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Fursa GA, Andretsova SS, Shishkina VS, Voronova AD, Karsuntseva EK, Chadin AV, Reshetov IV, Stepanova OV, Chekhonin VP. The Use of Neurotrophic Factors as a Promising Strategy for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases (Review). Bull Exp Biol Med 2024:10.1007/s10517-024-06218-5. [PMID: 39266924 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-024-06218-5] [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: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2024]
Abstract
The review considers the use of exogenous neurotrophic factors in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and others. This group of diseases is associated with the death of neurons and dysfunction of the nervous tissue. Currently, there is no effective therapy for neurodegenerative diseases, and their treatment remains a serious problem of modern medicine. A promising strategy is the use of exogenous neurotrophic factors. Targeted delivery of these factors to the nervous tissue can improve survival of neurons during the development of neurodegenerative processes and ensure neuroplasticity. There are methods of direct injection of neurotrophic factors into the nervous tissue, delivery using viral vectors, as well as the use of gene cell products. The effectiveness of these approaches has been studied in numerous experimental works and in a number of clinical trials. Further research in this area could provide the basis for the creation of an alternative treatment for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- G A Fursa
- V. Serbsky National Medical Research Centre for Psychiatry and Narcology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia.
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia.
- National Medical Research Centre of Cardiology named after academician E. I. Chazov, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia.
| | - S S Andretsova
- V. Serbsky National Medical Research Centre for Psychiatry and Narcology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - V S Shishkina
- V. Serbsky National Medical Research Centre for Psychiatry and Narcology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - A D Voronova
- V. Serbsky National Medical Research Centre for Psychiatry and Narcology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
- National Medical Research Centre of Cardiology named after academician E. I. Chazov, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - E K Karsuntseva
- V. Serbsky National Medical Research Centre for Psychiatry and Narcology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - A V Chadin
- V. Serbsky National Medical Research Centre for Psychiatry and Narcology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - I V Reshetov
- University Clinical Hospital No. 1, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
- Academy of Postgraduate Education, Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialized Types of Health Care and Medical Technology of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency, Moscow, Russia
| | - O V Stepanova
- V. Serbsky National Medical Research Centre for Psychiatry and Narcology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
- National Medical Research Centre of Cardiology named after academician E. I. Chazov, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - V P Chekhonin
- V. Serbsky National Medical Research Centre for Psychiatry and Narcology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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2
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Adelman JW, Rosas-Rogers S, Schumacher ML, Mokry RL, Terhune SS, Ebert AD. Human cytomegalovirus induces significant structural and functional changes in terminally differentiated human cortical neurons. mBio 2023; 14:e0225123. [PMID: 37966250 PMCID: PMC10746155 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02251-23] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a highly prevalent viral pathogen that can cause serious neurological deficits in infants experiencing an in utero infection. Also, as a life-long infection, HCMV has been associated with several diseases in the adult brain. HCMV is known to infect early neural progenitor cells, but whether it also infects terminally differentiated neurons is still debated. Here, we differentiated human-induced pluripotent stem cells into neurons for 84-120 days to test the ability of HCMV to infect terminally differentiated neurons and assess the downstream functional consequences. We discovered that mature human neurons are highly permissive to HCMV infection, exhibited late replication hallmarks, and produced infectious virus. Moreover, infection in terminally differentiated neurons essentially eliminated neuron function. These results demonstrate that terminally differentiated human neurons are permissive to HCMV infection, which can significantly alter both structural and functional features of this mature neuron population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob W. Adelman
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Suzette Rosas-Rogers
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Megan L. Schumacher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Rebekah L. Mokry
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Scott S. Terhune
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
- Marquette University and Medical College of Wisconsin Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Allison D. Ebert
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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3
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O'Brien BS, Mokry RL, Schumacher ML, Rosas-Rogers S, Terhune SS, Ebert AD. Neutralizing antibodies with neurotropic factor treatment maintain neurodevelopmental gene expression upon exposure to human cytomegalovirus. J Virol 2023; 97:e0069623. [PMID: 37796129 PMCID: PMC10653813 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00696-23] [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: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is the leading cause of non-heritable birth defects worldwide. HCMV readily infects the early progenitor cell population of the developing brain, and we have found that infection leads to significantly downregulated expression of key neurodevelopmental transcripts. Currently, there are no approved therapies to prevent or mitigate the effects of congenital HCMV infection. Therefore, we used human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived organoids and neural progenitor cells to elucidate the glycoproteins and receptors used in the viral entry process and whether antibody neutralization was sufficient to block viral entry and prevent disruption of neurodevelopmental gene expression. We found that blocking viral entry alone was insufficient to maintain the expression of key neurodevelopmental genes, but neutralization combined with neurotrophic factor treatment provided robust protection. Together, these studies offer novel insight into mechanisms of HCMV infection in neural tissues, which may aid future therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin S. O'Brien
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, The Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Rebekah L. Mokry
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Megan L. Schumacher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Suzette Rosas-Rogers
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Scott S. Terhune
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
- Marquette University and Medical College of Wisconsin Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Allison D. Ebert
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, The Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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4
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Laperle AH, Moser VA, Avalos P, Lu B, Wu A, Fulton A, Ramirez S, Garcia VJ, Bell S, Ho R, Lawless G, Roxas K, Shahin S, Shelest O, Svendsen S, Wang S, Svendsen CN. Human iPSC-derived neural progenitor cells secreting GDNF provide protection in rodent models of ALS and retinal degeneration. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:1629-1642. [PMID: 37084724 PMCID: PMC10444557 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.03.016] [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: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a renewable cell source that can be differentiated into neural progenitor cells (iNPCs) and transduced with glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (iNPC-GDNFs). The goal of the current study is to characterize iNPC-GDNFs and test their therapeutic potential and safety. Single-nuclei RNA-seq show iNPC-GDNFs express NPC markers. iNPC-GDNFs delivered into the subretinal space of the Royal College of Surgeons rodent model of retinal degeneration preserve photoreceptors and visual function. Additionally, iNPC-GDNF transplants in the spinal cord of SOD1G93A amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) rats preserve motor neurons. Finally, iNPC-GDNF transplants in the spinal cord of athymic nude rats survive and produce GDNF for 9 months, with no signs of tumor formation or continual cell proliferation. iNPC-GDNFs survive long-term, are safe, and provide neuroprotection in models of both retinal degeneration and ALS, indicating their potential as a combined cell and gene therapy for various neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander H Laperle
- Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - V Alexandra Moser
- Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Pablo Avalos
- Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bin Lu
- Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Amanda Wu
- Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Aaron Fulton
- Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Stephany Ramirez
- Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Veronica J Garcia
- Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shaughn Bell
- Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ritchie Ho
- Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - George Lawless
- Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kristina Roxas
- Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Saba Shahin
- Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Oksana Shelest
- Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Soshana Svendsen
- Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shaomei Wang
- Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Clive N Svendsen
- Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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5
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Stahn L, Rasińska J, Dehne T, Schreyer S, Hakus A, Gossen M, Steiner B, Hemmati-Sadeghi S. Sleeping Beauty transposon system for GDNF overexpression of entrapped stem cells in fibrin hydrogel in a rat model of Parkinson's disease. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2023; 13:1745-1765. [PMID: 36853436 PMCID: PMC10125957 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-023-01289-9] [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] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
There is currently no causal treatment available for Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the use of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) to provide regenerative effects for neurons is promising. Such approaches require translational delivery systems that are functional in diseased tissue. To do so, we used a non-viral Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system to overexpress GDNF in adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (adMSCs). Entrapment of cells in fibrin hydrogel was used to boost potential neurorestorative effects. Functional GDNF-adMSCs were able to secrete 1066.8 ± 169.4 ng GDNF/120,000 cells in vitro. The GDNF-adMSCs were detectable for up to 1 month after transplantation in a mild 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) hemiparkinson male rat model. Entrapment of GDNF-adMSCs enabled GDNF secretion in surrounding tissue in a more concentrated manner, also tending to prolong GDNF secretion relatively. GDNF-adMSCs entrapped in hydrogel also led to positive immunomodulatory effects via an 83% reduction of regional IL-1β levels compared to the non-entrapped GDNF-adMSC group after 1 month. Furthermore, GDNF-adMSC-treated groups showed higher recovery of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-expressing cells, indicating a neuroprotective function, although this was not strong enough to show significant improvement in motor performance. Our findings establish a promising GDNF treatment system in a PD model. Entrapment of GDNF-adMSCs mediated positive immunomodulatory effects. Although the durability of the hydrogel needs to be extended to unlock its full potential for motor improvements, the neuroprotective effects of GDNF were evident and safe. Further motor behavioral tests and other disease models are necessary to evaluate this treatment option adequately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Stahn
- Department of Neurology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Justyna Rasińska
- Department of Neurology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Tilo Dehne
- Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies, Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefanie Schreyer
- Department of Neurology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Aileen Hakus
- Department of Neurology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Manfred Gossen
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Active Polymers, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, 21502 Teltow, Germany
| | - Barbara Steiner
- Department of Neurology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Shabnam Hemmati-Sadeghi
- Department of Neurology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, 10115 Berlin, Germany
- Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies, Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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6
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Linesch PW, Akhtar AA, Breunig JJ. Tetracycline-Inducible and Reversible Stable Gene Expression in Human iPSC-Derived Neural Progenitors and in the Postnatal Mouse Brain. Curr Protoc 2023; 3:e792. [PMID: 37283517 PMCID: PMC10264152 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.792] [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] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Our group has developed several approaches for stable, non-viral integration of inducible transgenic elements into the genome of mammalian cells. Specifically, a piggyBac tetracycline-inducible genetic element of interest (pB-tet-GOI) plasmid system allows for stable piggyBac transposition-mediated integration into cells, identification of cells that have been transfected using a fluorescent nuclear reporter, and robust transgene activation or suppression upon the addition of doxycycline (dox) to the cell culture or the diet of the animal. Furthermore, the addition of luciferase downstream of the target gene allows for quantitative assessment of gene activity in a non-invasive manner. More recently, we have developed a transgenic system as an alternative to piggyBac called mosaic analysis by dual recombinase-mediated cassette exchange (MADR), as well as additional in vitro transfection techniques and in vivo dox chow applications. The protocols herein provide instructions for the use of this system in cell lines and in the neonatal mouse brain. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Cloning of respective genetic element of interest (GOI) into response plasmid Basic Protocol 2: In vitro nucleofection of iPSC-derived human/mouse neural progenitor cells and subsequent derivation of stable inducible cell lines Alternate Protocol: In vitro electroporation of iPSC-derived human/mouse neural progenitor cells Support Protocol: Recovery stage after in vitro transfection Basic Protocol 3: Adding doxycycline to cells to induce/reverse GOI Basic Protocol 4: Assessing gene expression in vitro by non-invasive bioluminescence imaging of luciferase activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul W. Linesch
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Aslam Abbasi Akhtar
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Joshua J. Breunig
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Division of Applied Cell Biology and Physiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
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7
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Transplantation of human neural progenitor cells secreting GDNF into the spinal cord of patients with ALS: a phase 1/2a trial. Nat Med 2022; 28:1813-1822. [PMID: 36064599 PMCID: PMC9499868 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-022-01956-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) involves progressive motor neuron loss, leading to paralysis and death typically within 3–5 years of diagnosis. Dysfunctional astrocytes may contribute to disease and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) can be protective. Here we show that human neural progenitor cells transduced with GDNF (CNS10-NPC-GDNF) differentiated to astrocytes protected spinal motor neurons and were safe in animal models. CNS10-NPC-GDNF were transplanted unilaterally into the lumbar spinal cord of 18 ALS participants in a phase 1/2a study (NCT02943850). The primary endpoint of safety at 1 year was met, with no negative effect of the transplant on motor function in the treated leg compared with the untreated leg. Tissue analysis of 13 participants who died of disease progression showed graft survival and GDNF production. Benign neuromas near delivery sites were common incidental findings at post-mortem. This study shows that one administration of engineered neural progenitors can provide new support cells and GDNF delivery to the ALS patient spinal cord for up to 42 months post-transplantation. A phase 1/2a study shows that human neural progenitor cells modified to release the growth factor GDNF are safely transplanted into the spinal cord of patients with ALS, with cell survival and GDNF production for over 3 years.
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8
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Parambi DGT, Alharbi KS, Kumar R, Harilal S, Batiha GES, Cruz-Martins N, Magdy O, Musa A, Panda DS, Mathew B. Gene Therapy Approach with an Emphasis on Growth Factors: Theoretical and Clinical Outcomes in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:191-233. [PMID: 34655056 PMCID: PMC8518903 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02555-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The etiology of many neurological diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS) is unknown and still needs more effective and specific therapeutic approaches. Gene therapy has a promising future in treating neurodegenerative disorders by correcting the genetic defects or by therapeutic protein delivery and is now an attraction for neurologists to treat brain disorders, like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular atrophy, spinocerebellar ataxia, epilepsy, Huntington's disease, stroke, and spinal cord injury. Gene therapy allows the transgene induction, with a unique expression in cells' substrate. This article mainly focuses on the delivering modes of genetic materials in the CNS, which includes viral and non-viral vectors and their application in gene therapy. Despite the many clinical trials conducted so far, data have shown disappointing outcomes. The efforts done to improve outcomes, efficacy, and safety in the identification of targets in various neurological disorders are also discussed here. Adapting gene therapy as a new therapeutic approach for treating neurological disorders seems to be promising, with early detection and delivery of therapy before the neuron is lost, helping a lot the development of new therapeutic options to translate to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Della Grace Thomas Parambi
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Jouf University, Al Jouf-2014, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Saad Alharbi
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Jouf University, Al Jouf-2014, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rajesh Kumar
- Kerala University of Health Sciences, Thrissur, Kerala 680596 India
| | - Seetha Harilal
- Kerala University of Health Sciences, Thrissur, Kerala 680596 India
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, 22511 Al Beheira Egypt
| | - Natália Cruz-Martins
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Research and Advanced Training in Health Sciences and Technologies (CESPU), Rua Central de Gandra, 1317, 4585-116 Gandra PRD, Portugal
| | - Omnia Magdy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Al Jouf-2014 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Pharmacognosy Department, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Aljouf 72341 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Arafa Musa
- Pharmacognosy Department, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Aljouf 72341 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11371 Egypt
| | - Dibya Sundar Panda
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Al Jouf, Sakaka, 72341 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Bijo Mathew
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Sciences Campus, Kochi, 682 041 India
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9
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Hong J, Dragas R, Khazaei M, Ahuja CS, Fehlings MG. Hepatocyte Growth Factor-Preconditioned Neural Progenitor Cells Attenuate Astrocyte Reactivity and Promote Neurite Outgrowth. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:741681. [PMID: 34955750 PMCID: PMC8695970 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.741681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The astroglial scar is a defining hallmark of secondary pathology following central nervous system (CNS) injury that, despite its role in limiting tissue damage, presents a significant barrier to neuroregeneration. Neural progenitor cell (NPC) therapies for tissue repair and regeneration have demonstrated favorable outcomes, the effects of which are ascribed not only to direct cell replacement but trophic support. Cytokines and growth factors secreted by NPCs aid in modifying the inhibitory and cytotoxic post-injury microenvironment. In an effort to harness and enhance the reparative potential of NPC secretome, we utilized the multifunctional and pro-regenerative cytokine, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), as a cellular preconditioning agent. We first demonstrated the capacity of HGF to promote NPC survival in the presence of oxidative stress. We then assessed the capacity of this modified conditioned media (CM) to attenuate astrocyte reactivity and promote neurite outgrowth in vitro. HGF pre-conditioned NPCs demonstrated significantly increased levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 and reduced vascular endothelial growth factor compared to untreated NPCs. In reactive astrocytes, HGF-enhanced NPC-CM effectively reduced glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan deposition to a greater extent than either treatment alone, and enhanced neurite outgrowth of co-cultured neurons. in vivo, this combinatorial treatment strategy might enable tactical modification of the post-injury inhibitory astroglial environment to one that is more conducive to regeneration and functional recovery. These findings have important translational implications for the optimization of current cell-based therapies for CNS injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Hong
- Department of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rachel Dragas
- Department of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mohammad Khazaei
- Department of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christopher S Ahuja
- Department 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
- Department of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Spinal Program, University Health Network, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
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10
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Khazaei M, Ahuja CS, Nakashima H, Nagoshi N, Li L, Wang J, Chio J, Badner A, Seligman D, Ichise A, Shibata S, Fehlings MG. GDNF rescues the fate of neural progenitor grafts by attenuating Notch signals in the injured spinal cord in rodents. Sci Transl Med 2021; 12:12/525/eaau3538. [PMID: 31915299 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aau3538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neural progenitor cell (NPC) transplantation is a promising strategy for the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI). In this study, we show that injury-induced Notch activation in the spinal cord microenvironment biases the fate of transplanted NPCs toward astrocytes in rodents. In a screen for potential clinically relevant factors to modulate Notch signaling, we identified glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). GDNF attenuates Notch signaling by mediating delta-like 1 homolog (DLK1) expression, which is independent of GDNF's effect on cell survival. When transplanted into a rodent model of cervical SCI, GDNF-expressing human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived NPCs (hiPSC-NPCs) demonstrated higher differentiation toward a neuronal fate compared to control cells. In addition, expression of GDNF promoted endogenous tissue sparing and enhanced electrical integration of transplanted cells, which collectively resulted in improved neurobehavioral recovery. CRISPR-induced knockouts of the DLK1 gene in GDNF-expressing hiPSC-NPCs attenuated the effect on functional recovery, demonstrating that this effect is partially mediated through DLK1 expression. These results represent a mechanistically driven optimization of hiPSC-NPC therapy to redirect transplanted cells toward a neuronal fate and enhance their integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Khazaei
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Christopher S Ahuja
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Hiroaki Nakashima
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Narihito Nagoshi
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Lijun Li
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Jian Wang
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Jonathon Chio
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Anna Badner
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - David Seligman
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Ayaka Ichise
- Electron Microscope Laboratory, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Shibata
- Electron Microscope Laboratory, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Michael G Fehlings
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada. .,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
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11
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Jarrin S, Hakami A, Newland B, Dowd E. Growth Factor Therapy for Parkinson's Disease: Alternative Delivery Systems. JOURNAL OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE 2021; 11:S229-S236. [PMID: 33896851 PMCID: PMC8543245 DOI: 10.3233/jpd-212662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Despite decades of research and billions in global investment, there remains no preventative or curative treatment for any neurodegenerative condition, including Parkinson's disease (PD). Arguably, the most promising approach for neuroprotection and neurorestoration in PD is using growth factors which can promote the growth and survival of degenerating neurons. However, although neurotrophin therapy may seem like the ideal approach for neurodegenerative disease, the use of growth factors as drugs presents major challenges because of their protein structure which creates serious hurdles related to accessing the brain and specific targeting of affected brain regions. To address these challenges, several different delivery systems have been developed, and two major approaches-direct infusion of the growth factor protein into the target brain region and in vivo gene therapy-have progressed to clinical trials in patients with PD. In addition to these clinically evaluated approaches, a range of other delivery methods are in various degrees of development, each with their own unique potential. This review will give a short overview of some of these alternative delivery systems, with a focus on ex vivo gene therapy and biomaterial-aided protein and gene delivery, and will provide some perspectives on their potential for clinical development and translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Jarrin
- Pharmacology & Therapeutics and Galway Neuroscience Centre, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Abrar Hakami
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Ben Newland
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Eilís Dowd
- Pharmacology & Therapeutics and Galway Neuroscience Centre, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
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12
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De Gioia R, Biella F, Citterio G, Rizzo F, Abati E, Nizzardo M, Bresolin N, Comi GP, Corti S. Neural Stem Cell Transplantation for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3103. [PMID: 32354178 PMCID: PMC7247151 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are disabling and fatal neurological disorders that currently lack effective treatment. Neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation has been studied as a potential therapeutic approach and appears to exert a beneficial effect against neurodegeneration via different mechanisms, such as the production of neurotrophic factors, decreased neuroinflammation, enhanced neuronal plasticity and cell replacement. Thus, NSC transplantation may represent an effective therapeutic strategy. To exploit NSCs' potential, some of their essential biological characteristics must be thoroughly investigated, including the specific markers for NSC subpopulations, to allow profiling and selection. Another key feature is their secretome, which is responsible for the regulation of intercellular communication, neuroprotection, and immunomodulation. In addition, NSCs must properly migrate into the central nervous system (CNS) and integrate into host neuronal circuits, enhancing neuroplasticity. Understanding and modulating these aspects can allow us to further exploit the therapeutic potential of NSCs. Recent progress in gene editing and cellular engineering techniques has opened up the possibility of modifying NSCs to express select candidate molecules to further enhance their therapeutic effects. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding these aspects, promoting the development of stem cell therapies that could be applied safely and effectively in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta De Gioia
- Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Biella
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Gaia Citterio
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Rizzo
- Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Abati
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Nizzardo
- Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Nereo Bresolin
- Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Pietro Comi
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neuromuscular and Rare Diseases Unit, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Neurology Unit, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
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13
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Viral Delivery of GDNF Promotes Functional Integration of Human Stem Cell Grafts in Parkinson's Disease. Cell Stem Cell 2020; 26:511-526.e5. [PMID: 32059808 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2020.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Dopaminergic neurons (DAns), generated from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), are capable of functionally integrating following transplantation and have recently advanced to clinical trials for Parkinson's disease (PD). However, pre-clinical studies have highlighted the low proportion of DAns within hPSC-derived grafts and their inferior plasticity compared to fetal tissue. Here, we examined whether delivery of a developmentally critical protein, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), could improve graft outcomes. We tracked the response of DAns implanted into either a GDNF-rich environment or after a delay in exposure. Early GDNF promoted survival and plasticity of non-DAns, leading to enhanced motor recovery in PD rats. Delayed exposure to GDNF promoted functional recovery through increases in DAn specification, DAn plasticity, and DA metabolism. Transcriptional profiling revealed a role for mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-signaling downstream of GDNF. Collectively, these results demonstrate the potential of neurotrophic gene therapy strategies to improve hPSC graft outcomes.
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14
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Hwang K, Jung K, Kim IS, Kim M, Han J, Lim J, Shin JE, Jang JH, Park KI. Glial Cell Line-derived Neurotrophic Factor-overexpressing Human Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells Enhance Therapeutic Efficiency in Rat with Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury. Exp Neurobiol 2019; 28:679-696. [PMID: 31902156 PMCID: PMC6946112 DOI: 10.5607/en.2019.28.6.679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes axonal damage and demyelination, neural cell death, and comprehensive tissue loss, resulting in devastating neurological dysfunction. Neural stem/progenitor cell (NSPCs) transplantation provides therapeutic benefits for neural repair in SCI, and glial cell linederived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has been uncovered to have capability of stimulating axonal regeneration and remyelination after SCI. In this study, to evaluate whether GDNF would augment therapeutic effects of NSPCs for SCI, GDNF-encoding or mock adenoviral vector-transduced human NSPCs (GDNF-or Mock-hNSPCs) were transplanted into the injured thoracic spinal cords of rats at 7 days after SCI. Grafted GDNFhNSPCs showed robust engraftment, long-term survival, an extensive distribution, and increased differentiation into neurons and oligodendroglial cells. Compared with Mock-hNSPC- and vehicle-injected groups, transplantation of GDNF-hNSPCs significantly reduced lesion volume and glial scar formation, promoted neurite outgrowth, axonal regeneration and myelination, increased Schwann cell migration that contributed to the myelin repair, and improved locomotor recovery. In addition, tract tracing demonstrated that transplantation of GDNF-hNSPCs reduced significantly axonal dieback of the dorsal corticospinal tract (dCST), and increased the levels of dCST collaterals, propriospinal neurons (PSNs), and contacts between dCST collaterals and PSNs in the cervical enlargement over that of the controls. Finally grafted GDNF-hNSPCs substantially reversed the increased expression of voltage-gated sodium channels and neuropeptide Y, and elevated expression of GABA in the injured spinal cord, which are involved in the attenuation of neuropathic pain after SCI. These findings suggest that implantation of GDNF-hNSPCs enhances therapeutic efficiency of hNSPCs-based cell therapy for SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyujin Hwang
- Brain Korea 21 Plus Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea.,Yonsei Biomedical Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Kwangsoo Jung
- Department of Pediatrics, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Il-Sun Kim
- Yonsei Biomedical Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Miri Kim
- Yonsei Biomedical Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Jungho Han
- Department of Pediatrics, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Joohee Lim
- Department of Pediatrics, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Jeong Eun Shin
- Department of Pediatrics, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Jae-Hyung Jang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Kook In Park
- Brain Korea 21 Plus Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea.,Yonsei Biomedical Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea.,Department of Pediatrics, Severance Children's Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
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15
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Chen C, Guderyon MJ, Li Y, Ge G, Bhattacharjee A, Ballard C, He Z, Masliah E, Clark RA, O'Connor JC, Li S. Non-toxic HSC Transplantation-Based Macrophage/Microglia-Mediated GDNF Delivery for Parkinson's Disease. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2019; 17:83-98. [PMID: 31890743 PMCID: PMC6931095 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2019.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Glial cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a potent neuroprotective agent in cellular and animal models of Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, CNS delivery of GDNF in clinical trials has proven challenging due to blood-brain barrier (BBB) impermeability, poor diffusion within brain tissue, and large brain size. We report that using non-toxic mobilization-enabled preconditioning, hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation-based macrophage-mediated gene delivery may provide a solution to overcome these obstacles. Syngeneic bone marrow HSCs were transduced ex vivo with a lentiviral vector expressing macrophage promoter-driven GDNF and transplanted into 14-week-old MitoPark mice exhibiting PD-like impairments. Transplant preconditioning with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and AMD3100 was used to vacate bone marrow stem cell niches. Chimerism reached ∼80% after seven transplantation cycles. Transgene-expressing macrophages infiltrated degenerating CNS regions of MitoPark mice (not wild-type littermate controls), resulting in increased GDNF levels in the midbrain. Macrophage GDNF delivery not only markedly improved motor and non-motor dysfunction, but also dramatically mitigated the loss of dopaminergic neurons in both substantia nigra and the ventral tegmental area and preserved axonal terminals in the striatum. Striatal dopamine levels were almost completely restored. Our data support further development of mobilization-enabled HSC transplantation (HSCT)-based macrophage-mediated GDNF gene delivery as a disease-modifying therapy for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cang Chen
- Department of Medicine, The University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Michael J Guderyon
- Department of Medicine, The University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Guo Ge
- Department of Medicine, The University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Anindita Bhattacharjee
- Department of Medicine, The University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Cori Ballard
- Department of Medicine, The University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Zhixu He
- Department of Pediatrics, Zunyi Medical University Affiliated Hospital and Key Laboratory of Adult Stem Cell Transformation Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China
| | | | - Robert A Clark
- Department of Medicine, The University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.,Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital, 7400 Merton Minter Boulevard, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Jason C O'Connor
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.,Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital, 7400 Merton Minter Boulevard, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Senlin Li
- Department of Medicine, The University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.,Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital, 7400 Merton Minter Boulevard, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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16
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Ebrahimikia Y, Darabi S, Rajaei F. Roles of stem cells in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. THE JOURNAL OF QAZVIN UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2018. [DOI: 10.29252/qums.22.4.83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
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17
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Akhtar AA, Gowing G, Kobritz N, Savinoff SE, Garcia L, Saxon D, Cho N, Kim G, Tom CM, Park H, Lawless G, Shelley BC, Mattis VB, Breunig JJ, Svendsen CN. Inducible Expression of GDNF in Transplanted iPSC-Derived Neural Progenitor Cells. Stem Cell Reports 2018; 10:1696-1704. [PMID: 29706501 PMCID: PMC5989694 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2018.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Trophic factor delivery to the brain using stem cell-derived neural progenitors is a powerful way to bypass the blood-brain barrier. Protection of diseased neurons using this technology is a promising therapy for neurodegenerative diseases. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has provided benefits to Parkinsonian patients and is being used in a clinical trial for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. However, chronic trophic factor delivery prohibits dose adjustment or cessation if side effects develop. To address this, we engineered a doxycycline-regulated vector, allowing inducible and reversible expression of a therapeutic molecule. Human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neural progenitors were stably transfected with the vector and transplanted into the adult mouse brain. Doxycycline can penetrate the graft, with addition and withdrawal providing inducible and reversible GDNF expression in vivo, over multiple cycles. Our findings provide proof of concept for combining gene and stem cell therapy for effective modulation of ectopic protein expression in transplanted cells. Created plasmid with tetracycline transactivator along with dual reporters and GDNF Efficient, stable transduction of human iPSC-derived neural progenitor cells Inducible and reversible in vivo expression of GDNF, reporter protein, and luciferase Promising stem cell and gene therapy strategy for neurodegenerative diseases
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Affiliation(s)
- Aslam Abbasi Akhtar
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Genevieve Gowing
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Naomi Kobritz
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Steve E Savinoff
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Leslie Garcia
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - David Saxon
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Noell Cho
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Gibum Kim
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Colton M Tom
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Hannah Park
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - George Lawless
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Brandon C Shelley
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Virginia B Mattis
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Joshua J Breunig
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Center for Neural Sciences and Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.
| | - Clive N Svendsen
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.
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18
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Thomsen GM, Avalos P, Ma AA, Alkaslasi M, Cho N, Wyss L, Vit JP, Godoy M, Suezaki P, Shelest O, Bankiewicz KS, Svendsen CN. Transplantation of Neural Progenitor Cells Expressing Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor into the Motor Cortex as a Strategy to Treat Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Stem Cells 2018; 36:1122-1131. [PMID: 29656478 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Early dysfunction of cortical motor neurons may underlie the initiation of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). As such, the cortex represents a critical area of ALS research and a promising therapeutic target. In the current study, human cortical-derived neural progenitor cells engineered to secrete glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) were transplanted into the SOD1G93A ALS rat cortex, where they migrated, matured into astrocytes, and released GDNF. This protected motor neurons, delayed disease pathology and extended survival of the animals. These same cells injected into the cortex of cynomolgus macaques survived and showed robust GDNF expression without adverse effects. Together this data suggests that introducing cortical astrocytes releasing GDNF represents a novel promising approach to treating ALS. Stem Cells 2018;36:1122-1131.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gretchen M Thomsen
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Pablo Avalos
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Annie A Ma
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mor Alkaslasi
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Noell Cho
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Livia Wyss
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jean-Philippe Vit
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Biobehavioral Research Core, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Marlesa Godoy
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Patrick Suezaki
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Oksana Shelest
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Krystof S Bankiewicz
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Clive N Svendsen
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
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19
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Ku J, El-Hashash A. Stem Cell Roles and Applications in Genetic Neurodegenerative Diseases. STEM CELLS IN CLINICAL APPLICATIONS 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-98065-2_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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20
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Soderstrom K, O'Malley J, Steece-Collier K, Kordower JH. Neural Repair Strategies for Parkinson's Disease: Insights from Primate Models. Cell Transplant 2017; 15:251-65. [PMID: 16719060 DOI: 10.3727/000000006783982025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonhuman primate models of Parkinson's disease (PD) have been invaluable to our understanding of the human disease and in the advancement of novel therapies for its treatment. In this review, we attempt to give a brief overview of the animal models of PD currently used, with a more comprehensive focus on the advantages and disadvantages presented by their use in the nonhuman primate. In particular, discussion addresses the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), 1-methyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydopyridine (MPTP), rotenone, paraquat, and maneb parkinsonian models. Additionally, the role of primate PD models in the development of novel therapies, such as trophic factor delivery, grafting, and deep brain stimulation, are described. Finally, the contribution of primate PD models to our understanding of the etiology and pathology of human PD is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Soderstrom
- Department of Neurological Science, Research Center for Brain Repair, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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21
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Akhtar AA, Breunig JJ. Tetracycline-Inducible and Reversible Stable Gene Expression in Human iPSC-Derived Neural Progenitors and in the Postnatal Mouse Brain. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 41:5A.9.1-5A.9.12. [PMID: 28510333 DOI: 10.1002/cpsc.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The pB-tet-GOI plasmid system allows for stable piggyBac transposition-mediated integration into cells, a fluorescent nuclear reporter to identify cells that have been transfected, and robust transgene activation or suppression upon the addition of dox to the cell culture or diet of the animal. Furthermore, the addition of luciferase downstream of the target gene allows for quantitative assessment of gene activity in a non-invasive manner. The protocols herein provide instructions for the use of this system in cell lines and in the neonatal mouse brain. Specifically, a detailed protocol is provided to illustrate: (1) cloning of the respective GOI (genetic element(s) of interest); (2) nucleofection of the plasmid system into human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neural progenitors; (3) dox-induced activation in vitro or in vivo; and (4) non-invasive assessment of gene activity in vivo by bioluminescence imaging. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aslam Abbasi Akhtar
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Joshua J Breunig
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.,Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.,Division of Applied Cell Biology and Physiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.,Department of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
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22
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Vermilyea SC, Emborg ME. The role of nonhuman primate models in the development of cell-based therapies for Parkinson's disease. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2017; 125:365-384. [PMID: 28326445 PMCID: PMC5847191 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-017-1708-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Through the course of over three decades, nonhuman primate (NHP) studies on cell-based therapies (CBTs) for Parkinson’s disease (PD) have provided insight into the feasibility, safety and efficacy of the approach, methods of cell collection and preparation, cell viability, as well as potential brain targets. Today, NHP research continues to be a vital source of information for improving cell grafts and analyzing how the host affects graft survival, integration and function. Overall, this article aims to discuss the role that NHP models of PD have played in CBT development and highlights specific issues that need to be considered to maximize the value of NHP studies for the successful clinical translation of CBTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott C Vermilyea
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1220 Capitol Court, Madison, WI, 53715, USA.,Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA
| | - Marina E Emborg
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1220 Capitol Court, Madison, WI, 53715, USA. .,Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA. .,Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA.
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23
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Thomsen GM, Alkaslasi M, Vit JP, Lawless G, Godoy M, Gowing G, Shelest O, Svendsen CN. Systemic injection of AAV9-GDNF provides modest functional improvements in the SOD1 G93A ALS rat but has adverse side effects. Gene Ther 2017; 24:245-252. [PMID: 28276446 PMCID: PMC5404206 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2017.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Revised: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Injecting proteins into the central nervous system that stimulate neuronal growth can lead to beneficial effects in animal models of disease. In particular, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has shown promise in animal and cell models of Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Here, systemic AAV9-GDNF was delivered via tail vein injections to young rats to determine whether this could be a safe and functional strategy to treat the SOD1G93A rat model of ALS and, therefore, translated to a therapy for ALS patients. We found that GDNF administration in this manner resulted in modest functional improvement, whereby grip strength was maintained for longer and the onset of forelimb paralysis was delayed compared to non-treated rats. This did not, however, translate into an extension in survival. In addition, ALS rats receiving GDNF exhibited slower weight gain, reduced activity levels and decreased working memory. Collectively, these results confirm that caution should be applied when applying growth factors such as GDNF systemically to multiple tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- G M Thomsen
- The Board of Governor's Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - M Alkaslasi
- The Board of Governor's Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - J-P Vit
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Biobehavioral Research Core, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - G Lawless
- The Board of Governor's Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - M Godoy
- The Board of Governor's Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - G Gowing
- The Board of Governor's Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - O Shelest
- The Board of Governor's Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - C N Svendsen
- The Board of Governor's Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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24
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Goldberg NRS, Marsh SE, Ochaba J, Shelley BC, Davtyan H, Thompson LM, Steffan JS, Svendsen CN, Blurton-Jones M. Human Neural Progenitor Transplantation Rescues Behavior and Reduces α-Synuclein in a Transgenic Model of Dementia with Lewy Bodies. Stem Cells Transl Med 2017; 6:1477-1490. [PMID: 28225193 PMCID: PMC5464354 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.16-0362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Revised: 12/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Synucleinopathies are a group of neurodegenerative disorders sharing the common feature of misfolding and accumulation of the presynaptic protein α‐synuclein (α‐syn) into insoluble aggregates. Within this diverse group, Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) is characterized by the aberrant accumulation of α‐syn in cortical, hippocampal, and brainstem neurons, resulting in multiple cellular stressors that particularly impair dopamine and glutamate neurotransmission and related motor and cognitive function. Recent studies show that murine neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation can improve cognitive or motor function in transgenic models of Alzheimer's and Huntington's disease, and DLB. However, examination of clinically relevant human NSCs in these models is hindered by the challenges of xenotransplantation and the confounding effects of immunosuppressant drugs on pathology and behavior. To address this challenge, we developed an immune‐deficient transgenic model of DLB that lacks T‐, B‐, and NK‐cells, yet exhibits progressive accumulation of human α‐syn (h‐α‐syn)‐laden inclusions and cognitive and motor impairments. We demonstrate that clinically relevant human neural progenitor cells (line CNS10‐hNPCs) survive, migrate extensively and begin to differentiate preferentially into astrocytes following striatal transplantation into this DLB model. Critically, grafted CNS10‐hNPCs rescue both cognitive and motor deficits after 1 and 3 months and, furthermore, restore striatal dopamine and glutamate systems. These behavioral and neurochemical benefits are likely achieved by reducing α‐syn oligomers. Collectively, these results using a new model of DLB demonstrate that hNPC transplantation can impact a broad array of disease mechanisms and phenotypes and suggest a cellular therapeutic strategy that should be pursued. Stem Cells Translational Medicine2017;6:1477–1490
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie R S Goldberg
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Irvine, California, USA.,Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, Irvine, California, USA.,Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Samuel E Marsh
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Irvine, California, USA.,Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, Irvine, California, USA.,Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Joseph Ochaba
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Irvine, California, USA.,Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Brandon C Shelley
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Hayk Davtyan
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Institute for Molecular Medicine, Huntington Beach, California, USA
| | - Leslie M Thompson
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Irvine, California, USA.,Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, Irvine, California, USA.,Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, Irvine, California, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Joan S Steffan
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Clive N Svendsen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mathew Blurton-Jones
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Irvine, California, USA.,Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, Irvine, California, USA.,Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, Irvine, California, USA
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25
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Gowing G, Svendsen S, Svendsen CN. Ex vivo gene therapy for the treatment of neurological disorders. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2017; 230:99-132. [PMID: 28552237 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2016.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Ex vivo gene therapy involves the genetic modification of cells outside of the body to produce therapeutic factors and their subsequent transplantation back into patients. Various cell types can be genetically engineered. However, with the explosion in stem cell technologies, neural stem/progenitor cells and mesenchymal stem cells are most often used. The synergy between the effect of the new cell and the additional engineered properties can often provide significant benefits to neurodegenerative changes in the brain. In this review, we cover both preclinical animal studies and clinical human trials that have used ex vivo gene therapy to treat neurological disorders with a focus on Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, ALS, and stroke. We highlight some of the major advances in this field including new autologous sources of pluripotent stem cells, safer ways to introduce therapeutic transgenes, and various methods of gene regulation. We also address some of the remaining hurdles including tunable gene regulation, in vivo cell tracking, and rigorous experimental design. Overall, given the current outcomes from researchers and clinical trials, along with exciting new developments in ex vivo gene and cell therapy, we anticipate that successful treatments for neurological diseases will arise in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve Gowing
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Soshana Svendsen
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Clive N Svendsen
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
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26
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Revishchin A, Moiseenko L, Kust N, Bazhenova N, Teslia P, Panteleev D, Kovalzon V, Pavlova G. Effects of striatal transplantation of cells transfected with GDNF gene without pre- and pro-regions in mouse model of Parkinson's disease. BMC Neurosci 2016; 17:34. [PMID: 27286696 PMCID: PMC4902902 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-016-0271-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Previously, we have shown that transgenic cells bearing the GDNF gene with deleted pre- and pro-regions (mGDNF) can release transgenic GDNF. The medium conditioned by transgenic cells with mGDNF induced axonal growth in rat embryonic spinal ganglion in vitro. Here we demonstrate a neurotrophic effect of mGDNF on PC12 cells in vitro as well as its neuroprotective effect on dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta in vivo as indicated by improved motor coordination and sleep-wakefulness cycle in the MPTP mouse model of Parkinson’s disease. Results HEK293 cells were transfected with a vector encoding an isoform of the human GDNF gene with deleted pre- and pro-regions (mGDNF). This factor in the medium conditioned by the transfected cells was shown to induce axonal growth in PC12 cells. The early Parkinson’s disease model was established by injection of the dopaminergic pro-neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) into C57Bl/6 mice. Transgenic HEK293/mGDNF/GFP cells were transplanted into the striatum (caudate-putamen) of experimental mice. The sleep-wakefulness cycle was studied by continuous EEG and motor activity monitoring 1 and 2 weeks after MPTP injection. After the experiment, the motor coordination of experimental animals was evaluated in the rotarod test, and dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta were counted in cross-sections of the midbrain. MPTP administration lowered the number of tyrosine hydroxylase immunopositive cells in the substantia nigra pars compacta, decreased motor coordination, and increased the total wake time during the dark period. The transplantation of HEK293/mGDNF cells into the caudate-putamen 3 days prior to MPTP injection smoothed these effects, while the control transplantation of HEK293 cells showed no notable impact. Conclusions Transplantation of transgenic cells with the GDNF gene lacking the pre- and pro-sequences can protect dopaminergic neurons in the mouse midbrain from the subsequent administration of the pro-neurotoxin MPTP, which is confirmed by polysomnographic, behavioral and histochemical data. Hence it is released from transfected cells and preserves the differentiation activity and neuroprotective properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Revishchin
- Laboratory of Neurogenetic and Developmental Genetic, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova Str., 34/5, Moscow, Russia, 119334.,Ltd Apto-pharm, Kolomensky Road, 13A, Moscow, Russia, 115446
| | - L Moiseenko
- Department of Higher Nervous Activity, Faculty of Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Lenin Hills d. 1, pp. 12, Moscow, Russia, 119234.,A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - N Kust
- Laboratory of Neurogenetic and Developmental Genetic, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova Str., 34/5, Moscow, Russia, 119334.,Ltd Apto-pharm, Kolomensky Road, 13A, Moscow, Russia, 115446
| | - N Bazhenova
- Department of Higher Nervous Activity, Faculty of Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Lenin Hills d. 1, pp. 12, Moscow, Russia, 119234.,Research Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, 125315
| | - P Teslia
- Laboratory of Neurogenetic and Developmental Genetic, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova Str., 34/5, Moscow, Russia, 119334
| | - D Panteleev
- Laboratory of Neurogenetic and Developmental Genetic, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova Str., 34/5, Moscow, Russia, 119334
| | - V Kovalzon
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, 33 Leninskij Prosp., Moscow, Russia, 119071
| | - G Pavlova
- Laboratory of Neurogenetic and Developmental Genetic, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova Str., 34/5, Moscow, Russia, 119334. .,Ltd Apto-pharm, Kolomensky Road, 13A, Moscow, Russia, 115446.
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27
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Levy M, Boulis N, Rao M, Svendsen CN. Regenerative cellular therapies for neurologic diseases. Brain Res 2016; 1638:88-96. [PMID: 26239912 PMCID: PMC4733583 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.06.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2014] [Revised: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The promise of stem cell regeneration has been the hope of many neurologic patients with permanent damage to the central nervous system. There are hundreds of stem cell trials worldwide intending to test the regenerative capacity of stem cells in various neurological conditions from Parkinson's disease to multiple sclerosis. Although no stem cell therapy is clinically approved for use in any human disease indication, patients are seeking out trials and asking clinicians for guidance. This review summarizes the current state of regenerative stem cell transplantation divided into seven conditions for which trials are currently active: demyelinating diseases/spinal cord injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, stroke, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, macular degeneration and peripheral nerve diseases. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI: PSC and the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Levy
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States.
| | - Nicholas Boulis
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Mahendra Rao
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Clive N Svendsen
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
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28
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Hjelm BE, Grunseich C, Gowing G, Avalos P, Tian J, Shelley BC, Mooney M, Narwani K, Shi Y, Svendsen CN, Wolfe JH, Fischbeck KH, Pierson TM. Mifepristone-inducible transgene expression in neural progenitor cells in vitro and in vivo. Gene Ther 2016; 23:424-37. [PMID: 26863047 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2016.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Revised: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Numerous gene and cell therapy strategies are being developed for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Many of these strategies use constitutive expression of therapeutic transgenic proteins, and although functional in animal models of disease, this method is less likely to provide adequate flexibility for delivering therapy to humans. Ligand-inducible gene expression systems may be more appropriate for these conditions, especially within the central nervous system (CNS). Mifepristone's ability to cross the blood-brain barrier makes it an especially attractive ligand for this purpose. We describe the production of a mifepristone-inducible vector system for regulated expression of transgenes within the CNS. Our inducible system used a lentivirus-based vector platform for the ex vivo production of mifepristone-inducible murine neural progenitor cells that express our transgenes of interest. These cells were processed through a series of selection steps to ensure that the cells exhibited appropriate transgene expression in a dose-dependent and temporally controlled manner with minimal background activity. Inducible cells were then transplanted into the brains of rodents, where they exhibited appropriate mifepristone-inducible expression. These studies detail a strategy for regulated expression in the CNS for use in the development of safe and efficient gene therapy for neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- B E Hjelm
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - C Grunseich
- Neurogenetics Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - G Gowing
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - P Avalos
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - J Tian
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - B C Shelley
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - M Mooney
- Neurogenetics Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - K Narwani
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Y Shi
- Neurogenetics Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - C N Svendsen
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - J H Wolfe
- Departments of Pediatrics and Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Stokes Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - K H Fischbeck
- Neurogenetics Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - T M Pierson
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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29
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Åkesson E, Sundström E. Human neural progenitor cells in central nervous system lesions. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2015; 31:69-81. [PMID: 26803559 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2015.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Various immature cells can be isolated from human embryonic and fetal central nervous system (CNS) residual tissue and potentially be used in cell therapy for a number of neurological diseases and CNS insults. Transplantation of neural stem and progenitor cells is essential for replacing lost cells, particularly in the CNS with very limited endogenous regenerative capacity. However, while dopamine released from transplanted cells can substitute the lost dopamine neurons in the experimental models of Parkinson's disease, stem and progenitor cells primarily have a neuroprotective effect, probably through the release of trophic factors. Understanding the therapeutic effects of transplanted cells is crucial to determine the design of clinical trials. During the last few years, a number of clinical trials for CNS diseases and insults such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), stroke, and spinal cord trauma using neural progenitor cells have been initiated. Data from these early studies will provide vital information on the safety of transplanting these cells, which still is a major concern. That the beneficial results observed in experimental models also can be repeated in the clinical setting is highly hoped for.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabet Åkesson
- Division of Neurodegeneration, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Novum 5th Floor, S-14157, Huddinge, and Stockholm Sjukhem Foundation, Box 12230, S-10226 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erik Sundström
- Division of Neurodegeneration, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Novum 5th Floor, S-14157, Huddinge, and Stockholm Sjukhem Foundation, Box 12230, S-10226 Stockholm, Sweden.
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30
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Current status of neuronal cell xenotransplantation. Int J Surg 2015; 23:267-272. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2015.09.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Revised: 09/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Burkhart A, Thomsen LB, Thomsen MS, Lichota J, Fazakas C, Krizbai I, Moos T. Transfection of brain capillary endothelial cells in primary culture with defined blood-brain barrier properties. Fluids Barriers CNS 2015; 12:19. [PMID: 26246240 PMCID: PMC4527128 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-015-0015-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Primary brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs) are a promising tool to study the blood–brain barrier (BBB) in vitro, as they maintain many important characteristics of the BBB in vivo, especially when co-cultured with pericytes and/or astrocytes. A novel strategy for drug delivery to the brain is to transform BCECs into protein factories by genetic modifications leading to secretion of otherwise BBB impermeable proteins into the central nervous system. However, a huge challenge underlying this strategy is to enable transfection of non-mitotic BCECs, taking a non-viral approach. We therefore aimed to study transfection in primary, non-mitotic BCECs cultured with defined BBB properties without disrupting the cells’ integrity. Methods Primary cultures of BCECs, pericytes and astrocytes were generated from rat brains and used in three different in vitro BBB experimental arrangements, which were characterised based on a their expression of tight junction proteins and other BBB specific proteins, high trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER), and low passive permeability to radiolabeled mannitol. Recombinant gene expression and protein synthesis were examined in primary BCECs. The BCECs were transfected using a commercially available transfection agent Turbofect™ to express the red fluorescent protein HcRed1-C1. The BCECs were transfected at different time points to monitor transfection in relation to mitotic or non-mitotic cells, as indicated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis after 5-and 6-carboxylfluorescein diacetate succinidyl ester incorporation. Results The cell cultures exhibited important BBB characteristics judged from their expression of BBB specific proteins, high TEER values, and low passive permeability. Among the three in vitro BBB models, co-culturing with BCECs and astrocytes was well suited for the transfection studies. Transfection was independent of cell division and with equal efficacy between the mitotic and non-mitotic BCECs. Importantly, transfection of BCECs exhibiting BBB characteristics did not alter the integrity of the BCECs cell layer. Conclusions The data clearly indicate that non-viral gene therapy of BCECs is possible in primary culture conditions with an intact BBB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Burkhart
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Biomedicine Group, Aalborg University, Frederik Bajers Vej 3B, 1.216, 9220, Aalborg East, Denmark.
| | - Louiza Bohn Thomsen
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Biomedicine Group, Aalborg University, Frederik Bajers Vej 3B, 1.216, 9220, Aalborg East, Denmark.
| | - Maj Schneider Thomsen
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Biomedicine Group, Aalborg University, Frederik Bajers Vej 3B, 1.216, 9220, Aalborg East, Denmark.
| | - Jacek Lichota
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Biomedicine Group, Aalborg University, Frederik Bajers Vej 3B, 1.216, 9220, Aalborg East, Denmark.
| | - Csilla Fazakas
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - István Krizbai
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Torben Moos
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Biomedicine Group, Aalborg University, Frederik Bajers Vej 3B, 1.216, 9220, Aalborg East, Denmark.
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32
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Bernau K, Lewis CM, Petelinsek AM, Reagan MS, Niles DJ, Mattis VB, Meyerand ME, Suzuki M, Svendsen CN. In Vivo Tracking of Human Neural Progenitor Cells in the Rat Brain Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging Is Not Enhanced by Ferritin Expression. Cell Transplant 2015; 25:575-92. [PMID: 26160767 DOI: 10.3727/096368915x688614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid growth in the field of stem cell research has generated a lot of interest in their therapeutic use, especially in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Specifically, human neural progenitor cells (hNPCs), unique in their capability to differentiate into cells of the neural lineage, have been widely investigated due to their ability to survive, thrive, and migrate toward injured tissues. Still, one of the major roadblocks for clinical applicability arises from the inability to monitor these cells following transplantation. Molecular imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), have been explored to assess hNPC transplant location, migration, and survival. Here we investigated whether inducing hNPCs to overexpress ferritin (hNPCs(Fer)), an iron storage protein, is sufficient to track these cells long term in the rat striatum using MRI. We found that increased hypointensity on MRI images could establish hNPC(Fer) location. Unexpectedly, however, wild-type hNPC transplants were detected in a similar manner, which is likely due to increased iron accumulation following transplantation-induced damage. Hence, we labeled hNPCs with superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles to further increase iron content in an attempt to enhance cell contrast in MRI. SPIO-labeling of hNPCs (hNPCs-SPIO) achieved increased hypointensity, with significantly greater area of decreased T2* compared to hNPC(Fer) (p < 0.0001) and all other controls used. However, none of the techniques could be used to determine graft rejection in vivo, which is imperative for understanding cell behavior following transplantation. We conclude that in order for cell survival to be monitored in preclinical and clinical settings, another molecular imaging technique must be employed, including perhaps multimodal imaging, which would utilize MRI along with another imaging modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ksenija Bernau
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Madison, WI, USA
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33
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Akhtar AA, Breunig JJ. Lost highway(s): barriers to postnatal cortical neurogenesis and implications for brain repair. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:216. [PMID: 26136658 PMCID: PMC4468390 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The genesis of the cerebral cortex is a highly complex and tightly-orchestrated process of cell division, migration, maturation, and integration. Developmental missteps often have catastrophic consequences on cortical function. Further, the cerebral cortex, in which neurogenesis takes place almost exclusively prenatally, has a very poor capacity for replacement of neurons lost to injury or disease. A multitude of factors underlie this deficit, including the depletion of radial glia, the gliogenic switch which mitigates continued neurogenesis, diminished neuronal migratory streams, and inflammatory processes associated with disease. Despite this, there are glimmers of hope that new approaches may allow for more significant cortical repair. Herein, we review corticogenesis from the context of regeneration and detail the strategies to promote neurogenesis, including interneuron transplants and glial reprogramming. Such strategies circumvent the "lost highways" which are critical for cortical development but are absent in the adult. These new approaches may provide for the possibility of meaningful clinical regeneration of elements of cortical circuitry lost to trauma and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aslam Abbasi Akhtar
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles, CA, USA ; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joshua J Breunig
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles, CA, USA ; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles, CA, USA ; Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Tsai Y, Lu B, Bakondi B, Girman S, Sahabian A, Sareen D, Svendsen CN, Wang S. Human iPSC-Derived Neural Progenitors Preserve Vision in an AMD-Like Model. Stem Cells 2015; 33:2537-49. [PMID: 25869002 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 03/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells are currently being tested for cell replacement in late-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, preserving vision at early-stages may also be possible. Here, we demonstrate that transplantation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iNPCs) limits disease progression in the Royal College of Surgeons rat, a preclinical model of AMD. Grafted-iNPCs survived, remained undifferentiated, and distributed extensively in a laminar fashion in the subretinal space. Retinal pathology resulting from the accumulation of undigested photoreceptor outer segments (POS) was significantly reduced in iNPC-injected rats compared with controls. Phagosomes within grafted-iNPCs contained POS, suggesting that iNPCs had compensated for defective POS phagocytosis by host-RPE. The iNPC-treated eyes contained six to eight rows of photoreceptor nuclei that spanned up to 5 mm in length in transverse retinal sections, compared with only one row of photoreceptors in controls. iNPC treatment fully preserved visual acuity measured by optokinetic response. Electrophysiological recordings revealed that retina with the best iNPC-protected areas were 140-fold more sensitive to light stimulation than equivalent areas of contralateral eyes. The results described here support the therapeutic utility of iNPCs as autologous grafts for early-stage of AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchun Tsai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Bin Lu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Benjamin Bakondi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sergey Girman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Anais Sahabian
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Dhruv Sareen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Clive N Svendsen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Shaomei Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Akhtar AA, Molina J, Dutra-Clarke M, Kim GB, Levy R, Schreiber-Stainthorp W, Danielpour M, Breunig JJ. A transposon-mediated system for flexible control of transgene expression in stem and progenitor-derived lineages. Stem Cell Reports 2015; 4:323-31. [PMID: 25702640 PMCID: PMC4375828 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2015.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Revised: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Precise methods for transgene regulation are important to study signaling pathways and cell lineages in biological systems where gene function is often recycled within and across lineages. We engineered a genetic toolset for flexible transgene regulation in these diverse cellular contexts. Specifically, we created an optimized piggyBac transposon-based system, allowing for the facile generation of stably transduced cell lineages in vivo and in vitro. The system, termed pB-Tet-GOI (piggyBac-transposable tetracycline transactivator-mediated flexible expression of a genetic element of interest), incorporates the latest generation of tetracycline (Tet) transactivator and reverse Tet transactivator variants—along with engineered mutants—in order to provide regulated transgene expression upon addition or removal of doxycycline (dox). Altogether, the flexibility of the system allows for dox-induced, dox-suppressed, dox-resistant (i.e., constitutive), and dox-induced/constitutive regulation of transgenes. This versatile strategy provides reversible temporal regulation of transgenes with robust inducibility and minimal leakiness. pB-Tet-GOI features the latest generation of Tet transactivators (tTAs) and variants piggyBac transposition allows for genomic insertion of pb-Tet-GOI pb-Tet-GOI provides flexible control of transgenes in vitro and in vivo tTA variants permit reversible, constitutive, or induced constitutive expression
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Affiliation(s)
- Aslam Abbasi Akhtar
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Jessica Molina
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Marina Dutra-Clarke
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Gi Bum Kim
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Rachelle Levy
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | | | - Moise Danielpour
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Joshua J Breunig
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.
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Lu B, Lin Y, Tsai Y, Girman S, Adamus G, Jones MK, Shelley B, Svendsen CN, Wang S. A Subsequent Human Neural Progenitor Transplant into the Degenerate Retina Does Not Compromise Initial Graft Survival or Therapeutic Efficacy. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2015; 4:7. [PMID: 25694843 PMCID: PMC4324446 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.4.1.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Stem and progenitor cell transplantation provides a promising clinical application for treating degenerative retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Our previous studies have shown that a single subretinal injection of human cortical-derived neural progenitor cells (hNPCctx) into cyclosporine-treated Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats preserved both photoreceptors and visual function. However, it is still unknown whether nonautologous progenitor cell readministration for sustained vision is efficacious and safe in terms of the initial graft initiating an immune response to a subsequent graft. METHODS A cell suspension containing 3×104 hNPCctx into one eye of cyclosporine-treated RCS rats at postnatal day 21 (P21), followed by a second transplantation at P95 into the previously untreated fellow eye. RESULTS hNPCctx delayed photoreceptor degeneration and preserved visual function, as measured by electroretinography (ERG), optokinetic response (OKR), and luminance threshold recordings (LTRs). Visual function and photoreceptors of the initially treated eye were still preserved 6 weeks after hNPCctx were injected into the second eye. Antibodies against T-cell markers showed that CD3, CD4, and CD8 T cells were not detected at P90 and P140 in most cases. No detectable level of anti-nestin antibody was found in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). CONCLUSIONS This xenograft study with cyclosporine-treated animals demonstrates that readministration of hNPCctx into the fellow eye did not induce anti-graft immune responses or lower therapeutic efficacy of hNPCctx in preserving vision. Thus, readministration of progenitor cells to sustain long-term efficacy may be an option for long-term therapies of retinal degeneration. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE Redosing neural progenitors do not affect the efficacy of the initial grafts in protecting vision or induce unwanted immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Lu
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yanhua Lin
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yuchun Tsai
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sergey Girman
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Melissa K. Jones
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Brandon Shelley
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Clive N. Svendsen
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shaomei Wang
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Depboylu C, Rösler TW, de Andrade A, Oertel WH, Höglinger GU. Systemically administered neuregulin-1β1 rescues nigral dopaminergic neurons via the ErbB4 receptor tyrosine kinase in MPTP mouse models of Parkinson's disease. J Neurochem 2015; 133:590-7. [PMID: 25581060 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Revised: 12/24/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Previously, we demonstrated that systemically injected extracellular domain of neuregulin-1β1 (Nrg1β1), a nerve growth and differentiation factor, passes the blood-brain barrier and rescues dopaminergic neurons of substantia nigra in the 6-hydroxydopamine-mouse model of Parkinson's disease (PD). Here, we studied the effects of peripherally administered Nrg1β1 in another toxin-based mouse model of PD. For this purpose, (i) nigrostriatal pathway injury was induced by treatment of adult wild-type mice with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) in acute and subchronic paradigms; and (ii) Nrg1β1 or saline (control) were administered 1 h before each MPTP injection. We found that Nrg1β1 significantly reduced the loss of nigral dopaminergic neurons in both intoxication paradigms (7 days post-injection). However, Nrg1β1 did not reverse MPTP-induced decrease in dopamine levels and dopaminergic fibers in the striatum. We also show that MPTP conversion to its toxic metabolite 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium as well as levels of dopamine transporter, mediating intracellular uptake of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium, are unaffected by Nrg1β1. Finally, neuroprotective properties of Nrg1β1 on nigral dopaminergic neurons are specifically mediated by ErbB4 as revealed through the study of ErbB4 knockout mice. In conclusion, systemically administered Nrg1β1 protects midbrain dopaminergic neurons against this PD-related toxic insult. Thus, Nrg1β1 may have a benefit in the treatment of PD patients. Previously, we demonstrated that systemically administered neuregulin-1β1 (Nrg1β1) passes the blood-brain barrier, phosphorylates ErbB4 receptors and elevates dopamine (DA) levels in the nigrostriatal system of healthy mice. Nrg1β1 protects nigral DAergic neurons in the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) mouse model of Parkinson's disease (PD). Here, we show that Nrg1β1 rescues nigral DAergic neurons also against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced cell death. ErbB4 expression is essential for the neuroprotective effect of Nrg1β1 on midbrain DAergic neurons. Nrg1β1 might be beneficial in PD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candan Depboylu
- Department of Neurology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
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Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor-secreting human neural progenitors show long-term survival, maturation into astrocytes, and no tumor formation following transplantation into the spinal cord of immunocompromised rats. Neuroreport 2014; 25:367-72. [PMID: 24284956 PMCID: PMC3969154 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000000092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Human neural progenitor cells (hNPCs) derived from the fetal cortex can be expanded in vitro and genetically modified through lentiviral transduction to secrete growth factors shown to have a neurotrophic effect in animal models of neurological disease. hNPCs survive and mature following transplantation into the central nervous system of large and small animals including the rat model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Here we report that hNPCs engineered to express glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) survive long-term (7.5 months) following transplantation into the spinal cord of athymic nude rats and continue to secrete GDNF. Cell proliferation declined while the number of astrocytes increased, suggesting final maturation of the cells over time in vivo. Together these data show that GDNF-producing hNPCs may be useful as a source of cells for long-term delivery of both astrocytes and GDNF to the damaged central nervous system.
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Intrastriatal GDNF gene transfer by inducible lentivirus vectors protects dopaminergic neurons in a rat model of parkinsonism. Exp Neurol 2014; 261:87-96. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2014.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Revised: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 06/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Böhm MRR, Prokosch V, Brückner M, Pfrommer S, Melkonyan H, Thanos S. βB2-Crystallin Promotes Axonal Regeneration in the Injured Optic Nerve in Adult Rats. Cell Transplant 2014; 24:1829-44. [PMID: 25299378 DOI: 10.3727/096368914x684583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to further scrutinize the potential of βB2-crystallin in supporting regeneration of injured retinal ganglion cell axons both in vitro and in vivo. Retinal explants obtained from animals after treatment either with lens injury (LI) alone or with combined LI 5 days or 3 days before or simultaneously with an optic nerve crush (ONC) were cultured for 96 h under regenerative conditions, and the regenerating axons were quantified and compared with untreated controls. These measurements were then repeated with LI replaced by intravitreal injections of γ-crystallin and β-crystallin at 5 days before ONC. Finally, βB2-crystallin-overexpressing transfected neural progenitor cells (βB2-crystallin-NPCs) in the eye were studied after crushing the optic nerve in vivo. Regeneration was monitored with the aid of immunoblotting of the retina and optic nerve both distal and proximal to the lesion site, and this was compared with controls that received injections of phosphate buffer only. LI performed 5 days or 3 days before ONC significantly promoted axonal outgrowth in vitro (p < 0.001), while LI performed alone before explantation did not. Intravitreal injections of β-crystallin and γ-crystallin mimicked the effects of LI and significantly increased axonal regeneration in culture at the same time intervals (p < 0.001). Western blot analysis revealed that crystallins were present in the proximal optic nerve stump at the lesion site in ONC, but were neither expressed in the undamaged distal optic nerve nor in uninjured tissue. βB2-crystallin-NPCs supported the regeneration of cut optic nerve axons within the distal optic nerve stump in vivo. The reported data suggest that βB2-crystallin-producing "cell factories" could be used to provide novel therapeutic drugs for central nervous system injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R R Böhm
- Institute for Experimental Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Münster, Germany
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Recent advances of stem cell therapy for retinitis pigmentosa. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:14456-74. [PMID: 25141102 PMCID: PMC4159862 DOI: 10.3390/ijms150814456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Revised: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited retinal disorders characterized by progressive loss of photoreceptors and eventually leads to retina degeneration and atrophy. Until now, the exact pathogenesis and etiology of this disease has not been clear, and many approaches for RP therapies have been carried out in animals and in clinical trials. In recent years, stem cell transplantation-based attempts made some progress, especially the transplantation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). This review will provide an overview of stem cell-based treatment of RP and its main problems, to provide evidence for the safety and feasibility for further clinical treatment.
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Faravelli I, Bucchia M, Rinchetti P, Nizzardo M, Simone C, Frattini E, Corti S. Motor neuron derivation from human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells: experimental approaches and clinical perspectives. Stem Cell Res Ther 2014; 5:87. [PMID: 25157556 PMCID: PMC4100331 DOI: 10.1186/scrt476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Motor neurons are cells located in specific areas of the central nervous system, such as brain cortex (upper motor neurons), brain stem, and spinal cord (lower motor neurons), which maintain control over voluntary actions. Motor neurons are affected primarily by a wide spectrum of neurological disorders, generally indicated as motor neuron diseases (MNDs): these disorders share symptoms related to muscular atrophy and paralysis leading to death. No effective treatments are currently available. Stem cell-derived motor neurons represent a promising research tool in disease modeling, drug screening, and development of therapeutic approaches for MNDs and spinal cord injuries. Directed differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells - human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) - toward specific lineages is the first crucial step in order to extensively employ these cells in early human development investigation and potential clinical applications. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be generated from patients' own somatic cells (for example, fibroblasts) by reprogramming them with specific factors. They can be considered embryonic stem cell-like cells, which express stem cell markers and have the ability to give rise to all three germ layers, bypassing the ethical concerns. Thus, hiPSCs constitute an appealing alternative source of motor neurons. These motor neurons might be a great research tool, creating a model for investigating the cellular and molecular interactions underlying early human brain development and pathologies during neurodegeneration. Patient-specific iPSCs may also provide the premises for autologous cell replacement therapies without related risks of immune rejection. Here, we review the most recent reported methods by which hESCs or iPSCs can be differentiated toward functional motor neurons with an overview on the potential clinical applications.
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Labeling of neuronal differentiation and neuron cells with biocompatible fluorescent nanodiamonds. Sci Rep 2014; 4:5004. [PMID: 24830447 PMCID: PMC4023134 DOI: 10.1038/srep05004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanodiamond is a promising carbon nanomaterial developed for biomedical applications. Here, we show fluorescent nanodiamond (FND) with the biocompatible properties that can be used for the labeling and tracking of neuronal differentiation and neuron cells derived from embryonal carcinoma stem (ECS) cells. The fluorescence intensities of FNDs were increased by treatment with FNDs in both the mouse P19 and human NT2/D1 ECS cells. FNDs were taken into ECS cells; however, FNDs did not alter the cellular morphology and growth ability. Moreover, FNDs did not change the protein expression of stem cell marker SSEA-1 of ECS cells. The neuronal differentiation of ECS cells could be induced by retinoic acid (RA). Interestingly, FNDs did not affect on the morphological alteration, cytotoxicity and apoptosis during the neuronal differentiation. Besides, FNDs did not alter the cell viability and the expression of neuron-specific marker β-III-tubulin in these differentiated neuron cells. The existence of FNDs in the neuron cells can be identified by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. Together, FND is a biocompatible and readily detectable nanomaterial for the labeling and tracking of neuronal differentiation process and neuron cells from stem cells.
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Vishwakarma SK, Bardia A, Tiwari SK, Paspala SA, Khan AA. Current concept in neural regeneration research: NSCs isolation, characterization and transplantation in various neurodegenerative diseases and stroke: A review. J Adv Res 2014; 5:277-94. [PMID: 25685495 PMCID: PMC4294738 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2013.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Revised: 04/10/2013] [Accepted: 04/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Since last few years, an impressive amount of data has been generated regarding the basic in vitro and in vivo biology of neural stem cells (NSCs) and there is much far hope for the success in cell replacement therapies for several human neurodegenerative diseases and stroke. The discovery of adult neurogenesis (the endogenous production of new neurons) in the mammalian brain more than 40 years ago has resulted in a wealth of knowledge about stem cells biology in neuroscience research. Various studies have done in search of a suitable source for NSCs which could be used in animal models to understand the basic and transplantation biology before treating to human. The difficulties in isolating pure population of NSCs limit the study of neural stem behavior and factors that regulate them. Several studies on human fetal brain and spinal cord derived NSCs in animal models have shown some interesting results for cell replacement therapies in many neurodegenerative diseases and stroke models. Also the methods and conditions used for in vitro culture of these cells provide an important base for their applicability and specificity in a definite target of the disease. Various important developments and modifications have been made in stem cells research which is needed to be more specified and enrolment in clinical studies using advanced approaches. This review explains about the current perspectives and suitable sources for NSCs isolation, characterization, in vitro proliferation and their use in cell replacement therapies for the treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases and strokes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep K. Vishwakarma
- Centre for Liver Research and Diagnostics, Deccan College of Medical Sciences, Kanchanbagh, Hyderabad, 500 058 Andhra Pradesh, India
- Paspala Advanced Neural (PAN) Research Foundation, Narayanguda, Hyderabad, 500 029 Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Avinash Bardia
- Centre for Liver Research and Diagnostics, Deccan College of Medical Sciences, Kanchanbagh, Hyderabad, 500 058 Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Santosh K. Tiwari
- Centre for Liver Research and Diagnostics, Deccan College of Medical Sciences, Kanchanbagh, Hyderabad, 500 058 Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Syed A.B. Paspala
- Centre for Liver Research and Diagnostics, Deccan College of Medical Sciences, Kanchanbagh, Hyderabad, 500 058 Andhra Pradesh, India
- Paspala Advanced Neural (PAN) Research Foundation, Narayanguda, Hyderabad, 500 029 Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Aleem A. Khan
- Centre for Liver Research and Diagnostics, Deccan College of Medical Sciences, Kanchanbagh, Hyderabad, 500 058 Andhra Pradesh, India
- Paspala Advanced Neural (PAN) Research Foundation, Narayanguda, Hyderabad, 500 029 Andhra Pradesh, India
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Bernau K, Lewis CM, Petelinsek AM, Benink HA, Zimprich CA, Meyerand ME, Suzuki M, Svendsen CN. In vivo tracking of human neural progenitor cells in the rat brain using bioluminescence imaging. J Neurosci Methods 2014; 228:67-78. [PMID: 24675049 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2014.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Revised: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stem cell therapies appear promising for treating certain neurodegenerative disorders and molecular imaging methods that track these cells in vivo could answer some key questions regarding their survival and migration. Bioluminescence imaging (BLI), which relies on luciferase expression in these cells, has been used for this purpose due to its high sensitivity. NEW METHOD In this study, we employ BLI to track luciferase-expressing human neural progenitor cells (hNPC(Luc2)) in the rat striatum long-term. RESULTS We show that hNPC(Luc2) are detectable in the rat striatum. Furthermore, we demonstrate that using this tracking method, surviving grafts can be detected in vivo for up to 12 weeks, while those that were rejected do not produce bioluminescence signal. We also demonstrate the ability to discern hNPC(Luc2) contralateral migration. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS Some of the advantages of BLI compared to other imaging methods used to track progenitor/stem cells include its sensitivity and specificity, low background signal and ability to distinguish surviving grafts from rejected ones over the long term while the blood-brain barrier remains intact. CONCLUSIONS These new findings may be useful in future preclinical applications developing cell-based treatments for neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ksenija Bernau
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, 4325a Veterinary Medicine Building, 2015 Linden Dr., Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Christina M Lewis
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1005 Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research, 1111 Highland Ave., Madison, WI 53705, USA.
| | - Anna M Petelinsek
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, 4325a Veterinary Medicine Building, 2015 Linden Dr., Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Hélène A Benink
- Promega Corporation, 2800 Woods Hollow Rd., Fitchburg, WI 53711, USA.
| | - Chad A Zimprich
- Promega Corporation, 2800 Woods Hollow Rd., Fitchburg, WI 53711, USA.
| | - M Elizabeth Meyerand
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1129 Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research, 1111 Highland Ave., Madison, WI 53705, USA.
| | - Masatoshi Suzuki
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, 4124 Veterinary Medicine Building, 2015 Linden Dr., Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Clive N Svendsen
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, 5009 Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research, 1111 Highland Ave., Madison, WI 53705, USA.
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Autologous transplantation of GDNF-expressing mesenchymal stem cells protects against MPTP-induced damage in cynomolgus monkeys. Sci Rep 2013; 3:2786. [PMID: 24071770 PMCID: PMC4070584 DOI: 10.1038/srep02786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2013] [Accepted: 09/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has shown beneficial effects in models of Parkinson's disease. The mild results observed in the double-blind clinical trial by intraputamenal infusion of recombinant GDNF proteins warrant a search for alternative delivery methods. In this study, we investigated the function of autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) expressing GDNF (GDNF-MSCs) for protection against MPTP-induced injury in cynomolgus monkeys. MSCs were obtained from the bone marrow of individual monkeys and gene-modified to express GDNF. Following unilateral engraftment of GDNF-MSCs into the striatum and substantia nigra, the animals were challenged with MPTP to induce a stable systemic Parkinsonian state. The motor functions were spared in the contralateral limbs of monkeys receiving GDNF-MSCs, but not in those receiving MSCs alone. In the striatum of the grafted hemisphere, dopamine levels were higher and dopamine uptake was enhanced. The results suggest that autologous MSCs may be a safe vehicle to deliver GDNF for enhancing nigro-striatum functions.
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Kordower JH, Bjorklund A. Trophic factor gene therapy for Parkinson's disease. Mov Disord 2013; 28:96-109. [PMID: 23390096 DOI: 10.1002/mds.25344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2012] [Revised: 12/05/2012] [Accepted: 12/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative movement disorder for which there is presently no cure. Pharmacological remedies targeting the dopaminergic network are relatively effective at ameliorating motor deficits, especially in the early stages of the disease, but none of these therapies are curative and many generate their own problems. Recent advances in PD research have demonstrated that gene delivery of trophic factors, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and neurturin, in particular, can provide structural and functional recovery in rodent and nonhuman primate models of PD. Similar success has been gleaned in open-label clinical trials, although this has yet to be realized in double-blinded analyses. This work reviews the field of trophic factor gene delivery for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey H Kordower
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA.
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Ansorena E, De Berdt P, Ucakar B, Simón-Yarza T, Jacobs D, Schakman O, Jankovski A, Deumens R, Blanco-Prieto MJ, Préat V, des Rieux A. Injectable alginate hydrogel loaded with GDNF promotes functional recovery in a hemisection model of spinal cord injury. Int J Pharm 2013; 455:148-58. [PMID: 23916821 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2013.07.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2013] [Revised: 07/15/2013] [Accepted: 07/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We hypothesized that local delivery of GDNF in spinal cord lesion via an injectable alginate hydrogel gelifying in situ would support spinal cord plasticity and functional recovery. The GDNF release from the hydrogel was slowed by GDNF encapsulation in microspheres compared to non-formulated GDNF (free GDNF). When injected in a rat spinal cord hemisection model, more neurofilaments were observed in the lesion when the rats were treated with free GDNF-loaded hydrogels. More growing neurites were detected in the tissues surrounding the lesion when the animals were treated with GDNF microsphere-loaded hydrogels. Intense GFAP (astrocytes), low βIII tubulin (neural cells) and RECA-1 (endothelial cells) stainings were observed for non-treated lesions while GDNF-treated spinal cords presented less GFAP staining and more endothelial and nerve fiber infiltration in the lesion site. The animals treated with free GDNF-loaded hydrogel presented superior functional recovery compared with the animals treated with the GDNF microsphere-loaded hydrogels and non-treated animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Ansorena
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Pharmaceutics and Drug delivery Unit, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
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Regulated expression of lentivirus-mediated GDNF in human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and its neuroprotection on dopaminergic cells in vitro. PLoS One 2013; 8:e64389. [PMID: 23717608 PMCID: PMC3661514 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0064389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene regulation remains one of the major challenges for gene therapy in clinical trials. In the present study, we first generated a binary tetracycline-on (Tet-On) system based on two lentivirus vectors, one expressing both human glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (hGDNF) and humanized recombinant green fluorescent protein (hrGFP) genes under second-generation tetracycline response element (TRE), and the other expressing the advanced reverse tetracycline-controlled transactivator--rtTA2S-M2 under a human minimal cytomegalovirus immediate early (CMV-IE) promoter. This system allows simultaneous expression of hGDNF and hrGFP genes in the presence of doxycycline (Dox). Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were transduced with the binary Tet-On lentivirus vectors and characterized in vitro in the presence (On) or absence (Off) of Dox. The expression of hGDNF and hrGFP transgenes in transduced hMSCs was tightly regulated as determined by flow cytometry (FCM), GDNF enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). There was a dose-dependent regulation for hrGFP transgene expression. The levels of hGDNF protein in culture medium were correlated with the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) units of hrGFP. The levels of transgene background expression were very low in the absence of Dox. The treatment of the conditioned medium from cultures of transduced hMSCs in the presence of Dox protected SH-SY5Y cells against 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) toxicity as determined by cell viability using 3, [4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The treatment of the conditioned medium was also found to improve the survival of dopaminergic (DA) neurons of ventral mesencephalic (VM) tissue in serum-free culture conditions as assessed by cell body area, the number of neurites and dendrite branching points, and proportion of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunoreactive (IR) cells. Our inducible lentivirus-mediated hGDNF gene delivery system may provide useful tools for basic research on gene therapy for chronic neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD).
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Biodegradable microparticles for strictly regulating the release of neurotrophic factors. J Control Release 2013; 168:307-16. [PMID: 23578846 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2013.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2012] [Revised: 03/26/2013] [Accepted: 03/30/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
A lot of research has been carried out in the last decade to find a cure for neurodegenerative diseases especially Parkinson's disease but to little avail. In this study we have demonstrated the use of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)/collagen biodegradable microparticles formed using water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) double emulsion method, as a neurotrophic factor delivery vehicle. The microparticles were encapsulated with glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) fused with collagen binding peptide (CBP) immobilized to the inner collagen phase. The novelty lies in the strict regulation of release of GDNF-CBP from the microparticles as compared to a burst release from standard microparticles. The microparticles were demonstrated to be non-cytotoxic till 300 μg/2 × 10⁵ cells and revealed a maximum release of 250 ng GDNF-CBP/mg microparticles in 0.3% collagenase. Differentiation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) into mature neurons was demonstrated by co-culturing microparticles with cells in a medium containing collagenase which enabled the release of encapsulated GDNF-CBP, signaling the differentiation of NPCs into microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2)-expressing neurons. The successful ability of these microparticles to deliver neurotrophic factors and allow differentiation of NPCs into mature neurons provides some scope in its use for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.
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