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Li ST, Wan Y, Chen L, Ding Y. Advances in neuronal reprogramming for neurodegenerative diseases: Strategies, controversies, and opportunities. Exp Neurol 2024; 378:114817. [PMID: 38763354 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Neuronal death is often observed in central nervous system injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. The mammalian central nervous system manifests limited neuronal regeneration capabilities, and traditional cell therapies are limited in their potential applications due to finite cell sources and immune rejection. Neuronal reprogramming has emerged as a novel technology, in which non-neuronal cells (e.g. glial cells) are transdifferentiated into mature neurons. This process results in relatively minimal immune rejection. The present review discuss the latest progress in this cutting-edge field, including starter cell selection, innovative technical strategies and methods of neuronal reprogramming for neurodegenerative diseases, as well as the potential problems and controversies. The further development of neuronal reprogramming technology may pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Tong Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yue Wan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yan Ding
- Department of Histology and Embryology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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Barker RA, Björklund A, Parmar M. The history and status of dopamine cell therapies for Parkinson's disease. Bioessays 2024:e2400118. [PMID: 39058892 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202400118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the loss of the dopaminergic nigrostriatal pathway which has led to the successful development of drug therapies that replace or stimulate this network pharmacologically. Although these drugs work well in the early stages of the disease, over time they produce side effects along with less consistent clinical benefits to the person with Parkinson's (PwP). As such there has been much interest in repairing this pathway using transplants of dopamine neurons. This work which began 50 years ago this September is still ongoing and has now moved to first in human trials using human pluripotent stem cell-derived dopaminergic neurons. The results of these trials are eagerly awaited although proof of principle data has already come from trials using human fetal midbrain dopamine cell transplants. This data has shown that developing dopamine cells when transplanted in the brain of a PwP can survive long term with clinical benefits lasting decades and with restoration of normal dopaminergic innervation in the grafted striatum. In this article, we discuss the history of this field and how this has now led us to the recent stem cell trials for PwP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger A Barker
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Anders Björklund
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Malin Parmar
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund Stem Cell Center and Division of Neurology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Liu MH, Xu YG, Bai XN, Lin JH, Xiang ZQ, Wang T, Xu L, Chen G. Efficient Dlx2-mediated astrocyte-to-neuron conversion and inhibition of neuroinflammation by NeuroD1. Dev Neurobiol 2024. [PMID: 39034481 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
In vivo astrocyte-to-neuron (AtN) conversion induced by overexpression of neural transcriptional factors has great potential for neural regeneration and repair. Here, we demonstrate that a single neural transcriptional factor, Dlx2, converts mouse striatal astrocytes into neurons in a dose-dependent manner. Lineage-tracing studies in Aldh1l1-CreERT2 mice confirm that Dlx2 can convert striatal astrocytes into DARPP32+ and Ctip2+ medium spiny neurons (MSNs). Time-course studies reveal a gradual conversion from astrocytes to neurons in 1 month, with a distinct intermediate state in between astrocytes and neurons. Interestingly, when Dlx2-infected astrocytes start to lose astrocytic markers, the other local astrocytes proliferate to maintain astrocytic levels in the converted areas. Unexpectedly, although Dlx2 efficiently reprograms astrocytes into neurons in the gray matter striatum, it also induces partial reprogramming of astrocytes in the white matter corpus callosum. Such partial reprogramming of white matter astrocytes is associated with neuroinflammation, which can be suppressed by the addition of NeuroD1. Our results highlight the importance of investigating AtN conversion in both the gray matter and white matter to thoroughly evaluate therapeutic potentials. This study also unveils the critical role of anti-inflammation by NeuroD1 during AtN conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Hui Liu
- Guangdong-HongKong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- VIB Center for Brain and Disease, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yu-Ge Xu
- Guangdong-HongKong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Ni Bai
- Guangdong-HongKong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian-Hua Lin
- Guangdong-HongKong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zong-Qin Xiang
- Guangdong-HongKong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Guangdong-HongKong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liang Xu
- Guangdong-HongKong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gong Chen
- Guangdong-HongKong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration (GHMICR), Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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Liang S, Zhou J, Yu X, Lu S, Liu R. Neuronal conversion from glia to replenish the lost neurons. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1446-1453. [PMID: 38051886 PMCID: PMC10883502 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.386400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Neuronal injury, aging, and cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases such as cerebral infarction, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington's disease are characterized by significant neuronal loss. Unfortunately, the neurons of most mammals including humans do not possess the ability to self-regenerate. Replenishment of lost neurons becomes an appealing therapeutic strategy to reverse the disease phenotype. Transplantation of pluripotent neural stem cells can supplement the missing neurons in the brain, but it carries the risk of causing gene mutation, tumorigenesis, severe inflammation, and obstructive hydrocephalus induced by brain edema. Conversion of neural or non-neural lineage cells into functional neurons is a promising strategy for the diseases involving neuron loss, which may overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages of neural stem cell therapy. Thus far, many strategies to transform astrocytes, fibroblasts, microglia, Müller glia, NG2 cells, and other glial cells to mature and functional neurons, or for the conversion between neuronal subtypes have been developed through the regulation of transcription factors, polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 (PTBP1), and small chemical molecules or are based on a combination of several factors and the location in the central nervous system. However, some recent papers did not obtain expected results, and discrepancies exist. Therefore, in this review, we discuss the history of neuronal transdifferentiation, summarize the strategies for neuronal replenishment and conversion from glia, especially astrocytes, and point out that biosafety, new strategies, and the accurate origin of the truly converted neurons in vivo should be focused upon in future studies. It also arises the attention of replenishing the lost neurons from glia by gene therapies such as up-regulation of some transcription factors or down-regulation of PTBP1 or drug interference therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Liang
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Geriatric Rehabilitation, Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolin Yu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuai Lu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ruitian Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Wei J, Wang M, Li S, Han R, Xu W, Zhao A, Yu Q, Li H, Li M, Chi G. Reprogramming of astrocytes and glioma cells into neurons for central nervous system repair and glioblastoma therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 176:116806. [PMID: 38796971 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) damage is usually irreversible owing to the limited regenerative capability of neurons. Following CNS injury, astrocytes are reactively activated and are the key cells involved in post-injury repair mechanisms. Consequently, research on the reprogramming of reactive astrocytes into neurons could provide new directions for the restoration of neural function after CNS injury and in the promotion of recovery in various neurodegenerative diseases. This review aims to provide an overview of the means through which reactive astrocytes around lesions can be reprogrammed into neurons, to elucidate the intrinsic connection between the two cell types from a neurogenesis perspective, and to summarize what is known about the neurotranscription factors, small-molecule compounds and MicroRNA that play major roles in astrocyte reprogramming. As the malignant proliferation of astrocytes promotes the development of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), this review also examines the research advances on and the theoretical basis for the reprogramming of GBM cells into neurons and discusses the advantages of such approaches over traditional treatment modalities. This comprehensive review provides new insights into the field of GBM therapy and theoretical insights into the mechanisms of neurological recovery following neurological injury and in GBM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyuan Wei
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Miaomiao Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Shilin Li
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Rui Han
- Department of Neurovascular Surgery, First Hospital of Jilin University, 1xinmin Avenue, Changchun, Jilin Province 130021, China.
| | - Wenhong Xu
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Anqi Zhao
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Qi Yu
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Haokun Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Meiying Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Guangfan Chi
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, and College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
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Rifes P, Kajtez J, Christiansen JR, Schörling A, Rathore GS, Wolf DA, Heuer A, Kirkeby A. Forced LMX1A expression induces dorsal neural fates and disrupts patterning of human embryonic stem cells into ventral midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Stem Cell Reports 2024; 19:830-838. [PMID: 38759646 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2024.04.010] [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: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into ventral mesencephalic dopaminergic (DA) fate is relevant for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Shortcuts to obtaining DA cells through direct reprogramming often include forced expression of the transcription factor LMX1A. Although reprogramming with LMX1A can generate tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive cells, their regional identity remains elusive. Using an in vitro model of early human neural tube patterning, we report that forced LMX1A expression induced a ventral-to-dorsal fate shift along the entire neuroaxis with the emergence of roof plate fates despite the presence of ventralizing molecules. The LMX1A-expressing progenitors gave rise to grafts containing roof plate-derived choroid plexus cysts as well as ectopically induced TH-positive neurons of a forebrain identity. Early activation of LMX1A prior to floor plate specification was necessary for the dorsalizing effect. Our work suggests using caution in employing LMX1A for the induction of DA fate, as this factor may generate roof plate rather than midbrain fates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Rifes
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW) and Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Janko Kajtez
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW) and Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Josefine Rågård Christiansen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW) and Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Alrik Schörling
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW) and Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden; Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Gaurav Singh Rathore
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW) and Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Daniel A Wolf
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Andreas Heuer
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden; Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Agnete Kirkeby
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW) and Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden; Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden.
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Liu S, Xu X, Omari-Siaw E, Yu J, Deng W. Progress of reprogramming astrocytes into neuron. Mol Cell Neurosci 2024; 130:103947. [PMID: 38862082 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2024.103947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
As the main players in the central nervous system (CNS), neurons dominate most life activities. However, after accidental trauma or neurodegenerative diseases, neurons are unable to regenerate themselves. The loss of this important role can seriously affect the quality of life of patients, ranging from movement disorders to disability and even death. There is no suitable treatment to prevent or reverse this process. Therefore, the regeneration of neurons after loss has been a major clinical problem and the key to treatment. Replacing the lost neurons by transdifferentiation of other cells is the only viable approach. Although much progress has been made in stem cell therapy, ethical issues, immune rejection, and limited cell sources still hinder its clinical application. In recent years, somatic cell reprogramming technology has brought a new dawn. Among them, astrocytes, as endogenously abundant cells homologous to neurons, have good potential and application value for reprogramming into neurons, having been reprogrammed into neurons in vitro and in vivo in a variety of ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sitong Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; The International Institute on Natural Products and Stem Cells (iNPS), Zhenjiang, China; Key Lab for Drug Delivery & Tissue Regeneration, Zhenjiang, China; Jiangsu Provincial Research Center for Medicinal Function Development of New Food Resources, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Ximing Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; The International Institute on Natural Products and Stem Cells (iNPS), Zhenjiang, China; Key Lab for Drug Delivery & Tissue Regeneration, Zhenjiang, China; Jiangsu Provincial Research Center for Medicinal Function Development of New Food Resources, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Emmanuel Omari-Siaw
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Kumasi Technical University, PO Box 854, Kumasi, Ashanti, Ghana
| | - Jiangnan Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; The International Institute on Natural Products and Stem Cells (iNPS), Zhenjiang, China; Key Lab for Drug Delivery & Tissue Regeneration, Zhenjiang, China; Jiangsu Provincial Research Center for Medicinal Function Development of New Food Resources, Zhenjiang, China.
| | - Wenwen Deng
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China; The International Institute on Natural Products and Stem Cells (iNPS), Zhenjiang, China; Key Lab for Drug Delivery & Tissue Regeneration, Zhenjiang, China; Jiangsu Provincial Research Center for Medicinal Function Development of New Food Resources, Zhenjiang, China.
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Tan Z, Qin S, Liu H, Huang X, Pu Y, He C, Yuan Y, Su Z. Small molecules reprogram reactive astrocytes into neuronal cells in the injured adult spinal cord. J Adv Res 2024; 59:111-127. [PMID: 37380102 PMCID: PMC11081968 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ectopic expression of transcription factor-mediated in vivo neuronal reprogramming provides promising strategy to compensate for neuronal loss, while its further clinical application may be hindered by delivery and safety concerns. As a novel and attractive alternative, small molecules may offer a non-viral and non-integrative chemical approach for reprogramming cell fates. Recent definitive evidences have shown that small molecules can convert non-neuronal cells into neurons in vitro. However, whether small molecules alone can induce neuronal reprogramming in vivo remains largely unknown. OBJECTIVES To identify chemical compounds that can induce in vivo neuronal reprogramming in the adult spinal cord. METHODS Immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR and fate-mapping are performed to analyze the role of small molecules in reprogramming astrocytes into neuronal cells in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS By screening, we identify a chemical cocktail with only two chemical compounds that can directly and rapidly reprogram cultured astrocytes into neuronal cells. Importantly, this chemical cocktail can also successfully trigger neuronal reprogramming in the injured adult spinal cord without introducing exogenous genetic factors. These chemically induced cells showed typical neuronal morphologies and neuron-specific marker expression and could become mature and survive for more than 12 months. Lineage tracing indicated that the chemical compound-converted neuronal cells mainly originated from post-injury spinal reactive astrocytes. CONCLUSION Our proof-of-principle study demonstrates that in vivo glia-to-neuron conversion can be manipulated in a chemical compound-based manner. Albeit our current chemical cocktail has a lowreprogramming efficiency, it will bring in vivo cell fate reprogramming closer to clinical application in brain and spinal cord repair. Future studies should focus on further refining our chemical cocktail and reprogramming approach to boost the reprogramming efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijian Tan
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Shangyao Qin
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xiao Huang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yingyan Pu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Cheng He
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yimin Yuan
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Zhida Su
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
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Umeyama T, Matsuda T, Nakashima K. Lineage Reprogramming: Genetic, Chemical, and Physical Cues for Cell Fate Conversion with a Focus on Neuronal Direct Reprogramming and Pluripotency Reprogramming. Cells 2024; 13:707. [PMID: 38667322 PMCID: PMC11049106 DOI: 10.3390/cells13080707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Although lineage reprogramming from one cell type to another is becoming a breakthrough technology for cell-based therapy, several limitations remain to be overcome, including the low conversion efficiency and subtype specificity. To address these, many studies have been conducted using genetics, chemistry, physics, and cell biology to control transcriptional networks, signaling cascades, and epigenetic modifications during reprogramming. Here, we summarize recent advances in cellular reprogramming and discuss future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taichi Umeyama
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Taito Matsuda
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
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Traxler L, Borgogno O, Mertens J. Ignorance is bliss: Inhibition of proteomic stress sensing improves direct neuronal conversion. Neuron 2024; 112:1035-1037. [PMID: 38574725 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Direct conversion of non-neuronal cells to neurons offers opportunities for disease modeling and therapy. In this issue of Neuron, Sonsalla et al.1 reveal the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway as a "proteomic roadblock" to direct neuronal conversion; overcoming this roadblock enhances reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Traxler
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA; Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Oliver Borgogno
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA; Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jerome Mertens
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA; Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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11
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Zhao J, Liu S, Xiang X, Zhu X. Versatile strategies for adult neurogenesis: avenues to repair the injured brain. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:774-780. [PMID: 37843211 PMCID: PMC10664121 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.382224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain injuries due to trauma or stroke are major causes of adult death and disability. Unfortunately, few interventions are effective for post-injury repair of brain tissue. After a long debate on whether endogenous neurogenesis actually happens in the adult human brain, there is now substantial evidence to support its occurrence. Although neurogenesis is usually significantly stimulated by injury, the reparative potential of endogenous differentiation from neural stem/progenitor cells is usually insufficient. Alternatively, exogenous stem cell transplantation has shown promising results in animal models, but limitations such as poor long-term survival and inefficient neuronal differentiation make it still challenging for clinical use. Recently, a high focus was placed on glia-to-neuron conversion under single-factor regulation. Despite some inspiring results, the validity of this strategy is still controversial. In this review, we summarize historical findings and recent advances on neurogenesis strategies for neurorepair after brain injury. We also discuss their advantages and drawbacks, as to provide a comprehensive account of their potentials for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyi Zhao
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Siyu Liu
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xianyuan Xiang
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xinzhou Zhu
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
- Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
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12
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Cho HE, Lee S, Seo JH, Kang SW, Choi WA, Cho SR. In Vivo Reprogramming Using Yamanaka Factors in the CNS: A Scoping Review. Cells 2024; 13:343. [PMID: 38391956 PMCID: PMC10886652 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system diseases, particularly neurodegenerative disorders, pose significant challenges in medicine. These conditions, characterized by progressive neuronal loss, have remained largely incurable, exacting a heavy toll on individuals and society. In recent years, in vivo reprogramming using Yamanaka factors has emerged as a promising approach for central nervous system regeneration. This technique involves introducing transcription factors, such as Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc, into adult cells to induce their conversion into neurons. This review summarizes the current state of in vivo reprogramming research in the central nervous system, focusing on the use of Yamanaka factors. In vivo reprogramming using Yamanaka factors has shown promising results in several animal models of central nervous system diseases. Studies have demonstrated that this approach can promote the generation of new neurons, improve functional outcomes, and reduce scar formation. However, there are still several challenges that need to be addressed before this approach can be translated into clinical practice. These challenges include optimizing the efficiency of reprogramming, understanding the cell of origin for each transcription factor, and developing methods for reprogramming in non-subventricular zone areas. Further research is needed to overcome the remaining challenges, but this approach has the potential to revolutionize the way we treat central nervous system disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Eol Cho
- Rehabilitation Institute of Neuromuscular Disease, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06229, Republic of Korea; (H.E.C.); (S.-W.K.)
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Seoul 06229, Republic of Korea
| | - Siwoo Lee
- Graduate Program of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jung Hwa Seo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea;
- Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Woong Kang
- Rehabilitation Institute of Neuromuscular Disease, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06229, Republic of Korea; (H.E.C.); (S.-W.K.)
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Seoul 06229, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Ah Choi
- Rehabilitation Institute of Neuromuscular Disease, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06229, Republic of Korea; (H.E.C.); (S.-W.K.)
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Seoul 06229, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Rae Cho
- Rehabilitation Institute of Neuromuscular Disease, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06229, Republic of Korea; (H.E.C.); (S.-W.K.)
- Graduate Program of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Brain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea;
- Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
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13
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Esmaeili A, Eteghadi A, Landi FS, Yavari SF, Taghipour N. Recent approaches in regenerative medicine in the fight against neurodegenerative disease. Brain Res 2024; 1825:148688. [PMID: 38042394 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148688] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases arise due to slow and gradual loss of structure and/or function of neurons and glial cells and cause different degrees of loss of cognition abilities and sensation. The little success in developing effective treatments imposes a high and regressive economic impact on society, patients and their families. In recent years, regenerative medicine has provided a great opportunity to research new innovative strategies with strong potential to treatleva these diseases. These effects are due to the ability of suitable cells and biomaterials to regenerate damaged nerves with differentiated cells, creating an appropriate environment for recovering or preserving existing healthy neurons and glial cells from destruction and damage. Ultimately, a better understanding and thus a further investigation of stem cell technology, tissue engineering, gene therapy, and exosomes allows progress towards practical and effective treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, in this review, advances currently being developed in regenerative medicine using animal models and human clinical trials in neurological disorders are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Esmaeili
- Medical Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atefeh Eteghadi
- Medical Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Saeedi Landi
- Medical Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shadnaz Fakhteh Yavari
- Medical Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Niloofar Taghipour
- Medical Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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14
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Sichani AS, Khoddam S, Shakeri S, Tavakkoli Z, Jafroodi AR, Dabbaghipour R, Sisakht M, Fallahi J. Partial Reprogramming as a Method for Regenerating Neural Tissues in Aged Organisms. Cell Reprogram 2024; 26:10-23. [PMID: 38381402 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2023.0123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging causes numerous age-related diseases, leading the human species to death. Nevertheless, rejuvenating strategies based on cell epigenetic modifications are a possible approach to counteract disease progression while getting old. Cell reprogramming of adult somatic cells toward pluripotency ought to be a promising tool for age-related diseases. However, researchers do not have control over this process as cells lose their fate, and cause potential cancerous cells or unexpected cell phenotypes. Direct and partial reprogramming were introduced in recent years with distinctive applications. Although direct reprogramming makes cells lose their identity, it has various applications in regeneration medicine. Temporary and regulated in vivo overexpression of Yamanaka factors has been shown in several experimental contexts to be achievable and is used to rejuvenate mice models. This regeneration can be accomplished by altering the epigenetic adult cell signature to the signature of a younger cell. The greatest advantage of partial reprogramming is that this method does not allow cells to lose their identity when they are resetting their epigenetic clock. It is a regimen of short-term Oct3/4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc expression in vivo that prevents full reprogramming to the pluripotent state and avoids both tumorigenesis and the presence of unwanted undifferentiated cells. We know that many neurological age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, dementia, and Parkinson's disease, are the main cause of death in the last decades of life. Therefore, scientists have a special tendency regarding neuroregeneration methods to increase human life expectancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Saber Sichani
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Somayeh Khoddam
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shayan Shakeri
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Tavakkoli
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Arad Ranji Jafroodi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Dabbaghipour
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Sisakht
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Jafar Fallahi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Wu Y, Meng X, Cheng WY, Yan Z, Li K, Wang J, Jiang T, Zhou F, Wong KH, Zhong C, Dong Y, Gao S. Can pluripotent/multipotent stem cells reverse Parkinson's disease progression? Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1210447. [PMID: 38356648 PMCID: PMC10864507 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1210447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by continuous and selective degeneration or death of dopamine neurons in the midbrain, leading to dysfunction of the nigrostriatal neural circuits. Current clinical treatments for PD include drug treatment and surgery, which provide short-term relief of symptoms but are associated with many side effects and cannot reverse the progression of PD. Pluripotent/multipotent stem cells possess a self-renewal capacity and the potential to differentiate into dopaminergic neurons. Transplantation of pluripotent/multipotent stem cells or dopaminergic neurons derived from these cells is a promising strategy for the complete repair of damaged neural circuits in PD. This article reviews and summarizes the current preclinical/clinical treatments for PD, their efficacies, and the advantages/disadvantages of various stem cells, including pluripotent and multipotent stem cells, to provide a detailed overview of how these cells can be applied in the treatment of PD, as well as the challenges and bottlenecks that need to be overcome in future translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongkang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Evaluation and Sports Intervention, Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangtian Meng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wai-Yin Cheng
- Research Institute for Future Food, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhichao Yan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Keqin Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianfang Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Eighth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Navy Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ka-Hing Wong
- Research Institute for Future Food, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chunlong Zhong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Dong
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Evaluation and Sports Intervention, Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shane Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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Saad-Naguib MH, Kenfack Y, Sherman LS, Chafitz OB, Morelli SS. Impaired receptivity of thin endometrium: therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1268990. [PMID: 38344687 PMCID: PMC10854221 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1268990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The endometrium is a resilient and highly dynamic tissue, undergoing cyclic renewal in preparation for embryo implantation. Cyclic endometrial regeneration depends on the intact function of several cell types, including parenchymal, endothelial, and immune cells, as well as adult stem cells that can arise from endometrial or extrauterine sources. The ability of the endometrium to undergo rapid, repeated regeneration without scarring is unique to this tissue. However, if this tissue renewal process is disrupted or dysfunctional, women may present clinically with infertility due to endometrial scarring or persistent atrophic/thin endometrium. Such disorders are rate-limiting in the treatment of female infertility and in the success of in vitro fertilization because of a dearth of treatment options specifically targeting the endometrium. A growing number of studies have explored the potential of adult stem cells, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), to treat women with disorders of endometrial regeneration. MSCs are multipotent adult stem cells with capacity to differentiate into cells such as adipocytes, chondrocytes, and osteoblasts. In addition to their differentiation capacity, MSCs migrate toward injured sites where they secrete bioactive factors (e.g. cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, proteins and extracellular vesicles) to aid in tissue repair. These factors modulate biological processes critical for tissue regeneration, such as angiogenesis, cell migration and immunomodulation. The MSC secretome has therefore attracted significant attention for its therapeutic potential. In the uterus, studies utilizing rodent models and limited human trials have shown a potential benefit of MSCs and the MSC secretome in treatment of endometrial infertility. This review will explore the potential of MSCs to treat women with impaired endometrial receptivity due to a thin endometrium or endometrial scarring. We will provide context supporting leveraging MSCs for this purpose by including a review of mechanisms by which the MSC secretome promotes regeneration and repair of nonreproductive tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael H. Saad-Naguib
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Health, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Yannick Kenfack
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Lauren S. Sherman
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
| | - Olivia B. Chafitz
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ, United States
| | - Sara S. Morelli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Health, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
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Lale Ataei M, Karimipour M, Shahabi P, Soltani-Zangbar H, Pashaiasl M. Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation Improved Functional Outcomes Following Spinal Cord Injury Concomitantly with Neuroblast Regeneration. Adv Pharm Bull 2023; 13:806-816. [PMID: 38022812 PMCID: PMC10676545 DOI: 10.34172/apb.2023.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage to the spinal cord that resulted in irreversible neuronal loss, glial scar formation and axonal injury. Herein, we used the human amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem cells (hAF-MSCs) and their conditioned medium (CM), to investigate their ability in neuroblast and astrocyte production as well as functional recovery following SCI. Methods Fifty-four adult rats were randomly divided into nine groups (n=6), included: Control, SCI, (SCI + DMEM), (SCI + CM), (SCI + MSCs), (SCI + Astrocyte), (SCI + Astrocyte + DMEM), (SCI + Astrocyte + CM) and (SCI + Astrocyte + MSCs). Following laminectomy and SCI induction, DMEM, CM, MSCs, and astrocytes were injected. Western blot was performed to explore the levels of the Sox2 protein in the MSCs-CM. The immunofluorescence staining against doublecortin (DCX) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was done. Finally, Basso-Beattie-Brenham (BBB) locomotor test was conducted to assess the neurological outcomes. Results Our results showed that the MSCs increased the number of endogenous DCX-positive cells and decreased the number of GFAP-positive cells by mediating juxtacrine and paracrine mechanisms (P<0.001). Transplanted human astrocytes were converted to neuroblasts rather than astrocytes under influence of MSCs and CM in the SCI. Moreover, functional recovery indexes were promoted in those groups that received MSCs and CM. Conclusion Taken together, our data indicate the MSCs via juxtacrine and paracrine pathways could direct the spinal cord endogenous neural stem cells (NSCs) to the neuroblasts lineage which indicates the capability of the MSCs in the increasing of the number of DCX-positive cells and astrocytes decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Lale Ataei
- Neuroscience Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Karimipour
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Parviz Shahabi
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamid Soltani-Zangbar
- Department of Neuroscience and Cognition, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Maryam Pashaiasl
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Science, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
- Women’s Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Zhang Y, Li X, Xing J, Zhou J, Li H. Chemical Transdifferentiation of Somatic Cells: Unleashing the Power of Small Molecules. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2913. [PMID: 38001913 PMCID: PMC10669320 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11112913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemical transdifferentiation is a technique that utilizes small molecules to directly convert one cell type into another without passing through an intermediate stem cell state. This technique offers several advantages over other methods of cell reprogramming, such as simplicity, standardization, versatility, no ethical and safety concern and patient-specific therapies. Chemical transdifferentiation has been successfully applied to various cell types across different tissues and organs, and its potential applications are rapidly expanding as scientists continue to explore new combinations of small molecules and refine the mechanisms driving cell fate conversion. These applications have opened up new possibilities for regenerative medicine, disease modeling, drug discovery and tissue engineering. However, there are still challenges and limitations that need to be overcome before chemical transdifferentiation can be translated into clinical practice. These include low efficiency and reproducibility, incomplete understanding of the molecular mechanisms, long-term stability and functionality of the transdifferentiated cells, cell-type specificity and scalability. In this review, we compared the commonly used methods for cell transdifferentiation in recent years and discussed the current progress and future perspective of the chemical transdifferentiation of somatic cells and its potential impact on biomedicine. We believe that with ongoing research and technological advancements, the future holds tremendous promise for harnessing the power of small molecules to shape the cellular landscape and revolutionize the field of biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China;
| | - Xuefeng Li
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China;
| | - Jianyu Xing
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150006, China;
| | - Jinsong Zhou
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China;
| | - Hai Li
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China;
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Irie T, Matsuda T, Hayashi Y, Matsuda-Ito K, Kamiya A, Masuda T, Prinz M, Isobe N, Kira JI, Nakashima K. Direct neuronal conversion of microglia/macrophages reinstates neurological function after stroke. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2307972120. [PMID: 37812721 PMCID: PMC10589698 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2307972120] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Although generating new neurons in the ischemic injured brain would be an ideal approach to replenish the lost neurons for repairing the damage, the adult mammalian brain retains only limited neurogenic capability. Here, we show that direct conversion of microglia/macrophages into neurons in the brain has great potential as a therapeutic strategy for ischemic brain injury. After transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in adult mice, microglia/macrophages converge at the lesion core of the striatum, where neuronal loss is prominent. Targeted expression of a neurogenic transcription factor, NeuroD1, in microglia/macrophages in the injured striatum enables their conversion into induced neuronal cells that functionally integrate into the existing neuronal circuits. Furthermore, NeuroD1-mediated induced neuronal cell generation significantly improves neurological function in the mouse stroke model, and ablation of these cells abolishes the gained functional recovery. Our findings thus demonstrate that neuronal conversion contributes directly to functional recovery after stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Irie
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 812-8582Fukuoka, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 812-8582Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Taito Matsuda
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 812-8582Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Hayashi
- Department of Physiology, Nihon University School of Dentistry, 101-8310Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kanae Matsuda-Ito
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 812-8582Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Akihide Kamiya
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, Tokai University School of Medicine, 259-1193Isehara, Japan
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, 108-8639Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Masuda
- Division of Molecular Neuroinflammation, Medical Research Center for High Depth Omics, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, 812-8582Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Marco Prinz
- Institute of Neuropathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, D-79106Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres Centre for Biological Signalling Studies and Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, D-79106Freiburg, Germany
| | - Noriko Isobe
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 812-8582Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Jun-ichi Kira
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 812-8582Fukuoka, Japan
- Translational Neuroscience Center, Graduate School of Medicine, and School of Pharmacy at Fukuoka, International University of Health and Welfare, 831-8501Okawa, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Brain and Nerve Center, Fukuoka Central Hospital, International University of Health and Welfare, 810-0022Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kinichi Nakashima
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 812-8582Fukuoka, Japan
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Álvarez-Córdoba M, Talaverón-Rey M, Povea-Cabello S, Cilleros-Holgado P, Gómez-Fernández D, Piñero-Pérez R, Reche-López D, Munuera-Cabeza M, Suárez-Carrillo A, Romero-González A, Romero-Domínguez JM, López-Cabrera A, Armengol JÁ, Sánchez-Alcázar JA. Patient-Derived Cellular Models for Polytarget Precision Medicine in Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1359. [PMID: 37895830 PMCID: PMC10609847 DOI: 10.3390/ph16101359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The term neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) brings together a broad set of progressive and disabling neurological genetic disorders in which iron is deposited preferentially in certain areas of the brain. Among NBIA disorders, the most frequent subtype is pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN) caused by pathologic variants in the PANK2 gene codifying the enzyme pantothenate kinase 2 (PANK2). To date, there are no effective treatments to stop the progression of these diseases. This review discusses the utility of patient-derived cell models as a valuable tool for the identification of pharmacological or natural compounds for implementing polytarget precision medicine in PKAN. Recently, several studies have described that PKAN patient-derived fibroblasts present the main pathological features associated with the disease including intracellular iron overload. Interestingly, treatment of mutant cell cultures with various supplements such as pantothenate, pantethine, vitamin E, omega 3, α-lipoic acid L-carnitine or thiamine, improved all pathophysiological alterations in PKAN fibroblasts with residual expression of the PANK2 enzyme. The information provided by pharmacological screenings in patient-derived cellular models can help optimize therapeutic strategies in individual PKAN patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Álvarez-Córdoba
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology (CABD-CSIC-Pablo de Olavide University), 41013 Seville, Spain; (M.Á.-C.); (M.T.-R.); (S.P.-C.); (P.C.-H.); (D.G.-F.); (R.P.-P.); (D.R.-L.); (M.M.-C.); (A.S.-C.); (A.R.-G.); (J.M.R.-D.); (A.L.-C.)
| | - Marta Talaverón-Rey
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology (CABD-CSIC-Pablo de Olavide University), 41013 Seville, Spain; (M.Á.-C.); (M.T.-R.); (S.P.-C.); (P.C.-H.); (D.G.-F.); (R.P.-P.); (D.R.-L.); (M.M.-C.); (A.S.-C.); (A.R.-G.); (J.M.R.-D.); (A.L.-C.)
| | - Suleva Povea-Cabello
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology (CABD-CSIC-Pablo de Olavide University), 41013 Seville, Spain; (M.Á.-C.); (M.T.-R.); (S.P.-C.); (P.C.-H.); (D.G.-F.); (R.P.-P.); (D.R.-L.); (M.M.-C.); (A.S.-C.); (A.R.-G.); (J.M.R.-D.); (A.L.-C.)
| | - Paula Cilleros-Holgado
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology (CABD-CSIC-Pablo de Olavide University), 41013 Seville, Spain; (M.Á.-C.); (M.T.-R.); (S.P.-C.); (P.C.-H.); (D.G.-F.); (R.P.-P.); (D.R.-L.); (M.M.-C.); (A.S.-C.); (A.R.-G.); (J.M.R.-D.); (A.L.-C.)
| | - David Gómez-Fernández
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology (CABD-CSIC-Pablo de Olavide University), 41013 Seville, Spain; (M.Á.-C.); (M.T.-R.); (S.P.-C.); (P.C.-H.); (D.G.-F.); (R.P.-P.); (D.R.-L.); (M.M.-C.); (A.S.-C.); (A.R.-G.); (J.M.R.-D.); (A.L.-C.)
| | - Rocío Piñero-Pérez
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology (CABD-CSIC-Pablo de Olavide University), 41013 Seville, Spain; (M.Á.-C.); (M.T.-R.); (S.P.-C.); (P.C.-H.); (D.G.-F.); (R.P.-P.); (D.R.-L.); (M.M.-C.); (A.S.-C.); (A.R.-G.); (J.M.R.-D.); (A.L.-C.)
| | - Diana Reche-López
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology (CABD-CSIC-Pablo de Olavide University), 41013 Seville, Spain; (M.Á.-C.); (M.T.-R.); (S.P.-C.); (P.C.-H.); (D.G.-F.); (R.P.-P.); (D.R.-L.); (M.M.-C.); (A.S.-C.); (A.R.-G.); (J.M.R.-D.); (A.L.-C.)
| | - Manuel Munuera-Cabeza
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology (CABD-CSIC-Pablo de Olavide University), 41013 Seville, Spain; (M.Á.-C.); (M.T.-R.); (S.P.-C.); (P.C.-H.); (D.G.-F.); (R.P.-P.); (D.R.-L.); (M.M.-C.); (A.S.-C.); (A.R.-G.); (J.M.R.-D.); (A.L.-C.)
| | - Alejandra Suárez-Carrillo
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology (CABD-CSIC-Pablo de Olavide University), 41013 Seville, Spain; (M.Á.-C.); (M.T.-R.); (S.P.-C.); (P.C.-H.); (D.G.-F.); (R.P.-P.); (D.R.-L.); (M.M.-C.); (A.S.-C.); (A.R.-G.); (J.M.R.-D.); (A.L.-C.)
| | - Ana Romero-González
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology (CABD-CSIC-Pablo de Olavide University), 41013 Seville, Spain; (M.Á.-C.); (M.T.-R.); (S.P.-C.); (P.C.-H.); (D.G.-F.); (R.P.-P.); (D.R.-L.); (M.M.-C.); (A.S.-C.); (A.R.-G.); (J.M.R.-D.); (A.L.-C.)
| | - Jose Manuel Romero-Domínguez
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology (CABD-CSIC-Pablo de Olavide University), 41013 Seville, Spain; (M.Á.-C.); (M.T.-R.); (S.P.-C.); (P.C.-H.); (D.G.-F.); (R.P.-P.); (D.R.-L.); (M.M.-C.); (A.S.-C.); (A.R.-G.); (J.M.R.-D.); (A.L.-C.)
| | - Alejandra López-Cabrera
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology (CABD-CSIC-Pablo de Olavide University), 41013 Seville, Spain; (M.Á.-C.); (M.T.-R.); (S.P.-C.); (P.C.-H.); (D.G.-F.); (R.P.-P.); (D.R.-L.); (M.M.-C.); (A.S.-C.); (A.R.-G.); (J.M.R.-D.); (A.L.-C.)
| | - José Ángel Armengol
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Cellular Biology, Pablo de Olavide University, 41013 Seville, Spain;
| | - José Antonio Sánchez-Alcázar
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology (CABD-CSIC-Pablo de Olavide University), 41013 Seville, Spain; (M.Á.-C.); (M.T.-R.); (S.P.-C.); (P.C.-H.); (D.G.-F.); (R.P.-P.); (D.R.-L.); (M.M.-C.); (A.S.-C.); (A.R.-G.); (J.M.R.-D.); (A.L.-C.)
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21
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Fang YM, Chen WC, Zheng WJ, Yang YS, Zhang Y, Chen XL, Pei MQ, Lin S, He HF. A cutting-edge strategy for spinal cord injury treatment: resident cellular transdifferentiation. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1237641. [PMID: 37711511 PMCID: PMC10498389 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1237641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury causes varying degrees of motor and sensory function loss. However, there are no effective treatments for spinal cord repair following an injury. Moreover, significant preclinical advances in bioengineering and regenerative medicine have not yet been translated into effective clinical therapies. The spinal cord's poor regenerative capacity makes repairing damaged and lost neurons a critical treatment step. Reprogramming-based neuronal transdifferentiation has recently shown great potential in repair and plasticity, as it can convert mature somatic cells into functional neurons for spinal cord injury repair in vitro and in vivo, effectively halting the progression of spinal cord injury and promoting functional improvement. However, the mechanisms of the neuronal transdifferentiation and the induced neuronal subtypes are not yet well understood. This review analyzes the mechanisms of resident cellular transdifferentiation based on a review of the relevant recent literature, describes different molecular approaches to obtain different neuronal subtypes, discusses the current challenges and improvement methods, and provides new ideas for exploring therapeutic approaches for spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ming Fang
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Wei-Can Chen
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Wan-Jing Zheng
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Yu-Shen Yang
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Xin-Li Chen
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Meng-Qin Pei
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Shu Lin
- Centre of Neurological and Metabolic Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
- Neuroendocrinology Group, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - He-Fan He
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
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22
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Wang LL, Zhang CL. Therapeutic Potential of PTBP1 Inhibition, If Any, Is Not Attributed to Glia-to-Neuron Conversion. Annu Rev Neurosci 2023; 46:1-15. [PMID: 36750409 PMCID: PMC10404630 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-092822-083410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
A holy grail of regenerative medicine is to replenish the cells that are lost due to disease. The adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS) has, however, largely lost such a regenerative ability. An emerging strategy for the generation of new neurons is through glia-to-neuron (GtN) conversion in vivo, mainly accomplished by the regulation of fate-determining factors. When inhibited, PTBP1, a factor involved in RNA biology, was reported to induce rapid and efficient GtN conversion in multiple regions of the adult CNS. Remarkably, PTBP1 inhibition was also claimed to greatly improve behaviors of mice with neurological diseases or aging. These phenomenal claims, if confirmed, would constitute a significant advancement in regenerative medicine. Unfortunately, neither GtN conversion nor therapeutic potential via PTBP1 inhibition was validated by the results of multiple subsequent replication studies with stringent methods. Here we review these controversial studies and conclude with recommendations for examining GtN conversion in vivo and future investigations of PTBP1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei-Lei Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA;
| | - Chun-Li Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA;
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23
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Wang Y, Xia Y, Kou L, Yin S, Chi X, Li J, Sun Y, Wu J, Zhou Q, Zou W, Jin Z, Huang J, Xiong N, Wang T. Astrocyte-to-neuron reprogramming and crosstalk in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2023:106224. [PMID: 37433411 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is currently the fastest growing disabling neurological disorder worldwide, with motor and non-motor symptoms being its main clinical manifestations. The primary pathological features include a reduction in the number of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and decrease in dopamine levels in the nigrostriatal pathway. Existing treatments only alleviate clinical symptoms and do not stop disease progression; slowing down the loss of dopaminergic neurons and stimulating their regeneration are emerging therapies. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that transplantation of dopamine cells generated from human embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells can restore the loss of dopamine. However, the application of cell transplantation is limited owing to ethical controversies and the restricted source of cells. Until recently, the reprogramming of astrocytes to replenish lost dopaminergic neurons has provided a promising alternative therapy for PD. In addition, repair of mitochondrial perturbations, clearance of damaged mitochondria in astrocytes, and control of astrocyte inflammation may be extensively neuroprotective and beneficial against chronic neuroinflammation in PD. Therefore, this review primarily focuses on the progress and remaining issues in astrocyte reprogramming using transcription factors (TFs) and miRNAs, as well as exploring possible new targets for treating PD by repairing astrocytic mitochondria and reducing astrocytic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Wang
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yun Xia
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Liang Kou
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Sijia Yin
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Xiaosa Chi
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Jingwen Li
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yadi Sun
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Jiawei Wu
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Qiulu Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Wenkai Zou
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Zongjie Jin
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Jinsha Huang
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Nian Xiong
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
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24
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Liu G, Li Y, Li M, Li S, He Q, Liu S, Su Q, Chen X, Xu M, Zhang ZN, Shao Z, Li W. Charting a high-resolution roadmap for regeneration of pancreatic β cells by in vivo transdifferentiation from adult acinar cells. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg2183. [PMID: 37224239 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg2183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Adult mammals have limited capacity to regenerate functional cells. Promisingly, in vivo transdifferentiation heralds the possibility of regeneration by lineage reprogramming from other fully differentiated cells. However, the process of regeneration by in vivo transdifferentiation in mammals is poorly understood. Using pancreatic β cell regeneration as a paradigm, we performed a single-cell transcriptomic study of in vivo transdifferentiation from adult mouse acinar cells to induced β cells. Using unsupervised clustering analysis and lineage trajectory construction, we uncovered that the cell fate remodeling trajectory was linear at the initial stage and the reprogrammed cells either evolved to induced β cells or toward a "dead-end" state after day 4.Moreover, functional analyses identified both p53 and Dnmt3a that acted as reprogramming barriers during the process of in vivo transdifferentiation. Collectively, we decipher a high-resolution roadmap of regeneration by in vivo transdifferentiation and provide a detailed molecular blueprint to facilitate mammalian regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Liu
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Tsingtao Advanced Research Institute, Tongji University, Qingdao 266073, China
| | - Yana Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mushan Li
- Department of Statistics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Sheng Li
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Tsingtao Advanced Research Institute, Tongji University, Qingdao 266073, China
| | - Qing He
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Tsingtao Advanced Research Institute, Tongji University, Qingdao 266073, China
| | - Shuxin Liu
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Tsingtao Advanced Research Institute, Tongji University, Qingdao 266073, China
| | - Qiang Su
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Tsingtao Advanced Research Institute, Tongji University, Qingdao 266073, China
| | - Xiangyi Chen
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Tsingtao Advanced Research Institute, Tongji University, Qingdao 266073, China
| | - Minglu Xu
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Tsingtao Advanced Research Institute, Tongji University, Qingdao 266073, China
| | - Zhen-Ning Zhang
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Tsingtao Advanced Research Institute, Tongji University, Qingdao 266073, China
| | - Zhen Shao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Weida Li
- Translational Medical Center for Stem Cell Therapy and Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Tsingtao Advanced Research Institute, Tongji University, Qingdao 266073, China
- Reg-Verse Therapeutics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Shanghai 200120, China
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25
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Wan Y, Ding Y. Strategies and mechanisms of neuronal reprogramming. Brain Res Bull 2023; 199:110661. [PMID: 37149266 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.110661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic injury and neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) are difficult to treat due to the poorly regenerative nature of neurons. Engrafting neural stem cells into the CNS is a classic approach for neuroregeneration. Despite great advances, stem cell therapy still faces the challenges of overcoming immunorejection and achieving functional integration. Neuronal reprogramming, a recent innovation, converts endogenous non-neuronal cells (e.g., glial cells) into mature neurons in the adult mammalian CNS. In this review, we summarize the progress of neuronal reprogramming research, mainly focusing on strategies and mechanisms of reprogramming. Furthermore, we highlight the advantages of neuronal reprogramming and outline related challenges. Although the significant development has been made in this field, several findings are controversial. Even so, neuronal reprogramming, especially in vivo reprogramming, is expected to become an effective treatment for CNS neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yan Ding
- Department of Histology and Embryology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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26
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Talifu Z, Liu JY, Pan YZ, Ke H, Zhang CJ, Xu X, Gao F, Yu Y, Du LJ, Li JJ. In vivo astrocyte-to-neuron reprogramming for central nervous system regeneration: a narrative review. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:750-755. [PMID: 36204831 PMCID: PMC9700087 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.353482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The inability of damaged neurons to regenerate within the mature central nervous system (CNS) is a significant neuroscientific challenge. Astrocytes are an essential component of the CNS and participate in many physiological processes including blood-brain barrier formation, axon growth regulation, neuronal support, and higher cognitive functions such as memory. Recent reprogramming studies have confirmed that astrocytes in the mature CNS can be transformed into functional neurons. Building on in vitro work, many studies have demonstrated that astrocytes can be transformed into neurons in different disease models to replace damaged or lost cells. However, many findings in this field are controversial, as the source of new neurons has been questioned. This review summarizes progress in reprogramming astrocytes into neurons in vivo in animal models of spinal cord injury, brain injury, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and other neurodegenerative conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuliyaer Talifu
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing; School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jia-Yi Liu
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Yun-Zhu Pan
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing; School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Han Ke
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Chun-Jia Zhang
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Xu
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Gao
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Yu
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Liang-Jie Du
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Jun Li
- School of Rehabilitation, Capital Medical University; Department of Spinal and Neural Functional Reconstruction, China Rehabilitation Research Center; Chinese Institute of Rehabilitation Science; Center of Neural Injury and Repair, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders; Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Rehabilitation, Beijing; School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
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27
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Chen J, Huang L, Yang Y, Xu W, Qin Q, Qin R, Liang X, Lai X, Huang X, Xie M, Chen L. Somatic Cell Reprogramming for Nervous System Diseases: Techniques, Mechanisms, Potential Applications, and Challenges. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13030524. [PMID: 36979334 PMCID: PMC10046178 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13030524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Nervous system diseases present significant challenges to the neuroscience community due to ethical and practical constraints that limit access to appropriate research materials. Somatic cell reprogramming has been proposed as a novel way to obtain neurons. Various emerging techniques have been used to reprogram mature and differentiated cells into neurons. This review provides an overview of somatic cell reprogramming for neurological research and therapy, focusing on neural reprogramming and generating different neural cell types. We examine the mechanisms involved in reprogramming and the challenges that arise. We herein summarize cell reprogramming strategies to generate neurons, including transcription factors, small molecules, and microRNAs, with a focus on different types of cells.. While reprogramming somatic cells into neurons holds the potential for understanding neurological diseases and developing therapeutic applications, its limitations and risks must be carefully considered. Here, we highlight the potential benefits of somatic cell reprogramming for neurological disease research and therapy. This review contributes to the field by providing a comprehensive overview of the various techniques used to generate neurons by cellular reprogramming and discussing their potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiafeng Chen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Lijuan Huang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Yue Yang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Qingchun Qin
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Rongxing Qin
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Xiaojun Liang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Xinyu Lai
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-Related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Xiaoying Huang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Minshan Xie
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-Related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Nanning 530021, China
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28
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Regulation of Cell Plasticity by Bromodomain and Extraterminal Domain (BET) Proteins: A New Perspective in Glioblastoma Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065665. [PMID: 36982740 PMCID: PMC10055343 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BET proteins are a family of multifunctional epigenetic readers, mainly involved in transcriptional regulation through chromatin modelling. Transcriptome handling ability of BET proteins suggests a key role in the modulation of cell plasticity, both in fate decision and in lineage commitment during embryonic development and in pathogenic conditions, including cancerogenesis. Glioblastoma is the most aggressive form of glioma, characterized by a very poor prognosis despite the application of a multimodal therapy. Recently, new insights are emerging about the glioblastoma cellular origin, leading to the hypothesis that several putative mechanisms occur during gliomagenesis. Interestingly, epigenome dysregulation associated with loss of cellular identity and functions are emerging as crucial features of glioblastoma pathogenesis. Therefore, the emerging roles of BET protein in glioblastoma onco-biology and the compelling demand for more effective therapeutic strategies suggest that BET family members could be promising targets for translational breakthroughs in glioblastoma treatment. Primarily, “Reprogramming Therapy”, which is aimed at reverting the malignant phenotype, is now considered a promising strategy for GBM therapy.
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29
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Chen XD, Liu HL, Li S, Hu KB, Wu QY, Liao P, Wang HY, Long ZY, Lu XM, Wang YT. The latest role of nerve-specific splicing factor PTBP1 in the transdifferentiation of glial cells into neurons. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2023; 14:e1740. [PMID: 35574699 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Central nervous system injury diseases can cause the loss of many neurons, and it is difficult to regenerate. The field of regenerative medicine believes that supplementing the missing neurons may be an ideal method for nerve injury repair. Recent studies have found that down-regulation of polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 (PTBP1) expression can make glial cells transdifferentiate into different types of neurons, which is expected to be an alternative therapy to restore neuronal function. This article summarized the research progress on the structure and biological function of the PTBP family, the mutual regulation of PTBP1 and PTBP2, their role in neurogenesis, and the latest research progress in targeting PTBP1 to mediate the transdifferentiation of glial cells into neurons, which may provide some new strategies and new ideas for the future treatment of central nervous system injury and neurodegenerative diseases. This article is categorized under: RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing-Dong Chen
- College of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hui-Lin Liu
- College of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, China
| | - Sen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Kai-Bin Hu
- College of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, China
| | - Qing-Yun Wu
- College of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, China
| | - Ping Liao
- College of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, China
| | - Hai-Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zai-Yun Long
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiu-Min Lu
- College of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, China
| | - Yong-Tang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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30
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Li Y, Yang T, Cheng Y, Hou J, Liu Z, Zhao Y, Chen S, Qin Z, Wang C, Song W, Ge H, Li C, Liang L, Guo L, Sun H, Wu LP, Zheng H. Low glutaminase and glycolysis correlate with a high transdifferentiation efficiency in mouse cortex. Cell Prolif 2023; 56:e13422. [PMID: 36786003 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Both exogenous transcriptional factors and chemical-defined medium can transdifferentiate astrocytes into functional neurons. However, the regional preference for such transdifferentiation has not been fully studied. A previously reported 5C medium was infused into the mouse cortex and striatum to determine the regional preference for transdifferentiation from astrocytes to neurons. The numbers of NeuN+ GFAP+ EdU+ cells (intermediates) and NeuN+ EdU+ cells (end products) were determined by immunofluorescence to explore the regional preference of transdifferentiation. In addition, to optimize the delivery of the transdifferentiation medium, three key growth factors, insulin, bFGF and transferrin, were loaded onto chitosan nanoparticles, mixed with gelatin methacryloyl and tested in animals with motor cortex injury. A higher transdifferentiation efficiency was identified in the mouse cortex. Differences in cellular respiration and the balance between glutaminase (Gls) and glutamine synthetase were confirmed to be key regulators. In addition, the sustained drug release system induced transdifferentiation of cortex astrocytes both in vivo and in vitro, and partially facilitated the behaviour recovery of mice with motor cortex injury. We also applied this method in pigs and obtained consistent results. In summary, low Gls and glycolysis can be used to predict high transdifferentiation efficiency, which may be useful to identify better indications for the current transdifferentiation system. In addition, the current drug delivery system has the potential to treat diseases related to cortex injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yingying Cheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinfei Hou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhaoming Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shiyu Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaohui Qin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chenchen Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weining Song
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haofei Ge
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Changpeng Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lining Liang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lin Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lin-Ping Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Institutes for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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31
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Bringuier CM, Noristani HN, Perez JC, Cardoso M, Goze-Bac C, Gerber YN, Perrin FE. Up-Regulation of Astrocytic Fgfr4 Expression in Adult Mice after Spinal Cord Injury. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040528. [PMID: 36831195 PMCID: PMC9954417 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to persistent neurological deficits without available curative treatment. After SCI astrocytes within the lesion vicinity become reactive, these undergo major morphological, and molecular transformations. Previously, we reported that following SCI, over 10% of resident astrocytes surrounding the lesion spontaneously transdifferentiate towards a neuronal phenotype. Moreover, this conversion is associated with an increased expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (Fgfr4), a neural stem cell marker, in astrocytes. Here, we evaluate the therapeutic potential of gene therapy upon Fgfr4 over-expression in mature astrocytes following SCI in adult mice. We found that Fgfr4 over-expression in astrocytes immediately after SCI improves motor function recovery; however, it may display sexual dimorphism. Improved functional recovery is associated with a decrease in spinal cord lesion volume and reduced glial reactivity. Cell-specific transcriptomic profiling revealed concomitant downregulation of Notch signaling, and up-regulation of neurogenic pathways in converting astrocytes. Our findings suggest that gene therapy targeting Fgfr4 over-expression in astrocytes after injury is a feasible therapeutic approach to improve recovery following traumatism of the spinal cord. Moreover, we stress that a sex-dependent response to astrocytic modulation should be considered for the development of effective translational strategies in other neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Maida Cardoso
- UMR 5221, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Florence Evelyne Perrin
- MMDN, Univ. Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, 34095 Montpellier, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 75005 Paris, France
- Correspondence:
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Zhou Y, Zhang K, Wang F, Chen J, Chen S, Wu M, Lai M, Zhang Y, Zhou W. Polypyrimidine tract binding protein knockdown reverses depression-like behaviors and cognition impairment in mice with lesioned cholinergic neurons. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1174341. [PMID: 37181622 PMCID: PMC10172502 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1174341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives Depression is a common comorbidity of dementia and may be a risk factor for dementia. Accumulating evidence has suggested that the cholinergic system plays a central role in dementia and depression, and the loss of cholinergic neurons is associated with memory decline in aging and Alzheimer's patients. A specific loss of cholinergic neurons in the horizontal limb of the diagonal band of Broca (HDB) is correlated with depression and dysfunction of cognition in mice. In this study, we examined the potential regenerative mechanisms of knockdown the RNA-binding protein polypyrimidine tract binding protein (PTB) in reversing depression-like behaviors and cognition impairment in mice with lesioned cholinergic neurons. Methods We lesioned cholinergic neurons in mice induced by injection of 192 IgG-saporin into HDB; then, we injected either antisense oligonucleotides or adeno-associated virus-shRNA (GFAP promoter) into the injured area of HDB to deplete PTB followed by a broad range of methodologies including behavioral examinations, Western blot, RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence. Results We found that the conversion of astrocytes to newborn neurons by using antisense oligonucleotides on PTB in vitro, and depletion of PTB using either antisense oligonucleotides or adeno-associated virus-shRNA into the injured area of HDB could specifically transform astrocytes into cholinergic neurons. Meanwhile, knockdown of PTB by both approaches could relieve the depression-like behaviors shown by sucrose preference, forced swimming or tail-suspension tests, and alleviate cognitive impairment such as fear conditioning and novel object recognition in mice with lesioned cholinergic neurons. Conclusion These findings suggest that supplementing cholinergic neurons after PTB knockdown may be a promising therapeutic strategy to revert depression-like behaviors and cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiying Zhou
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Addiction Research, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fangmin Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Addiction Research, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Jiali Chen
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Ningbo Medical Treatment Center, Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Shanshan Chen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Addiction Research, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Manqing Wu
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Miaojun Lai
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Addiction Research, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yisheng Zhang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Ningbo Medical Treatment Center, Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- *Correspondence: Yisheng Zhang,
| | - Wenhua Zhou
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Addiction Research, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Wenhua Zhou,
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33
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Todd L. Inducing Neural Regeneration from Glia Using Proneural bHLH Transcription Factors. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1415:577-582. [PMID: 37440089 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-27681-1_84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Endogenous regeneration strategies to replace lost neurons hold great promise for treating neurodegenerative disorders. In the majority of cases, neural regeneration is induced by converting resident glial cells into neurogenic precursors. This review will outline how proneural bHLH transcription factors can be used to reprogram glia in the brain and retina into a source for new neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levi Todd
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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34
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Duddu S, Bhattacharya A, Chakrabarti R, Chakravorty N, Shukla PC. Regeneration and Tissue Microenvironment. Regen Med 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-19-6008-6_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
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35
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Aversano S, Caiazza C, Caiazzo M. Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived and directly reprogrammed neurons to study neurodegenerative diseases: The impact of aging signatures. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:1069482. [PMID: 36620769 PMCID: PMC9810544 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1069482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Many diseases of the central nervous system are age-associated and do not directly result from genetic mutations. These include late-onset neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), which represent a challenge for biomedical research and drug development due to the impossibility to access to viable human brain specimens. Advancements in reprogramming technologies have allowed to obtain neurons from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) or directly from somatic cells (iNs), leading to the generation of better models to understand the molecular mechanisms and design of new drugs. Nevertheless, iPSC technology faces some limitations due to reprogramming-associated cellular rejuvenation which resets the aging hallmarks of donor cells. Given the prominent role of aging for the development and manifestation of late-onset NDDs, this suggests that this approach is not the most suitable to accurately model age-related diseases. Direct neuronal reprogramming, by which a neuron is formed via direct conversion from a somatic cell without going through a pluripotent intermediate stage, allows the possibility to generate patient-derived neurons that maintain aging and epigenetic signatures of the donor. This aspect may be advantageous for investigating the role of aging in neurodegeneration and for finely dissecting underlying pathological mechanisms. Here, we will compare iPSC and iN models as regards the aging status and explore how this difference is reported to affect the phenotype of NDD in vitro models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Aversano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmen Caiazza
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Caiazzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy,Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands,*Correspondence: Massimiliano Caiazzo,
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36
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Wu Y, Tang Z, Zhang J, Wang Y, Liu S. Restoration of spinal cord injury: From endogenous repairing process to cellular therapy. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:1077441. [PMID: 36523818 PMCID: PMC9744968 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.1077441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) disrupts neurological pathways and impacts sensory, motor, and autonomic nerve function. There is no effective treatment for SCI currently. Numerous endogenous cells, including astrocytes, macrophages/microglia, and oligodendrocyte, are involved in the histological healing process following SCI. By interfering with cells during the SCI repair process, some advancements in the therapy of SCI have been realized. Nevertheless, the endogenous cell types engaged in SCI repair and the current difficulties these cells confront in the therapy of SCI are poorly defined, and the mechanisms underlying them are little understood. In order to better understand SCI and create new therapeutic strategies and enhance the clinical translation of SCI repair, we have comprehensively listed the endogenous cells involved in SCI repair and summarized the six most common mechanisms involved in SCI repair, including limiting the inflammatory response, protecting the spared spinal cord, enhancing myelination, facilitating neovascularization, producing neurotrophic factors, and differentiating into neural/colloidal cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Shengwen Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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37
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Todd L, Jenkins W, Finkbeiner C, Hooper MJ, Donaldson PC, Pavlou M, Wohlschlegel J, Ingram N, Rieke F, Reh TA. Reprogramming Müller glia to regenerate ganglion-like cells in adult mouse retina with developmental transcription factors. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabq7219. [PMID: 36417510 PMCID: PMC9683702 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abq7219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Many neurodegenerative diseases cause degeneration of specific types of neurons. For example, glaucoma leads to death of retinal ganglion cells, leaving other neurons intact. Neurons are not regenerated in the adult mammalian central nervous system. However, in nonmammalian vertebrates, glial cells spontaneously reprogram into neural progenitors and replace neurons after injury. We have recently developed strategies to stimulate regeneration of functional neurons in the adult mouse retina by overexpressing the proneural factor Ascl1 in Müller glia. Here, we test additional transcription factors (TFs) for their ability to direct regeneration to particular types of retinal neurons. We engineered mice to express different combinations of TFs in Müller glia, including Ascl1, Pou4f2, Islet1, and Atoh1. Using immunohistochemistry, single-cell RNA sequencing, single-cell assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing, and electrophysiology, we find that retinal ganglion-like cells can be regenerated in the damaged adult mouse retina in vivo with targeted overexpression of developmental retinal ganglion cell TFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levi Todd
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Wesley Jenkins
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Connor Finkbeiner
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Marcus J. Hooper
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Phoebe C. Donaldson
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Marina Pavlou
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Juliette Wohlschlegel
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Norianne Ingram
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 91895, USA
| | - Fred Rieke
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 91895, USA
| | - Thomas A. Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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38
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Savya SP, Li F, Lam S, Wellman SM, Stieger KC, Chen K, Eles JR, Kozai TDY. In vivo spatiotemporal dynamics of astrocyte reactivity following neural electrode implantation. Biomaterials 2022; 289:121784. [PMID: 36103781 PMCID: PMC10231871 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Brain computer interfaces (BCIs), including penetrating microelectrode arrays, enable both recording and stimulation of neural cells. However, device implantation inevitably causes injury to brain tissue and induces a foreign body response, leading to reduced recording performance and stimulation efficacy. Astrocytes in the healthy brain play multiple roles including regulating energy metabolism, homeostatic balance, transmission of neural signals, and neurovascular coupling. Following an insult to the brain, they are activated and gather around the site of injury. These reactive astrocytes have been regarded as one of the main contributors to the formation of a glial scar which affects the performance of microelectrode arrays. This study investigates the dynamics of astrocytes within the first 2 weeks after implantation of an intracortical microelectrode into the mouse brain using two-photon microscopy. From our observation astrocytes are highly dynamic during this period, exhibiting patterns of process extension, soma migration, morphological activation, and device encapsulation that are spatiotemporally distinct from other glial cells, such as microglia or oligodendrocyte precursor cells. This detailed characterization of astrocyte reactivity will help to better understand the tissue response to intracortical devices and lead to the development of more effective intervention strategies to improve the functional performance of neural interfacing technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajishnu P Savya
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Northwestern University, USA
| | - Fan Li
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Computational Modeling & Simulation PhD Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Stephanie Lam
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Steven M Wellman
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kevin C Stieger
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Keying Chen
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - James R Eles
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Takashi D Y Kozai
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; NeuroTech Center, University of Pittsburgh Brain Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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39
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Ahlenius H. Past, Present, and Future of Direct Cell Reprogramming. Cell Reprogram 2022; 24:205-211. [DOI: 10.1089/cell.2022.0110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Ahlenius
- Stem Cells, Aging and Neurodegeneration, Division of Neurology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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40
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Kim S, Oh H, Choi SH, Yoo YE, Noh YW, Cho Y, Im GH, Lee C, Oh Y, Yang E, Kim G, Chung WS, Kim H, Kang H, Bae Y, Kim SG, Kim E. Postnatal age-differential ASD-like transcriptomic, synaptic, and behavioral deficits in Myt1l-mutant mice. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111398. [PMID: 36130507 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Myelin transcription factor 1 like (Myt1l), a zinc-finger transcription factor, promotes neuronal differentiation and is implicated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability. However, it remains unclear whether Myt1l promotes neuronal differentiation in vivo and its deficiency in mice leads to disease-related phenotypes. Here, we report that Myt1l-heterozygous mutant (Myt1l-HT) mice display postnatal age-differential ASD-related phenotypes: newborn Myt1l-HT mice, with strong Myt1l expression, show ASD-like transcriptomic changes involving decreased synaptic gene expression and prefrontal excitatory synaptic transmission and altered righting reflex. Juvenile Myt1l-HT mice, with markedly decreased Myt1l expression, display reverse ASD-like transcriptomes, increased prefrontal excitatory transmission, and largely normal behaviors. Adult Myt1l-HT mice show ASD-like transcriptomes involving astrocytic and microglial gene upregulation, increased prefrontal inhibitory transmission, and behavioral deficits. Therefore, Myt1l haploinsufficiency leads to ASD-related phenotypes in newborn mice, which are temporarily normalized in juveniles but re-appear in adults, pointing to continuing phenotypic changes long after a marked decrease of Myt1l expression in juveniles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seongbin Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Hyoseon Oh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Sang Han Choi
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, Korea; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Ye-Eun Yoo
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Young Woo Noh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Yisul Cho
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41940, Korea
| | - Geun Ho Im
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Chanhee Lee
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Yusang Oh
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Esther Yang
- Department of Anatomy and BK21 Graduate Program, Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Gyuri Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Won-Suk Chung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Hyun Kim
- Department of Anatomy and BK21 Graduate Program, Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Hyojin Kang
- Division of National Supercomputing, Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI), Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Yongchul Bae
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41940, Korea
| | - Seong-Gi Kim
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon 16419, Korea; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Eunjoon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea; Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34141, Korea.
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Gong S, Shao H, Cai X, Zhu J. Astrocyte-Derived Neuronal Transdifferentiation as a Therapy for Ischemic Stroke: Advances and Challenges. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12091175. [PMID: 36138912 PMCID: PMC9497100 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12091175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
After the onset of ischemic stroke, ischemia–hypoxic cascades cause irreversible neuronal death. Neurons are the fundamental structures of the central nervous system, and mature neurons do not renew or multiply after death. Functional and structural recovery from neurological deficits caused by ischemic attack is a huge task. Hence, there remains a need to replace the lost neurons relying on endogenous neurogenesis or exogenous stem cell-based neuronal differentiation. However, the stem cell source difficulty and the risk of immune rejection of the allogeneic stem cells might hinder the wide clinical application of the above therapy. With the advancement of transdifferentiation induction technology, it has been demonstrated that astrocytes can be converted to neurons through ectopic expression or the knockdown of specific components. The progress and problems of astrocyte transdifferentiation will be discussed in this article.
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Chen M, Wang X, Li C, Lan T, Wei Y, Tang C, Zhou X, Zhou R, Rosa A, Zheng X, Ang S, Zhang K, Zou Q, Lai L. Inducible motor neuron differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells in vivo. Cell Prolif 2022; 55:e13319. [PMID: 35943218 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Transplantation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) is one of the promising treatment strategies for motor neuron diseases (MNDs). However, the inefficiency in committed differentiation of NPCs in vivo limits its application. Here, we tried to establish a potential therapeutic strategy for MNDs by in vivo directional differentiation of hiPSCs engineered with motor neuron (MN) specific transcription factors and Tet-On system. MATERIALS AND METHODS We engineered hiPSCs with three MN-specific transcription factors and Tet-On system. The engineered cells were directly transplanted into immunodeficient mice through subcutaneous, intra-spinal cord and intracerebroventricular injections. Following doxycycline (Dox) induction, teratoma formation, and motor MN differentiation were evaluated. RESULTS We generated genetically engineered hiPSCs, in which the expression of Ngn2, Isl1, and Lhx3 was controlled by a drug-inducible transgenic system. These cells showed normal pluripotency and proliferative capacity, and were able to directionally differentiate into mature motor neurons (MNs) and NPCs with high efficiency in spinal cords and cerebral lateral ventricles under the induction of Dox. The grafts showed long-term survival in the recipient mice without formation of teratoma. CONCLUSIONS The induced mature MNs and NPCs were expected to replace the damaged endogenous MNs directly, and play a role of de novo stem cell stock for long-term neuron damage repair, respectively. Therefore, in vivo directional differentiation of the hiPSCs engineered with MN-specific transcription factors and Tet-On system via Dox induction could be a potential therapeutic strategy for MNDs with high efficacy and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China.,International Healthcare Innovation Institute (Jiangmen), Jiangmen, China
| | - Xia Wang
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuan Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China.,International Healthcare Innovation Institute (Jiangmen), Jiangmen, China
| | - Ting Lan
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuhui Wei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengcheng Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China
| | - Xiaoqing Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China
| | - Renping Zhou
- Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Alessandro Rosa
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology Charles Darwin, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Xi Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China.,Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Song Ang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China.,International Healthcare Innovation Institute (Jiangmen), Jiangmen, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China.,International Healthcare Innovation Institute (Jiangmen), Jiangmen, China
| | - Qingjian Zou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China
| | - Liangxue Lai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China.,Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Research Unit of Generation of Large Animal Disease Models, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU015), Guangzhou, China
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Lee S, Shim HS, Park HJ, Chang Y, Han YE, Oh SJ, Lee W, Im H, Seol Y, Ryu H, Kang H, Lee YK, Park S, Yoo J. Elongated nanoporous Au networks improve somatic cell direct conversion into induced dopaminergic neurons for Parkinson's disease therapy. Acta Biomater 2022; 151:561-575. [PMID: 35931279 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.07.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The efficient production of dopaminergic neurons via the direct conversion of other cell types is of interest as a potential therapeutic approach for Parkinson's disease. This study aimed to investigate the use of elongated porous gold nanorods (AuNpRs) as an enhancer of cell fate conversion. We observed that AuNpRs promoted the direct conversion of fibroblasts into dopaminergic neurons in vivo and in vitro. The extent of conversion of fibroblasts into dopaminergic neurons depended on the porosity of AuNpRs, as determined by their aspect ratio. The mechanism underlying these results involves specific AuNpR-induced transcriptional changes that altered the expression of antioxidant-related molecules. The generation of dopaminergic neurons via the direct conversion method will open a new avenue for developing a therapeutic platform for Parkinson's disease treatment. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In this study, we applied modified gold nanoporous materials (AuNpRs) to the direct lineage reprogramming of dopaminergic neurons. The cell reprogramming process is energy-intensive, resulting in an excess of oxidative stress. AuNpRs facilitated the direct conversion of dopaminergic neurons by ameliorating oxidative stress during the reprogramming process. We have found this mechanistic clue from high throughput studies in this research work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungwoo Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066, Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeongki-do, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Soo Shim
- Laboratory of regenerative medicine for neurodegenerative disease, Stand Up Therapeutics, Hannamdaero 98, Seoul, 04418, Republic of Korea; Department of Molecular biology, Nuturn Science, Sinsadong 559-8, Seoul, 06037, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeok Ju Park
- Laboratory of regenerative medicine for neurodegenerative disease, Stand Up Therapeutics, Hannamdaero 98, Seoul, 04418, Republic of Korea; Database Laboratory, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Dongguk University-Seoul, Pildong-ro 1-gil 30, Jung-gu, Seoul, 04620, Republic of Korea
| | - Yujung Chang
- Department of Molecular biology, Nuturn Science, Sinsadong 559-8, Seoul, 06037, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Eun Han
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Hwarang-ro 14-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Jin Oh
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Hwarang-ro 14-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea; Convergence Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Care System of Dementia, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Hwarang-ro 14-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonwoong Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Woosuk University, 443, Samnye-ro, Samnye-eup, Wanju_Gun, Jeollabuk-do, 55338, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeonjoo Im
- Laboratory of regenerative medicine for neurodegenerative disease, Stand Up Therapeutics, Hannamdaero 98, Seoul, 04418, Republic of Korea; Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, 145, Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 20841, Republic of Korea Seoul
| | - YunHee Seol
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Hwarang-ro 14-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Hoon Ryu
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Hwarang-ro 14-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Hoon Kang
- Laboratory of regenerative medicine for neurodegenerative disease, Stand Up Therapeutics, Hannamdaero 98, Seoul, 04418, Republic of Korea; Department of Molecular biology, Nuturn Science, Sinsadong 559-8, Seoul, 06037, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Kyu Lee
- Database Laboratory, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Dongguk University-Seoul, Pildong-ro 1-gil 30, Jung-gu, Seoul, 04620, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungho Park
- Department of Chemistry, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066, Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeongki-do, 16419, Republic of Korea.
| | - Junsang Yoo
- Laboratory of regenerative medicine for neurodegenerative disease, Stand Up Therapeutics, Hannamdaero 98, Seoul, 04418, Republic of Korea; Department of Molecular biology, Nuturn Science, Sinsadong 559-8, Seoul, 06037, Republic of Korea.
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44
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Aleksandrova MA, Sukhinich KK. Astrocytes of the Brain: Retinue Plays the King. Russ J Dev Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360422040026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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45
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Seng C, Luo W, Földy C. Circuit formation in the adult brain. Eur J Neurosci 2022; 56:4187-4213. [PMID: 35724981 PMCID: PMC9546018 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Neurons in the mammalian central nervous system display an enormous capacity for circuit formation during development but not later in life. In principle, new circuits could be also formed in adult brain, but the absence of the developmental milieu and the presence of growth inhibition and hundreds of working circuits are generally viewed as unsupportive for such a process. Here, we bring together evidence from different areas of neuroscience—such as neurological disorders, adult‐brain neurogenesis, innate behaviours, cell grafting, and in vivo cell reprogramming—which demonstrates robust circuit formation in adult brain. In some cases, adult‐brain rewiring is ongoing and required for certain types of behaviour and memory, while other cases show significant promise for brain repair in disease models. Together, these examples highlight that the adult brain has higher capacity for structural plasticity than previously recognized. Understanding the underlying mechanisms behind this retained plasticity has the potential to advance basic knowledge regarding the molecular organization of synaptic circuits and could herald a new era of neural circuit engineering for therapeutic repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Seng
- Laboratory of Neural Connectivity, Brain Research Institute, Faculties of Medicine and Science, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Wenshu Luo
- Laboratory of Neural Connectivity, Brain Research Institute, Faculties of Medicine and Science, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Csaba Földy
- Laboratory of Neural Connectivity, Brain Research Institute, Faculties of Medicine and Science, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
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46
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Baklaushev VP, Yusubalieva GM, Samoilova EM, Belopasov VV. Resident Neural Stem Cell Niches and Regeneration: The Splendors and Miseries of Adult Neurogenesis. Russ J Dev Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360422030080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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47
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Peng Z, Lu H, Yang Q, Xie Q. Astrocyte Reprogramming in Stroke: Opportunities and Challenges. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:885707. [PMID: 35663583 PMCID: PMC9160982 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.885707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Stroke is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In the early stages of stroke, irreversible damage to neurons leads to high mortality and disability rates in patients. However, there are still no effective prevention and treatment measures for the resulting massive neuronal death in clinical practice. Astrocyte reprogramming has recently attracted much attention as an avenue for increasing neurons in mice after cerebral ischemia. However, the field of astrocyte reprogramming has recently been mired in controversy due to reports questioning whether newborn neurons are derived from astrocyte transformation. To better understand the process and controversies of astrocyte reprogramming, this review introduces the method of astrocyte reprogramming and its application in stroke. By targeting key transcription factors or microRNAs, astrocytes in the mouse brain could be reprogrammed into functional neurons. Additionally, we summarize some of the current controversies over the lack of cell lineage tracing and single-cell sequencing experiments to provide evidence of gene expression profile changes throughout the process of astrocyte reprogramming. Finally, we present recent advances in cell lineage tracing and single-cell sequencing, suggesting that it is possible to characterize the entire process of astrocyte reprogramming by combining these techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhouzhou Peng
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Guangyang Bay Laboratory, Chongqing, China
| | - Hui Lu
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Guangyang Bay Laboratory, Chongqing, China
| | - Qingwu Yang
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Guangyang Bay Laboratory, Chongqing, China
| | - Qi Xie
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Institute for Brain and Intelligence, Guangyang Bay Laboratory, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Qi Xie,
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48
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Chen W, Zheng Q, Huang Q, Ma S, Li M. Repressing PTBP1 fails to convert reactive astrocytes to dopaminergic neurons in a 6-hydroxydopamine mouse model of Parkinson's disease. eLife 2022; 11:75636. [PMID: 35535997 PMCID: PMC9208759 DOI: 10.7554/elife.75636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Lineage reprogramming of resident glial cells to dopaminergic neurons (DAns) is an attractive prospect of the cell-replacement therapy for Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, it is unclear whether repressing polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 (PTBP1) could efficiently convert astrocyte to DAns in the substantia nigra and striatum. Although reporter-positive DAns were observed in both groups after delivering the adeno-associated virus (AAV) expressing a reporter with shRNA or CRISPR-CasRx to repress astroglial PTBP1, the possibility of AAV leaking into endogenous DAns could not be excluded without using a reliable lineage-tracing method. By adopting stringent lineage-tracing strategy, two other studies show that either knockdown or genetic deletion of quiescent astroglial PTBP1 fails to obtain induced DAns under physiological condition. However, the role of reactive astrocytes might be underestimated because upon brain injury, reactive astrocyte can acquire certain stem cell hallmarks that may facilitate the lineage conversion process. Therefore, whether reactive astrocytes could be genuinely converted to DAns after PTBP1 repression in a PD model needs further validation. In this study, we used Aldh1l1-CreERT2-mediated specific astrocyte-lineage-tracing method to investigate whether reactive astrocytes could be converted to DAns in a 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) mouse model of PD. However, we found that no astrocyte-originated DAn was generated after effective and persistent knockdown of astroglial PTBP1 either in the substantia nigra or in striatum, while AAV ‘leakage’ to nearby neurons was easily observed. Our results confirm that repressing PTBP1 does not convert astrocytes to DAns, regardless of physiological or PD-related pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhao Chen
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiongping Zheng
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiaoying Huang
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shanshan Ma
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingtao Li
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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49
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Direct Conversion of Bovine Dermal Fibroblasts into Myotubes by Viral Delivery of Transcription Factor bMyoD. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12094688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Direct reprogramming of somatic cells to myoblasts and myotubes holds great potential for muscle development, disease modeling and regenerative medicine. According to recent studies, direct conversion of fibroblasts to myoblasts was performed by using a transcription factor, myoblast determination protein (MyoD), which belongs to a family of myogenic regulatory factors. Therefore, MyoD is considered to be a key driver in the generation of induced myoblasts. In this study, we compared the direct phenotypic conversion of bovine dermal fibroblasts (BDFs) into myoblasts and myotubes by supplementing a transcription factor, bovine MyoD (bMyoD), in the form of recombinant protein or the bMyoD gene, through retroviral vectors. As a result, the delivery of the bMyoD gene to BDFs was more efficient for inducing reprogramming, resulting in direct conversion to myoblasts and myotubes, when compared with protein delivery. BDFs cultured with retrovirus encoding bMyoD increased myogenic gene expression, such as MyoG, MYH3 and MYMK. In addition, the cells expressed myoblast or myotube-specific marker proteins, MyoG and Desmin, respectively. Our findings provide an informative tool for the myogenesis of domestic-animal-derived somatic cells via transgenic technology. By using this method, a new era of regenerative medicine and cultured meat is expected.
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50
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Zhou C, Ni W, Zhu T, Dong S, Sun P, Hua F. Cellular Reprogramming and Its Potential Application in Alzheimer’s Disease. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:884667. [PMID: 35464309 PMCID: PMC9023048 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.884667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has become the most common age-related dementia in the world and is currently incurable. Although many efforts have been made, the underlying mechanisms of AD remain unclear. Extracellular amyloid-beta deposition, intracellular tau hyperphosphorylation, neuronal death, glial cell activation, white matter damage, blood–brain barrier disruption, and other mechanisms all take part in this complicated disease, making it difficult to find an effective therapy. In the study of therapeutic methods, how to restore functional neurons and integrate myelin becomes the main point. In recent years, with the improvement and maturity of induced pluripotent stem cell technology and direct cell reprogramming technology, it has become possible to induce non-neuronal cells, such as fibroblasts or glial cells, directly into neuronal cells in vitro and in vivo. Remarkably, the induced neurons are functional and capable of entering the local neural net. These encouraging results provide a potential new approach for AD therapy. In this review, we summarized the characteristics of AD, the reprogramming technique, and the current research on the application of cellular reprogramming in AD. The existing problems regarding cellular reprogramming and its therapeutic potential for AD were also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhou
- Institute of Neurological Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Wanyan Ni
- Institute of Neurological Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Taiyang Zhu
- Institute of Neurological Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Shuyu Dong
- Department of Neurology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Ping Sun
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Fang Hua
- Institute of Neurological Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Fang Hua,
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