, Zhou F, Wong KH, Zhong C, Dong Y, Gao S. Can pluripotent/multipotent stem cells reverse Parkinson's disease progression? Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1210447. [PMID: 38356648 PMCID: PMC10864507 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1210447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by continuous and selective degeneration or death of dopamine neurons in the midbrain, leading to dysfunction of the nigrostriatal neural circuits. Current clinical treatments for PD include drug treatment and surgery, which provide short-term relief of symptoms but are associated with many side effects and cannot reverse the progression of PD. Pluripotent/multipotent stem cells possess a self-renewal capacity and the potential to differentiate into dopaminergic neurons. Transplantation of pluripotent/multipotent stem cells or dopaminergic neurons derived from these cells is a promising strategy for the complete repair of damaged neural circuits in PD. This article reviews and summarizes the current preclinical/clinical treatments for PD, their efficacies, and the advantages/disadvantages of various stem cells, including pluripotent and multipotent stem cells, to provide a detailed overview of how these cells can be applied in the treatment of PD, as well as the challenges and bottlenecks that need to be overcome in future translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongkang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Evaluation and Sports Intervention, Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangtian Meng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wai-Yin Cheng
- Research Institute for Future Food, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhichao Yan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Keqin Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianfang Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Eighth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Navy Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ka-Hing Wong
- Research Institute for Future Food, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chunlong Zhong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Dong
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Evaluation and Sports Intervention, Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shane Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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Huang L, Lai X, Liang X, Chen J, Yang Y, Xu W, Qin Q, Qin R, Huang X, Xie M, Chen L. A promise for neuronal repair: reprogramming astrocytes into neurons in vivo. Biosci Rep 2024; 44:BSR20231717. [PMID: 38175538 PMCID: PMC10830445 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20231717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Massive loss of neurons following brain injury or disease is the primary cause of central nervous system dysfunction. Recently, much research has been conducted on how to compensate for neuronal loss in damaged parts of the nervous system and thus restore functional connectivity among neurons. Direct somatic cell differentiation into neurons using pro-neural transcription factors, small molecules, or microRNAs, individually or in association, is the most promising form of neural cell replacement therapy available. This method provides a potential remedy for cell loss in a variety of neurodegenerative illnesses, and the development of reprogramming technology has made this method feasible. This article provides a comprehensive review of reprogramming, including the selection and methods of reprogramming starting cell populations as well as the signaling methods involved in this process. Additionally, we thoroughly examine how reprogramming astrocytes into neurons can be applied to treat stroke and other neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, we discuss the challenges of neuronal reprogramming and offer insights about the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Huang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Xinyu Lai
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Regenerative Medicine and Medical BioResource Development and Application Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Xiaojun Liang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Jiafeng Chen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Yue Yang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Qingchun Qin
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, China
| | - Rongxing Qin
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Xiaoying Huang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Minshan Xie
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
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Mahmoudi N, Wang Y, Moriarty N, Ahmed NY, Dehorter N, Lisowski L, Harvey AR, Parish CL, Williams RJ, Nisbet DR. Neuronal Replenishment via Hydrogel-Rationed Delivery of Reprogramming Factors. ACS NANO 2024; 18:3597-3613. [PMID: 38221746 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c11337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
The central nervous system's limited capacity for regeneration often leads to permanent neuronal loss following injury. Reprogramming resident reactive astrocytes into induced neurons at the site of injury is a promising strategy for neural repair, but challenges persist in stabilizing and accurately targeting viral vectors for transgene expression. In this study, we employed a bioinspired self-assembling peptide (SAP) hydrogel for the precise and controlled release of a hybrid adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector, AAVDJ, carrying the NeuroD1 neural reprogramming transgene. This method effectively mitigates the issues of high viral dosage at the target site, off-target delivery, and immunogenic reactions, enhancing the vector's targeting and reprogramming efficiency. In vitro, this vector successfully induced neuron formation, as confirmed by morphological, histochemical, and electrophysiological analyses. In vivo, SAP-mediated delivery of AAVDJ-NeuroD1 facilitated the trans-differentiation of reactive host astrocytes into induced neurons, concurrently reducing glial scarring. Our findings introduce a safe and effective method for treating central nervous system injuries, marking a significant advancement in regenerative neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negar Mahmoudi
- Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, the John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
- ANU College of Engineering & Computer Science, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Yi Wang
- The Graeme Clark Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Niamh Moriarty
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Noorya Y Ahmed
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
- The Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Nathalie Dehorter
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
- The Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Leszek Lisowski
- Translational Vectorology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Vector and Genome Engineering Facility, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Australian Genome Therapeutics Centre, Children's Medical Research Institute and Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Military Institute of Medicine, 04-141 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Alan R Harvey
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, and Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Clare L Parish
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Richard J Williams
- The Graeme Clark Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
- IMPACT, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3217, Australia
| | - David R Nisbet
- Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, the John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
- The Graeme Clark Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
- Melbourne Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Science, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
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Yaglova NV, Obernikhin SS, Nazimova SV, Tsomartova DA, Timokhina EP, Yaglov VV, Tsomartova ES, Chereshneva EV, Ivanova MY, Lomanovskaya TA. Postnatal Exposure to the Endocrine Disruptor Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane Affects Adrenomedullary Chromaffin Cell Physiology and Alters the Balance of Mechanisms Underlying Cell Renewal. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1494. [PMID: 38338771 PMCID: PMC10855250 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is a wide-spread systemic pollutant with endocrine disrupting properties. Prenatal exposure to low doses of DDT has been shown to affect adrenal medulla growth and function. The role of postnatal exposure to DDT in developmental disorders remains unclear. The aim of the present investigation is to assess growth parameters and the expression of factors mediating the function and renewal of chromaffin cells in the adult adrenal medulla of male Wistar rats exposed to the endocrine disruptor o,p'-DDT since birth until sexual maturation. The DDT-exposed rats exhibited normal growth of the adrenal medulla but significantly decreased tyrosine hydroxylase production by chromaffin cells during postnatal period. Unlike the control, the exposed rats showed enhanced proliferation and reduced expression of nuclear β-catenin, transcription factor Oct4, and ligand of Sonic hedgehog after termination of the adrenal growth period. No expression of pluripotency marker Sox2 and absence of Ascl 1-positive progenitors were found in the adrenal medulla during postnatal ontogeny of the exposed and the control rats. The present findings indicate that an increase in proliferative activity and inhibition of the formation of reserve for chromaffin cell renewal, two main mechanisms for cell maintenance in adrenal medulla, in the adult DDT-exposed rats may reflect a compensatory reaction aimed at the restoration of catecholamine production levels. The increased proliferation of chromaffin cells in adults suggests excessive growth of the adrenal medulla. Thus, postnatal exposure to DDT alters cell physiology and increases the risk of functional insufficiency and hyperplasia of the adrenal medulla.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataliya V. Yaglova
- Laboratory of Endocrine System Development, A.P. Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery”, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (S.S.O.); (S.V.N.); (D.A.T.); (E.P.T.); (V.V.Y.); (E.S.T.)
| | - Sergey S. Obernikhin
- Laboratory of Endocrine System Development, A.P. Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery”, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (S.S.O.); (S.V.N.); (D.A.T.); (E.P.T.); (V.V.Y.); (E.S.T.)
| | - Svetlana V. Nazimova
- Laboratory of Endocrine System Development, A.P. Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery”, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (S.S.O.); (S.V.N.); (D.A.T.); (E.P.T.); (V.V.Y.); (E.S.T.)
| | - Dibakhan A. Tsomartova
- Laboratory of Endocrine System Development, A.P. Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery”, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (S.S.O.); (S.V.N.); (D.A.T.); (E.P.T.); (V.V.Y.); (E.S.T.)
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, Federal State Funded Educational Unlike the Control Institution of Higher Education, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (E.V.C.); (M.Y.I.); (T.A.L.)
| | - Ekaterina P. Timokhina
- Laboratory of Endocrine System Development, A.P. Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery”, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (S.S.O.); (S.V.N.); (D.A.T.); (E.P.T.); (V.V.Y.); (E.S.T.)
| | - Valentin V. Yaglov
- Laboratory of Endocrine System Development, A.P. Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery”, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (S.S.O.); (S.V.N.); (D.A.T.); (E.P.T.); (V.V.Y.); (E.S.T.)
| | - Elina S. Tsomartova
- Laboratory of Endocrine System Development, A.P. Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery”, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (S.S.O.); (S.V.N.); (D.A.T.); (E.P.T.); (V.V.Y.); (E.S.T.)
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, Federal State Funded Educational Unlike the Control Institution of Higher Education, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (E.V.C.); (M.Y.I.); (T.A.L.)
| | - Elizaveta V. Chereshneva
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, Federal State Funded Educational Unlike the Control Institution of Higher Education, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (E.V.C.); (M.Y.I.); (T.A.L.)
| | - Marina Y. Ivanova
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, Federal State Funded Educational Unlike the Control Institution of Higher Education, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (E.V.C.); (M.Y.I.); (T.A.L.)
| | - Tatiana A. Lomanovskaya
- Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, Federal State Funded Educational Unlike the Control Institution of Higher Education, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (E.V.C.); (M.Y.I.); (T.A.L.)
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Wang J, Cheng P, Qu Y, Zhu G. Astrocytes and Memory: Implications for the Treatment of Memory-related Disorders. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:2217-2239. [PMID: 38288836 PMCID: PMC11337689 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x22666240128102039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Memory refers to the imprint accumulated in the brain by life experiences and represents the basis for humans to engage in advanced psychological activities such as thinking and imagination. Previously, research activities focused on memory have always targeted neurons. However, in addition to neurons, astrocytes are also involved in the encoding, consolidation, and extinction of memory. In particular, astrocytes are known to affect the recruitment and function of neurons at the level of local synapses and brain networks. Moreover, the involvement of astrocytes in memory and memory-related disorders, especially in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), has been investigated extensively. In this review, we describe the unique contributions of astrocytes to synaptic plasticity and neuronal networks and discuss the role of astrocytes in different types of memory processing. In addition, we also explore the roles of astrocytes in the pathogenesis of memory-related disorders, such as AD, brain aging, PTSD and addiction, thus suggesting that targeting astrocytes may represent a potential strategy to treat memory-related neurological diseases. In conclusion, this review emphasizes that thinking from the perspective of astrocytes will provide new ideas for the diagnosis and therapy of memory-related neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Xin’an Medicine, The Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Ping Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Xin’an Medicine, The Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Yan Qu
- Key Laboratory of Xin’an Medicine, The Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Guoqi Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Xin’an Medicine, The Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
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Fatima N, Saif Ur Rahman M, Qasim M, Ali Ashfaq U, Ahmed U, Masoud MS. Transcriptional Factors Mediated Reprogramming to Pluripotency. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 19:367-388. [PMID: 37073151 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x18666230417084518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
A unique kind of pluripotent cell, i.e., Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), now being targeted for iPSC synthesis, are produced by reprogramming animal and human differentiated cells (with no change in genetic makeup for the sake of high efficacy iPSCs formation). The conversion of specific cells to iPSCs has revolutionized stem cell research by making pluripotent cells more controllable for regenerative therapy. For the past 15 years, somatic cell reprogramming to pluripotency with force expression of specified factors has been a fascinating field of biomedical study. For that technological primary viewpoint reprogramming method, a cocktail of four transcription factors (TF) has required: Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), four-octamer binding protein 34 (OCT3/4), MYC and SOX2 (together referred to as OSKM) and host cells. IPS cells have great potential for future tissue replacement treatments because of their ability to self-renew and specialize in all adult cell types, although factor-mediated reprogramming mechanisms are still poorly understood medically. This technique has dramatically improved performance and efficiency, making it more useful in drug discovery, disease remodeling, and regenerative medicine. Moreover, in these four TF cocktails, more than 30 reprogramming combinations were proposed, but for reprogramming effectiveness, only a few numbers have been demonstrated for the somatic cells of humans and mice. Stoichiometry, a combination of reprogramming agents and chromatin remodeling compounds, impacts kinetics, quality, and efficiency in stem cell research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazira Fatima
- Laboratory Animal Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Muhammad Saif Ur Rahman
- Institute of Advanced Studies, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Muhammad Qasim
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan
| | - Usman Ali Ashfaq
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan
| | - Uzair Ahmed
- EMBL Partnership Institute for Genome Editing Technologies, Vilnius University, Vilnius, 10257, Lithuania
| | - Muhammad Shareef Masoud
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan
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Guo X, Jiang P, Pan M, Ding Y, Lin Y, Jiang T, Li R, Wang W, Dai Y, Wang S, Cao Y, Lin H, Yang M, Liu W, Tao J. Overexpression of miR-124 in astrocyte improves neurological deficits in rat with ischemic stroke via DLL4 modulation. Exp Neurol 2023; 370:114571. [PMID: 37848121 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Astrocytes have been demonstrated to undergo conversion into functional neurons, presenting a promising approach for stroke treatment. However, the development of small molecules capable of effectively inducing this cellular reprogramming remains a critical challenge. METHODS Initially, we introduced a glial cell marker gene, GFaABC1D, as the promoter within an adeno-associated virus vector overexpressing miR-124 into the motor cortex of an ischemia-reperfusion model in rats. Additionally, we administered NeuroD1 as a positive control. Lentiviral vectors overexpressing miR-124 were constructed and transfected into primary rat astrocytes. We assessed the cellular distribution of GFAP, DCX, and NeuN on days 7, 14, and 28, respectively. RESULTS In rats with ischemic stroke, miR-124-transduced glial cells exhibited positive staining for the immature neuron marker doublecortin (DCX) and the mature neuron marker NeuN after 4 weeks. In contrast, NeuroD1-overexpressing model rats only expressed NeuN, and the positive percentage was higher in co-transfection with miR-124 and NeuroD1. Overexpression of miR-124 effectively ameliorated neurological deficits and motor functional impairment in the model rats. In primary rat astrocytes transduced with miR-124, DCX was not observed after 7 days of transfection, but it appeared at 14 days, with the percentage further increasing to 44.6% at 28 days. Simultaneously, 15.1% of miR-124-transduced cells exhibited NeuN positivity, which was not detected at 7 and 14 days. In vitro, double fluorescence assays revealed that miR-124 targeted Dll4, and in vivo experiments confirmed that miR-124 inhibited the expression of Notch1 and DLL4. CONCLUSIONS The overexpression of miR-124 in astrocytes demonstrates significant potential for improving neurological deficits following ischemic stroke by inhibiting DLL4 expression, and it may facilitate astrocyte-to-neuronal transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqin Guo
- Provincial and Ministerial Co-founded Collaborative Innovation Center of Rehabilitation Technology, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Pingli Jiang
- Provincial and Ministerial Co-founded Collaborative Innovation Center of Rehabilitation Technology, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Meihua Pan
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Rehabilitation Medicine Technology, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Yanyi Ding
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Rehabilitation Medicine Technology, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Yanting Lin
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Rehabilitation Medicine Technology, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Cognitive Rehabilitation, Affiliated Rehabilitation Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China
| | - Rui Li
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Cognitive Rehabilitation, Affiliated Rehabilitation Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China
| | - Wenju Wang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Cognitive Rehabilitation, Affiliated Rehabilitation Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China
| | - Yaling Dai
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Cognitive Rehabilitation, Affiliated Rehabilitation Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China
| | - Sinuo Wang
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Rehabilitation Research Center of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Yajun Cao
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Rehabilitation Research Center of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Huawei Lin
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Rehabilitation Research Center of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Minguang Yang
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Rehabilitation Research Center of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Weilin Liu
- The Institute of Rehabilitation Industry, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China.
| | - Jing Tao
- The Institute of Rehabilitation Industry, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China.
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Li X, Fan R, Xiang J, Yuan Y, Mao X, Zhou N. P-hydroxy benzaldehyde facilitates reprogramming of reactive astrocytes into neurons via endogenous transcriptional regulation. Int J Neurosci 2023; 133:1096-1108. [PMID: 35321633 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2022.2049775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebral ischemia leads to linguistic and motor dysfunction, as the death of neurons in ischemic core is permanent and non-renewable. An innovative avenue is to induce and/or facilitate reprogramming of adjacent astrocytes into neurons to replace the lost neurons and re-establish brain homeostasis. PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate whether the p-hydroxy benzaldehyde (p-HBA), a phenolic compound isolated from Gastrodia elata Blume, could facilitate the reprogramming of oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R)-damaged astrocytes into neurons. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS The primary parenchymal astrocytes of rat were exposure to OGD and reperfusion with define culture medium. Cells were then incubated with different concentration of p-HBA (1, 10, 100, 400 μM) and collected at desired time point for reprogramming process analysis. RESULTS OGD/R could elicit endogenous neurogenic program in primary parenchymal astrocytes of rat under define culture condition, and these so-called reactive astrocytes could be reprogrammed into neurons. However, the neonatal neurons produced by this endogenous procedure could not develop into mature neurons, and the conversion rate was only 1.9%. Treatment of these reactive astrocytes with p-HBA could successfully promote the conversion rate to 6.1%, and the neonatal neurons could develop into mature neurons within 14 days. Further analysis showed that p-HBA down-regulated the Notch signal component genes Dll1, Hes1 and SOX2, while the transcription factor NeuroD1 was up-regulated. CONCLUSION The results of this study demonstrated that p-HBA facilitated the astrocyte-to-neuron conversion. This chemical reprogramming was mediated by inhibition of Notch1 signaling pathway and transcriptional activation of NeuroD1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- College of Chinese Materia Medica and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicinal Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Ruoxi Fan
- College of Chinese Materia Medica and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicinal Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Jianming Xiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical School, University of Michigan, MI, USA
| | - Yajin Yuan
- College of Chinese Materia Medica and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicinal Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Xiaojian Mao
- College of Chinese Materia Medica and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicinal Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Ningna Zhou
- College of Chinese Materia Medica and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicinal Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine
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Liu J, van Beusekom H, Bu X, Chen G, Henrique Rosado de Castro P, Chen X, Chen X, Clarkson AN, Farr TD, Fu Y, Jia J, Jolkkonen J, Kim WS, Korhonen P, Li S, Liang Y, Liu G, Liu G, Liu Y, Malm T, Mao X, Oliveira JM, Modo MM, Ramos‐Cabrer P, Ruscher K, Song W, Wang J, Wang X, Wang Y, Wu H, Xiong L, Yang Y, Ye K, Yu J, Zhou X, Zille M, Masters CL, Walczak P, Boltze J, Ji X, Wang Y. Preserving cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease: The Alzheimer's disease neuroprotection research initiative (ADNRI). NEUROPROTECTION 2023; 1:84-98. [PMID: 38223913 PMCID: PMC10783281 DOI: 10.1002/nep3.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
The global trend toward aging populations has resulted in an increase in the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and associated socioeconomic burdens. Abnormal metabolism of amyloid-β (Aβ) has been proposed as a significant pathomechanism in AD, supported by results of recent clinical trials using anti-Aβ antibodies. Nonetheless, the cognitive benefits of the current treatments are limited. The etiology of AD is multifactorial, encompassing Aβ and tau accumulation, neuroinflammation, demyelination, vascular dysfunction, and comorbidities, which collectively lead to widespread neurodegeneration in the brain and cognitive impairment. Hence, solely removing Aβ from the brain may be insufficient to combat neurodegeneration and preserve cognition. To attain effective treatment for AD, it is necessary to (1) conduct extensive research on various mechanisms that cause neurodegeneration, including advances in neuroimaging techniques for earlier detection and a more precise characterization of molecular events at scales ranging from cellular to the full system level; (2) identify neuroprotective intervention targets against different neurodegeneration mechanisms; and (3) discover novel and optimal combinations of neuroprotective intervention strategies to maintain cognitive function in AD patients. The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroprotection Research Initiative's objective is to facilitate coordinated, multidisciplinary efforts to develop systemic neuroprotective strategies to combat AD. The aim is to achieve mitigation of the full spectrum of pathological processes underlying AD, with the goal of halting or even reversing cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- Department of Neurology, Daping HospitalThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ageing and Brain DiseasesChongqingChina
| | - Heleen van Beusekom
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MCUniversity Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Xian‐Le Bu
- Department of Neurology, Daping HospitalThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ageing and Brain DiseasesChongqingChina
- Institute of Brain and IntelligenceThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Gong Chen
- Guangdong‐HongKong‐Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR)Jinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | | | - Xiaochun Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Department of Neurology and Geriatrics, Fujian Institute of Geriatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Institute of NeuroscienceFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouFujianChina
| | - Xiaowei Chen
- Institute of Brain and IntelligenceThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- Guangyang Bay LaboratoryChongqing Institute for Brain and IntelligenceChongqingChina
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Andrew N. Clarkson
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Health Research Centre and Brain Research New ZealandUniversity of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand
| | - Tracy D. Farr
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamUK
| | - Yuhong Fu
- Brain and Mind Centre & School of Medical SciencesThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Jianping Jia
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DiseasesCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jukka Jolkkonen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular SciencesUniversity of Eastern FinlandKuopioFinland
| | - Woojin Scott Kim
- Brain and Mind Centre & School of Medical SciencesThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Paula Korhonen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular SciencesUniversity of Eastern FinlandKuopioFinland
| | - Shen Li
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Beijing Shijitan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yajie Liang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear MedicineUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Guang‐Hui Liu
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Guiyou Liu
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Laboratory of Brain Disorders, Ministry of Science and Technology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain DisordersCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yu‐Hui Liu
- Department of Neurology, Daping HospitalThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ageing and Brain DiseasesChongqingChina
- Institute of Brain and IntelligenceThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Tarja Malm
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular SciencesUniversity of Eastern FinlandKuopioFinland
| | - Xiaobo Mao
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Department of NeurologyThe Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Joaquim Miguel Oliveira
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs—Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative MedicineUniversity of MinhoGuimarãesPortugal
- ICVS/3B's—PT Government Associate LaboratoryBraga/GuimarãesPortugal
| | - Mike M. Modo
- Department of Bioengineering, McGowan Institute for Regenerative MedicineUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Radiology, McGowan Institute for Regenerative MedicineUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Pedro Ramos‐Cabrer
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging LaboratoryCIC BiomaGUNE Research Center, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA)Donostia‐San SebastianSpain
| | - Karsten Ruscher
- Laboratory for Experimental Brain Research, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical SciencesLund UniversityLundSweden
| | - Weihong Song
- Institute of Aging, Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province. Zhejiang Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, School of Mental Health and The Affiliated Kangning Hospital, Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health)Wenzhou Medical UniversityZhejiangChina
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Neurology, Daping HospitalThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ageing and Brain DiseasesChongqingChina
| | - Xuanyue Wang
- School of Optometry and Vision ScienceUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Yun Wang
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic, Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National, Health Commission and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic DrugsPeking UniversityBeijingChina
- PKU‐IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchPeking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Haitao Wu
- Department of NeurobiologyBeijing Institute of Basic Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Lize Xiong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain‐Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of NeurologyThe First Hospital of Jilin University, Chang ChunJilinChina
| | - Keqiang Ye
- Faculty of Life and Health SciencesBrain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced TechnologyShenzhenChina
| | - Jin‐Tai Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical CollegeFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xin‐Fu Zhou
- Division of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences and Sansom InstituteUniversity of South AustraliaAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Suzhou Auzone BiotechSuzhouJiangsuChina
| | - Marietta Zille
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacology and ToxicologyUniversity of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Colin L. Masters
- The Florey InstituteThe University of Melbourne, ParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - Piotr Walczak
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear MedicineUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | | | - Xunming Ji
- Department of NeurosurgeryXuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yan‐Jiang Wang
- Department of Neurology, Daping HospitalThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ageing and Brain DiseasesChongqingChina
- Institute of Brain and IntelligenceThird Military Medical UniversityChongqingChina
- Guangyang Bay LaboratoryChongqing Institute for Brain and IntelligenceChongqingChina
- Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence TechnologyChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
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49
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Schaukowitch K, Janas JA, Wernig M. Insights and applications of direct neuronal reprogramming. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2023; 83:102128. [PMID: 37862835 PMCID: PMC11335363 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Direct neuronal reprogramming converts somatic cells of a defined lineage into induced neuronal cells without going through a pluripotent intermediate. This approach not only provides access to the otherwise largely inaccessible cells of the brain for neuronal disease modeling, but also holds great promise for ultimately enabling neuronal cell replacement without the use of transplantation. To improve efficiency and specificity of direct neuronal reprogramming, much of the current efforts aim to understand the mechanisms that safeguard cell identities and how the reprogramming cells overcome the barriers resisting fate changes. Here, we review recent discoveries into the mechanisms by which the donor cell program is silenced, and new cell identities are established. We also discuss advancements that have been made toward fine-tuning the output of these reprogramming systems to generate specific types of neuronal cells. Finally, we highlight the benefit of using direct neuronal reprogramming to study age-related disorders and the potential of in vivo direct reprogramming in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Schaukowitch
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Justyna A Janas
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Marius Wernig
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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50
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Rivera J, Sharma B, Torres MM, Kumar S. Factors affecting the GABAergic synapse function in Alzheimer's disease: Focus on microRNAs. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 92:102123. [PMID: 37967653 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurological disease characterized by the loss of cognitive function, confusion, and memory deficit. Accumulation of abnormal proteins, amyloid beta (Aß), and phosphorylated Tau (p-tau) forms plaques and tangles that deteriorate synapse function, resulting in neurodegeneration and cognitive decline in AD. The human brain is composed of different types of neurons and/or synapses that are functionally defective in AD. The GABAergic synapse, the most abundant inhibitory neuron in the human brain was found to be dysfunctional in AD and contributes to disrupting neurological function. This study explored the types of GABA receptors associated with neurological dysfunction and various biological and environmental factors that cause GABAergic neuron dysfunction in AD, such as Aβ, p-tau, aging, sex, astrocytes, microglia, APOE, mental disorder, diet, physical activity, and sleep. Furthermore, we explored the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the regulation of GABAergic synapse function in neurological disorders and AD states. We also discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying GABAergic synapse dysfunction with a focus on miR-27b, miR-30a, miR-190a/b, miR-33, miR-51, miR-129-5p, miR-376-3p, miR-376c, miR-30b and miR-502-3p. The purpose of our article is to highlight the recent research on miRNAs affecting the regulation of GABAergic synapse function and factors that contribute to the progression of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jazmin Rivera
- Center of Emphasis in Neuroscience, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Bhupender Sharma
- Center of Emphasis in Neuroscience, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Melissa M Torres
- Center of Emphasis in Neuroscience, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Subodh Kumar
- Center of Emphasis in Neuroscience, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX, USA; L. Frederick Francis Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX, USA.
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