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Bodea GO, Blaess S. Establishing diversity in the dopaminergic system. FEBS Lett 2015; 589:3773-85. [PMID: 26431946 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2015.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2015] [Revised: 09/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Midbrain dopaminergic neurons (MbDNs) modulate cognitive processes, regulate voluntary movement, and encode reward prediction errors and aversive stimuli. While the degeneration of MbDNs underlies the motor defects in Parkinson's disease, imbalances in dopamine levels are associated with neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression, schizophrenia and substance abuse. In recent years, progress has been made in understanding how MbDNs, which constitute a relatively small neuronal population in the brain, can contribute to such diverse functions and dysfunctions. In particular, important insights have been gained regarding the distinct molecular, neurochemical and network properties of MbDNs. How this diversity of MbDNs is established during brain development is only starting to be unraveled. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the diversity in MbDN progenitors and differentiated MbDNs in the developing rodent brain. We discuss the signaling pathways, transcription factors and transmembrane receptors that contribute to setting up these diverse MbDN subpopulations. A better insight into the processes that establish diversity in MbDNs will ultimately improve the understanding of the architecture and function of the dopaminergic system in the adult brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela O Bodea
- Mater Research Institute - University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia; Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Sandra Blaess
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, Life and Brain Center, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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102
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Nouri N, Patel MJ, Joksimovic M, Poulin JF, Anderegg A, Taketo MM, Ma YC, Awatramani R. Excessive Wnt/beta-catenin signaling promotes midbrain floor plate neurogenesis, but results in vacillating dopamine progenitors. Mol Cell Neurosci 2015; 68:131-42. [PMID: 26164566 PMCID: PMC4633300 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2015.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2013] [Revised: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The floor plate (FP), a ventral midline structure of the developing neural tube, has differential neurogenic capabilities along the anterior-posterior axis. The midbrain FP, unlike the hindbrain and spinal cord floor plate, is highly neurogenic and produces midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neurons. Canonical Wnt/beta-catenin signaling, at least in part, is thought to account for the difference in neurogenic capability. Removal of beta-catenin results in mDA progenitor specification defects as well as a profound reduction of neurogenesis. To examine the effects of excessive Wnt/beta-catenin signaling on mDA specification and neurogenesis, we have analyzed a model wherein beta-catenin is conditionally stabilized in the Shh+domain. Here, we show that the Foxa2+/Lmx1a+ domain is extended rostrally in mutant embryos, suggesting that canonical Wnt/beta-catenin signaling can drive FP expansion along the rostrocaudal axis. Although excess canonical Wnt/beta-catenin signaling generally promotes neurogenesis at midbrain levels, less tyrosine hydroxylase (Th)+, mDA neurons are generated, particularly impacting the Substantia Nigra pars compacta. This is likely because of improper progenitor specification. Excess canonical Wnt/beta-catenin signaling causes downregulation of net Lmx1b, Shh and Foxa2 levels in mDA progenitors. Moreover, these progenitors assume a mixed identity to that of Lmx1a+/Lmx1b+/Nkx6-1+/Neurog1+ progenitors. We also show by lineage tracing analysis that normally, Neurog1+ progenitors predominantly give rise to Pou4f1+ neurons, but not Th+ neurons. Accordingly, in the mutant embryos, Neurog1+ progenitors at the midline generate ectopic Pou4f1+ neurons at the expense of Th+ mDA neurons. Our study suggests that an optimal dose of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling is critical for proper establishment of the mDA progenitor character. Our findings will impact embryonic stem cell protocols that utilize Wnt pathway reagents to derive mDA neuron models and therapeutics for Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navid Nouri
- Northwestern University, Feinberg Medical School, Department of Neurology and Center for Genetic Medicine, 7-113 Lurie Bldg., 303 E Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Meera J Patel
- Northwestern University, Feinberg Medical School, Department of Neurology and Center for Genetic Medicine, 7-113 Lurie Bldg., 303 E Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Committee on Neurobiology, University of Chicago, 924 E 57th St. R222, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| | - Milan Joksimovic
- Northwestern University, Feinberg Medical School, Department of Neurology and Center for Genetic Medicine, 7-113 Lurie Bldg., 303 E Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Jean-Francois Poulin
- Northwestern University, Feinberg Medical School, Department of Neurology and Center for Genetic Medicine, 7-113 Lurie Bldg., 303 E Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Angela Anderegg
- Northwestern University, Feinberg Medical School, Department of Neurology and Center for Genetic Medicine, 7-113 Lurie Bldg., 303 E Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - M Mark Taketo
- Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoé-cho, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
| | - Yong-Chao Ma
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Chicago Research Center, 2430 North Halsted Street, Room C321, Chicago, IL 60614, USA.
| | - Rajeshwar Awatramani
- Northwestern University, Feinberg Medical School, Department of Neurology and Center for Genetic Medicine, 7-113 Lurie Bldg., 303 E Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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103
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Chen C, Ma Q, Chen X, Zhong M, Deng P, Zhu G, Zhang Y, Zhang L, Yang Z, Zhang K, Guo L, Wang L, Yu Z, Zhou Z. Thyroid Hormone-Otx2 Signaling Is Required for Embryonic Ventral Midbrain Neural Stem Cells Differentiated into Dopamine Neurons. Stem Cells Dev 2015; 24:1751-65. [PMID: 25867707 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2014.0489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons are essential for maintaining multiple brain functions. These neurons have also been implicated in relation with diverse neurological disorders. However, how these neurons are developed from neuronal stem cells (NSCs) remains largely unknown. In this study, we provide both in vivo and in vitro evidence that the thyroid hormone, an important physiological factor for brain development, promotes DA neuron differentiation from embryonic ventral midbrain (VM) NSCs. We find that thyroid hormone deficiency during development reduces the midbrain DA neuron number, downregulates the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and the dopamine transporter (DAT), and impairs the DA neuron-dependent motor behavior. In addition, thyroid hormone treatment during VM NSC differentiation in vitro increases the production of DA neurons and upregulates the expression of TH and DAT. We also found that the thyroid hormone enhances the expression of Otx2, an important determinant of DA neurogenesis, during DA neuron differentiation. Our in vitro gene silencing experiments indicate that Otx2 is required for thyroid hormone-dependent DA neuron differentiation from embryonic VM NSCs. Finally, we revealed both in vivo and in vitro that the thyroid hormone receptor alpha 1 is expressed in embryonic VM NSCs. Furthermore, it participates in the effects of thyroid hormone-induced Otx2 upregulation and DA neuron differentiation. These data demonstrate the role and molecular mechanisms of how the thyroid hormone regulates DA neuron differentiation from embryonic VM NSCs, particularly providing new mechanisms and a potential strategy for generating dopamine neurons from NSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhai Chen
- 1 Department of Occupational Health, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing, China
| | - Qinglong Ma
- 1 Department of Occupational Health, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaowei Chen
- 2 Brain Research Center, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing, China
| | - Min Zhong
- 1 Department of Occupational Health, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing, China
| | - Ping Deng
- 1 Department of Occupational Health, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing, China
| | - Gang Zhu
- 1 Department of Occupational Health, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing, China
| | - Yanwen Zhang
- 1 Department of Occupational Health, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- 1 Department of Occupational Health, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing, China
| | - Zhiqi Yang
- 2 Brain Research Center, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing, China
| | - Kuan Zhang
- 2 Brain Research Center, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing, China
| | - Lu Guo
- 3 Department of Neurology, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing, China
| | - Liting Wang
- 4 Biomedical Analysis Center, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing, China
| | - Zhengping Yu
- 1 Department of Occupational Health, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing, China
| | - Zhou Zhou
- 1 Department of Occupational Health, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing, China
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104
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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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105
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
Midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neuron development has been an intense area of research during recent years. This is due in part to a growing interest in regenerative medicine and the hope that treatment for diseases affecting mDA neurons, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), might be facilitated by a better understanding of how these neurons are specified, differentiated and maintained in vivo. This knowledge might help to instruct efforts to generate mDA neurons in vitro, which holds promise not only for cell replacement therapy, but also for disease modeling and drug discovery. In this Primer, we will focus on recent developments in understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate the development of mDA neurons in vivo, and how they have been used to generate human mDA neurons in vitro from pluripotent stem cells or from somatic cells via direct reprogramming. Current challenges and future avenues in the development of a regenerative medicine for PD will be identified and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest Arenas
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Dept. Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center of Developmental Biology for Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| | - Mark Denham
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Dept. Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center of Developmental Biology for Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience, Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
| | - J. Carlos Villaescusa
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Dept. Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Center of Developmental Biology for Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
- Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno 61137, Czech Republic
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106
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Function and developmental origin of a mesocortical inhibitory circuit. Nat Neurosci 2015; 18:872-82. [DOI: 10.1038/nn.4020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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107
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Cre-driven optogenetics in the heterogeneous genetic panorama of the VTA. Trends Neurosci 2015; 38:375-86. [PMID: 25962754 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2015.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2015] [Revised: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The selectivity of optogenetics commonly relies on genetic promoters to manipulate specific populations of neurons through the use of Cre-driver lines. All studies performed in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) so far have utilized promoters present in groups of cells that release dopamine (DA), GABA, or glutamate. However, neurons that co-release neurotransmitters and variabilities within groups of neurons that release the same neurotransmitter present challenges when evaluating the results. Further complexity is introduced by ectopic expression patterns often occurring in transgenic Cre-drivers. New perspectives could be unfolded by identifying and selecting different types of promoter for driving the Cre recombinase. Here, we discuss some promising candidates and highlight the advantages or disadvantages of different methods for creating novel transgenic lines.
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108
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Blaess S, Ang SL. Genetic control of midbrain dopaminergic neuron development. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2015; 4:113-34. [PMID: 25565353 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Revised: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 11/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Midbrain dopaminergic neurons are involved in regulating motor control, reward behavior, and cognition. Degeneration or dysfunction of midbrain dopaminergic neurons is implicated in several neuropsychiatric disorders such as Parkinson's disease, substance use disorders, depression, and schizophrenia. Understanding the developmental processes that generate midbrain dopaminergic neurons will facilitate the generation of dopaminergic neurons from stem cells for cell replacement therapies to substitute degenerating cells in Parkinson's disease patients and will forward our understanding on how functional diversity of dopaminergic neurons in the adult brain is established. Midbrain dopaminergic neurons develop in a multistep process. Following the induction of the ventral midbrain, a distinct dopaminergic progenitor domain is specified and dopaminergic progenitors undergo proliferation, neurogenesis, and differentiation. Subsequently, midbrain dopaminergic neurons acquire a mature dopaminergic phenotype, migrate to their final position and establish projections and connections to their forebrain targets. This review will discuss insights gained on the signaling network of secreted molecules, cell surface receptors, and transcription factors that regulate specification and differentiation of midbrain dopaminergic progenitors and neurons, from the induction of the ventral midbrain to the migration of dopaminergic neurons. For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website. CONFLICT OF INTEREST The authors have declared no conflicts of interest for this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Blaess
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, Life and Brain Center, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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109
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Ebrahimi-Fakhari D, Maas B, Haneke C, Niehues T, Hinderhofer K, Assmann BE, Runz H. Disruption of SOX6 is associated with a rapid-onset dopa-responsive movement disorder, delayed development, and dysmorphic features. Pediatr Neurol 2015; 52:115-8. [PMID: 25439488 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2014.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Revised: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 08/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sox6 is a transcription factor that is crucial for the differentiation and development of cortical interneurons and dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compact. Loss-of-function mutations might thus result in complex paroxysmal diseases such as epilepsy syndromes or movement disorders. PATIENT We present a 15-year-old boy with delayed speech development and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder who presented with a rapid-onset generalized dopa-responsive dystonia. RESULTS Neurological examination revealed generalized dystonic and frequent athetoid movements of the arms, trunk, and neck. Gait was severely impaired secondary to frequent dystonic postures. Both a resting tremor and action tremors were observed in both hands. Speech was dysarthric but language comprehension was unimpaired. Testing for saccadic dysfunction revealed hypometric horizontal and vertical saccades. Physical examination was otherwise significant for a pectus carinatum and splenomegaly. Laboratory studies, brain magnetic resonance imaging, and electroencephalography were unremarkable. Treatment with levodopa/carbidopa led to a complete and sustained remission of neurological symptoms. Genetic testing revealed a mono-allelic de novo 84-kb deletion on chromosome 11p15.2 encompassing exons 14-16 of the SOX6 gene (chr11: 15944880-16029095, NCBI 37/hg19). CONCLUSIONS This is the first report of a dopa-responsive movement disorder associated with SOX6 disruption. SOX6 mutations should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained dopa-responsive dystonia syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darius Ebrahimi-Fakhari
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics I, Heidelberg University Hospital, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Bianca Maas
- Institute of Human Genetics, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian Haneke
- Department of Pediatrics, Helios Hospital Krefeld, Krefeld, Germany
| | - Tim Niehues
- Department of Pediatrics, Helios Hospital Krefeld, Krefeld, Germany
| | - Katrin Hinderhofer
- Institute of Human Genetics, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Birgit E Assmann
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics I, Heidelberg University Hospital, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Heiko Runz
- Institute of Human Genetics, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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