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Lelos MJ, Roberton VH, Vinh NN, Harrison C, Eriksen P, Torres EM, Clinch SP, Rosser AE, Dunnett SB. Direct Comparison of Rat- and Human-Derived Ganglionic Eminence Tissue Grafts on Motor Function. Cell Transplant 2016; 25:665-75. [DOI: 10.3727/096368915x690297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a debilitating, genetically inherited neurodegenerative disorder that results in early loss of medium spiny neurons from the striatum and subsequent degeneration of cortical and other subcortical brain regions. Behavioral changes manifest as a range of motor, cognitive, and neuropsychiatric impairments. It has been established that replacement of the degenerated medium spiny neurons with rat-derived fetal whole ganglionic eminence (rWGE) tissue can alleviate motor and cognitive deficits in preclinical rodent models of HD. However, clinical application of this cell replacement therapy requires the use of human-derived (hWGE), not rWGE, tissue. Despite this, little is currently known about the functional efficacy of hWGE. The aim of this study was to directly compare the ability of the gold standard rWGE grafts, against the clinically relevant hWGE grafts, on a range of behavioral tests of motor function. Lister hooded rats either remained as unoperated controls or received unilateral excitotoxic lesions of the lateral neostriatum. Subsets of lesioned rats then received transplants of either rWGE or hWGE primary fetal tissue into the lateral striatum. All rats were tested postlesion and postgraft on the following tests of motor function: staircase test, apomorphine-induced rotation, cylinder test, adjusting steps test, and vibrissae-evoked touch test. At 21 weeks postgraft, brain tissue was taken for histological analysis. The results revealed comparable improvements in apomorphine-induced rotational bias and the vibrissae test, despite larger graft volumes in the hWGE cohort. hWGE grafts, but not rWGE grafts, stabilized behavioral performance on the adjusting steps test. These results have implications for clinical application of cell replacement therapies, as well as providing a foundation for the development of stem cell-derived cell therapy products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariah J. Lelos
- Brain Repair Group, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Victoria H. Roberton
- Brain Repair Group, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Ngoc-Nga Vinh
- Brain Repair Group, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Carl Harrison
- Brain Repair Group, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Peter Eriksen
- Brain Repair Group, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Eduardo M. Torres
- Brain Repair Group, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Susanne P. Clinch
- Brain Repair Group, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Anne E. Rosser
- Brain Repair Group, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Stephen B. Dunnett
- Brain Repair Group, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
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Current status of PET imaging in Huntington's disease. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2016; 43:1171-82. [PMID: 26899245 PMCID: PMC4844650 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-016-3324-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To review the developments of recent decades and the current status of PET molecular imaging in Huntington’s disease (HD). Methods A systematic review of PET studies in HD was performed. The MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane and Scopus databases were searched for articles in all languages published up to 19 August 2015 using the major medical subject heading “Huntington Disease” combined with text and key words “Huntington Disease”, “Neuroimaging” and “PET”. Only peer-reviewed, primary research studies in HD patients and premanifest HD carriers, and studies in which clinical features were described in association with PET neuroimaging results, were included in this review. Reviews, case reports and nonhuman studies were excluded. Results A total of 54 PET studies were identified and analysed in this review. Brain metabolism ([18F]FDG and [15O]H2O), presynaptic ([18F]fluorodopa, [11C]β-CIT and [11C]DTBZ) and postsynaptic ([11C]SCH22390, [11C]FLB457 and [11C]raclopride) dopaminergic function, phosphodiesterases ([18F]JNJ42259152, [18F]MNI-659 and [11C]IMA107), and adenosine ([18F]CPFPX), cannabinoid ([18F]MK-9470), opioid ([11C]diprenorphine) and GABA ([11C]flumazenil) receptors were evaluated as potential biomarkers for monitoring disease progression and for assessing the development and efficacy of novel disease-modifying drugs in premanifest HD carriers and HD patients. PET studies evaluating brain restoration and neuroprotection were also identified and described in detail. Conclusion Brain metabolism, postsynaptic dopaminergic function and phosphodiesterase 10A levels were proven to be powerful in assessing disease progression. However, no single technique may be currently considered an optimal biomarker and an integrative multimodal imaging approach combining different techniques should be developed for monitoring potential neuroprotective and preventive treatment in HD.
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Golas MM, Sander B. Use of human stem cells in Huntington disease modeling and translational research. Exp Neurol 2016; 278:76-90. [PMID: 26826449 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2016.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Revised: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Huntington disease (HD) is a devastating neurological disorder caused by an extended CAG repeat in exon 1 of the gene that encodes the huntingtin (HTT) protein. HD pathology involves a loss of striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs) and progressive neurodegeneration affects the striatum and other brain regions. Because HTT is involved in multiple cellular processes, the molecular mechanisms of HD pathogenesis should be investigated on multiple levels. On the cellular level, in vitro stem cell models, such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from HD patients and HD embryonic stem cells (ESCs), have yielded progress. Approaches to differentiate functional MSNs from ESCs, iPSCs, and neural stem/progenitor cells (NSCs/NPCs) have been established, enabling MSN differentiation to be studied and disease phenotypes to be recapitulated. Isolation of target stem cells and precursor cells may also provide a resource for grafting. In animal models, transplantation of striatal precursors differentiated in vitro to the striatum has been reported to improve disease phenotype. Initial clinical trials examining intrastriatal transplantation of fetal neural tissue suggest a more favorable clinical course in a subset of HD patients, though shortcomings persist. Here, we review recent advances in the development of cellular HD models and approaches aimed at cell regeneration with human stem cells. We also describe how genome editing tools could be used to correct the HTT mutation in patient-specific stem cells. Finally, we discuss the potential and the remaining challenges of stem cell-based approaches in HD research and therapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika M Golas
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | - Bjoern Sander
- Stereology and Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
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54
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Kerkis I, Haddad MS, Valverde CW, Glosman S. Neural and mesenchymal stem cells in animal models of Huntington's disease: past experiences and future challenges. Stem Cell Res Ther 2015; 6:232. [PMID: 26667114 PMCID: PMC4678723 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-015-0248-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited disease that causes progressive nerve cell degeneration. It is triggered by a mutation in the HTT gene that strongly influences functional abilities and usually results in movement, cognitive and psychiatric disorders. HD is incurable, although treatments are available to help manage symptoms and to delay the physical, mental and behavioral declines associated with the condition. Stem cells are the essential building blocks of life, and play a crucial role in the genesis and development of all higher organisms. Ablative surgical procedures and fetal tissue cell transplantation, which are still experimental, demonstrate low rates of recovery in HD patients. Due to neuronal cell death caused by accumulation of the mutated huntingtin (mHTT) protein, it is unlikely that such brain damage can be treated solely by drug-based therapies. Stem cell-based therapies are important in order to reconstruct damaged brain areas in HD patients. These therapies have a dual role: stem cell paracrine action, stimulating local cell survival, and brain tissue regeneration through the production of new neurons from the intrinsic and likely from donor stem cells. This review summarizes current knowledge on neural stem/progenitor cell and mesenchymal stem cell transplantation, which has been carried out in several animal models of HD, discussing cell distribution, survival and differentiation after transplantation, as well as functional recovery and anatomic improvements associated with these approaches. We also discuss the usefulness of this information for future preclinical and clinical studies in HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Kerkis
- Laboratório de Genética, Instituto Butantan, 1500 Av. Vital Brasil, São Paulo, 05503-900, Brazil.
| | - Monica Santoro Haddad
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, 455 Av. Dr. Arnaldao, São Paulo, 01246903, Brazil
| | | | - Sabina Glosman
- SoluBest Ltd, Weizmann Science Park, POB 4053 18 Einstein Street, Ness Ziona, 74140, Israel
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55
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Liu L, Huang JS, Han C, Zhang GX, Xu XY, Shen Y, Li J, Jiang HY, Lin ZC, Xiong N, Wang T. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in Huntington's Disease: Disease Modeling and the Potential for Cell-Based Therapy. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 53:6698-6708. [PMID: 26659595 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9601-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an incurable neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by motor dysfunction, cognitive impairment, and behavioral abnormalities. It is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the huntingtin gene, resulting in progressive neuronal loss predominately in the striatum and cortex. Despite the discovery of the causative gene in 1993, the exact mechanisms underlying HD pathogenesis have yet to be elucidated. Treatments that slow or halt the disease process are currently unavailable. Recent advances in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technologies have transformed our ability to study disease in human neural cells. Here, we firstly review the progress made to model HD in vitro using patient-derived iPSCs, which reveal unique insights into illuminating molecular mechanisms and provide a novel human cell-based platform for drug discovery. We then highlight the promises and challenges for pluripotent stem cells that might be used as a therapeutic source for cell replacement therapy of the lost neurons in HD brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Liu
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jin-Sha Huang
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chao Han
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Guo-Xin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiao-Yun Xu
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yan Shen
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hai-Yang Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhi-Cheng Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School; Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, and Mailman Neuroscience Research Center, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Nian Xiong
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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56
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Shannon KM, Fraint A. Therapeutic advances in Huntington's Disease. Mov Disord 2015; 30:1539-46. [DOI: 10.1002/mds.26331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M. Shannon
- Department of Neurological Sciences; Rush Medical College; Chicago Illinois USA
| | - Avram Fraint
- Department of Neurological Sciences; Rush Medical College; Chicago Illinois USA
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Abstract
Stem cell-based therapies hold considerable promise for many currently devastating neurological disorders. Substantial progress has been made in the derivation of disease-relevant human donor cell populations. Behavioral data in relevant animal models of disease have demonstrated therapeutic efficacy for several cell-based approaches. Consequently, cGMP grade cell products are currently being developed for first in human clinical trials in select disorders. Despite the therapeutic promise, the presumed mechanism of action of donor cell populations often remains insufficiently validated. It depends greatly on the properties of the transplanted cell type and the underlying host pathology. Several new technologies have become available to probe mechanisms of action in real time and to manipulate in vivo cell function and integration to enhance therapeutic efficacy. Results from such studies generate crucial insight into the nature of brain repair that can be achieved today and push the boundaries of what may be possible in the future.
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58
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Porfirio B, Morelli A, Conti R, Vannelli GB, Gallina P. A commentary on "Differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into striatal projection neurons: a pure MSN fate may not be sufficient". Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:177. [PMID: 26029049 PMCID: PMC4428124 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Berardino Porfirio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence Florence, Italy
| | - Annamaria Morelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence Florence, Italy
| | - Renato Conti
- Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Florence Florence, Italy
| | - Gabriella B Vannelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence Florence, Italy
| | - Pasquale Gallina
- Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Florence Florence, Italy
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59
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Roberton VH, Rosser AE, Kelly CM. Neonatal desensitization for the study of regenerative medicine. Regen Med 2015; 10:265-74. [DOI: 10.2217/rme.14.76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell replacement is a therapeutic option for numerous diseases of the CNS. Current research has identified a number of potential human donor cell types, for which preclinical testing through xenotransplantation in animal models is imperative. Immune modulation is necessary to promote donor cell survival for sufficient time to assess safety and efficacy. Neonatal desensitization can promote survival of human donor cells in adult rat hosts with little impact on the health of the host and for substantially longer than conventional methods, and has subsequently been applied in a range of studies with variable outcomes. Reviewing these findings may provide insight into the method and its potential for use in preclinical studies in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria H Roberton
- Brain Repair Group, Sir Martin Evans Building, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Anne E Rosser
- Brain Repair Group, Sir Martin Evans Building, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
- Department of Psychological Medicine & Neurology, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Claire M Kelly
- School of Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Western Avenue, Cardiff, CF5 2YB, UK
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Zielonka D, Mielcarek M, Landwehrmeyer GB. Update on Huntington's disease: advances in care and emerging therapeutic options. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2014; 21:169-78. [PMID: 25572500 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2014.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2014] [Revised: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Huntington's disease (HD) is the most common hereditary neurodegenerative disorder. Despite the fact that both the gene and the mutation causing this monogenetic disorder were identified more than 20 years ago, disease-modifying therapies for HD have not yet been established. REVIEW While intense preclinical research and large cohort studies in HD have laid foundations for tangible improvements in understanding HD and caring for HD patients, identifying targets for therapeutic interventions and developing novel therapeutic modalities (new chemical entities and advanced therapies using DNA and RNA molecules as therapeutic agents) continues to be an ongoing process. The authors review recent achievements in HD research and focus on approaches towards disease-modifying therapies, ranging from huntingtin-lowering strategies to improving huntingtin clearance that may be promoted by posttranslational HTT modifications. CONCLUSION The nature and number of upcoming clinical studies/trials in HD is a reason for hope for HD patients and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Zielonka
- Department of Social Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poland.
| | - Michal Mielcarek
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King's College London, London, UK
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61
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Reddington AE, Rosser AE, Dunnett SB. Differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into striatal projection neurons: a pure MSN fate may not be sufficient. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:398. [PMID: 25520619 PMCID: PMC4251433 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2014] [Accepted: 11/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder leading to the loss inter alia of DARPP-32 positive medium spiny projection neurons ("MSNs") in the striatum. There is no known cure for HD but the relative specificity of cell loss early in the disease has made cell replacement by neural transplantation an attractive therapeutic possibility. Transplantation of human fetal striatal precursor cells has shown "proof-of-principle" in clinical trials; however, the practical and ethical difficulties associated with sourcing fetal tissues have stimulated the need to identify alternative source(s) of donor cells that are more readily available and more suitable for standardization. We now have available the first generation of protocols to generate DARPP-32 positive MSN-like neurons from pluripotent stem cells and these have been successfully grafted into animal models of HD. However, whether these grafts can provide stable functional recovery to the level that can regularly be achieved with primary fetal striatal grafts remains to be demonstrated. Of particular concern, primary fetal striatal grafts are not homogenous; they contain not only the MSN subpopulation of striatal projection neurons but also include all the different cell types that make up the mature striatum, such as the multiple populations of striatal interneurons and striatal glia, and which certainly contribute to normal striatal function. By contrast, present protocols for pluripotent stem cell differentiation are almost entirely targeted at specifying just neurons of an MSN lineage. So far, evidence for the functionality and integration of stem-cell derived grafts is correspondingly limited. Indeed, consideration of the features of full striatal reconstruction that is achieved with primary fetal striatal grafts suggests that optimal success of the next generations of stem cell-derived replacement therapy in HD will require that graft protocols be developed to allow inclusion of multiple striatal cell types, such as interneurons and/or glia. Almost certainly, therefore, more sophisticated differentiation protocols will be necessary, over and above replacement of a specific population of MSNs. A rational solution to this technical challenge requires that we re-address the underlying question-what constitutes a functional striatal graft?
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E Reddington
- The Brain Repair Group, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University Cardiff, UK
| | - Anne E Rosser
- The Brain Repair Group, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University Cardiff, UK ; Department of Psychological Medicine and Neurology, Cardiff University Cardiff, UK
| | - Stephen B Dunnett
- The Brain Repair Group, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University Cardiff, UK
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Bachoud-Lévi AC, Perrier A. Regenerative medicine in Huntington's disease: Current status on fetal grafts and prospects for the use of pluripotent stem cell. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2014; 170:749-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2014.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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63
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Ishii T, Eto K. Fetal stem cell transplantation: Past, present, and future. World J Stem Cells 2014; 6:404-420. [PMID: 25258662 PMCID: PMC4172669 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v6.i4.404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2014] [Revised: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Since 1928, human fetal tissues and stem cells have been used worldwide to treat various conditions. Although the transplantation of the fetal midbrain substantia nigra and dopaminergic neurons in patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease is particularly noteworthy, the history of other types of grafts, such as those of the fetal liver, thymus, and pancreas, should be addressed as there are many lessons to be learnt for future stem cell transplantation. This report describes previous practices and complications that led to current clinical trials of isolated fetal stem cells and embryonic stem (ES) cells. Moreover, strategies for transplantation are considered, with a particular focus on donor cells, cell processing, and the therapeutic cell niche, in addition to ethical issues associated with fetal origin. With the advent of autologous induced pluripotent stem cells and ES cells, clinical dependence on fetal transplantation is expected to gradually decline due to lasting ethical controversies, despite landmark achievements.
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Paganini M, Biggeri A, Romoli AM, Mechi C, Ghelli E, Berti V, Pradella S, Bucciantini S, Catelan D, Saccardi R, Lombardini L, Mascalchi M, Massacesi L, Porfirio B, Di Lorenzo N, Vannelli GB, Gallina P. Fetal striatal grafting slows motor and cognitive decline of Huntington's disease. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2014; 85:974-81. [PMID: 24347577 PMCID: PMC4145428 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2013-306533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the clinical effect of caudate-putaminal transplantation of fetal striatal tissue in Huntington's disease (HD). METHODS We carried out a follow-up study on 10 HD transplanted patients and 16 HD not-transplanted patients. All patients were evaluated with the Unified HD Rating Scale (UHDRS) whose change in motor, cognitive, behavioural and functional capacity total scores were considered as outcome measures. Grafted patients also received morphological and molecular neuroimaging. RESULTS Patients were followed-up from disease onset for a total of 309.3 person-years (minimum 5.3, median 11.2 years, maximum 21.6 years). UHDRS scores have been available since 2004 (median time of 5.7 years since onset, minimum zero, maximum 17.2 years). Median post-transplantation follow-up was 4.3 years, minimum 2.8, maximum 5.1 years. Adjusted post-transplantation motor score deterioration rate was reduced compared to the pretransplantation period, and to that of not-transplanted patients by 0.9 unit/years (95% CI 0.2 to 1.6). Cognitive score deterioration was reduced of 2.7 unit/years (95% CI 0.1 to 5.3). For grafted patients the 2-year post-transplantation [(18)F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) showed striatal/cortical metabolic increase compared to the presurgical evaluation; 4-year post-transplantation PET values were slightly decreased, but remained higher than preoperatively. [(123)I]iodobenzamide single photon emission CT demonstrated an increase in striatal D2-receptor density during postgrafting follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Grafted patients experienced a milder clinical course with less pronounced motor/cognitive decline and associated brain metabolism improvement. Life-time follow-up may ultimately clarify whether transplantation permanently modifies the natural course of the disease, allowing longer sojourn time at less severe clinical stage, and improvement of overall survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Paganini
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florence, Florence, Italy Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Annibale Biggeri
- Department of Statistics, Informatics and Applications "G. Parenti", University of Florence, Florence, Italy Biostatistics Unit, ISPO Cancer Prevention and Research Institute, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Mechi
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Ghelli
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Valentina Berti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Pradella
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Dolores Catelan
- Department of Statistics, Informatics and Applications "G. Parenti", University of Florence, Florence, Italy Biostatistics Unit, ISPO Cancer Prevention and Research Institute, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Letizia Lombardini
- Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy Italian National Health Institute, National Transplantation Center, Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Mascalchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Luca Massacesi
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florence, Florence, Italy Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Berardino Porfirio
- Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Nicola Di Lorenzo
- Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Pasquale Gallina
- Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Mascalchi M, Diciotti S, Paganini M, Bianchi A, Ginestroni A, Lombardini L, Porfirio B, Conti R, Di Lorenzo N, Vannelli GB, Gallina P. Large-sized Fetal Striatal Grafts in Huntington's Disease Do Stop Growing: Long-term Monitoring in the Florence Experience. PLOS CURRENTS 2014; 6. [PMID: 25642368 PMCID: PMC4172581 DOI: 10.1371/currents.hd.c0ad575f12106c38f9f5717a8a7d05ae] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Development of six large nodules of solid tissue after bilateral human fetal striatal transplantation in four Huntington's disease patients has raised concern about the safety of this experimental therapy in our setting. We investigated by serial MRI-based volumetric analysis the growth behaviour of such grafts. After 33-73 months from transplantation the size of five grafts was stable and one graft showed a mild decrease in size. Signs neither of intracranial hypertension nor of adjuctive focal neurological deficit have ever been observed. This supports long-term safety of the grafting procedure at our Institution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Mascalchi
- Quantitative and Functional Neuroradiology Research Unit, Meyer Children and Careggi Hospitals, Florence, Italy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Stefano Diciotti
- Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering "Guglielmo Marconi", University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Berardino Porfirio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Di Lorenzo
- Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Pasquale Gallina
- Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Florence, Italy
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Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by an expanded trinucleotide CAG sequence in huntingtin gene (HTT) on chromosome 4. HD manifests with chorea, cognitive and psychiatric symptoms. Although advances in genetics allow identification of individuals carrying the HD gene, much is still unknown about the mechanisms underlying the development of overt clinical symptoms and the transitional period between premanifestation and manifestation of the disease. HD has no cure and patients rely only in symptomatic treatment. There is an urgent need to identify biomarkers that are able to monitor disease progression and assess the development and efficacy of novel disease modifying drugs. Over the past years, neuroimaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) have provided important advances in our understanding of HD. MRI provides information about structural and functional organization of the brain, while PET can detect molecular changes in the brain. MRI and PET are able to detect changes in the brains of HD gene carriers years ahead of the manifestation of the disease and have also proved to be powerful in assessing disease progression. However, no single technique has been validated as an optimal biomarker. An integrative multimodal imaging approach, which combines different MRI and PET techniques, could be recommended for monitoring potential neuroprotective and preventive therapies in HD. In this article we review the current neuroimaging literature in HD.
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Sarchielli E, Marini M, Ambrosini S, Peri A, Mazzanti B, Pinzani P, Barletta E, Ballerini L, Paternostro F, Paganini M, Porfirio B, Morelli A, Gallina P, Vannelli GB. Multifaceted roles of BDNF and FGF2 in human striatal primordium development. An in vitro study. Exp Neurol 2014; 257:130-47. [PMID: 24792640 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2014.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Revised: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Grafting fetal striatal cells into the brain of Huntington's disease (HD) patients has raised certain expectations in the past decade as an effective cell-based-therapy for this devastating condition. We argue that the first requirement for successful transplantation is defining the window of plasticity for the striatum during development when the progenitor cells, isolated from their environment, are able to maintain regional-specific-identity and to respond appropriately to cues. The primary cell culture from human fetal striatal primordium described here consists of a mixed population of neural stem cells, neuronal-restricted progenitors and striatal neurons. These cells express trophic factors, such as BDNF and FGF2. We show that these neurotrophins maintain cell plasticity, inducing the expression of neuronal precursor markers and cell adhesion molecules, as well as promoting neurogenesis, migration and survival. We propose that BDNF and FGF2 play an important autocrine-paracrine role during early striatum development in vivo and that their release by fetal striatal grafts may be relevant in the setting of HD cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Sarchielli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mirca Marini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Stefano Ambrosini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandro Peri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Science "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Benedetta Mazzanti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Pamela Pinzani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Science "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Emanuela Barletta
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Science "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lara Ballerini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Paternostro
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Paganini
- Department of Neuroscience and NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Berardino Porfirio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Science "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Annamaria Morelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Pasquale Gallina
- Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gabriella B Vannelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Chen Y, Carter RL, Cho IK, Chan AWS. Cell-based therapies for Huntington's disease. Drug Discov Today 2014; 19:980-4. [PMID: 24631682 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2014.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Cell-based therapies are a viable option for the long-term treatment of Huntington's disease (HD), which is characterized by progressive neurodegeneration predominately in the striatum and cortex. Current research focuses on genetic suppression of the mutant huntingtin (mHTT) gene and cell replacement therapy of the lost cells in HD. As we discuss here, the recent development of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells technology demonstrated the potential of cell-based therapy in rodent models. It was shown that iPSCs were capable of differentiating into lost neurons in HD and stem cell grafts can improve motor deficiency in HD rodent models. Altogether, these findings have shown great promise for developing the foundation of the cell-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiju Chen
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, 954 Gatewood Rd, NE Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael St, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Richard L Carter
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, 954 Gatewood Rd, NE Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael St, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Genetics and Molecular Biology Program, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - In K Cho
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, 954 Gatewood Rd, NE Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael St, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Genetics and Molecular Biology Program, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Anthony W S Chan
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurologic Diseases, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, 954 Gatewood Rd, NE Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael St, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Genetics and Molecular Biology Program, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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69
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Cisbani G, Cicchetti F. Review: The fate of cell grafts for the treatment of Huntington's disease: thepost-mortemevidence. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2014; 40:71-90. [DOI: 10.1111/nan.12104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2013] [Accepted: 12/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G. Cisbani
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec (CHUL); Québec QC Canada
| | - F. Cicchetti
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec (CHUL); Québec QC Canada
- Département de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences; Université Laval; Québec QC Canada
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70
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Gallina P, Paganini M, Biggeri A, Marini M, Romoli A, Sarchielli E, Berti V, Ghelli E, Guido C, Lombardini L, Mazzanti B, Simonelli P, Peri A, Maggi M, Porfirio B, Di Lorenzo N, Vannelli GB. Human Striatum Remodelling after Neurotransplantation in Huntington's Disease. Stereotact Funct Neurosurg 2014; 92:211-7. [DOI: 10.1159/000360583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2013] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Barker RA, de Beaufort I. Scientific and ethical issues related to stem cell research and interventions in neurodegenerative disorders of the brain. Prog Neurobiol 2013; 110:63-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2013.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2012] [Revised: 04/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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72
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López-Sendón Moreno JL, García de Yébenes J. Treatment options in Huntington's disease. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2013. [DOI: 10.1517/21678707.2013.851598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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73
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Review of transplantation of neural stem/progenitor cells for spinal cord injury. Int J Dev Neurosci 2013; 31:701-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2013.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2013] [Revised: 07/02/2013] [Accepted: 07/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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